Valley Center Stage

The Thrust: On Death and Youth and Vigor

February 17, 2023May 30, 2023 Chase D. Anderson American Association of Community Theatre (AACT), Macha Theatre Works, Seda Iranian Theatre Ensemble, Stage Left Theater, Valley Center Stage, Washington State Community Theatre Association (WSCTA)

This week brought an exceptional debut from Seda Iranian Theatre Ensemble, standout work at a bi-annual theatre festival, and another strong production at an intimate stage in the shadow of the Cascades (on through 2/26).

FEATURE THEATRE

NWTheatre Awards: Best-Loved Shows of 2022

January 2, 2023April 22, 2023 Chase D. Anderson ACT Theatre, Dacha Theatre, Harlequin Productions, Macha Theatre Works, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts, Seattle Opera, Showtunes Theatre Company, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Valley Center Stage

All around the Sound, theatre and dance companies treated viewers to a lot of great performances in 2022. Here’s what stood out to NWTheatre as the most powerful, most memorable, most spectacular of the year.

'TIS THE SEASON THEATRE

The Christmas Carols, One and All

November 23, 2022December 26, 2022 Chase D. Anderson ACT Theatre, Christmas shows, Harlequin Productions, Seattle Opera, SecondStory Rep, Valley Center Stage

At least nine versions are taking shape throughout the region. How to decide? Here, theatres give the scoop on what fun twists to expect at each — and why they’re like candy coal or a boozy trio.

REVIEW THEATRE

Out in the Foothills, a Tempest Roars

June 13, 2022June 21, 2022 Chase D. Anderson Brenden Elwood, Melissa Carter, Mike Murdock, Shakespeare, Stacy Newton, Tim Platt, Valley Center Stage, Wynter Elwood

In North Bend, Valley Center Stage’s ‘The Tempest’ helps clear up Shakespeare’s convoluted storm play with a strong production set among the Vikings. It runs through 6/19.

REVIEW THEATRE

The Thrust: Love Sets the Tone in These Shows

March 1, 2022March 15, 2022 Chase D. Anderson Eastside, Seattle, Seattle Rep, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Valley Center Stage

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.