Congrats Annabel Klein for winning a ticket from Shows I’ve Seen to Village Theatre’s Sense & Sensibility Jane Austen play! Stay tuned for the next contest ticket giveaway soon!
Contest Winner – Sense & Sensibility – Village Theatre
Category: Village Theatre
Free Ticket – Sense & Sensibility – Village Theatre
Update 4/6/23: Congrats to Annabel!
Leave a comment w/ your favorite play and why. Then I’ll choose a winner 48 hours from now.
Post your comment submission on my Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. This is a free SINGLE ticket for any available “Section B” seat (worth about $56) to any of the remaining “Sense and Sensibility” performances at Village Theatre in EVERETT, Washington. The production run ends this weekend. This show is a play and not a musical. Read my review at showsiveseen.com/3773
Miss Step – Musical – Village Theatre
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Miss Step throwback musical at Village Theatre by Kit Yan and Melissa Li. Feel good love letter to the 80s that emphasized the “T” in LGBT! Bodacious dance ensemble. Totally tubular spandex aerobic-inspired choreography/costumes. Jane Fonda would be so proud.
Synopsis from the Theatre: Pam Carter is an unremarkable trans woman, working as a toll collector on the New Jersey turnpike. When a family tragedy uncovers her late father’s secret passion for competitive aerobics, Pam decides to step into her father’s sneakers and vault herself on a remarkable journey. This sweet, fun, 80’s throwback musical is a comedy for family members of all ages and genders. So slap on that spandex, throw on a headband, and get ready to clap your hands for MISS STEP!
Reviewed Performance: 2/16/23 Evening – Sorry for the late review. Since this wasn’t a press ticket and there were only two more shows left on this short run, I didn’t prioritize the review.
Type: Musical
World Premiere: “Pre-World Premiere” – It’s still in the development phase as part of the Village Originals Beta Series
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes
Live Band/Orchestra: Yes – There was only a keyboardist and a drummer. I didn’t even notice there were so few musicians during the show. I was shocked there were only two band members listed in the playbill I read after the show.
Recommendation: See it!
Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Absolutely! I’d love to compare and contrast this developmental production with the final world premiere production.
Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.5 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)
Equity Actors: 9
Total Number of Actors: 14
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours but it felt like the perfect length
Intermission: No
Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts
- Transgender/Queer Representation: This musical normalized LGBT+ characters/actors especially those who are trans. I like how the song “Unremarkable” punctuated how commonplace it was to be trans in this world. However, it felt like the cast was missing a bisexual character and it wouldn’t hurt to add another trans man. I thought it was interesting when an audience member from the aftershow talkback pointed out the juxtaposition between an older trans woman character who subscribed to traditional gender binary roles while her child supported a more modern non-binary gender role.
- Cassi Q Kohl: I didn’t know Cassi Q Kohl (who played Cindy) had such a powerful voice! I’ve only seen her in Village Theatre’s previous production Cinderella where she played the fairy godmother. I guess her previous role didn’t let her showcase her voice as much.
- Ending Reveal: The revealing twist at the end with the father was pretty cleaver.
- Emcee: I previously saw Joel Domenico on-stage in Verlaine and McCann’s Land of the Sweets – The Burlesque Nutcracker as the charismatic emcee. He reprised a similar role in Miss Step as the competition emcee and as part of the energetic dance ensemble.
- 1980s Theme: As someone born in the 80s, it was fun being reminded of elements that were popular in my childhood like Michael Bolton, John Stamos, kazoos, Operation boardgame, ankle warmers, headbands, Madonna, leotards, New Kids on the Block, wrist slappers, corny humor, the ThighMaster, and effortless plot resolutions.
- Second Act Ballad: Janet (played by Bobbi Kotula) sung a wonderful ballad with a lovely melody. The playbill said the song was called “He Was My Trophy” but I thought it was called “It Wasn’t Me.” Since this was a dynamically-changing beta musical still in development, they might have added/changed the ballad after the playbill went to press.
Rant(s)
- Microphone Queuing: There were numerous instances when the microphone turned on late. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt that it was because of the dynamically-changing nature of a beta musical in development.
- Accompaniment Key: There were 1-3 songs in the beginning that felt like the accompaniment key didn’t match well with the transgender performers’ best vocal range. The song(s) need(s) to be transposed.
- Deadbeat Reasons: The show didn’t explained well why the dad left his family. The few potential reasons I gathered during the second act didn’t seem like compelling enough reasons to leave a family.
