Category: Taproot Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Jeeves Takes a Bow play at Taproot Theatre directed by Scott Nolte adapted by Margaret Raether based on PG Wodehouse stories. Fast-moving light play … just how I like it! Chaotic comedy! Great job Jeeves understudy Mark Waldstein. It must be nice to have a butler to cushion your falls in life!

Synopsis from the Theatre: Bertie’s back! And this time his talent for trouble trails him to the Big Apple. When childhood chum Binkey Binkersteth knocks, one knacky notion leads to masterful mayhem and soon the notorious Knuckles McCann is fitting Bertie for a Chicago overcoat. Fortunately, the unflappable Jeeves is close at hand with a stiff cuppa joe and a penchant for putting things right!

Reviewed Performance: 5/19/23 – Opening Night

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Few

Several or Few Settings/Locations: One, the living room of a luxurious New York City apartment

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but I suspect you’d probably appreciate the play more if you’re familiar with PG Wodehouse’s Jeeves character. I only knew about Ask Jeeves from the 1990s prior to this performance.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Not particularly extensive. There’s only so much story that can unfold in a single room. It was more about comedic antics than unfolding complex plot.

Recommendation: See it, especially if you like chaotic comedies that Taproot Theatre tends to produce like The Nerd and See How They Run. Usually, I don’t prefer shows with focused on hijinks and antics but this one was actually pretty good.

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show: Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Probably not, but it was good

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.5 stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 6

Perceived Pace of Show: Fast

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours that flew by. Time flies when you’re having fun!

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

• Delightful Characters: Many amusing personalities filled this play with funny 1930s dialogue. The prude Vivienne Duckworth was probably my favorite since I grew up with her repressive moralistic mentality. Kelly Karcher’s energetic portrayal of Vivienne reminded me of her previous Taproot Theatre role where she shined as Lydia in The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley. The flapper-like NYC stardom-obsessed Ruby LeRoy (played by Claire Marx) was a wonderful contrast to prim British Vivienne. Speaking of contrasts, there was an “opposites attract” storyline, which I always eat up. It’s also worth mentioning Calder Shilling’s (Bertram Wilberforce Wooster) and Miguel Castellano’s (Nigel Bingham-Binkersteth, aka “Binkey”) lively portrayals of their British characters.
• Scenic Design: While the design didn’t feel like 1910s-1920s era (seemed more 1980s-1990s), it was still visually pleasing. I was particularly drawn to the way high rise windows and the fire escape was designed.
• Song: I was pleasantly surprised when Claire Marx sang a number in the second act. When I saw her name in the program, I remarked to myself that I usually see her in more music-related roles instead of pure acting parts. I’m glad she still briefly showcased her great musicality in her Ruby character.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

• Opening Remarks: The mundane opening remarks (like acknowledging the show sponsors) we hear before live theatre was pre-recorded like an old timey on-era NPR-like radio broadcast. Nice attention to detail.
• Twist: Good unexpected twist with the gangster at the end of the first act!
• Western Play Segment: Where did this chaotic scene come from? Very left field in my opinion.

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taproot Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price: Cheap

Ticket Affordability Options: Pay what you can days, GoldStar, and TodayTix

Dates: May 17 to June 17, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

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Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

• https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2023/jeeves-takes-a-bow/
• Program

Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video

@showsiveseen "Jeeves Takes a Bow" #play at @TaprootTheatre directed by Scott Nolte adapted by Margaret Raether based on PG Wodehouse stories. Opening night starring understudy Mark Waldstein & Calder Shilling w/ food from @Zylberschtein’s. Fast-moving light show – just how I like it. Chaotic #comedy! Photos by Robert Wade & @Giao Nguyen. Review: showsiveseen.com/5611 #theatre ♬ original sound – Shows I've Seen

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): As It is in Heaven play at Taproot Theatre. Interesting glimpse into the repressive & austere #Shakers culture from the women’s perspective. Reminded me of a catholic nunnery. Great vision (or hallucination?) scenes. “The emperor has no clothes!” #shaker #quaker #quakers

Synopsis from the Theatre: “Tis a gift to be simple,” sing the Shakers of Pleasant Hill. But as the young women in the community claim new spiritual gifts, Sister Hannah and the other elders must judge whether these gifts are real or rebellion. Set during America’s surge of Utopian communities, the play wrestles with belief and doubt in a swiftly changing world.

