Anyone Can Whistle – Musical – Review – Reboot Theatre & Theatre Off Jackson

@showsiveseen "Anyone Can Whistle" #Sondheim #musical by Reboot Theatre at Theatre Off Jackson. Starring @Anamaria Guerzon, @Rhys, & Shana Emile. The exploration of binary absolutes vs shades of grey fit perfectly with Reboot Theatre's typical nontraditional casting interpretations. Closes this weekend 3/23/24! #theatre #showsiveseen Review: showsiveseen.com/8229 Photos: Colin Madison Director: @Jasmine Joshua Stage Manager: @Jessamyn Bateman-Iin ♬ Everybody Says Don't – Barbra Streisand

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Anyone Can Whistle Sondheim musical by Reboot Theatre at Theatre Off Jackson. The exploration of binary absolutes vs shades of grey fit perfectly with Reboot Theatre’s typical nontraditional casting interpretations.

Recommendation
See it if either 1) you enjoyed Urinetown 2) or you want to see a whimsical Sondheim musical. Bonus points if you enjoy Sondheim’s characteristic cacophonous dissonant musical style.


Synopsis from the Theatre: This wacky, intelligent, highly unconventional musical points ahead to Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking work in the 1970s, even as it keeps a foot firmly rooted in musical theatre’s “golden age.” Anyone Can Whistle tells the story of a corrupt mayor who fakes a miracle to revitalize her bankrupt town, and the ill-fated romance between the rational nurse, out to expose the fraud, and the easygoing doctor who is determined to enjoy the chaos that it brings.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 3/9/24 – 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 3/23/24!

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 15

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 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? I’d consider seeing it again as an Equity production, which is surprising since I typically dislike Sondheim musicals.

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Ensemble Songs: The shining moments in this show were when the entire cast burst into song at the same time like in “Miracle Song” when they discovered water.

Theatre Company: Reboot Theatre and Theatre Off Jackson

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

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

Price: Cheap

Tickets: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/reboottheatre/whistle

Ticket Affordability Options: You can self-select the $5 inclusion rate option on the website

Dates: March 8 to 23, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking is usually available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. You can also try free parking on Jackson Street under/past the I-5 bridge, though it’s a dodgier area. As usual, there are paid parking lots nearby as well.

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:

Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

Pictures: See pictures below and in video above by Colin Madison Photography.

Shana Emile as Cora Hoover Hooper with her Goons. Photo by Colin Madison Photography.
Shana Emile and June Apollo Johns. Photo by Colin Madison Photography.
Puppetry and the Cast of Anyone Can Whistle. Photo by Colin Madison Photography.
Miles Wingett and Cynthia Dario-Good. Photo by Colin Madison Photography.
June Apollo Johns and the Cast of Anyone Can Whistle. Photo by Colin Madison Photography.
The Cast of Anyone Can Whistle. Photo by Colin Madison Photography.
Anamaria Guerzon and the Cast of Anyone Can Whistle. Photo by Colin Madison Photography.

Preview Post – Anyone Can Whistle – Musical – Reboot Theatre at Theatre Off Jackson

Anyone Can Whistle wacky Sondheim musical opening weekend by Reboot Theatre at Theatre Off Jackson. Performing until 3/23/24. Stay tuned for my full review!

Final Full Review (Posted 3/20/24): https://www.showsiveseen.com/anyone-can-whistle-musical-review-reboot-theatre-theatre-off-jackson/

Tickets: https://reboottheatre.org/

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Preview Posts About this Show:

Bloodletting – Play – Pork Filled Productions & Theatre Off Jackson

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Bloodletting play by Pork Filled Productions at Theatre Off Jackson directed by Zenaida R. Smith. Filipino story about Aswangs with a queer spin. I felt like I was back in the Philippines! #Aswang #showsiveseen #theatre #palawan

Recommendation
See it if you want to reminisce about the Philippines


Synopsis from the Theatre: Under the watchful moon, estranged siblings Farrah and Bosley reunite in the Philippines to spread their father’s ashes in Palawan’s treasured underground river. They take shelter from a storm in a local café, where they open old family wounds and encounter an aswang, a Filipino vampire, who awakens in Farrah an ancient, terrifying, and innate power. Will she embrace her new-found power? Or let it destroy herself and her brother?

