Islander – Musical – Seattle Rep

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Finn Anderson & Stewart Melton’s Islander musical at Seattle Rep staring Sylvie Stenson, Stephanie MacGaraidh, Lois Craig, & Julia Murray. Novel audio concept that every played accompaniment & sound effect was dynamically recorded on-stage minutes/seconds earlier. High improv-like stakes!

Recommendation
See it if either 1) you like non-traditional musicals with a novel gimmick like Freestyle Love Supreme 2) you appreciate modern British theatre 3) or you’re okay with small-cast shows.


Synopsis from the Theatre: Myth and reality collide when the tide washes a mysterious stranger onto the shore of Eilidh’s lonely island, changing her life forever. Join us for a musical showcase of epic storytelling, intimately staged with a contemporary Scottish folk-inspired score. Two actors embody a host of characters while weaving, building, and layering their voices using live looping technology. This internationally acclaimed hit will create an expansive, ethereal soundscape for the ears and imagination as Seattle Rep kicks off the North American Tour.

Attended Performance Date: 10/25/23 (Opening Night) – See my previous preview posts here.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set: Yes, because it was austere

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You need to understand fast British accents.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: The performers and the mixing boards were the “band” in that they recorded sounds on-stage and dynamically generated an accompaniment when they weren’t singing acapella. There were no instruments or pre-recorded tracks … although we can’t prove the absence of pre-recorded tracks!

Equity Actors: Zero but I assume it was because this tour was from the UK

Total Number of Actors: 2

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.5 hours

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

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Unique Audio Source: All the sound effects and accompaniment were recorded and mixed on-stage in front of the audience. Seconds or minutes later, the audience would hear the sounds interleaved in an audio track with different autotuned pitches and rhythms. Every time I heard a new sound, I tried to determine what portion of the show it was recorded from. Sometimes the actors would later harmonize with a recording of their own voice. This was very similar to how Taylor Swift performed her 1989 world tour “Blank Space” song in this clip (see 3:45 – 5:15). In musicals, performers are expected to dance, act, and sing. Add “operate a mixing board” to that list of duties in this musical!
  • Storm Scene Lighting: The strobe-like flashing lights were a cool (albeit easy) way to depict a lightning and rain storm.
  • Favorite Line: “Can I ask you something?” “You just did.”

Rant(s)

  • Story Comprehension: It was difficult to differentiate between characters since there was extensive cast doubling with only two performers. Plus, there were no costume changes between characters. The strong British accents also made it difficult to follow the dialogue. This is coming from someone who doesn’t attend much Shakespeare because the old English is hard to understand.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Pedal: Will anybody enlighten me what happened when someone pressed the foot pedal? Leave a comment on my social media links below!

Theatre Company: National Tour

Venue: Seattle Repertory Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 155 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: Medium to Expensive

Tickets: https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202324-season/islander/

Ticket Affordability Options:

Dates: October 20 to November 19, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: There are paid lots and paid street parking. I usually park on Mercer to the West of 1st Ave. There’s usually also plentiful street parking around Safeway. If there’s an event in Seattle Center or Climate Pledge Arena, street parking is usually limited and much more expensive.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and/or video below

@showsiveseen Finn Anderson & Stewart Melton's @islandermusical at @seattlerep staring Sylvie Stenson, @Steph MacGaraidh, @Lois Craig, & Julia Murray. Directed by Amy Draper. Novel audio concept that every played accompaniment & sound effect was dynamically recorded on-stage minutes/seconds earlier. High improv-like stakes! Review: showsiveseen.com/7197 #Islander #showsiveseen #theatre #scottish #scotland #whale #whales #musical ♬ love song (hesitations) (sped up) – Lofuu & Shiloh Dynasty & dprk
Stephanie MacGaraidh and Sylvie Stenson in Islander. Photo by Nate Watters.
Stephanie MacGaraidh and Sylvie Stenson in Islander. Photo by Nate Watters.
Julia Murray and Lois Craig in Islander. Photo by Sayed Alamy.
Sylvie Stenson and Stephanie MacGaraidh in Islander. Photo by Steve Tanner.
Sylvie Stenson and Stephanie MacGaraidh in Islander. Photo by Steve Tanner.
Lois Craig and Julia Murray in Islander. Photo by Steve Tanner.
Julia Murray and Lois Craig in Islander. Photo by Steve Tanner.

