The Boy Who Kissed the Sky – Musical – Seattle Children’s Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Boy Who Kissed the Sky musical at Seattle Children’s Theatre. Inspired by the early Seattle life of Jimi Hendrix. Vibrant costumes & great music. Fantastic show for kids or adults. Good teachable moments. Fascinating lobby exhibit of previous Seattle theatre stages. #JimiHendrix #musician

Synopsis from the Theatre: Set in the heart of Seattle’s Central District to the rhythms that shaped a generation, The Boy Who Kissed the Sky, is inspired by the early life and influences of Seattle native and musical icon Jimi Hendrix. The early era of rock ‘n roll music sets the stage as a young Black boy conjures his creativity as a budding guitarist. Guided by the spirit of music itself, the boy learns to find harmony inside the challenging noises of his life. Told with vibrant music and daring imagination, this play inspires us to dream big when it matters most.

Reviewed Performance Date: 10/29/22 Early Afternoon – Sorry for the late review. I would have attended sooner and prioritized writing the review sooner if this theatre company provided me w/ a press ticket like most other theatres do. 🙁

Type: Musical but some may call it a play with music.

World Premiere: No. This might be their second run though. I think their first run was at Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA. Leave a comment on my social media links below if you have any more information!

Live Band: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you’re an adult or kid! I saw alone as an adult and thoroughly enjoyed it. The theatre website says ages 8 and up. I’d venture to change that to maybe ages 10 and up especially since it was on the longer side (but still only one act). I’m curious how 8 year olds enjoyed this. You also don’t need to be a Jimi Hendrix fan. I actually don’t like his music but I still enjoyed the show!

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 5 stars

Equity Actors: 8 out of 8

Rant(s)

  • Theatre was too cold.
  • The imaginary friend character needed a better cup so the audience doesn’t see his junk. As Gunther said in an episode of Friends, “Hey buddy, this is a family place! Put the mouse back in the house.”

Other Rave(s)

  • The professor was delightful!

Other Thought(s)

  • There are a few scenes involving depression. Obviously, they fit in just fine in an adult musical but some may question including the scenes in a children’s musical. I’m personally more in favor of the scenes than against the scenes. Children need to know real life! Maybe parents who tell their kids about Santa Clause would vote against these scenes.

Theatre Company : Seattle Children’s Theatre (and maybe Alliance Theatre Company?)

Venue: Seattle Children’s Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 201 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: Medium – Try Goldstar or the SCT Offers page for more affordable options.

Dates: October 11 – November 6, 2022

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking or various paid parking lots/garages. Street parking is sparse when there’s a major Seattle Center event or Climate Pledge Arena event. I usually have good luck finding street parking on Lenny Wilkins Way next to the theatre. My plan B is usually far away on the street near a electric substation (319 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109).

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: Under the video and pictures.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Truman Buffet Photography.

@showsiveseen “The Boy Who Kissed the Sky” #musical at Seattle Children’s Theatre w/ @alliancetheatre. Inspired by the early life of #JimiHendrix. Vibrant costumes & great #music. Fantastic show for kids or adults. Good teachable moments. Fascinating lobby exhibit of previous #Seattle #theatre stages. Photo Credit & Review: showsiveseen.com/1937 #musician ♬ Purple Haze (Made Popular By The Jimi Hendrix Experience) [Vocal Version] – Party Tyme Karaoke
RoleName
The BoyBrandon L. Smith
J SonicCedric Lamar
Mel / Feedback 1Adam Washington
Donna / Feedback 2Aishé Keita
Shapeshifter 1 / Feedback 3Alexandria Joy
Shapeshifter 2 / Feedback 5Mike Spee
Shapeshifter 3 / Feedback 4Deborah Bowman
Understudy for Aishé Keita and Alexandria JoyClaudine Mboligikpelani Nako
Understudy for Deborah Bowman and Mike SpeeMartha Kathryn Smith
GuitarMiles Harris
BassKhari Simmons
DrumsRaoul Hardin
PlaywrightIdris Goodwin
DirectorTim Bond
ComposerDivinity Roxx
Composer / Music DirectorEugene H. Russell IV
ChoreographerSonia Dawkins
Scenic DesignerCarey Wong
Costume DesignerAlan Yeong
Lighting DesignerConnie Yun
Sound DesignerChris Lane
Projections DesignerMiko Simmons
Wig DesignerJoyce Degenfelder
Stage ManagerTori Thompson
Assistant Stage ManagerMichelle Chesley
Assistant Stage ManagerClaire Stark
Production AssistantIsabella Marziello
Script SupervisorJay Chavez

Jesus Christ Superstar – Musical – Reboot Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Jesus Christ Superstar musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber w/ Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel modernized production w/ a cool TV-driven set. Sweet harmony from the energetic inclusively-cast ensemble. Pleasantly surprised there was a tap dance number. Favorite actors were Herod, Annas, & Pilate. #Jesus #Christ #JesusChristSuperstar #JesusChrist #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: Don’t miss our high octane heavenly production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! We’re excited to continue our reputation for new interpretations of established musicals and long history of inclusive with this rockin’ fan favorite, featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR focuses on the personal relationships between Jesus, Mary, and Judas, and examines the highs and lows of stardom, fanaticism, and mob justice.