Reviewed Performance: 3/25/23 Opening Weekend Matinee

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings: Several

Defined Plot/Storyline: Seemed more like loosely-connected chronological vignettes than an actual defined plot

Recommendation: See it especially if you grew up in a conservative church

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show: Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Probably not but it was good

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.5 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 9

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

• Songs: The actresses sang traditional Shaker hymns/spirituals occasionally between scenes in chant-like unison a cappella. Apparently, harmony was sinful!
• Diction and Accents: The playwright and performers recreated how the Shakers might have sounded like back then. For example, “it wasn’t a dream” became “weren’t not a dream.”
• Visions: My favorite scenes were when “the chosen” congregation members experienced hallucination-like “shaking” visions that reminded me of Pentecostals speaking in tongues. The claims of experiencing these visions were also reminiscent of The Crucible play.
• “Pray for Me” Scene: Good commentary on when the pious only tritely say they’ll pray for someone but doesn’t make any effort to actually help them. It reminded me of abortion protestors who don’t support welfare programs that help mothers who can’t afford to raise the children they’re forced to carry.
• Favorite Line: “I was prideful of my new apron” uttered during public confessional

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

• Religious Repression: The depictions of religious repression reminded me of one reason why I left the church. However, the oppressive austerity in As It is in Heaven was extreme compared to what I grew up with. The Shakers in the play weren’t even allowed to draw, laugh, or enjoy life. It made me think of something NSFW Samantha said about conservative Charlotte in Sex and the City.
• Social Welfare: An interesting conversation in the play alluded that a character didn’t believe in the Shaker faith, but religion was their “social security” and “Medicare” plan for when they become elderly. If I don’t have kids, maybe I need to join a congregation like this!
• Fears of Obscurity: The play frequently touched on the universal irrelevancy/inadequately feeling elders might experience when replaced by up-and-coming youth.
• Moral of the Story: I couldn’t grasp what message the playwright was conveying to the audience. Was it just a depiction of Shaker life and nothing more?

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Taproot Theatre – Jewell Mainstage

Venue Physical Address: 212 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price: Medium

Ticket Affordability Options: Pay what you can days, GoldStar, and TodayTix

Dates: March 22 to April 22, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I almost always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

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Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

• https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2023/as-it-is-in-heaven/

Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video below by Robert Wade Photography

@showsiveseen “As It is in Heaven” #play at @taproottheatre by Arlene Hutton. Interesting glimpse into the repressive & austere #Shakers culture from the women’s perspective. Reminded me of a Catholic nunnery. Great vision (or hallucination?) scenes. “The emperor has no clothes!” Photos by Robert Wade. Review: showsiveseen.com/4573 #shaker #quaker #quakers #theatre ♬ Enough – Dylan Rockoff

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): A Woman of No Importance Oscar Wilde play at Taproot Theatre followed by a charming English tea reception from Lá Liath Bakery. Felt like Downton Abbey and Jane Austen. Bretteney Beverly delightfully reminded me of Dowager Countess Crawley. Pinkies up! #theatre #British

Synopsis from the Theatre: Gerald’s prospects are bright as he celebrates his new position with the notorious Lord Illingworth. But amidst the glittering banter at Lady Hunstanton’s party, a long buried scandal is revealed. Will the unveiling of Gerald’s lineage change the trajectory of his future? And what of the lovely American who’s captured his heart? This comedic classic from Oscar Wilde will charm you with its cleverness and wit.

Reviewed Performance: 1/27/23 Opening Performance – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Awards: Zero? For such a classic play, I’m surprised. Let me know in my social media posts if this play garnered any awards.

Film: Several film adaptations of the play, which is a good sign in my book

Defined Plot/Storyline: There was not an extensive storyline but there was a climax. The entire play was only 4 scenes.

Recommendation: See it if you like Downton Abbey or Jane Austen. Bonus points if you can easily understand what they’re saying in Shakespeare plays.

Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.5 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: Two but most of them were very good

Number of Actors: 11

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

• Digs on Americans: The English characters frequently poked fun at American culture. It reminded me of how New York City plays and musicals frequently tells jokes about New Jersey.
• Acting: The actors’ expressions, reactions, and responses were well-timed. It’s probably due to both good writing and good acting.
• Act Endings: Act one closed with a great dramatic climactic sequence/reveal that compelled the audience to stay for the second act. Act two (the last act) ended with a nice closing line that wrapped up the play in a tidy bow.
• Set Change: Usually productions try to hide busy set changes in the dark. This production showcased the stage magic in the middle of act two when they transformed the walls. The audience even clapped for that!
• Favorite Line: “Men marry because they are tired; women, because they are curious; both are disappointed.” I feel like there were more witty adages but this is the only one I could remember.
• English Tea Reception: Lá Liath Bakery provided classic British finger foods for opening night reception including cucumber cream cheese sandwiches, shortbread, scones, dodgers, and “biscuits.”

Rant(s)

• Too Many Characters: Oscar Wilde introduced too many characters at the beginning of the play. If was difficult keeping track of everyone on-stage and who they were gossiping about. At the end of the day, half of the characters weren’t essential to the story.

Other Musing(s)

• Mental Energy: Maybe I didn’t eat my Wheaties that day but this play was difficult to follow, especially in the beginning. To be fair, I already struggle following British English, whether it be modern, old (like Jane Austen), or really old (like Shakespere). I could clearly understand the American character though! It doesn’t help that English humor can be very sly. But the audience didn’t seem to experience my problem. They seemed to gather much more than I did since they laughed at many jokes I missed. Maybe this play is for smarter, more highbrow patrons! After I sorted out all the characters by the middle of act one, I began to enjoy the play more especially since that’s when the conflict started, and the storyline became simpler for commonfolk like myself! 😛

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Taproot Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price: Medium

Ticket Affordability Options: Pay what you can days and GoldStar

Dates: January 25 – February 25, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I almost always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:
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Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

• https://www.taproottheatre.org/shows/2023/a-woman-of-no-importance/
• Program

Other Video +/- Pictures: See below pictures under video and in video by Robert Wade

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen "A Woman of No Importance" #OscarWilde #play at @taproottheatre w/ a charming #English tea reception from La Liath Bakery. Very #DowntonAbbey & #JaneAusten. @brettbeverly delightfully reminded me of Dowager Countess Crawley. Pinkies up! Review: showsiveseen.com/3640 #theatre #British ♬ Vivaldi "Four Seasons" "Spring" – harryfaoki

Role	Name
Lady Caroline Pontefract	Bretteney Beverly *
Hester Worsley	Juliette Jones
Sir John Pontefract	Tyler Campbell
Lady Hunstanton	Rebecca M. Devis
Gerald Arbuthnot	Will Eames
Mrs. Allonby	Nikki Visel
Lady Stutfield/Alice	Melanie Hampton
Mr.Kelvil	Bill Johns
Lord Illingworth	Aaron Lamb *
Mrs. Rachel Arbuthnot	Candace Vance
Archdeacon Daubney	Nolan Palmer
—	—
Lady Caroline/Lady Hunstanton (Understudy)	Cailtin Frances
Hester Worsley/Lady Stutfield/Alice (Understudy)	Audrey Herold
Sir Pontefract/Mr. Kelvil/Archdeacon Daubney (Understudy)	Jeff Church
Gerald Arbuthnot (Understudy)	Koo Park
Mrs. Arbuthnot/Mrs. Allonby (Understudy)	Charissa J. Adams
Lord Illingworth (Understudy)	Brian Pucheu
—	—
Playwright	Oscar Wilde
Director	Karen Lund **
Assistant Director	Brad Lo Walker
Scenic & Sound Design	Mark Lund
Costume Design	Jocelyne Fowler
Lighting Design	Michael Wellborn
Fight Choreographer	Christopher Kidder-Mostrom **
Stage Manager	Claire Stark *
Dramaturg	Sonja Lowe
Dialect Coach	Alyssa Keene
—	—
Property Master	Andrea Spraycar
Assistant Stage Manager	Grace Heller *
Casting Consultant	Jessica Spencer
Casting Associate	Pilar O’Connell
Dresser	Luna McMeen
Draper	Martha Mitchell
Stitchers	Veronica Dimoff, Scìan Hayes
Wig Designer	Joyce Degenfelder
Wig Specialist	Juliette Lewis
Master Electrician	Aiyana Stephens
Scenic Carpenter	Tim Samland *
Light Board Operator	Clint Bull
Sound Board Operator	Marty Sisk
Electricians	Kathryn Louise, Jacob Viramontes
Scenic Strike/Load-In	Jasmine Cote **** Chandler Eichele **** Tamir Lehrer ****