Preview Post – Islander – Musical – Seattle Repertory Theatre

Islander Scottish musical opening night of the national tour at Seattle Rep. Performing until 11/19/23. Stay tuned for my full review! #showsiveseen #theatre #Scotland

Tickets: https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202324-season/islander/

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Passengers – Cirque Show – Seattle Rep

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Passengers cirque show at Seattle Rep by The 7 Fingers. Directed, written, & choreographed by Shana Carroll. Effortless #acrobatics. Included some occasional singing. #showsiveseen #theatre #circus #acrobat

Synopsis from the Theatre: Your train is about to depart the station and a cirque spectacular awaits. Through contemporary dance, music, and extraordinary acrobatics, a breathtaking series of vignettes tells the unique stories of reunions and goodbyes from the strangers that surround you onboard. From contemporary physical theater troupe The 7 Fingers comes this jaw-dropping ride you must see to believe.

Attended Performance Date: 9/30/23 (Opening Weekend) – Preview Posts

Type: Cirque Show

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set: No

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: No

Live Band/Orchestra: Mostly no but Santiago Rivera Laugerud played the ukelele and sang during one segment. Of note, Kisha Kessalines-Wright also sang during one segment.

Equity Actors: Zero but I think it’s because 1) this not an American company 2) and this show was more cirque/acrobatics and less of a play/musical.

Total Number of Actors: 9

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium Speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.5 hours

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 1) you appreciate shows from Cirque Du Soleil or Teatro Zinzanni 2) and you’re okay with no plot

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Effortless Feats: The performers effortlessly showcased their talents with the hula hoop, aerial acts (especially Eduardo De Azevedo Grillo and Kisha Kessalines-Wright), acrobatics, and the Chinese pole (Marco Ingaramo).

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Dropped Props: The hula hoop and juggling balls dropped a couple of times. I couldn’t determine if this was intentionally part of the act or an actual mistake.
  • Concurrent Performances: Throughout the show, there were often two separate acts showcased at the same time, and it was a little difficult to appreciate both performances equally. Maybe it’s because I sat really close (with a great view BTW). First world problems, right?

Theatre Company: The 7 Fingers

Venue: Seattle Repertory Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 155 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: Cheap to Expensive

Ticket Affordability Options:

Dates: September 22 to October 15, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: There are paid lots and paid street parking. I usually park on Mercer to the West of 1st Ave. There’s usually also a lot of street parking around Safeway. If there’s an event in Seattle Center or Climate Pledge Arena, street parking is usually limited and much more expensive.

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Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and/or video below

