Fellow Passengers – Play – Review – Strawberry Theatre Workshop

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Fellow Passengers play by Strawberry Theatre Workshop. A play-within-a-play where the outer play was silent and the inner play was a spoken reenactment of A Christmas Carol. Solid, well-developed storytelling delivery. Realistically-designed basement set. Live sound effects from Ayako Okano.

Recommendation
See it if you’re interested in a uniquely-presented version of A Christmas Carol.


Synopsis from the Theatre: In a fortuitous turn of events, Strawshop is proud to announce that Fellow Passengers—originally scheduled at Book-It Repertory Theatre—opens December 1 for a four-week revival at it’s original home: Strawberry Theatre Workshop. Told in the narrative style that Book-It made famous in Seattle, “Passengers” is every page of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol performed by just three actors, who bring over fifty characters to the stage.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 12/2/23 – See my previous preview posts here.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: It was a play within a play. The outer play was just one location (a basement) and the inner play was several locations from A Christmas Carol.

Static (Stationary) Set?: Yes, the outer play set was “set in stone.” The inner play definitely required more imagination from the audiance than than most other shows.

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but if you’d probably appreciate the show more if you’re familiar with the original A Christmas Carol story.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Ayako Okano generated live sound effects and some music. She used bells, chimes, chains, an electronic keyboard, and a milk crate of all things.

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 3

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium Speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours

Was there an intermission? Yes

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

  • Storytelling: When I saw Amy Thone on the cast list, I knew the acting would be top notch. The actors delivered their lines like professionals with enthusiasm and energy. Often on opening night (even with professional shows), I can tell when a show needs more time to “cure.” But this production was solid on day one.
  • Tiny Tim: As I’ve mentioned previously, I absolutely loathe the Tiny Tim Christmas trope. I’m so relieved there was no cutesy child actor portraying Tiny Tim in this play.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Book-It Repertory Theatre: The play exuded the distinctive narration style of the recently-late Book-It Repertory Theatre. Book-It was actually supposed to produce the show this season, but they prematurely closed their doors forever. I wonder how much of the show Book-It already originally produced. For example, did Book-It already imagine/create the scenic design before they closed, and Strawberry Theatre Workshop continued where Book-It left off?
  • New Scenes: There were a couple of scenes towards the end that I don’t remember from the traditional A Christmas Carol story. For example, there was a scene involving people on a ship.

Theatre Company: Strawberry Theatre Workshop

Venue: 12th Avenue Arts

Venue Physical Address: 1620 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Price: Cheap to medium

Tickets: https://www.strawshop.org/fellow-passengers.html

Dates: December 1 – 23, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or paid street parking. Street parking is extremely limited since it’s Capitol Hill. Your best luck would be East of Cal Anderson Park on 11th or 12th Ave. The cheapest paid lot close by is at 1300 E Olive St with the entrance on 14th Ave. I highly suggest parking far away or taking the bus since parking lots and street parking are expensive in Capitol Hill.

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

@showsiveseen Greg Carter's "Fellow Passengers" #play by Strawberry Theatre Workshop. A play-within-a-play where the outer play was silent and the inner play was a spoken reenactment of #CharlesDickens #AChristmasCarol." Solid, well-developed storytelling delivery. Realistically-designed basement set. Live sound effects from Ayako Okano. Photos: John Ulman. Review: showsiveseen.com/7640 #theatre #showsiveseen #xmas #humbug #dickens #ChristmasCarol #Scrooge #Christmas ♬ Merry Christmas Baby – Sture Zetterberg
RoleName
PerformersShermona Mitchell
Galen Joseph Osier^
Amy Thone^
Daniel Christensen (Understudy)
PlaywrightGreg Carter adapting from from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
DirectorRhonda J Soikowski
MusicianAyako Okono
Stage ManagerP Alyda Sorm
Graphic DesignerMelanie Wang
Box Office ManagerMegan Carleton
Designers and ConstructorsAdam Zopfi Hulse
Reed Nakayama
KD Schill
Kyle Thompson
Greg Carter
Megan Carleton
Forrest Leonard
Rhonda J Soikowski
Nona Schroeder
Lighting DesignerReed Nakayama
Property DesignerAdam Zopfi Hulse
Scenic DesignerGreg Carter
^ Member of Actors Equity Association

