History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near – Play – ACT Theatre and The Hansberry Project

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near play at ACT Theatre w/ The Hansberry Project. Experimental show quite literally about the “history of theatre” from the perspective of past African American actors. #POC #BiPOC #vaudeville #black

Synopsis from the Theatre: Travel back in time – 200 years, to be precise – with your host, Sister Blacknall, and meet the Black theatre artists of America’s history, who have returned to ensure that this time, they will be remembered. Reginald André Jackson’s wildly original play challenges the stories we’ve been told about who makes theatre and who it is for; creating a spellbinding evening that is both illuminating and inspiring. History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near takes audiences on a journey from 1820 to the mid-1930s, through the lens of a contemporary artist making their way in our very own Seattle theatre scene. Witness the forgotten impact of The Rabbit’s Foot founder Pat Chapelle, who created the first all-Black touring vaudeville troupe in 1900, the boundary-breaking actors Ira Aldridge and Rose McClendon, as well as members of Seattle’s own Negro Repertory Company.

Reviewed Performance: 2/3/23 on opening weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy catching up on reviews since my dad was in town. I would have posted earlier than other reviews if I realized sooner that this play had such a short run. Usually, ACT Theatre plays last at least 3 weeks after opening night and I assumed this one was no different.

Type: Play

World Premiere: Yes

Defined Plot/Storyline: No

Recommendation: See it if you’re into history and you have prior knowledge of African American theatre origins.

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

Equity Actors: 7

Number of Actors: 8

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1 hour and 30 mins, which felt a bit long

Intermission: No

Rant(s)

  • Prior Knowledge: It will be difficult to enjoy this play if you don’t have prior knowledge of African American theatre history. A lot of references went over my head, and it was hard to keep track of all the characters I was unfamiliar with.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Experimental: This play was definitely different than what’s usually on stage. For starters, it was self-aware that it was play. It also addressed the 4th wall frequently and sometimes had arguments with itself. There was also time travel, which distorted the play’s chronology.
  • Audience: Where were the African American theatre patrons? The audience was a testament to the homogeneity in Seattle and theatre. But at least the play is a step in the right direction.

Theatre Company: ACT Theatre

Venue: ACT Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 700 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: Medium to Expensive

Ticket Affordability Options: Visit the ACT Theatre Discount Page. Usually, Goldstar and TodayTix have good deals too.

Dates: January 28 to February 12, 2023 – Opening night was February 2. Sorry this review is so late!

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or paid street parking. If I don’t walk to this theatre, I park in the Convention Center parking lot with the entrance between Seneca and Pike. There is indoor access from the garage to the ACT Theatre going through the convention center.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures below FaceBook post

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures

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Amy Thone and R. Hamilton Wright in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Tracy Michelle Hughes, Arlando Smith, and Be Russell in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Reginald André Jackson in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Dedra D. Woods and Reginald André Jackson in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
R. Hamilton Wright, Amy Thone, and Tracy Michelle Hughes in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Malcolm J. West, Be Russell and Arlando Smith in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Arlando Smith, Malcolm J. West, and Be Russell in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
The ensemble cast: R. Hamilton Wright, Amy Thone, Be Russell, Arlando Smith, Dedra D. Woods, Malcolm J. West, Tracy Michelle Hughes, and Reginald André Jackson in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Malcolm J. West, R. Hamilton Wright, and Be Russell in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Dedra D. Woods in front of the ensemble cast in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
R. Hamilton Wright, Malcolm J. West, Arlando Smith, and Dedra D. Woods in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
RoleName
CastTracy Michelle Hughes*
Reginald André Jackson*
Be Russell*
Arlando Smith*
Amy Thone*
Malcolm J West
Dedra D. Woods*
R. Hamilton Wright*
UnderstudiesAnne Allgood*
Nicholas Japaul Bernard*
Alexandria J. Henderson*
Director Valerie Curtis-Newton
PlaywrightReginald Andre Jackson
ChoreographerDonald Byrd
Scenic DesignerJennifer Zeyl
Costume DesignerCathy Hunt
Lighting DesignerRobert J. Aguilar
Sound DesignerLarry D. Fowler
Projection DesignerJuniper Shuey
Dialect CoachAmani Dorn
Dramaturg Martine Kei Green-Rogers
Associate Lighting Designer LB Morse
Stage ManagerRuth Eitemiller*
Assistant Stage ManagerHazel Rose Gibson*
Production AssistantNoah Sarkowsky
* Members of Actors Equity Association, the Union of Professonal Actors and Stage Managers in the USA