@showsiveseen #Passengers #cirque #show at @seattlerep by @@les7doigts. Directed, written, & choreographed by Shana Carroll. Effortless #acrobatics. Included some occasional singing. Review: showsiveseen.com/6806 #showsiveseen #circus #acrobat #theatre ♬ Trip – Siine
Sereno Aguilar and the company of Passengers. Photo by Alexandre Galliez.
Sereno Aguilar, Sabine Van Rensburg, and the company of Passengers. Photo by Alexandre Galliez.
Méliejade Tremblay-Bouchard in Passengers. Photo by Martine Poulin.
Méliejade Tremblay-Bouchard, Marco Ingaramo, and Santiago Rivera Laugerud in Passengers. Photo by Martine Poulin.
Mandi Orozco in Passengers. Photo by Lucille Audoineau-Maire.
Andrew Sumner and the company of Passengers. Photo by Lucille Audoineau-Maire.
RoleName
Cast Eric Bates
Valérie Benoit-Charbonneau
Eduardo de Azevedo Grillo
Kaisha Dessalines-Wright
Marco Ingaramo
Nella Niva
Mandi Orozco
Santiago Rivera Laugerud
Méliejade Tremblay-Bouchard
Director, Writer & Choreographer Shana Carroll
Assistant to the Director Isabelle Chassé
ScenographerAna Cappelluto
Costume Designer Camille Thibault-Bedard
Musical Director Colin Gagné
Video Designer Johnny Ranger
Video Animation Yannick Doucet
Remi Borgeal
Head Coach Francisco Cruz
TextsShana Carroll
Text, Einstein’train Conor Wild
Project ManagerSabrina Gilbert
Production Coordinator Yagub Allahverdiyev
Technical Director Simon Lachance
Michel Bisson
Lighting DesignerEric Champoux
Stage Manager Charlotte Legault
Karine Perron
Assistant to the Technical DirectorMarie-Hélene Grisé
Video Coordinator Dominique Hawry
Video Programmation Laura-Rose R. Grenier
DOP – Shooting Mark O Fearghail
Harley Francis
Sound Engineer Jérome Guilleaume
Light Programmation Stéphane Lecavalier
Electric Chief Gabriel Fournier-El Ayachi
Trapeze Coach Véronique Thibault
Creation Rigger Stéphane Beauchet
Nicolas Lemieux
Set Design Assistant Dominique Coughlin
Costume Assistant Catherine Veri
Rigging Intern Joanie Audet
Music, Lyrics, Sound Design & Arrangements Colin Gagné
Contortion, Hula-Hoop & Trapeze Arrangements Jean-Sébastien Leblanc
Juggling Lyrics Boogat
Juggling Arrangements Jérome Guilleaume
Music Composer: Opening, Tight Wire & Epilogue Raphael Cruz
Tour ManagerGuillaume Biron
Tour Technical DirectorSimon Carriere-Legris
Tour RIggerMax Jouanneau
Tour Light OperatorLoriane Foisy
Tour Sound and Video OperatorMichael Amstadt

Preview Post – Passengers – Seattle Rep

Passengers cirque show opening weekend at Seattle Rep with The 7 Fingers. Performing until 10/15/23. Stay tuned for my full review! #showsiveseen #theatre #circus #acrobat #acrobatics

Tickets: https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202324-season/passengers/

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Lydia and the Troll – Musical – Seattle Repertory Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Lydia and the Troll musical by Justin Huertas at Seattle Repertory Theatre. Origin story of the Fremont troll w/ a timeless message to love yourself and to cherish the life you live.

Synopsis from the Theatre: Lydia is struggling to find her voice. As a Black woman on the brink of breaking through the music industry, her dreams of being a record producer feel just out of her reach. But when a mysterious stranger offers her a chance to level up, Lydia embarks on a thrilling journey of self-discovery to take back what is hers. Inspired by the fantasy and folklore of Seattle’s landmarks, playwright and composer Justin Huertas (Lizard Boy) conjures up fresh Pacific Northwest magic through a riveting electronic/pop score and multi-media landscape in this world-premiere musical.

Reviewed Performance: 5/10/23 – Opening Night

Type: Musical

World Premiere: Yes

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: None

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes, consisting of only two people. Most of the music sounded synthesized.

Recommendation: See it, especially if you enjoy Justin Huertas’ works

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

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

Equity Actors: 5

Total Number of Actors: 5

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.5 hours

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Neon Trim Lighting: I always love modern clean lines in design. The neon trim lighting accented the stage nicely. The multicolored light show during certain numbers was particularly dazzling.
  • “Black Hair” Song: The powerful “Black Hair” song was my favorite number in this musical because of the message to cherish the cards you were dealt in life because it could always be worse. While “Black Hair” was referring to African American hair, I feel like it could also be applied to other races as well. I know Asians sometimes bleach their hair blonde (I’m guilty of this) because of colonialism and colorism.
  • Puppetry: As I mentioned in my Wolf Play review. I’m usually not a fan of puppetry. But again, this was not your typical furry Muppets or Avenue Q variety. The puppetry was more shadow effects on a white backdrop against bright projected lights. The audience actually rarely saw the actual puppets but only their shadows. I liked that the puppeteers were shortly showcased during one of the final chase scenes where they were visible on-stage without the backdrop obscuring them.
  • Favorite Line(s):
    • “I always leave a person better than I found them” – It reminded me of the TV show Dollhouse.
    • “Do Over” – The couple occasionally said this before performing a funny bit where they pretended to rewind life like a VHS tape.