- First Act Ballad: There was a slower song that Pam (played by MJ Rawls) sang in the beginning that either started too abruptly from a more energetic scene or ended too abruptly to a more energetic scene. I don’t remember.
Theatre Company: Village Theatre
Venue: Village Theatre – Hunt Family Theatre First Stage
Venue Physical Address: 120 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027
Price: Cheap
Ticket Affordability Options: Pay-what-you-will on 2/16/23
Dates: February 11 to 19, 2023
Seating: Assigned Seating
Parking: Free street parking and free lot parking. If you park in the lot, make sure the spot is not reserved for a business. As a last resort, you can always find parking at the library (10 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027) but it’s a little far. Remember, there’s a bottom floor parking lot under the library’s main parking lot that most non-locals don’t know about.
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Buy a Ticket or Learn More:
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230129204532/https://villagetheatre.org/shows/miss-step/ – Village Theatre took down the original page after the show’s run
- https://www.missstepmusical.com/
Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video
Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below
@showsiveseen "Miss Step" throwback #musical at Village Theatre by @kityanpoet & Melissa Li. Feel good love letter to the #80s that emphasized the "T" in #LGBT! Bodacious dance ensemble. Totally tubular #spandex #aerobic-inspired choreography/costumes. Jane Fonda would be so proud. Review: showsiveseen.com/4076. Photos by @nikkilong_. #theatre #aerobics #1980s ♬ Jump (Originally Performed by Van Halen) [Instrumental] – Backing Track Central
| Role | Name |
| Gail | Kathryn Van Meter * |
| Pam Carter | MJ Rawls * |
| Janet | Bobbi Kotula * |
| Cameron Carter Sr | Ethan Carpenter * |
| Cindy | Cassi Q Kohl * |
| Rachel Weissman | Bridgid Abrams * |
| Eli | Vincent Milay |
| Pauline | Irene Rising * |
| Topaz | Leah Sainz-Jones |
| Jay | Tom Avery |
| Ensemble | Joel Domenico Mackenzie Mathotra Nehemiah Hooks * Tori Gresham * |
| — | — |
| Keyboard/Conductor | Elisa Money |
| Drums | Scot Sexton |
| — | — |
| Director & Co-Choreographer | Connor Gallagher |
| Co-Choreographer | Jay Jackson “Laganja Estranja” |
| Writer/Composer | Kit Yan and Melissa Li |
| Scenic Designer | Jason Sherwood |
| Costume Designer | Chelsea Cook |
| Lighting Designer | Chih-Hung Shao |
| Sound Designer | Erin Bednarz |
| Projection Designer | Ahren Buhmann |
| Stage Manager | Jessamyn Bateman-Iino |
| Gender Consultant | Josephine Kearns |
| Dance Arrangements | David Dabbon |
| New York Casting | Judy Bowman |
| Music Director | Elisa Money |
| Assistant Director | Charlie Johnson |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Kallen Pishue |
| Assistant Scenic Designer | Jeremy Hollis |
| Production Assistants | Liam Nellis, Lainie Schwartz |
| Vocal Coach | Danny Kam |
| Head Stage Carpenter | Andrew Long |
| Head Lighting Engineer | Zac Andersen |
| Head Sound Engineer | Alex Wren |
| Wardrobe Lead | Malena Langlie |
| Projection Technician | Ahren Buhmann |
Sense and Sensibility – Play – Village Theatre
Giveaway: I’m giving away a free ticket to this show. See more details here. Congrats to Annabel!
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Sense and Sensibility play by Kate Hamill at Village Theatre. Jane Austen meets Gossip Girl. Cute, basic (in a good way), & girly romantic comedy. Loved it! Clips by Nyhuis Creative. #theatre
Synopsis from the Theatre: A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters—sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne—after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. In a classic-modern mashup of the beloved Jane Austen novel, Sense and Sensibility revisits the 18th-century England of the iconic characters through a contemporary lens. Layered with smart comedy and zany antics, this playful new adaption comes to life in a delightfully indulgent production directed by Jes Spencer. Sensible Elinor and sensitive Marianne’s fortunes become misfortunes after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Navigating societal pressures and relatable modern gossip, the two sisters learn to love while expressing their own sensibilities. Cheekily underscored by a contemporary mix of your favorite pop songs, Sense and Sensibility’s simple beauty and timelessness is a breath of fresh countryside air.