Preview Post – Fellow Passengers – Play – Strawberry Theatre Workshop

Fellow Passengers play opening night by Strawberry Theatre Workshop at 12th Ave Arts. Performing until 12/23/23. Stay tuned for my full review! #christmas #xmas #humbug #dickens #AChristmasCarol #CharlesDickens #Scrooge

Full Final Review (Posted 12/20/23): https://www.showsiveseen.com/fellow-passengers-play-review-strawberry-theatre-workshop/

Tickets: https://www.strawshop.org/fellow-passengers.html

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Miss You Like Hell – Musical – Strawberry Theatre Workshop

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Miss You Like Hell musical w/ Strawberry Theatre Workshop at 12th Ave Arts, starring Maggie Carrido & Stephanie Roman, directed by Nicholas Japaul Bernard. Best part was when an audience member loudly exclaimed, “Oh no!” Didn’t end like I expected. Pilar O’Connell rocked! Craved a tamale after the show.

Recommendation
See it if you were affected by American immigration laws.


Synopsis from the Theatre: A teenager and her estranged mother—an undocumented Mexican on the verge of deportation—embark on a road trip across the United States to mend their frayed relationship. Combined with the musical talent of Erin McKeown, Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes artfully crafts a story of the barriers and the bonds of family, while also addressing the complexities of immigration in today’s America.

Attended Performance Date: 10/14/23 (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: No

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Equity Actors: 1

Total Number of Actors: 9

Perceived Pace of the Show: Slow to medium

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours

Was there an intermission? No

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes and it was also my first time attending a musical by Strawberry Theatre Workshop. I’ve only previously attended their plays, which are typically good.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Maybe if it was a full-fledged professional production

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Pilar O’Connell: Pilar’s singing and acting stole the show as Mo, a gay dude in leather chaps.
  • Beatriz: I think this was my first time seeing Maggie Carrido on-stage. Her unique sultry voice served her well for a role (Beatriz) that was originally portrayed by Daphne Rubin-Vega in NYC. Honestly, I prefer Maggie’s voice!
  • Favorite Lines: This musical was filled with lines that were shocking and funny. Sorry if the following examples are not quoted 100% verbatim!
    • “I was crying so much my mascara was down to my ankles”
    • Olivia told her mom “You’re a MILF”
    • “My boobs were like snow cones”
    • “My parents weren’t married. So, technically I’m a bastard.”
    • “I thought I was bleeding from my pussy”
  • Clerk Scene: The best part of the show was when an audience member loudly exclaimed “Oh no!” and passionately nearly stood up during a scene where a deliciously unlikable court clerk (played by Olivia Sutherland) rudely spoke to the main characters.

Rant(s)

  • Book and Music: Since this musical’s score and book is inherently tepid, it won’t appeal to wide audiences, especially if the production isn’t from a full-fledged professional theatre company. I’m curious how audiences received the original NYC production because the original cast soundtrack didn’t sound too impressive.
  • Sound Balancing: Hopefully this was only an issue on opening night, but the non-ensemble characters were not equally mic’ed. For example, a major character wore a microphone but I’m not sure that it was even on. Like I recently mentioned in my last review of Seattle Public Theater’s Macbeth production, try to sit away from the band so it’s easier to hear the singers. Unfortunately, that means you’ll sacrifice a little on the view.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Stage Layout: I’m not a huge fan of the parallel-style seating arrangement in the image below. The audience ends up seeing too many actors’ backs. An okay alternative is when the seating is more U-shaped.
  • Sullen Teenager Trope: I’m also not a huge fan of the sullen “nobody understands me” teenager trope. It’s tired and annoying. I want to tell these characters, “Oh boo hoo! Grow up, get over yourself, and join the real world!”
  • Vocal Range: Again, like I recently mentioned about Seattle Public Theater’s Macbeth production, gender-inclusive casting (though well-intentioned) often needs transposition when an actor sings a part that was written for the opposite gender in mind. Without transposition, the performer either sounds like they’re singing too high or too low.