Attended Performance Date: 10/20/23 (Opening Weekend) – See my previous preview posts here.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Few

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Few

Static (Stationary) Set: Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You should be familiar with Aswangs. The program contains a good explanation. People who don’t know what Aswangs are (sadly me) and who didn’t read the Aswangs article (me again) might struggle understanding what an Aswangs is when watching this play. The theatre’s synopsis touts them as “vampires,” but that word is too limiting. But I guess there isn’t a western term that encompasses this Filipino concept.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Mostly yes, but there’s only so much that can occur with few scenes/locations

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 4

Perceived Pace of the Show: Slow, especially with the large amount of dialogue. However, it did help to have fight scenes where the Aswang used their power.

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: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Scenic Design: The stage accurately portrayed what a typical eatery might look like in the Philippines in the middle of nowhere. It had thatch-like bahay kubo flair.
  • LeeLee: I probably enjoyed Anna Mulia’s portrayal of LeeLee the most. She portrayed mystery, youthful energy, and a good impression of a Pinay born in the Philippines.
  • Audio: The sound effects were well-timed and well-chosen.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Blood: For a play called “Bloodletting,” I thought there would be more blood!

Theatre Company: Pork Filled Productions

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

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

Price: Cheap

Regular Tickets: https://porkfilled.com/wp/pfp-presents-bloodletting/

Ticket Affordability Options: You can self-select “access pricing” on the ticketing website.

Dates: October 19 to November 4, 2023

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid street parking is usually available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. You can also try free parking on Jackson Street closer to the I-5 bridge. As usual, there are paid parking lots nearby as well.

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:
Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Threads

Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

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

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

@showsiveseen "Bloodletting" #play by @Pork Filled Productions at Theatre Off Jackson directed by Zenaida R. Smith. #Filipino story about #Aswangs with a queer spin. I felt like I was back in the #Philippines! Photos: Roger Tang. Review: showsiveseen.com/6958 #Aswang #showsiveseen #theatre #palawan ♬ Monster – Riduan Richie
Farrah (Jen-Ai Clinton) forces Leelee (Anna Mulia) to her knees. Photo by Roger Tang.
Jenry (Sam Prudente) tends to an ailing Bosley (Matt Dela Cruz). Photo by Roger Tang.
Farrah (Jen-Ai Clinton) is struck by a realization sparked by Jenry (Sam Prudente). Photo by Roger Tang.
Chaos erupts as Farrah (Jen-Ai Clinton tends to Bosley (Matt Dela Cruz) and Leelee (Ann Mulia) sees to Jenry (Sam Prudente). Photo by Roger Tang.
Farrah (Jen-Ai Clinton) and Leelee (Anna Mulia) struggle over an urn of ashes. Photo by Roger Tang.
Bosley (Matt Dela Ctuz) and Farrah (Jen-Ai Clinton) suddenly notices it has mysteriously stopped raining. Photo by Roger Tang.
Leelee (Anna Mulia) and Farrah (Jen-Ai Clinton) engage in a supernatural battle. Photo by Roger Tang.
RoleName
Leelee Anna Mulia
Jenry Sam Prudente
Farrah Jen-Ai Clinton
Bosley Matt Dela Cruz
UnderstudiesAnamaria Guerzon
Kendall Uyeji
DirectorZenaida R. Smith
PlaywrightBoni B. Alvarez
Assistant DirectorDavid Le
Stage ManagerOmar Faust
Assistant Stage ManagerAlister James Stern
Cultural Consultant and DramaturgEloisa Cardona
Assistant DramaturgAnamaria Guerzon
ElectricianRobert Lucy
Outreach Sam Qiambo
Props DesignerJessamyn Bateman-Iino
Lighting DesignerEmily Leong
Intimacy & Fight ConsultantJasmine Lomax
Set Designer and BuilderRobin Macartnery
Costume DesignerCorinne Park-Buffelen
Sound DesignerJosh Valdez
Social Media CoordinatorLinda Rigor
Production ManagerP. Alyda Sorm
Graphic DesignerKwesi Phillips
ProducersOmar Faust
David Le
P. Alyda Sorm
Roger Tang
Kendall Uyeji
Josh Valdez

