Category: Taproot Theatre

Preview Post – The Importance of Being Earnest – Play – Taproot Theatre

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest play at Taproot Theatre. Performing until 11/1/2025. Look out for my full review!

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2025/importance-of-being-earnest/

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Murder on the Links – Play – Review – Taproot Theatre

@showsiveseen "#Murder on the Links" #comedy #mystery play at @TaprootTheatre. Based on #agathaChristie's novel. Starring Richard Nguyen Sloniker (again) as the meticulous #HerculePoirot ♬ nice to know you – lovelytheband

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Murder on the Links comedy mystery play at Taproot Theatre. Based on the Agatha Christie novel. Starring Richard Nguyen Sloniker (again!) as the meticulous Hercule Poirot. Claire Marx shined with her signature charm. Impressive doubling from the cast. Now extended (twice!) through 8/30/25.

Recommendation:
See it if you enjoy murder mystery comedy plays (like Clue) filled with campy caricatures.


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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? No

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Yes

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Regional premiere, based on Agatha Christie’s gripping novel. After receiving an urgent plea from a stranger, Hercule Poirot whisks himself to the French seaside only to arrive a day too late. Paul Renauld has been found dead and the scene of the crime… a golf course. Poirot sets out to solve the murder, uncovering a web of deception, hidden identities, and old grudges.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Static

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’d probably appreciate the show more if you read the book.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Union Actors: 2

Total Actors: 6

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours

Other Rave(s)

  • Cast Doubling: Four of the six actors (Betsy Mugavero, Tyler Todd Kimmel, Claire Marx, and Jeff Allen Pierce) juggled a carousel of multiple characters. They distinguished each role through sharp dialect work (guided by dialect coach Marianna de Fazio) and costume changes. True to campy comedic style, the production acknowledged the absurdity of the cast doubling as characters rolled their eyes at one another while swapping personas mid-scene in a madcap whirl.

Rant(s)

  • Script: The script was difficult to follow and left me feeling restless. For a lighthearted piece, it demanded more mental energy than expected. In particular, the confusing chaotic resolution lacked the quintessential “satisfying Agatha Christie twist.” The twist was reminiscent of a soap opera grasping at straws to resolve a story that painted itself into a corner. By the end, I already lost track of key plot points … including the culprit’s identity! Overall, the script didn’t have the finesse or tightness of a classic play like The Mousetrap. It’s a reminder that some Agatha Christie novels are best translated into a script by Agatha Christie herself.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Title: Given the title “Murder on the Links,” I was surprised by how little action actually unfolded on the golf course.

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taproot Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price Range: $25-62

Dates: Jul 9 – Aug 30, 2025

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

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Pictures: See production pictures below by Robert Wade.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Betsy Mugavero as Actor Two and Claire Marx as Actor Four in Taproot’s production of Murder on the Links (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.
Jeff Allen Pierce as Actor One and Betsy Mugavero as Actor Two in Taproot’s production of Murder on the Links (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.
Jeff Allen Pierce as Actor One (left), Nathan Brockett as Captain Hastings (middle), and Richard Nguyen Sloniker as Hercule Poirot (right) in Taproot’s production of Murder on the Links (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.
Full cast of Taproot’s production of Murder on the Links (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.
From left to right: Tyler Todd Kimmel as Actor Three, Betsy Mugavero as Actor Two, Claire Marx as Actor Four, and Jeff Allen Pierce as Actor One in Taproot’s production of Murder on the Links (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.
Nathan Brockett as Captain Hastings and Richard Nguyen Sloniker as Hercule Poirot in Taproot’s production of Murder on the Links (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.
From left to right: Nathan Brockett as Captain Hastings, Richard Nguyen Sloniker as Hercule Poirot, Jeff Allen Pierce as Actor One, Betsy Mugavero as Actor Two, and Tyler Todd Kimmel as Actor Three in Taproot’s production of Murder on the Links (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.
Credits from the printed ENCORE program.
Credits from the printed ENCORE program.