Theatre Company: Strawberry Theatre Workshop

Venue: 12th Avenue Arts

Venue Physical Address: 1620 12th Ave #203, Seattle, WA 98122

Price: Cheap

Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/strawberrytheatreworkshop/994759

Dates: October 12 to November 11, 2023

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid lot or paid street parking. Street parking is extremely limited since it’s Capitol Hill. Your best luck would be East of Cal Anderson Park on 11th or 12th Ave. Cheapest paid lots are on 11th Ave next to the park. I highly suggest parking far away or taking the bus since the lots are expensive in Capitol Hill.

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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 Quiara Alegria Hudes & Erin Mckeown's "Miss You Like Hell" #musical w/ Strawberry Theatre Workshop at 12th Ave Arts, starring Maggie Carrido & Stephanie Roman, directed by @Nicholas Bernard. @Pilar O'Connell rocked! Best part was when an audience member loudly exclaimed, "Oh no!" Didn't end like I expected. Craved a tamale after the show. Review: showsiveseen.com/7127 #showsiveseen #theatre #immigration #Mexican #deportation #roadTrip ♬ Dance with Me – Daphne Rubin-Vega & Danny Bolero & Latoya Edwards & 'Miss You Like Hell' Original Cast Ensemble
Stephanie Roman and Maggie Carrido
Stephanie Roman and Maggie Carrdio
Maggie Carrido and Stephanie Roman
Ensemble
Carolynne Wilcox and Maggie Carrido
Beth Pollack
RoleName
Ensemble/HigginsAntonieta Carpio
Ensemble/PearlJade Guillory-Kaub
BeatrizMaggie Carrido
Ensemble/MoPilar O’Connell*
Ensemble/Officer Andreya Pro
OliviaStephanie Roman
Ensemble/ClerkOlivia Sutherland
Ensemble/Manuel Carolynne Wilcox
Ensemble/Lawyer/RamonaBeth Pollack
Director & Choreographer Nicholas Japaul Bernard
Book & LyricsQuiara Alegria Hudes
Associate Choreographer Lexi Warden
Music & LyricsErin McKeown
Music Director Olivia Pedroza
Property ManagerAdam Zopfi Hulse
Costume DesignerPete Rush
Lighting DesignerChih-Hung Shao
Stage Manager Megan Kay Wright
Scenic DesignerGreg Carter
Assistant Stage Manager Claudia Landau
Graphic Designer Melanie Wang
DramaturgAna Maria Campoy
Box Office Manager Galen Joseph Osier
Construction DesignersAndy Swan, Aiyana Stephens, Megan Carleton, Forrest Leonard
Band Simon Alpren, Sam Brown, Toby Bruce, Thomas Cripe, Phil Demaree, Charles Eliot
* Member Actors Equity Association

Preview Post – Miss You Like Hell – Musical – Strawberry Theatre Workshop

Miss You Like Hell musical opening night by Strawberry Theatre Workshop at 12th Ave Arts. Performing until 11/11/23. Stay tuned for my full review! #showsiveseen #theatre

Tickets: https://www.strawshop.org/miss-you.html

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Gloria: A Life – Play – Strawberry Theatre Workshop

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Gloria: A Life #play w/ Strawberry Theatre Workshop reminded me of the Mrs. America TV miniseries & In the Time of the Butterflies Book-It Repertory Theatre play. Loved Ayo Tushinde’s portrayal of Flo Kennedy w/ her distinct accent & iconic hat. I wish I owned bras to burn in solidarity. Shake the patriarchy! A woman w/o a man is like a fish w/o a bicycle! #feminist #feminism #feminists #GloriaSteinem @GloriaSteinem