Preview Post – Bloodletting – Play – Pork Filled Productions & Theatre Off Jackson

Bloodletting play opening weekend by Pork Filled Productions at Theatre Off Jackson. Performing until 11/4/23. Stay tuned for my full review! #showsiveseen #theatre #palawan #Philippines #Aswang

Tickets: https://porkfilled.com/wp/pfp-presents-bloodletting/

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Preview Posts About this Show:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Threads

Peter and the Starcatcher – Play – Reboot Theatre Company

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Peter and the Starcatcher play (adapted from the book) with Reboot Theatre Company. Fun origin story of Peter Pan starring Rhys Daly, Mariah Lee Squires, and Karin Terry. Strong, energetic acting and vocal projection.

Synopsis from the Theatre: Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair… and the bonds of friendship, duty and love. A young orphan and his mates are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They know nothing of the mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin, which contains a precious, otherworldly cargo. At sea, the boys are discovered by a precocious young girl named Molly, a Starcatcher-in-training who realizes that the trunk’s precious cargo is starstuff, a celestial substance so powerful that it must never fall into the wrong hands. When the ship is taken over by pirates – led by the fearsome Black Stache, a villain determined to claim the trunk and its treasure for his own – the journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure.

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

Type: Play with music

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’d probably enjoy this more if you’re familiar with the Peter Pan story.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: The actors played the ukelele, trumpet, kazoo(?), and guitar during a few numbers. There were 1-2 songs with piano accompaniment, but I couldn’t determine if it was live or recorded.

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 15

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium to fast

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.25 hours

Intermission Included: Yes

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show: No, I saw this at ArtsWest when I first moved to Seattle. But there were many scenes/elements in this production that I don’t remember from the ArtsWest production. Maybe I’m getting older…

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Probably not … it’s a well-written show but two times is enough for me

Recommendation: See it, especially if you enjoy British-inspired humor/acting.

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • End of First Act: The song before the intermission was a grandiose showstopper, which is impressive for a show that’s not even a musical!

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Narration: The narration was in the style of the actors narrating each other’s actions or their own actions. It reminded me of many past plays produced by the recently-closed Book-it Repertory Theatre.

Theatre Company: Reboot Theatre Company

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

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

Price: Cheap

Ticket Affordability Options: You can self-select the $5 inclusion rate option on the website

Dates: September 8 to 23, 2023

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid street parking is usually available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. You can also try free parking on Jackson Street closer to the I-5 bridge. As usual, there are paid parking lots nearby as well.

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:
Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Threads

Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

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

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen "Peter & the #Starcatcher" #play (adapted from the book) with Reboot Theatre directed by Riley Gene. Fun origin story of #PeterPan starring @Rhys, Mariah Lee Squires, & Karin Terry. Strong, energetic acting, & vocal projection. Photos by Colin Madison. Review: showsiveseen.com/6573 #showsiveseen #theatre ♬ past life – elijah woods
RoleName
Ted Henry Behrens
Mrs. Bumbreak/Sanchez Kendra Tamär Budd
Grempkin/Mack/Prawn Rolando Cardona-Roman
Boy/Teacher Rhys Daly
Bill Slank/Clam Anamaria Guerzon
Prentiss Morgan Gwilym Tso
Smee Jayne Hubbard
AlfHelene Minassian
Ensemble/Understudy Adrian Prendergast
Ensemble/Understudy Monty Rozema
Lord AsterDan Ruiz Salvatura
Captain Scott James Schilling
Molly Mariah Lee Squires
Black Stache Karin Terry
Ensemble/Understudy Miles Wingett
Director Riley Gene
PlaywrightRick Elice based on a novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Composer Wayne Barker
Musical Director/Sound Designer Kate Falconer
Stage Manager Emily Grierson
Assistant Stage Manager Valerie Reid
Associate Stage Manager Ryan Long
Scenic/Props Designer Robin Macartney
Lighting Designer Jacob Viramontes
Costume DesignerElsa Goodmon
Fight Director Adrian Prendergast
Poster DesignersBrad Walker, Noel Pederson
Production Managers Xandria Nirvana, Easterday Callahan
Photographer Colin Madison Photography