Reviewed Performance: 2/10/23 on Opening Weekend
Type: Play
World Premiere: No
Awards: 2016 Off-Broadway Alliance Award
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes
Recommendation: See it especially if you like Jane Austen or romantic comedies
Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Yes if it was another Equity production
Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.75 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)
Equity Actors: 3 but they were all good
Total Number of Actors: 10
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.75 hours – The second act felt slightly long
Intermission: Yes
Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts
- Ball: Once again, Village Theatre triumphantly put on a dazzling ball as they did in Cinderella, their previous production. The chandelier-like disco balls were a nice touch.
- Drag: Nick DeSantis was a hoot as Mrs. Ferrars in drag. I looked forward to each of his over-the-top campy costumes like the stuffy “Michelin Man” dress and the crocodile boa.
- Personified Animals: Village Theatre must have heard good feedback from their last show, Cinderella, when ensemble actors occasionally portrayed animals since they did the same thing in Sense and Sensibility. The barking dogs surprised me at first!
- Stuffed Animals: Speaking of animals, I also looked forward to seeing each new stuffed animal that the youngest daughter Margaret Dashwood (portrayed by Sophia Franzella) played with in each of her scene.
- Town Gossips: The town gossips were a clever way to narrate the story.
- London Transition: The transition from simpleton country to glamourous city reminded me of scenes where midwestern country bumpkins arrive in Manhattan.
- Understudies: Kudos to Nik Doner and Michael Wu for seamlessly filling in the roles of Calder Shilling and Richard Nguyen Sloniker respectively the day after opening night.
- Cliffhanger: The end of the first act was executed dramatically. I liked how they resumed the second act at the exact same scene.
- Design: The lighting design, scenic design, and costume design were well-coordinated in the same beautiful feminine motif of pastel watercolors w/ warm lighting. The giant papier-mâché flowers conveyed a wholesome countryside cottage feel.
- Drawing: The reveal of what Edward (or was it Elinor?) drew at the beginning of the play was funny. I doubt audience members in the back could see it though…
- Cast Doubling: I’m usually not a fan of extensive cast doubling especially when it’s difficult to discern between characters. But when done successfully, I think it showcases the actors’ range of abilities. In particular, the understudies’ switched well from the awkward stiff personalities of Colonel Brandon and Edward Ferrars.
- Modern References: It was fun seeing the actors wear or use modern props and costumes in this regency era production. I saw headphones, martini glasses, airport luggage, sneakers, capris, cowgirl frills, a hoodie, a Gucci logo, a steering wheel, leopard print, a letterman jacket, and a windbreaker. Modern songs were also integrated throughout the show like Celine Dion. Most of the songs were in the style of Postmodern Jukebox.
Rant(s)
- Phones: While I enjoyed seeing modern props in this regency era play, the cell phones were over showcased. Too many theatre productions use cell phones as an easy crutch to add a modern flair to shows that take place in a pre-modern era. However, it was clever for the horse carriage driver to text while driving.
Theatre Company: Village Theatre
Venue: Village Theatre
Venue Physical Address: 303 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027 or 2710 Wetmore Ave, Everett, WA 98201 depending on your performance date
Price: Medium-Expensive
Ticket Affordability Options: Check out their discount tickets page. TodayTix and Goldstar usually offer good options too.
Dates: February 1 to April 9, 2023
Seating: Assigned Seating
Parking: Free street parking and some free parking lot. Lot parking is pretty difficult to find though. I’ve basically given up on that. I usually end up parking on Rainier Boulevard North. As a last resort, I think you can always find parking at the library but it’s a little far. Remember, there’s a bottom floor parking lot under the library’s main parking lot that most non-locals don’t know about.
Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:
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Buy a Ticket or Learn More:
Other Video +/- Pictures: Performance clips in TikTok video are by Nyhuis Creative. Pictures under video are by Angela Sterling Photography.