Metamorphoses – Play – Seattle Repertory Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Metamorphoses play at Seattle Repertory Theatre based on the Roman Ovid’s epic magnum opus. Poetic storytelling at its finest. #Mythology #vignettes

Synopsis from the Theatre: A daring and intimate new production inspired by Ovid’s epic poems of transformation. This modern interpretation performed by a quartet of actors weaves together a collection of both well-known and rarely told myths that excavate the extremes of human experience through the purest forms of theatrical storytelling.​

Reviewed Performance: 2/5/23 on opening weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: No, it was multiple unconnected mythological tales

Recommendation: See it especially if you like Greek or Roman mythology. I read the Iliad and the Odessey but I’m unfamiliar with Ovid and I’ve actually never heard of any of these stories.

Was This the First Time I Saw 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: All

Number of Actors: 4

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1 hour and 30 mins

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Silence and Shadow: The absence of sound (silence) was a big theme in Philomela and Procne’s story. You could hear a pin drop in the theatre. Additionally, this production created dramatic shadows (absence of light) on the walls with flashlights and spotlights. The silence and shadows complemented with the simple scenic design.
  • Nike Imouru: Nike Imouru was a good choice as one of the storytellers by just her accent alone … not to mention her acting. What is it about the British accent that makes storytelling so much more enchanting? I especially enjoyed when she poetically spun the tale of the spider (Arachne).

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Beginning: The first story in the play was about how the Earth began and it reminded me of Genesis from the Bible. I wonder what the similarities are between the Genesis text and the actual Metamorphoses text.
  • Climate Change: I was surprised there was a myth about climate change. I wonder if the playwrights intentionally framed the Phaethon myth to remind the audience about climate change or if Ovid’s original tale was inherently about climate change.

Theatre Company: Seattle Repertory Theatre

Venue: Seattle Repertory Theatre

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

Price: Medium to Expensive

Ticket Affordability Options:

Dates: January 27 to February 26, 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. In those cases, I’ll park further north up on Queen Anne Hill.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See below pictures under video

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen "#Metamorphoses" #play at #SeattleRep based on the #Roman #Ovid's epic magnum opus. #Poetic #storytelling at its finest. Review: showsiveseen.com/3796 #Mythology #vignettes #theatre ♬ Pompeii – Bastille
Nike Imoru in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Kjerstine Rose Anderson and Meme García in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Darragh Kennan in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Nike Imoru and Kjerstine Rose Anderson in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Nike Imoru, Meme García, and Kjerstine Rose Anderson in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Darragh Kennan and Nike Imoru in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Meme García, Nike Imoru, and Kjerstine Rose Anderson in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Kjerstine Rose Anderson and Meme García in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Kjerstine Rose Anderson and Darragh Kennan in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Kjerstine Rose Anderson and Darragh Kennan in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Nike Imoru in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters
RoleName
EnsembleKjerstine Rose Anderson
Meme García
Nike Imoru
Darragh Kennan
UnderstudiesMiguel Castellano
Varinique “V” Davis
PlaywrightsSami Ibrahim
Laura Lomas
Sabrina Mahfouz
Director Shana Cooper
ChoreographerErika Chong Shuch
Scenic DesignerSibyl Wickersheimer
Costume DesignerAn-lin Dauber
Lighting Designer Thorn Michaels
Sound Designer and ComposerRodolfo Ortega
DramaturgPaul Adolphsen
Stage ManagerJeffrey K. Hanson
Fiddle CoachWiley Basho Gorn
Directing ApprenticeLucas Esperanza
Lighting Design ApprenticeMel Williams
Stage Management ApprenticeMax Zamorano
DraperKim Dancy and Kirsten Hager
WigsShelby Rogers
Design AssociateIsabella Harris

Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll & Hyde Play – The Phoenix Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play at The Phoenix Theatre. Hilarious slapstick comedy. Great leading performance by Josiah C. Miller as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: ​Dr. Jekyll’s research finds him – as usual – investigating the split between good and evil in the human psyche. Of course, things get out of hand when he decides being evil might be more fun and recreational. This hilarious spoof of the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson will keep you in stitches as this fast-paced comedy takes the stage and is appropriate for all ages.