Synopsis from the Theatre: Five decades after Gloria Steinem began raising her voice for equality and championing the voices of others, she remains a leader of the American women’s movement. Emily Mann’s play traces the progress of Steinem’s extraordinary life, from her undercover Playboy Bunny exposé in the 1960s, through her founding of Ms. Magazine in the 1970s, to her speech at the 2017 Women’s March. Staged for Strawberry Theatre Workshop by Makaela Milburn in a living room set, Gloria: A Life puts the words of the famed journalist into action through an ensemble of six actors, played by Alanah Pascual, Kathy Hsieh, Marion Jacobs, Ayo Tushinde, Sarah Harlett, and Sharon Barto Gouran. Steinem’s journey to activism is traded between voices and distinct cultural origins, giving the movement less historical and more contemporary energy, and the early feminists’ accomplishments drawn as less individual and more collaborative. For Strawshop, Gloria is one of the most pertinent expressions of its mission to activate community conversation. Gloria expands the conversation in the second half of the evening to a discussion of local activism, bounded by four guidelines directly inspired by organizing principles of Black Lives Matter: “Lead with Love, Low Ego, High Impact, and Move at the Speed of Trust.”

Reviewed Performance: 1/26/23 Opening Performance – Original previous opening weekend delayed because of COVID-19. 🙁

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Like other biographical plays, there isn’t a strong plot. It’s a series of chronological scenes … like real life!

Recommendation: See it especially if you’re into women’s rights!

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Yes, if it was an Equity production

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

Equity Actors: One but all were very good

Number of Actors: 6

Length (Including Any Intermission): 90 min performance + 20 min talkback

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Favorite Line: Other than the classic “a woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle,” I’ve never heard of “if women could sleep their way to the top, there’d be a lot more women at the top.” Apparently, this was a real quote from Gloria Steinem.

Rant(s)

  • Projections: Projections were a a little hard to see. However, I acknowledge it’s a fine line to balance shining enough light on actors vs reducing the light so projections are brighter.

Other Musing(s)

  • Mild Audience Participation: Actors paused occasionally so the audience could shout out answers to wall-projected questions or enter the answers on a website via smartphone. There was also a segment where audience volunteers were asked on-stage. Additionally, there was a talkback immediately after the show when actors actively requested the audience to stay for 20 mins.
  • Other Iconic Feminists: This play wasn’t just about Gloria Steinam. It also covered other major historical feminists during her time like Dorothy Pittman Hughes, Flo Kennedy, Wilma Mankiller (what an ironic name!), and Bella Abzug. However, I was surprised Betty Friedan wasn’t featured.
  • Historical Tidbits: A couple interesting historical facts were mentioned throughout the show:
    • Gloria Steinem’s (arguable) claim to fame was when she wrote an exposé as an undercover Playboy Bunny. Sex truly does sell!
    • Gloria ironically originally wanted to be a Rockette
    • The continental congress drew inspiration from the Iroquois Native Americans when designing the USA federal government

Theatre Company: Strawberry Theatre Workshop

Venue: 12th Avenue Arts

Venue Physical Address: 1620 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Price: Cheap to Medium

Dates: January 19 – February 18, 2023

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid lot or paid street parking. Street parking is extremely limited since it’s Capitol Hill. Your best luck would be East of Cal Anderson Park on 11th or 12th Ave. Cheapest paid lots are on 11th Ave across from the park. Sigh, “cheapest” was $16 dollars for me. :-/ I highly suggest parking far away or taking the bus.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See below

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen#Gloria: A Life” #play w/ Strawberry #Theatre Workshop reminded me of the “Mrs. America” TV miniseries & “In the Time of the Butterflies” Book-It Theatre play. Loved @ayotushinde ‘s portrayal of Flo Kennedy w/ her distinct accent & iconic hat. I wish I owned bras to burn in solidarity. Down w/ the patriarchy! A woman w/o a man is like a fish w/o a bicycle! Review: showsiveseen.com/3605 #feminist #feminism #feminists #gloriasteinem ♬ Gloria (Glee Cast Version) – Glee Cast
RoleName
Gloria
(Reverse Alphabetical Order)
Sharon Barto Gouran
Sarah Harlett (AEA Member)
Marion Jacobs
Kathy Hsieh
Ayo Tushinde
Alanah Pascual
Projections Adam Zopfi Hulse
Artistic DirectorGreg Carter
SceneryBella Rivera
SoundKyle Thompson
LightingMaryalice Weed
CostumesLizz C Williams
Graphic Designer Melanie Wang
Playwright Emily Mann
Director Makaela Milburn assisted by Jasmine Lomax
Stage Manager Jasmine Lomax assisted by
Brandon Eller