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/4/22 Evening

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Live Band: Yes

Recommendation: See it! Especially if you like inclusive casting.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.5 stars

Equity Actors: Zero but don’t let that steer you away from this production.

Rant(s)

  • Background vocals on namesake signature song “Superstar” needed more volume or energy.
  • While I appreciate the gender inclusive casting that Reboot Theatre is known for, I wish they would (or could?) transpose songs sung by the opposite gender of what the composer wrote it for. Often times, performers were singing at the lower end of their range and the audience either can’t hear it or it just doesn’t sound good.

Other Rave(s)

  • I loved how Noel Pederson portrayed Annas as a stern, cold, calculating corporate suit well on her way to eventually shatter the glass ceiling!

Theatre Company : Reboot Theatre Company

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

Venue Physical Address: 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

Price: Cheap w/ inclusive pricing options

Dates: November 4-19, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid street parking is available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. I think there might be free street parking east of the theatre on Jackson starting under the bridge. There’s also paid parking lots nearby as well.

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: Under the video and pictures.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Colin Madison Photography.

@showsiveseen "Jesus Christ Superstar" #musical by @officialalw w/ Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel modernized production w/ a cool TV-driven set. Sweet harmony from the energetic inclusively-cast ensemble. Pleasantly suprised there was a tap dance number. Favorite actors were Herod, Annas, & Pilate. Review & Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/1921 #Jesus #Christ #JesusChristSuperstar #JesusChrist #theatre #AndrewLloydWebber ♬ Superstar – Andrew Lloyd Webber & "Jesus Christ Superstar" 1996 London Cast & Zubin Varla
William Douglas Johnson (Jesus) and Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
The cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
Front: William Douglas Johnson (Jesus) and Shana E. Emile (Judas) with the ensemble of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Reboot Theatre Company.
Shana E. Emile (Judas), William Douglas Johnson (Jesus), and Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
The cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
Kiki Werner (Simon), Natalie Moe, Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary), Aaron Jin, Jacqueline Tardanico, and (kneeling) Matthew Reyes (Peter) in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Reboot Theatre Company.
Noel Pederson (Annas), David Breyman (Caiaphas), Mariesa Gonzale, Natalie Moe (Herod), and Aaron Jin in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
Noel Pederson (Annas), Mariesa Gonzale, Shana E. Emile (Judas), Khane Berry, and David Breyman (Caiaphas) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
The cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
RoleName
JesusWilliam Douglas Johnson
CaiaphasDavid Breyman
JudasShana E. Emile
PilateJasmine Joshua
HerodNatalie Anne Moe
MaryJordyn Day Palmer
AnnasNoel Pederson
PeterMatthew Reyes
SimonKristie Werner
SwingJoanna Hardie
Sarah Hooper
EnsembleKhane Berry
Mariesa Genzale
Aaron Jin
Jacqueline Tardanico (Jesus/Judas/Mary Understudy)
Conductor/Keyboard 1Sam Peters
Keyboard 2William Bryant
Jenny Nguyen (Alternate)
BassKendall Crane
GuitarCam Schneider
DrumsScot Sexton
______
Director/ChoreographerHarry Turpin
Musical DirectorSam Peters
Stage ManagerMeredith Zandi
Associate DirectorMandy Rose Nichols
Lighting DesignCarolina Johnson
Costume DesignJanelle Kimbrough
Video EngineerLaser Volcanoes: Grant Boling, Andrew Croll
Video Graphics and Poster DesignNoel Pederson
QLab ProgrammingBrendan Mack
Props DesignJessamyn Bateman-Iino
Sound DesignSandra Huezo-Menjivar
A/V InstallationBruce Hart
Production ManagerScot Charles Anderson
Artist LiaisonWei Low
Dance CaptainMariesa Genzale
Tap Dance CaptainMeredith Zandi
Fight CaptainDavid Breyman
ComposerAndrew Lloyd Webber
LyricistTim Rice
Executive Director (TOJ)Patti West
Business Manager (TOJ)Karen Shay
Technical Liaison (TOJ)Catriona Urquhart
Technical/Production Coordinator (TOJ)Frank Phillips
Front of House Manager (TOJ)Tim Crist

The Amen Corner – Play – The Williams Project

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Amen Corner play w/ music by The Williams Project & Langston Seattle at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. Good critique on toxic hypocritical church piety & condemnation. Religious interjections & rich pure black voices were a delight. Love seeing a good unraveling on stage. The audience attended in their Sunday best! #POC #religion #mutiny #BiPOC

