Dance-Variety Show ‘Space 50’ Warms the Soul (And the 9th Planet)
A futuristic new show from ‘Buttcracker’ series creators Diana Cardiff and Sara Jinks brings dance into outer space. ‘Space 50’ ran through May 1.
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Seattle
Women Run the Show in ‘9 to 5’
Mega-talented cast and musicians shine in this Showtunes short run, a musical workplace comedy of sexism, revenge, and fresh thinking. It runs through April 16.
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Plotting New Paths: Four Contemporary Works
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Rep 4, ‘Plot Points’, highlights a new generation of dance. It performs through March 27, and streams online through April 4.
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The Thrust: Quick Takes on 5 Shows This Week
Having trouble choosing what to see among the rush of shows this weekend? Here are my takeaways from five of them to help you decide.
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Book Revue: In ‘Fearlessly Different’, an Autistic Actor Finds His Light
In his debut book, released today, Seattle-raised actor Mickey Rowe shares how autism guides, not stifles, his stage performance. ‘Fearlessly Different’ offers behind-the-scenes perspective on disability, acting, and difference as strength.
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Patiently Waiting: Contemporary Dance Works Take Shape to Premiere
On March 8, dance company The Gray premieres new work by Beth Terwilleger. Meanwhile, new works take shape to premiere this spring, part of the James Ray Residency Project at Seattle International Dance Festival.
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Red, Black, and Blue: An American Portrait at Seattle Opera
The gorgeous new opera ‘Blue’ presents a portrait of a middle-class Black family and their chosen families, galvanized by a joy and a tragedy. The West Coast premiere runs through March 12.
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The Thrust: Love Sets the Tone in These Shows
From an all-too-honest advice columnist to audience requests on the mic and a gambling bail-out, the love shown here covers pretty much everything but the romantic kind. Here are my takeaways from each.
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Priced Out? These Seattle-Area Theatres Set Out to Price You In.
As the pandemic pause put production activity on hold, theatres took the opportunity to reassess their commitments. For some, that means making theatre more accessible than ever, including how much it costs to get in the door.
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Dragon Lady Just Keeps Getting Stronger
It’s vulnerability, not her battle-ready exterior, that’s deepened this much-performed original of the “matriarchal musical tramedies” over the years. Sara Porkalob dazzles in one final Seattle run before heading east.
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Macha’s ‘Fifth Wave’ Is Ready for Battle – But Which One?
A world premiere play from two local playwrights has a somewhat muddled message. But its captivating production and ample discussion fodder make it worth your time. ‘The Fifth Wave’ runs through February 27 at Macha Theatre Works.
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The Thrust: The Houses Hold Secrets in This Week’s Funny Shows
In two shows on now, creaking estates teem with family secrets, uncertain deaths, and bloodthirsty beasts. They’re also very funny. ‘The Mystery of Irma Vep’ (Intiman Theatre) and ’37 Postcards’ (The Phoenix Theatre, in Edmonds) both run for two more weekends.
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The Thrust: In This Weekend’s Shows, Be Careful What You Wish For
Three shows this weekend explore the deepest desires of their characters. Not all goes according to plan.
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Humanizing Mental Illness: The High Art of Lowbrow Opera
With ‘Diary of a Madman,’ Lowbrow Opera Collective humanizes society’s scorn for mental illness in a compelling 45-minute opera. It runs through November 21 at 18th & Union.
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Always Naked Finally Get Their Big Release
Earlier this year, the rock band Always Naked released an album called “Sex Sells,” along with a music video starring two Seattle-area theatre artists. With next week’s arrival of their third full-length album, the band finally gets to throw a release party. They play the High Dive on November 27.
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‘Kim’s Convenience’, Familiar Title to Netflix Viewers, Proves a Thoughtful and Laugh-Filled Fit for the Stage, Too
The stage play ‘Kim’s Convenience’ is no happy-go-lucky family sitcom, opening up lots of uncomfortable topics and unearthing an occasional dark family secret. But it does so with plenty of humor and an emphasis on reconciliation, resulting in an enjoyable and fast-paced play. It runs through June 22 at Taproot Theatre. Don’t wait: it’s a hot seller.
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In ‘Lemons’, a Vibrant Show Ripe with Timely Questions
The latest production from Theater Schmeater (showing at Seattle Public Theater, through 5/4) requires a suspension of disbelief on several levels. But it asks worthwhile questions, in a short and snappy show that feels right for the sunshine.
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Our Modern Dystopias, Part 2: ‘Language Rooms’
In ‘Language Rooms’ (Pony World, thru 5/4) and ‘Urinetown’ (ACT/5th Avenue, extended thru 6/2), two very different shows grapple with similar themes, showing not-too-far-off modern dystopias in which the bounds of truth and loyalty are tested. Each does so with varying levels of success.
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DITCH: Cherdonna & DONNA’s Circus Comes to an End
For all its clownish appearance, Cherdonna Shinatra’s ‘DITCH’ is an important performance. You have only two chances left — this Saturday & Sunday afternoon — to see it.
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Our Modern Dystopias, pt. 1: ‘Urinetown’
In ‘Urinetown’ (ACT/5th Avenue, extended thru 6/2) and ‘Language Rooms’ (Pony World, thru 5/4), two very different shows grapple with similar themes, showing not-too-far-off modern dystopias in which the bounds of truth and loyalty are tested. Each does so with varying levels of success.
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Honoring Black Lives & Mothers Stolen in ‘Queer, Mama. Crossroads’
The new play from Anastacia-Reneé, Seattle’s Civic Poet, deals with trauma, death, violence and loss, but does so from a perspective of voice and remembrance — a performative memorial, centered on Black queer mothers. It shows at Annex Theatre through May 4.
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‘Always … Patsy Cline’ Is Probably Better from the Front Row
On at Taproot now through April 6, ‘Always … Patsy Cline’ is a fun show with a weak script and lackluster volume and staging.
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Powerful Artist Jono Vaughan Speaks at Tacoma Art Museum this Thursday
Jono Vaughan’s ‘Project 42’ calls out the shortened life expectancy of transgender people, through visual and performative memorials to trans people who were murdered. She talks about the work — which uses handcrafted dresses, complex prints, and dance — on April 4 at Tacoma Art Museum.
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MAP’s latest, ‘Trevor,’ is funny and repellent and sad and wonderful
In an excellent production, MAP Theatre’s ‘Trevor’ tells a true, sad story with a lot of humor, insight, and intrigue. It runs through March 30. Running alongside it (thru 3/25) is Jasmine Joshua’s ‘Bread Crumbs,’ a nonbinary solo show that’s solidly worth a visit.
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Macha Slays with Maggie Lee’s Latest, ‘Sheathed’
Powerful women, strong acting, cohesive design, and lots of sword fighting combine for an exciting night of theatre. The world-premiere production runs through March 24 at Theatre Off Jackson.
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The Other Georgetown, Pt. I: Base & ‘12 Minutes Max’
Hidden away among active industrial warehouses, Equinox Studios and the area immediately surrounding them (“Equiblox”?) offer a big variety of arts, plus a taproom, in an environment that provides an apt, creative backdrop for exploring new art forms. This Sunday & Monday, ’12 Minutes Max’ (formerly at On the Boards) is a great excuse to head there.
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Presenting ‘In SEAtu’: Devised Works In & About Seattle
A new series at Capitol Cider’s intimate basement theatre takes on Seattle’s privilege, by clowning on the city’s quirks and situating current inequities in a long history of displacement. The next show is on March 25, with two more episodes to follow.
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