Cast and Production Team: See after pictures
@showsiveseen “Sense & Sensibility” #play by @katehamill4sure at Village Theatre. #JaneAusten meets @xoxogossipgirl. #Cute, #basic (in a good way), & #girly #romanticComedy. Loved it! Review: showsiveseen.com/3773 Clips by Nyhuis Creative. #theatre ♬ Piano Concerto No. 22 3rd Movement Mozart(1003495) – takai
| Role | Name |
| Marianne Dashwood | Alegra Batara |
| Sir John Middleton / Mrs. Ferrars / Thomas / Gossip | Nick DeSantis* |
| Mrs. Dashwood / Anne Steele / Gossip | Sunam Ellis |
| Margaret Dashwood / Lucy Steele / Gossip | Sophia Franzella |
| Mrs. Jennings / Gossip | Suzy Hunt* |
| Fanny Dashwood / Lady Middleton / Doctor / Gossip | Jonelle Jordan |
| John Willoughby / Lady Middleton / Gossip | Josh Kenji |
| Colonel Brandon / John Dashwood / Gossip | Richard Nguyen Sloniker* |
| Edward Ferrars / Robert Ferrars / Lady Middleton / Gossip | Calder Shilling |
| Elinor Dashwood | Lindsay Welliver |
| — | — |
| Undeerstudies | |
| Elinor Dashwood / Fanny Dashwood / Lady Middleton / Doctor / Gossip | Shanna Allman |
| Marianne Dashwood / Margaret Dashwood / Lucy Steele / Gossip | Cheyenne Barton |
| Colonel Brandon / John Dashwood / Sir John Middleton / Mrs. Ferrars / Thomas / Gossip | Nik Doner |
| Edward Ferrars / John Willoughby / Lady Middleton / Robert Ferrars / Gossip | Michael Wu |
| Mrs. Dashwood / Anne Steele / Mrs. Jennings / Gossip | Annie Yim |
| — | — |
| Stage Manager | Shay Trusty* |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Annika Evens |
| Production Assistant | Ana Sepehri |
| Director | Jes Spencer |
| Playwright | Kate Hamill |
| Scenic Designer | Parmida Ziaei |
| Sound Designer | Tosin Olufolabi |
| Lighting Designer | Amiya Brown |
| Wig Designer | Kaleena Jordan |
| Choreographer | Kathryn Van Meter |
| Costume Designer | Danielle Nieves |
| Assistant Director | Bretteney Beverly |
| Associate Lighting Designer | Casey Price |
| Dramaturg | Marquicia Dominquez |
| Fight Choreographer | Alyssa Kay |
| Assistant Scenic Designer | Lex Marcos |
| Dialect Coach | Gin Hammond |
| Intimacy Director | Kathryn Van Meter |
| Costume Stitchers | Meagan Kirby Kali Pohle |
The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical – Village Theatre
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at Village Theatre by developing youth actors. Interesting to see how a 6-7 person show works w/ 15 people. Favorite line was something like “He met a fury. No you’re a furry!” #percyJackson #greekMythology #musical #theatre
Synopsis from the Theatre: As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. To succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” (Time Out New York). –Concord Theatricals
Type: Musical
World Premiere: No
Live Band/Orchestra: Yes
Recommendation: See it if you like supporting developing actors in high school. Many talented major Seattle actors participated in Village Theatre’s Kidstage program growing up. For example, I think the Kataka Corn, who played Dorothy (lead role) in 5th Ave Theatre’s The Wiz, is a Village Theatre Kidstage alumnus.
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes if it was an Equity production. This is actually the second time I’ve seen this musical. The first time was the national tour.
Equity Actors: 0
Length: 2 hours
Intermission: Yes
Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts
- Playbill: Loved their new upgraded glossy playbill. In the past, Village Theatre Kidstage productions didn’t print color graphics or actor headshots.
- Favorite Actors: Powerful steady voice from Mia Basulto (Clarisse – Ares’ Daughter) and good acting from River DeJong (Ares/Gabe/Ensemble)
Other Thought(s)
- Deviations from the Original Productions: Did the tour or original production refer to the Oracle as a “mummy?” I don’t remember that. Was the Medusa scene in the original productions or was that a new?
Theatre Company: Village Theatre Kidstage
Venue: Village Theatre First Stage
Venue Physical Address: 120 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027
Price: Cheap
Dates: December 2 to December 18, 2022
Seating: Assigned Seating
Parking: Free street parking and free lot parking. If you park in the lot, make sure the spot is not reserved for a business. As a last resort, I think you can always find parking at the library (10 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027) but it’s a little far. Remember, there’s a bottom floor parking lot under the library’s main parking lot that most non-locals don’t know about.
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Buy a Ticket or Learn More:
@showsiveseen "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson #Musical" at #VillageTheatre by developing youth actors. Interesting to see how a 6-7 person show works w/ 15 people. Favorite line was something like "He met a fury. No you're a furry!" Review: showsiveseen.com/2807 #percyJackson #greekMythology #theatre ♬ Drive – Chris McCarrell & Kristin Stokes & George Salazar & James Hayden Rodriguez & The Lightning Thief Company & Rob Rokicki