Synopsis from the Theatre: In a storefront church in Harlem, Sister Margaret’s fierce piety inspires both devotion and fear in her congregation. But when a figure from her past returns, and her son starts looking for answers outside the church door, Sister Margaret finds her standing in danger. As secrets emerge and loyalties are tested, Sister Margaret must fight for her family, her flock, and ultimately, her faith. Equal parts soaring music, prophetic poetry, and gripping family drama, The Amen Corner asks audiences to face the beautiful and frightening path that leads to liberation. And gives space to, as Baldwin says, “let the church say Amen.”

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/3/22 Evening

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Live Band: No

Recommendation: See it! Especially if you grew up in a Christian church.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.75 stars

Equity Actors: 6 out of 9. First professional production of this play in Seattle!

Rant(s)

  • The bedroom and kitchen was confusing. Where they located in the same building as the church?
  • I’m not sure if the production budget could afford this or if it was an intentional creative decision but the folding chairs needed to be replaced with real church pews.
  • The churchgoers somehow needed better stage blocking. I don’t want to see the back of their heads! To be fair, I admit that it’s difficult to avoid this with a church stage.

Other Rave(s)

  • Sister Boxer (Felicia Loud) has a lovely voice. I could listen to her talk or sing all day.
  • Powerful stern fierce pastor portrayal by Maiya Reaves
  • Nice background gospel music before performance and during intermission.
  • Favorite line was something an old man said to the effect of “no woman has ever touched me.”

Other Thought(s)

  • Where were my BiPOC brothas and sistas? This is the first time I’ve attended Langston Seattle (albeit only 3 times total) where non-POCs were the majority in the audience. The subject matter was even about a black church! Leave a comment on my social media links below if you have any theories.

Theatre Company : The Williams Project

Venue: Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute

Venue Physical Address: 104 17th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

Price: Cheap w/ Pay-what-you-can Options

Dates: November 2-20, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking and Cost: Free lot parking or free street parking.

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: Under the video.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Michael B. Maine.

@showsiveseen “The #Amen Corner” #play w/ music by The Williams Project at Langston Seattle. Good critique on toxic hypocritical #church piety & condemnation. #Religious interjections & rich pure #black voices were a delight. Love seeing a good unraveling on stage. The audience attended in their Sunday best! Review & Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/1887 #poc #religion #mutiny #BiPOC #theatre ♬ original sound – Shows I've Seen
RoleName
Brother BoxerHoliday
Sister BoxerFelicia Loud
Sister MooreAnjelica McMillan
MargaretMaiya Reaves
OdessaCathleen Riddley
LukeAdrian Roberts
Brother DavisMalcolm J. West
DavidDimitri Woods
Sister Ida JacksonAmaya Zhané
———-———-
PlaywrightJames Baldwin
DirectorReggie D. White
Music DirectorAaron M. Davis Norman
Set and Costume DesignerAn-lin Dauber
Props DesignerRobert J. Aguilar
Lighting DesignerRobin Macartney
Stage ManagerP. Alyda Sorm
Production ManagerKyle Hartmann
Technical DirectorJustin Duffiance

Starmites Pro – Musical – SecondStory Repertory

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Starmites Pro musical at SecondStory Repertory. A sci-fi inter-dimensional fantasy comic book story comes to life! Unique subject matter for theatre. Deliciously 1980s corny humor. Villain had a great rich voice. Favorite line was “May we fluff them?” #comics #comic #nerdy

Synopsis from the Theatre: Shy teenager Eleanor has built a fantasy world around the sci-fi comic books she collects. To the distress of her mother, she has learned to avoid the pains of growing up by escaping into fantasy, imagining herself to be an unrecognized superhero. When she is mysteriously thrust into the Website World of her favorite comic book, Eleanor is drawn into the conflict between Shak Graa, Arch-Creep of Chaos, and the Starmites, guardian angels of Innerspace. She turns out to be the legendary Milady, teen superhero who must lead the Mites on their Quest to save the Galaxy.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Live Band: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you like nerding out, community theatre, and/or 80s comedy!

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes!

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.25 stars

Rant(s)

  • Individually, they were great singers. But collectively, there was less synergy than expected. I could actually hear someone going out of tune in some parts. I anticipate this will improve as they perform together more during this production’s run.

Other Rave(s)

  • I loved when they made the “arms above head pointing in the same direction diagonally while head was down” pose when they uttered “Aragala” or other revered names of lore. If anybody knows what that salute is called, tell me in my social media comments below! It’s been bothering me and Google hasn’t been helpful. I loved when they dabbed (or “made a dab pose?”) when they uttered “Aragala” or other revered names of lore. Thanks Buddy Todd and Jessica Robins for letting me know what this was called!

