Luchadora! – Play – Review – Seattle Children’s Theatre

@showsiveseen Alvaro Saar Rios's "Luchadora!" #play at Seattle Children's Theatre starring Jordi Montes & Beth Pollack. Rousing fight choreography. Vibrant set, props, lighting, & costumes. Well-written and well-executed. Not just for kids! Get your tickets now since it closes this weekend on 3/17/24! Review: showsiveseen.com/8148 Photos: Truman Buffett Director: Johamy Morales  Stage Manager: Elizabeth Yvette Ramirez #theatre #showsiveseen #girlPower #feminism #wrestler #wrestling #LuchaLibre #Mexican ♬ Miedo – Rommel Hunter

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Luchadora! play at Seattle Children’s Theatre starring Jordi Montes & Beth Pollack. Rousing fight choreography. Vibrant set, props, lighting, & costumes. Well-written and well-executed. Not just for kids!

Recommendation
See it!


Synopsis from the Theatre: Transport yourself to the world of lucha libre—Mexican wrestling, with this inspired adaptation of the Chinese legend Hua Mulan. The discovery of a worn pink wrestling mask prompts Nana Lupita, a Washington grandmother, to share her coming of age story growing up in 1960s Texas. As we follow Lupita’s journey, we witness her life as a daring teen tomboy; bike riding with her friends, working at her father’s flower stand, and lucha libre. When a World Championship match is announced, Lupita’s excitement explodes; she anticipates seeing it until she discovers her ailing father is one of the wrestlers. With the help of a magical mask maker, Lupita secretly trains to take her father’s place. She soon finds it difficult keeping her secret from her friends and, most importantly, her father.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 2/23/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for my preview posts on my website and social media if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Get your tickets now since it closes this weekend on 3/17/24!

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? It was a static set with many dynamic elements.

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but it helps to know some Spanish expressions.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes, but it wasn’t linear. The story was presented in flashbacks.

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 7

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 80 minutes

Was there an intermission? No

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Probably not, but it was good.

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Universal Age Suitablity: While this play targets the teen/tween demographic, adults and younger kids can definitely enjoy it. Honestly, the show could have easily been reworked into a grown-up play. I love finding jewels like this that universally attract all ages similar to Seattle Children’s Theatre’s previous The Boy Who Kissed the Sky musical.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Magic Potion: My cynical adult side thinks the potion’s magic was just placebo effect. Either that or amphetamines!

Theatre Company: Seattle Children’s Theatre

Venue: Seattle Children’s Theatre

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

Price: Medium

Tickets: https://www.sct.org/onstage/productions/luchadora-2/

Ticket Affordability Options: Each performance has a value option available online. Also check out the theatre’s discount page.

Dates: February 21 to March 17, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking or various paid parking lots/garages. Street parking is sparse when there’s a major Seattle Center or Climate Pledge Arena event. I usually find good luck with street parking around Lenny Wilkins Way next to the theatre on non-event days. I try to take the bus on event days since even the event street parking costs more than $12.

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Pictures: See pictures below and in video above by Truman Buffett.

James Schilling and Christian Zumbado in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.
James Schilling and Christian Zumbado in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.
Adria LaMorticella, James Schilling, Beth Pollack, Christian Zumbado, and Ana María Campoy in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.
Adria LaMorticella, James Schilling, Christian Zumbado, Beth Pollack, and Ana María Campoy in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.
Jordi Montes, Carter Rodriquez, James Schilling, Adria LaMorticella, and Beth Pollack in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.
Ana María Campoy, Carter Rodriquez, and Beth Pollack in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.
Adria LaMorticella, James Schilling, Beth Pollack, and Christian Zumbado in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.

Preview Post – Luchadora! – Play – Seattle Children’s Theatre

Luchadora! play opening night by Seattle Children’s Theatre. Performing until 3/17/24. Stay tuned for my full review!

Final Full Review (Posted 3/10/24): showsiveseen.com/8148

Tickets: https://www.sct.org/onstage/productions/luchadora-2/

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Dog Man: The Musical – Seattle Children’s Theatre & TheaterWorksUSA

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Dog Man: The Musical at Seattle Children’s Theatre by TheaterWorksUSA starring Brandon James Butorovich. Directed by Jen Wineman. Impressive pipes from Sadie Jayne Kennedy. Good way to introduce young kids to musicals. Corny humor like Disney Channel or ABC Family.

Synopsis from the Theatre: Dog Man: The Musical is based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in 5th grade, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!! How hard could it be? With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters. The show is written by Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander, who collaborated on the Emmy-winning series Peg + Cat on PBS, TheaterWorksUSA’s Click, Clack, Moo, and Clifford The Big Red Dog on PBS and Amazon. Jen Wineman directs and choreographs.