Preview Post – Murder on the Links – Play – Taproot Theatre

Congrats to Taproot Theatre on the opening night of their Murder on the Links play production. Extended through 8/16/25. Look out for my full review! #agathaChristie #mystery #comedy #herculePoirot

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2025/murder-on-the-links/

Final Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/murder-on-the-links-play-review-taproot-theatre/

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Always … Patsy Cline – Musical – Review – Taproot Theatre

@showsiveseen Happy closing show last weekend to the "Always … Patsy Cline" #concert #country jukebox #musical production at @TaprootTheatre. Featuring the charming effortlessly-polished vocals of @Cayman Ilika with sidekick narration by @Jaegerlicious. Elegant nostalgic costumes by Brynne Johnson-McKeen. Magical ballads. #Review: showsiveseen.com/13017 Photos: Robert Wade Director: Karen Lund Stage Mgr: Cassie Fitzgerald Conductor: @Evan Barrett #HonkyTonk #countryMusic #PatsyCline @Patsy Cline #theatre #musicalTheatre #showsiveseen ♬ Gotta Lot of Rhythm in My Soul – Patsy Cline

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Happy closing show last weekend to the Always … Patsy Cline concert country jukebox musical production at Taproot Theatre. Featuring the charming effortlessly-polished vocals of Cayman Ilika with sidekick narration by Kate Jaeger. Elegant nostalgic costumes by Brynne Johnson-McKeen. Magical ballads. #HonkyTonk #countryMusic

Recommendation:
See if you enjoy either 1) Patsy Cline’s music, 2) honkytonk music similar to The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, 3) concert style musicals with less of a story like Six 4) or shows with 1 or 2 actors.


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.

Mainstream Appeal: Low to medium

If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Probably

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Inspired by true events, this heartfelt tale follows a devoted Patsy Cline fan whose unexpected chance encounter with the country music legend blossoms into an unlikely friendship.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Journey through the joy and heartbreak of Patsy Cline’s groundbreaking career through her unlikely friendship with her biggest fan. With unforgettable songs including “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” and “Crazy,” you’ll experience the power of love, longing, and friendship. It’s time to kick off your boots and dance!

Type: Concert-style Jukebox Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Static

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: Obviously, you’ll appreciate this show more if you’re familiar Patsy Cline’s discography. I personally only knew the songs that Norah Jones covered, but I still enjoyed the musical.

Defined Plot/Storyline: While there was a story, it wasn’t very substantial. It was more of a framework to showcase Patsy Cline songs.

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Union Actors: 2

Total Actors: 2

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.75 hours

Other Rave(s)

  • Cayman Ilika: Cayman Ilika’s bluesy voice was unquestionably the highlight of the production. Her sound is distinct and deeply resonant, with a rounded, almost operatic pronunciation that feels both effortless and assured. There’s a confident steadiness to her polished delivery infused with a charming, old-time elegance reminiscent of the transatlantic accent. It brought to mind her memorable performances in White Christmas and Kiss Me, Kate at The 5th Avenue Theatre.
  • Ballads: There were magical moments during the ballads, especially “You Belong to Me” when Cayman Ilika (as Patsy Cline), dressed in a shimmering black gown, took the stage at the Esquire Ballroom with heartfelt elegance. These moments would have been perfect in a lounge venue like Triple Door (where the venue could have earned a pretty penny on drink service during the show) instead of a theatre.
  • Costume Design: Costume designer Brynne McKeen dressed Patsy Cline in elegantly vintage ensembles that perfectly captured the charm of the era. The pieces were both stylish and nostalgic.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Small Cast: Although the production featured two performers, it frequently felt like a one-person show.
  • Relatability: As a (relatively) young(-ish) person of color, I found it difficult to connect with the script, music, and story. A meaningful way to modernize the piece might be to intentionally cast at least one of the roles with an actor from a more diverse racial background. Doing so could help open the narrative to a wider audience without compromising its core.

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taproot Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Dates: 5/14/25 to 6/21/25

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

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Pictures: See production pictures below by Robert Wade.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

L to R: Cayman Ilika and Kate Jaeger in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Cayman Ilika in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
L to R: Kate Jaeger and Cayman Ilika in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Kate Jaeger in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Kate Jaeger in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
L to R: Cayman Ilika and Kate Jaeger in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Cayman Ilika in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Credits from the Encore printed program.
Credits from the Encore printed program.

Preview Post – Always … Patsy Cline – Musical – Taproot Theatre

Congrats to Taproot Theatre on the opening night of their Always … Patsy Cline country jukebox musical. Performing till 6/14/25. Keep your eyes peeled for my full review! #HonkyTonk #countryMusic

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2025/always-patsy-cline-2/

Final Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/always-patsy-cline-musical-review-taproot-theatre/

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