Village Theatre – Page 10 – Shows I've Seen

Hairspray – Musical – Village Theatre

Best Hairspray version I've seen so far (out of 5). Will probably see again. It was interesting to hear Tracy with a more full-bodied (no pun intended) non-squeaky voice. Wish they could add the movie's songs — Best Hairspray version I’ve seen so far (out of 5). Will probably see again. It was interesting to hear Tracy with a more full-bodied (no pun intended) non-squeaky voice. Wish they could add the movie’s songs “Lady’s Choice” and “New Girl in Town.”

Sincerely Yours – Musical – Village Theatre

Watched the new musical "Sincerely Yours." While I respect that this was written by high schoolers, it was just a lukewarm piece and performance. And why were there no guys? Single gender shows tend to be more boring in my experience. — attending Sincerely Yours at Village Theatre. — Watched the new musical “Sincerely Yours.” While I respect that this was written by high schoolers, it was just a lukewarm piece and performance. And why were there no guys? Single gender shows tend to be more boring in my experience. — attending Sincerely Yours at Village Theatre.

String – Musical – Village Theatre

World premiere of the musical “String” – a goofy/sad romantic comedy/tragedy about the Greek Fates and predestination. Love what they did to the set since I saw this in Beta series last year! I had to take 2 pix.

Afterwords – Musical – Village Theatre

Watched the developing beta series rock musical "Afterwords." Incredible voices. Wish it wasn't too early to buy the soundtrack. First 5 mins was a little confusing though. Very promising contender for the Village Theatre mainstage next year. — Watched the developing beta series rock musical “Afterwords.” Incredible voices. Wish it wasn’t too early to buy the soundtrack. First 5 mins was a little confusing though. Very promising contender for the Village Theatre mainstage next year.

Type: Musical

Recommendation: See it!

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.25 stars

Negatives: The beginning of the story was hard to follow … though it may be because of my forever wondering mind.

Story, Script, and Lyrics: The past and present intersect as two daughters cope with the death of their mom and a reporter copes with the death of her colleague. Script and lyrics were good but not mind-blowing. Deaths could have been more dramatic.

Cast and Theater Company: Typical high-quality Village Theatre talent/production. Note that this was a developing musical in the Beta Series so nothing is really set in stone. Literally, every performance will be intentionally different as they try new things. Hopefully, they’ll axe or revise the Franklin character, who provided unnecessary comedic relief to the piece.

Venue and Set: Pretty detailed for being a developing Beta Series musical.

Music and Audio: Incredible voices and great music. Wish it wasn’t too early to buy the soundtrack. Musical was touted as a “Rock Musical,” which I don’t quite agree with. The only rock songs/voice came from the mother Lydia (well-played by Mari Nelson). Loved the golden voice of Taylor Niemeyer. There were often two side actor who randomly came on stage to harmonize with the main actors, which I thought was weird. I suspect this was because it was a developing Beta Series musical.

Price: $ (Low-priced at $30)

Dates: February 16-25, 2018

Seating: Assigned

Link: https://www.villagetheatre.org/issaquah/beta-series-afterwords.php

The Gin Game – Play – Village Theatre

Watched The Gin Game at Village Theatre. Grandma and grandpa playing gin rummy and complaining about nursing home life. Was like watching paint dry. ?

Type: Play

Recommendation: Don’t see it unless you like to watch people talking with no action. So boring!

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 3 stars

Negatives: There was no plot/action. It was like watching paint dry. This was the first Village Theatre production where I actually left at intermission. I guess there’s a first for everything… :-/

Story, Script, and Lyrics: Gramps and granny play gin rummy and talk out life … mostly complaining about their nursing home. You may actually like this play if you liked The Humans (which was also “meh” in my book).

Cast and Theater Company: Small two-person cast, which didn’t do this boring play any favors. The actors were good but the play was just bad. I’m surprised Village Theatre took on such a bad piece to perform since their productions are usually pretty satisfying.

Venue and Set: Interesting detailed set. It’s a shame they never had any scene changes.

Music and Audio: Okay. Nothing particularly good or bad to say.

Price: $$ (Mid-priced at $58-72)

Dates:

Issaquah: January 18 – February 25, 2018
Everett: March 2-25, 2018

Seating: Assigned

Link: http://www.villagetheatre.org/issaquah/the-gin-game.php