Theatre Company : SecondStory Repertory

Venue: SecondStory Repertory

Venue Physical Address: 7325 166th Ave NE f250, Redmond, WA 98052

Price: Cheap

Dates: October 28 – November 13, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking and Cost: Free lot or free garage parking provided by the Redmond Town Square outdoor mall where the theatre company rents.

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Other Video/Pictures: Scroll under the table below.

Cast and Production Team Leadership:

Writer Barry Keating & Stuart Ross
Director Buddy Todd
Choreography Angela Snyder
Music Direction Tatiana Kruse
Stage Manager Annie Simonton
Mark Chenovick Set, Lighting, Costume, & Sound Design
Show Sponsor Beth Moursund
Eleanor Fairchild Taylor Davis
Diva Jessica Robins
Shak Graa/Trinkulus Shane Smith
Spacepunk Matt Langenhop
Diggety Razzledazzle Max Lopuszynski
Herbie Harrison Tristan Carruthers
Ack Ack Hackerman James B. Webster
Canibelle Marlena McHenry
Balbraka Jackie Alves
Shotzi Lee Iris Thomas
Hollaback Kaira Hensler
@showsiveseen#Starmites Pro” #musical at SecondStory Repertory. A #scifi interdimensional #fantasy #comicbook story comes to life! Unique subject matter for #theatre. Deliciously #1980s #corny #humor. Favorite line was “May we fluff them?” Villain had a great rich voice. Review: showsiveseen.com/1832 #comics #comic #nerdy #nerd #nerds ♬ original sound – Shows I’ve Seen

Rocky Horror Show – Musical – Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Rocky Horror Picture Show musical sold out night at Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts. Complete w/ audience props & heckling. Energetic audience & cast. Great talent from Magenta, Frank, & Columbia. Brad & Rocky definitely looked the part. Awesome community theatre production! #cultClassic #camp

Synopsis from the Theatre: Oh, Rocky! In this cult classic, wholesome sweethearts Brad and Janet take refuge from a storm in the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is stripped away, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including Frank-N-Furter’s latest creation — a muscle man named Rocky. This deliberately kitschy rock ‘n roll sci-fi gothic musical by Richard O’Brien encourages audience participation.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Recommendation: See it! Especially if you like supporting community theatre.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Of course!

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.25 stars

Other Rant(s)

  • Sound balancing between the actors and the band needed improvement.
  • One of the main characters was a bit tone deaf.
  • The heckling wasn’t in-sync enough so it was a little hard to understand. I also suggest the actors on stage not do it. It’s better if there are audience plants so it seems more spontaneous for those who haven’t seen the movie or musical.

Other Rave(s)

  • Maybe I’m a little biased since it’s my favorite song in the show but Magenta (Lauren Hayes) did a great job on “Science Fiction, Double Feature.”

Theatre Company : Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts

Venue: Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts

Venue Physical Address: 9315 State Ave #J, Marysville, WA 98270

Price: Cheap

Dates: October 21 to November 6, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking and Cost: Free lot parking in the strip mall where the theatre is located.

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Other Video/Pictures: Scroll under the table below. Photos in video and photos below video are by Kenny Randall.

Cast and Production Team Leadership:

Narrator Ivan Hodder
Brad Majors Layton Gaskins
Janet Weiss Katie Wallace
Riff Raff Kendall Collins
Magenta Lauren Hayes
Columbia + Dance Captain Krista Patt
Dr. Frank N Furter Josiah C Miller
Eddie & Dr. Scott Garrison Whaley-shartp
Phantoms (Ensemble) Daniel Hanlon, Ely Skywater, Briar Scott, Andi Leach, Gayle D Staker
Director Robert Bogue
Music Director Stephanie Phillips
Stage Manager Kate Wallington
Assistant Stage Manager Andy Wallington
Choreographer Gayle Staker
@showsiveseen#RockyHorror Show” #musical sold out night at @redcurtainarts. Complete w/ audience props & heckling. #Energetic audience & cast. Great talent from Magenta, Frank, & Columbia. Brad & Rocky definitely looked the part. Awesome community #theatre production! Review & Photo Credit: tinyurl.com/5fw6c3dh #campy #cultclassic ♬ original sound – Shows I’ve Seen
Columbia (Krista Patt), Magenta (Lauren Hayes), Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Josiah C. Collins), and Riff Raff (Kendall Collins)
Handyman Riff Raff (Kendall Collins), mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Josiah Miller) and crazed domestic Magenta (Lauren Hayes)
Frank-N-Furter (center, played by Josiah Miller) leads guests Janet Weiss (left, played by Katie Wallace), Brad Majors (right, played by Layton Gaskins), and creation Rocky (far right, played by Kennan Miller)