Attended Performance Date: 9/23/23 (Opening Weekend)

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but kids would probably enjoy this more if they’re familiar with the graphic book series.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: No

Equity Actors: All

Total Number of Actors: 6

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium to fast

Length (Including Any Intermission): 65 minutes

Was there an intermission?: No

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show: Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: No

Recommendation: See it if you want to take kids to the theatre especially if they’re familiar with the series

Rant(s)

  • “Why?” Scenes: As I’ve mentioned in a previous review, I loathe on-stage or on-screen scenes where a kid inscenantly asks “why?” to an adult. Young audience members probably like it though.
Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Vocals: It felt less like a musical when they sang in unison. The score should include more harmony to feel more like a musical.
  • Cultural References: There were many references from (pop) culture like Hamilton, A Tale of Two Cities, and Annie that only adults would understand. It’s a shame these references fly over the young audience members’ heads.

Theatre Company: TheaterWorksUSA

Venue: Seattle Children’s Theatre

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

Price: Cheap to Medium

Ticket Affordability Options: Each performance has a value option available online. Also check out the theatre’s discount page.

Dates: September 21 to October 22, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking or various paid parking lots/garages. Street parking is sparse when there’s a major Seattle Center or Climate Pledge Arena event. I usually have good luck finding street parking around Lenny Wilkins Way next to the theatre on non-event days. I try to take the bus on event days since even the event street parking costs more than $12.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video by Jeremy Daniel.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen "Dog Man: The Musical" at Seattle Children's Theatre + @TheaterWorksUSA starring @Hey it’s Brandon by Kevin Del Aguila & @Brad Alexander. Based on Dav Pilkey's books. Directed by Jen Wineman. Impressive pipes from @sadie jayne. Good way to introduce young kids to musicals. Corny humor like Disney Channel or ABC Family. Photos: Jeremy Daniel. Review: showsiveseen.com/6741 #theatre #showsiveseen #dogman #musical ♬ The Perfect Mashup – Forest Van Dyke & Dan Rosales & Jamie Laverdiere & Brian Owen & Crystal Sha'nae & L.R. Davidson & Kadrea Dawkins & Milo J. Marami
TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical. Photo by Jeremy Daniel. L-R: L.R. Davidson, Crystal Sha’nae, Brian Owen, Forest VanDyke, Jamie LaVerdiere, Dan Rosales. 2019
TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical. Photo by Jeremy Daniel. L-R: L.R. Davidson, Brian Owen, Dan Rosales, Forest VanDyke 2019
TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical. Photo by Jeremy Daniel. L-R: Forest VanDyke, Brian Owen 2019
RoleName
Dog Man & Others Brandon James Butorovich
Flippy & Others Glory Yepassis-Zembrou
George & Others Chase Pittman
Li’l Petey & Others Sadie Jayne Kennedy
Harold & OthersGage Thomas
Petey & Others Jake Wernecke
Director & Choreographer Jen Wineman
ComposerBrad Alexander
Playwright & Lyricist Kevin Del Aguila
Author of the Book SeriesDav Pilkey
Tour Music Director Matt Castle
MusicBrad Alexander
Set Designer Timothy R. Mackabee
Costume Designer Heidi Leigh Hanson
Orchestrations Lloyd Kikoler
Sound Designer Emma Wilk
Stage Manager Roe Manzo

Preview Post – Dog Man: The Musical – Seattle Children’s Theatre and TheaterWorksUSA

Dog Man: The Musical opening weekend at Seattle Children’s Theatre w/ TheaterWorksUSA. Performing until 10/22/23. Stay tuned for my full review! #dogMan #showsiveseen #theatre

Tickets: https://www.sct.org/onstage/productions/dog-man-the-musical/

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – Play – Seattle Children’s Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Wonderful Wizard of Oz play at Seattle Children’s Theatre. Vibrant scenic design and costumes. Fabulous scarecrow portrayal from Nicolas Japaul Bernard.

Synopsis from the Theatre: Growing tired of her life in Kansas, Dorothy and her little dog Toto discover a new adventure in the wonderful and magical Land of Oz after a cyclone swoops them “somewhere over the rainbow.” While following the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, who quickly become her new friends. Together, they overcome their fears of witches, flying monkeys, and a haunted forest to learn if the Wizard can make their dreams come true.

Reviewed Performance: 4/7/23 Opening Night – Sorry for the late review! I was busy obtaining pictures and clarifying guidelines with the theatre. Fortunately, you still have more than a month to see this production.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings: Several

Prior Exposure Required: None but it wouldn’t hurt to have seen the classic movie

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you want to treat your kids to live theatre. This show targeted audiences younger than teenagers. In contrast, most other Seattle Children’s Theatre shows I’ve chosen to attend like The Boy Who Kissed the Sky and The Diary of Anne Frank could be enjoyed by adults without kids.

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show: Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Yes, if I had kids and it was another professional production

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.25 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 12

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1 hour

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Design: The set and costumes were gorgeous. What a treat that children can experience the same level of production value as other professional theatres! See the pictures at the end of this review.
  • Scarecrow: Nicholas Japaul Bernard was delightful as the fabulous flamboyant scarecrow providing comic relief with Pippi Longstocking hair. His portrayal reminded me of his previous role as Pharus in Choir Boy at ACT Theatre.
  • Filipino Elements: Did they incorporate a barong and pagmamano (bless) in this show? If so, I’m digging the visibility as a Pinoy! It reminded me of Village Theatre’s production of Mamma Mia.