Rant(s)

  • Background Crew Visibility: I’m not sure if it was because of my vantage point on the side of the balcony but it felt like the stagehands and the puppeteers were sometimes too visible. In particular, I could see the stagehands or puppeteers via the “Pepper’s Ghost” effect from glass reflections.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Troll Sizes: Why was the final troll huge, but the earlier trolls were not?
  • Troll Voice: Why did the female trolls have normal voices, but the male troll did not?
  • Seattle References: There were some Seattle references throughout the show like Columbia City Theatre (which I still have never attended!), Aurora Ave, and obviously the Fremont Troll. I thought there would be more references though. Maybe the references went over my head, especially since I’m not from the PNW.
  • Running Song: The crowd went wild during the running song. Did I miss an inside joke? Major FOMO here.

Theatre Company: Seattle Repertory Theatre

Venue: Leo Kreielsheimer Theater at Seattle Repertory Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 155 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: Medium to Expensive

Ticket Affordability Options:

Dates: May 5 to June 4, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: There are paid lots and paid street parking. I usually park on Mercer to the West of 1st Ave. There’s usually also a lot of street parking around Safeway. If there’s an event in Seattle Center or Climate Pledge Arena, street parking is usually limited and much more expensive.

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Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video by Bronwen Houck

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen "Lydia and the Troll" #musical by @Justin Huertas w/ Steven Tran & Ammenah Kaplan at Seattle Rep. Staring @Sarah Russell & @Janet Krupin. Origin story of the Fremont #troll w/ a timeless message to love yourself & to cherish the life you live. Photos by Bronwen Houck. Review: showsiveseen.com/5328 #theatre ♬ original sound – Shows I've Seen
Janet Krupin in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Sarah Russell in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Janet Krupin in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Adam Standley and Janet Krupin in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Sarah Russell and Adam Standley in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Sarah Russell and Adam Standley in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Janet Krupin and Sarah Russell in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
RoleName
JaneJanet Krupin
LydiaSarah Russell
PeteAdam Standley
PuppeteerGuy Garrison, Sophia Franzella
Jane, Lydia (Understudy)Esther Okech
Pete, Puppeteer (Understudy)Ricky Spaulding
Writer, Composer, and LyricistJustin Huertas
Co-Creator and DirectorAmeenah Kaplan
Additional Music, Music Production, and Musical SupervisionSteven Tran
Lighting DesignerRobert J. Aguilar
Sound DesignerErin Bednarz
Hair/Wig & Makeup DesignerCherelle D. Guyton
Scenic & Projections DesignerBryce Cutler
Costume DesignerDanielle Nieves
Puppet CreatorGuy Garrison
Associate Music Director & ConductorElisa Money
Stage Manager (May 5 – 28)Jessica C. Bomball
Stage Manager (May 31 – June 4)Stina Lotti
Assistant Stage ManagerMalie Fujii
Conductor/Keys/GuitarElisa Money
DrummerScot Sexton
Music Assistant & CopyistDaniel Arthur
Music ConsultantAaron Norman
Projections ProgrammerBen Goldberg
Stage Management ApprenticeRosemary Lisa Jones
A2David Misner
Head AudioEvan Rees
Directing ApprenticeDaira Miranda Rodriguez
Wig BuildShelby Rogers
Wig Run CrewKD Schill
Lighting ApprenticeMel Williams
Stage Management ApprenticeMax Zamorano
The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.