Reviewed Performance: 2/4/23 on opening weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you enjoy slapstick comedy. I usually do not but I still enjoyed the show.

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:
4.25 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: None

Number of Actors: 10

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1 hour and 45 mins

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Leading Actor: I was already excited to see Josiah C Miller because of his great performances in Chapter Two and Rocky Horror Show. In Chemical Imbalance, he commanded his portrayal of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with a well-spoken, strongly-projected voice.
  • Cast Doubling: Obviously, cast doubling was involved between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. There was also significant cast doubling between the good and evil identical twins Calliope and Penelope, both played by Julia Mounce. Both actors took on the challenge without using costume changes. The lisp was a clever way (or a crutch?) to help the audience distinguish when the actor was playing a good or evil character. If anything, I consider it a success when the audience is able to do this, regardless of the means … unless you use a big fat sign!
  • Favorite Scene: When a dinner party gradually and hilariously migrated to below the dinner table
  • Favorite Lines: “You have to marry and have children before your hair drops out” and “See about getting the carolers some table scraps from the kitchen. I do so like to support the arts.”

Rant(s)

  • Punches and Kicks: Needs to be more realistic

Theatre Company: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020

Price: Cheap

Dates: February 3 – 26, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Free and plentiful lot parking in adjacent lot

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

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen "Chemical Imbalance: A #Jekyll and #Hyde #Play" at the Phoenix Theatre. #Hilarious #slapstick #comedy. Great leading performance by Josiah C. Miller as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Review: showsiveseen.com/3794 #theatre ♬ Bad Side – CRMNL

RoleName
Plodgett Ingrid Sanai Buron
Lady Throckmortonshire Melanie Calderwood
Euphronia Jekyll Susan Connors
Ivy Kaira Hensler
Xavier & Police LieutenantBrandon Jepson
ConstableJames Lynch
Dr. Henry Jekyll & Mr. HydeJosiah C. Miller
Calliope & Penelope ThrockmortonshireJulia Mounce
Rosamunda Dewthistle Amanda Petrowski
Ambrosia Jekyll Mckenzie Wilson
….
PlaywrightLauren Wilson
Director Eric Lewis
Fight CoordinatorSam Graves
Technical Director Craig Marshall
Stage ManagerIan Wight
Costumer Elizabeth Shipman
Set Dresser Susan Connors
Set Design Eric Lewis & Craig Marshall
Set ConstructionEric Helland & Ian Wight
Board OperatorCraig Marshall

The Hatmaker’s Wife – Play – Centerstage Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Hatmaker’s Wife play at Centerstage Theatre. Surprisingly symbolic, abstract, & time bending with child-like dialogue and Slavic accents. #theatre #hat

Synopsis from the Theatre: Hetchman the retired hatmaker loves his hat – and his wife. When both go missing, he vows to find them. But first he needs to muster the strength to leave the comforts of his beloved armchair. The Hatmaker’s Wife is a surreal time-bending fable set in a home where walls talk, words magically appear, and a sweet unexplainable love triangle develops between a man, his wife, and his hat.

Reviewed Performance: 1/29/23 on Opening Weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Not really. It alternated between past and present occupants of a home.