Rant(s)

  • Mask: One of the performers was wearing a mask. While I acknowledge a person’s right to continue wearing one in the workplace, this is probably the second or third time I’ve ever seen an actor wear a mask on-stage even when theatres reopened Fall 2021 … and I’ve seen almost 200 shows since COVID started! Masks on-stage are visually distracting and they muffle actors’ lines. For the record, I’m not a staunch anti-masker. I actually still occasionally wear an N95 when I’m in the theatre to ensure my packed show schedule (of about 3 shows per week) is uninterrupted.
  • Stage Crew Visibility: It was a little distracting seeing the stage crew moving set pieces.
  • Tornado: I would have personally preferred the tornado scene to be more violent and treacherous … but I guess we don’t want the young audience members to have nightmares!
  • Auditory Stimulation: The show felt a little too silent for kids, who are already accustomed to sensory overstimulation from the media. Plus, the colorful vibrant set begged to be accompanied with more sound. Maybe add more background audio.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Slippers: I didn’t know the original book described the magic slippers as silver instead of the classic ruby red. Today I learned that the classic film’s studio wanted to show off the new technicolor technology with more vibrant props.
  • Youth Actors: This production incorporated two sets of alternating youth actor casts. I’m sure the young people in the audience got a kick out of seeing their peers on stage.

Theatre Company: Seattle Children’s Theatre

Venue: Seattle Children’s Theatre

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

Price: Cheap to Medium

Ticket Affordability Options: Each performance has a value option available online. Also check out the theatre’s discount page.

Dates: April 4 to May 21, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking or various paid parking lots/garages. Street parking is sparse when there’s a major Seattle Center or Climate Pledge Arena event. I usually have good luck finding street parking around Lenny Wilkins Way next to the theatre on non-event days. I try to take the bus on event days since even the event street parking costs more than $12.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video below by Truman Buffett

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” #play by @dulcia.25 at Seattle Children’s Theatre. Vibrant scenic design & costumes. Fabulous scarecrow portrayal from @djpaul90. Photos by Truman Buffet. Review: showsiveseen.com/4793 #WizardOfOz #Oz #theatre ♬ Munchkinland Musical Sequence – The Munchkins
Avery Clary and Marena Kleinpeter in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Audrey Conner, Jerik Fernandez, Marena Kleinpeter, Chad Kelderman, and Dedra D. Woods in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Dedra D. Woods, and Avery Clark in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Avery Clark, Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Roz Cornejo, and Jerik Fernandez in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Fiona Hurley, Emberly Hoke, Jerik Fernandez, Marena Kleinpeter, Dedra D. Woods, Avery Clark, Chad Kelderman, Audrey Conner, Penelope Tobin, and Tabitha Murphy Madden in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Jerik Fernandez, and Avery Clark in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Jerik Fernandez, and Avery Clark in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Jerik Fernandez, and Avery Clark in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Jerik Fernandez, and Avery Clark in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Marena Kleinpeter, Chad Kelderman, and Jerik Fernandez in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Roz Cornejo in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Dedra D. Woods, Emberly Hoke, and Roz Cornejo in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Marena Kleinpeter in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Annelih Hamilton and Marena Kleinpeter in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Marena Kleinpeter in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Marena Kleinpeter in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Roz Cornejo in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
RoleName
Scarecrow Nicholas Japaul Bernard
Wizard of Oz/Wicked Witch Of The West Roz Cornejo
Uncle Henry / Cowardly Lion Jerik Fernandez
Aunt Em / Locasta, Good Witch of the North Annelih Hamilton
Tin Woodman Chad Kelderman*
Dorothy Marena Kleinpeter
King of the Winged Monkeys / Glinda, Good Witch of the South / Hungry Wildcat Dedra D. Woods*
Munchkin / Flying Monkey Ian Bartlett, Ariadne Taw, Penelope Tobin, Emberly Hoke, Fiona Hurley, or Lillian Morris
Munchkin / Hungry Wildkitten / Flying Monkey Zella Davidson or Tabitha Murphy Madden
Guardian of the Gates / Flying Monkey Reagan Nino or Audrey Conner
Understudies Gloria Alcalå
Avery Clark*
Bethanie Willis
DirectorJéhan Òsanyin**
PlaywrightAdapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton from the novel by L. Frank Baum
ChoreographerAlice Gosti**
Scenic Designer Julia Hayes Welch^
Costume Designer Taya Pyne
Lighting Designer Adem Hayyu^
Sound Designer Erin Bednarz
Fight Director Geoffrey Alm**
Wig & Hair Designers Kafi Masika Modest Roberts
Costume Design Assistant Natalie Shih
Makeup Artist Meredith Keister
Stage Manager Jamie J. Kranz*
Assistant Stage Manager Quinn Chase*
Production Assistant P. Alyda Sorm
Youth Cast Supervisor Amy Jurkiewicz
Swing Youth Cast Supervisor Lillia Nelson
* Actors Equity Association
^ United Scene Artists Member, Local 829
** Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Member