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley play at Taproot Theatre rectified an anti-feminist Pride and Prejudice storyline that Jane Austen inadequately resolved for women. Rich English accent from Mr. Darcy. Very Downton Abbey. Good young energetic naiveté from Lydia. Craving tea & shortbread now.

Synopsis from the Theatre: In this all-new Jane Austen-inspired story, we return to the world of the Darcys and Bennets! Lydia’s come for Christmas, the halls are decked, and the aroma of everyone’s favorite orange biscuits fills the air. But downstairs the loyal staff scramble to keep a secret that could upend the festivities. Amid the chaos of Christmas, a little yuletide forgiveness might be the one gift everyone needs.

Reviewed Performance: 11/26 Evening – Opening Weekend

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Recommendation: See it if you like Pride and Prejudice.

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.5 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: 2 actors out of 7 but they were all very good. I actually assumed more of them were Equity.

Length: 2 hours

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

• Favorite Line: When the new maid Cassie saw Mr Darcy (her boss) for the first time and said nervously said “Sir! … My lord! … Mr Darcy!” then bowed.

Rant(s)

• Single Setting: The entire play was several scenes in the common area where “the help” reside. The story would be more interesting if they showed scenes in different settings like upstairs or in the marketplace.

Other Thought(s)

• Accents: I always love hearing different accents in shows especially how they pronounced “leisure” and “privacy” in this play. Most of the accents in this play were familiar from TV but I’ve never heard the accents from the working class characters before.
• Working Class Mobility: While the play turned up the feminism a couple notches towards the end, I wish it did the same thing for working class mobility. “The help” was too dependent on Mr Darcy even when one of them was moving up in the world. Baby steps I guess!

Theatre Company : Taproot Theatre

Venue: Taproot Theatre’s Jewell Mainstage

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price: Medium

Dates: November 23 to December 30, 2022

Seating: Assigned

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I almost always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

Social Media Posts About this Performance from Shows I’ve Seen: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

• https://www.taproottheatre.org/shows/2022/the-wickhams-christmas-at-pemberley/
• Program

Cast and Production Team: Under pictures below.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Pictures in video and under video are by Robert Wade Photography.

@showsiveseen “The Wickhams: #Christmas at Pemberley” #play at @taproottheatre rectified an anti-feminist #PrideAndPrejudice storyline that #JaneAusten inadequately resolved for women. Rich #English accent from #MrDarcy. Very @downtonabbeyofficial. Good young energetic naiveté from Lydia. Craving tea & #shortbread d now. Review + Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/2372 #theatre ♬ Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande

Role	Name
Lydia Wickham	Kelly Karcher (Equity)
Elizabeth Darcy	Annie Yim
Fitzwilliam Darcy	Brian Pucheu
Mrs. Reynolds	Gretchen Douma (Equity)
Cassie	Kathryn Bogley
Brian	Ricky Spaulding
George Wickham	Ian Bond
Lydia Wickham/Elizabeth Darcy Understudy	Chloe Michele
Fitzwilliam Darcy/Brian/George Wickham Understudy	Will Eames
Cassie Understudy	Karin Terry
Mrs. Reynolds Understudy	Teri Lee Thomas
—	—
Playwrights	Lauren Gunderson Margot Melcon
Director	Karen Lund (SDC)
Assistant Director	Bretteney Beverly
Scenic Design	Amanda Sweger
Costume Design	Pete Rush
Lighting Design	Tim Wratten
Sound Design	Mark Lund
Fight Choreographer	Christopher Kidder-Mostrom
Stage Manager	Nik Nolen (Equity)
Dramaturg	Sonja Lowe
Dialect Coach	Rowan Gallagher