Something for Everyone-but mostly for the Boomer Generation
Drunken Owl Theatre’s third production, Marine Mammals and their Mythical Mates, opened Friday night at what one can only say was a vintage bar; it was such an interesting place that I felt like a tourist in an ancient foreign city, which more or less describes that little corner of Georgetown. The buildings on that section of Airport way were old and rather attractive, with a 19th century brick warehouse opposite, along with the old Rainier brewing. Inside, everything was wood paneling and lots of pictures on the wall and a non P.C. stuffed animal head.
In one corner was an old-fashioned phone booth with a wooden phone. In the first back room, there were a few pin-ball machines and a few video games, empty tables, where I half expected to see some longshoremen and socialists arguing about labor issues. Then there was another back room with a stage, chairs, some musicians and early ’60’S Bob Dylan playing!!!!!!!!!!!! Then an amazingly great impresario, Kevin Finney, got up welcomed everybody and introduced Marine Mammals. Bliss descended on the room of mostly post World War II baby boomers. The ensuing variety show included instrumental and vocal music, poetry readings, four short plays, based on original scripts, and a short history lesson about the evolution of Starbuck’s logo-a Siren.
To kick off the evening, impresario Kevin Finney’s deeply resonating baritone entertained us with Spirit in the Night by Bruce Springsteen then an absolutely stunning version of Big Blue a sad, but enlightening ballad, by Gorgon Lightfoot, about endangered whales.
Highlights of the evening were the plays: Aftersplash, about the cultural differences a Mermaid married to a human, experience, staring Jeff Spalding and Jane Martin Lynch, written by John C. Davenport, as well as My Morning Paddle written and performed by Kevin Finney and some extras who played seals and sea-lions. It’s basic theme is “Be careful what you wish for, because you might get it! Written by Carolynne Wilcox and performed by Jeremy Rudick and Jane Martin Lynch Spell from the Sea, based on Celtic folklore, was an exquisite statement about selfless love.
Poetry readings by Mike Hickey doubled as stand-up comedy especially his philosophical musings on the children’s game, Hokey Pokey which was both profound and extremely funny.
And the instrumental music by guitarists Betsy Boyer and Phil Kelly, with pianist David Sorey was to die for!!!!! There was everything from Kurt Weil’s “Mack the Knife,” from Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera to “Moby Dick” by Led Zeppelin, and there was even a Grateful Dead song, “Wharf Rat”.
In addition to this great line-up there was plenty of audience participation, lots of jokes and a congenial atmosphere. Patrons of the bar told me that the food was excellent so I would make plans to see the show this weekend.
Marine Mammals and their Mythical Mates. Drunken Owl Theatre. Jules Mae Saloon, 5919 Airport Way S. Seattle, 98108 Sat.Jan 20, 6 pm, Sun. Jan 21, 3pm & 6pm.
Tickets: drunkenowltheatre.org
Parking lot behind the building. If driving avoid I-5, take Airport Way S, from Chinatown International District,