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you’re into shows with lots of symbolism that are open to interpretation

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

Equity Actors: None

Number of Actors: 14

Length (Including Any Intermission): 90 mins

Intermission: Yes

Theatre Company: Centerstage Theatre

Venue: Dumas Bay Centre

Venue Physical Address: 3200 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98023

Price: Cheap

Dates: January 27 – February 19, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Free and plentiful lot parking in adjacent lot

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

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen "The #Hatmaker's Wife" #play at Centerstage Theatre. Surprisingly symbolic, abstract, & time bending w/ child-like dialogue & Slavic accents. Review: showsiveseen.com/3779 #theatre #hat ♬ In the Bosom – Sweet After Tears
Peter Cook, Scott Pinkston, Andreya Pro
Brynne Garman
Van Lang Pham, Andreya Pro
RoleName
VoiceAndreya Pro
Gabe/GolumVan Lang Pham
HetchmanPeter Cook
Hetchman’s wifeBrynne Garman
MeckelScott W. Pinkston
WallBrittany Lael
PlaywrightLauren Yee
DirectorAngela Bayler
Stage ManagerMadeline Hiller
Scenic DesignerNiclas Olson
Costume DesignerMarie Morgans
Light DesignerMichelle Weingarde-Bandes
Sound DesignerPatrick Fuhrman
Props MasterHenry Behrens
Scenic ArtistJasmine Johnson
Hat Music ComposerRyan Rumery
Assistant Stage ManagerDean Marshall

An Incomplete List of All the Things I’m Going to Miss When the World is No Longer – Musical – Dacha Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): An Incomplete List of All the Things I’m Going to Miss When the World is No Longer: w/ Dacha Theatre at Theatre Off Jackson. Experimental abstract allegorical musical about a house party rager before the end of the world. Very open to interpretation. #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: An Incomplete List of All the Things I’m Going to Miss When The World is No Longer: is an electro-synth musical at the end of the world. Following a global announcement of the exact time Earth, as we know it, will cease to exist, a community of young queer friends and lovers decide the only reasonable thing would be to gather together for one last rager. This musical invites you into a glance at the last party on Earth–interwoven through a retrospective of cherished and tragic memories–to celebrate and mourn the delights and deceptions of the human experience.

Reviewed Performance: 1/29/23 Evening on Opening Weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Musical – This is uncommon for abstract experimental shows, which are usually plays instead

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: No – It was a mix of past, present, and maybe imagined vignettes.

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Recommendation: See it if 1) you’re into abstract, experimental shows that are open to interpretation 2) or you liked Arlington.

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

Equity Actors: None

Number of Actors: 14

Length (Including Any Intermission): A little less than 2 hours. The show either needs to be shorter or needs to include an intermission!

Intermission: No

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Coveralls: Was there any symbolism behind all the boilersuits? Or am I too far removed from what’s fashionable these days? Major “coolaid and sneakers cult” vibes!
  • Out of Tune?: One of the actors sang out of tune and I was wondering if it was intentional or not because of the allegorical nature of the musical.
  • Audience Participation: Before the musical started, cast members filtered into the theatre like it was a house party. They interacted with the audience in character asking “Do you know this band that’s playing?” or “Who do you know anybody at this party?” I actually didn’t realize one of the people talking to me was an actor at first! If you don’t want to interact with the cast before the show starts, just glue your eyes to your phone. 🙂 Additionally, halfway through the show, they asked all audience members to join on-stage if they wanted to. Half the audience acquiesced, and the cast continued to perform to the remaining audience members in their seats, which could be awkward if only one person decided to stay in their seat!
  • Moral of the Story: What was the message? I always struggle to grasp this in shows that are very abstract and experimental. Leave a comment in my social media post links below about what you think it is!

Theatre Company: Dacha Theatre

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

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

Price: Cheap

Ticket Affordability Options: Every performance is pay-what-you-can. You can pay $1-50 per ticket online. It’s all honor system. The standard price is $35.

Dates: January 27 – February 11, 2023

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid street parking is usually available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. There’s also paid parking lots nearby as well.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See below pictures under video and in video by Brett Love

@showsiveseen “An Incomplete List of All the Things I’m Going to Miss When the World is No Longer:” w/ @dachatheatre at Theatre Off Jackson. #Experimental #abstract #allegorical #musical about a house #party #rager before the end of the world. Very open to interpretation. Review + Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/3731 #theatre ♬ Out of My Mind – Dylan Rockoff