“Roz and Ray” New Play Review
Seattle Repertory Theatre’s production of Karen Hartman’s powerful new play, Roz and Ray, is confrontational and heart-wrenching. It tells the […]
Seattle Repertory Theatre
A Raisin in the Sun: Towering Tech, Stark Realism
This Seattle Repertory Theatre production of A Raisin in the Sun impacts the audience with a potent, Brechtian blend of
Sherlock Holmes and The American Problem—The Game’s Afoot at the Seattle Rep
The Seattle Rep’s closing piece for this season was actually born from the overwhelming success of its 2013 production of The Hound of the Baskervilles. Apparently the cast, crew and audiences had such a great time with that show it was a no-brainer to bring back the famous British sleuth for another go. Rather than returning to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s canon, the Rep has turned to local actor and playwright R. Hamilton Wright to create an original Holmes story that has the detective immersed in a wild tale featuring some of his most famous antagonists as well as matching wits and skills with America’s very own Annie Oakley. The imaginative blend makes for a fun spring evening at the theater.
Outside Mullingar
Fusion of Irish Pessimism and American Optimism
I went solo to John Patrick Shanley’s play Outside Mullingar, at Seattle Rep, because once I mentioned that it took place in Ireland, everybody made their excuses, expecting one of those violent alcohol soaked plays laden with extra helpings of Irish Alzheimer’s, (which is when you forget everything but your grudges.) Much to my surprise, this play dealt with Irish family life realistically yet optimistically and was thoroughly entertaining and endearing.
Dear Elizabeth
Dear Elizabeth opened Feb. 6th at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. Dear Elizabeth is a must-see for anyone with
Seattle Rep’s The Great Society–A Dynamic Exploration of LBJ’s Presidency
Robert Schenkkan’s The Great Society does not merely bring history alive. The play grabs the audience around the throat and flings them onto a hair-raising three-hour thrill ride. The play covers Johnson’s one term presidency and proves to be even more powerful than its companion piece, All The Way. Jack Willis tackles the Herculean role of LBJ and commands the evening from the opening curtain. It may be one of the most spell binding performances this city has ever seen.
All the Way
Seattle Rep Goes All the Way
Given the red, white and blue bunting splashing the lobby of the Seattle Rep on opening night, and the advertising blanketing the city, it’s as though the Rep is nominating Lyndon Baines Johnson for president in 2016. But their current co-production of Pulitzer-prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan’s epic double feature of LBJ’s “accidental presidency,” All the Way, running in repertory with its sequel The Great Society, is no political campaign.
Once: at the Paramount
It would be a shame to boil Once down to the label of “romantic comedy”, though there is a beautiful,
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is Fearlessly Revived at the Seattle Rep
Fifty-two years after its Broadway debut, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Edward Albee’s alcohol infused comic-drama about couple dynamics, is experiencing a revival. The 50th Anniversary Broadway revival in 2012 was very well received. Making that the fourth time it has been on Broadway. Locally the Seattle Rep is offering this diamond in the rough directed by Braden Abraham with R. Hamilton Wright as George, Pamela Reed as Martha, Aaron Blakely as Nick, and Amy Hill as Honey. Returning home from a faculty party at 2 AM, George is surprised to learn that Martha has invited guests over who will be arriving soon. Abraham makes sure that the ensuing three hours keeps us laughing and also on the edge of our seats.
The Suit Fits Well at the Seattle Rep
Peter Brook’s The Suit provides Seattle with a powerful example of this theatre master’s stage magic. The 75 minute one-act makes its West Coast premiere in a co-production between The Seattle Rep and the Seattle Theatre Group.