Significant Other – Play – Tacoma Little Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Significant Other play by Joshua Harmon at Tacoma Little Theatre. As a regular single gay man whose friends are getting married, this hits home. Romantic comedy that focuses less on love & more on girlfriends. #romcom #friends #friendship

Synopsis from the Theatre: Jordan Berman would love to be in love, but that’s easier said than done. So until he meets Mr. Right, he wards off lonely nights with his trio of close girlfriends. But as singles’ nights turn into bachelorette parties, Jordan discovers that the only thing harder than finding love is supporting the loved ones around you when they do. But, as they get married one by one, he is left to wonder why life won’t give him the same fairytale ending. Significant Other is an unorthodox romantic comedy that celebrates the highs and lows of twenty- something urban life, wedding after wedding after wedding.

Reviewed Performance: 4/21/23 Opening Weekend

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings: Several

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: None

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it especially if you’ve ever been a single gay man

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Probably if it was a professional production

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 7

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hour

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Stage Background: As usual, Tacoma Little Theatre showcased vibrant projected backdrops on-stage. I particularly liked the simple white modern background displayed before the show, during intermission, and at the curtain call. The club scenes backgrounds were flashy too. See the video and pictures below.
  • Storytelling: I enjoyed when the main character obsessively recounted/reenacted his love interest stolen moments, especially the wet naked body scene. What can I say, sex sells! Again, check out one of the pictures at the end of this article to see what I’m referring to!
  • Kiki: Tryphaena Singleton’s (who played Kiki) look and outfits were so chic. Great silhouette! You can tell she’s also a model in real life.
  • Cast Doubling: Paul Richter played 3 characters that I didn’t even know were the same person until I read the credits after the show! I wish we saw more of his fabulous “omigod, haaaaayyyy gurrrrrl!” gay coworker character though.
  • Anti-marriage Themes: As a cynical perpetually-single person, I definitely enjoyed the digs towards marriage like comparing marriage to a funeral and feeling like all your engaged friends are dying. There was a great tirade about how straight married couples sometimes lose their individuality and settle into mediocre heteronormativity.
  • Favorite Line: Something like “‘He’s a sweet guy’ is code for ugly!”

Rant(s)

  • Energy: Maybe it was the common show-after-opening-night lull but this production needed a little more energy. Maybe speed up some scenes or add more background/transition sounds.
  • Music: The very last scene contained a critical background song that awkwardly cut out in the middle. I was worried the actors would need to improvise! Fortunately, the music came back on after a minute and the play comfortably concluded. It must have been a long minute for the actors on-stage! Oh, the magical unpredictability of live theatre!

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Suicide Theme: There were some mentions of suicidality that felt out of place in this romantic comedy script. The playwright could have left these out.

Theatre Company: Tacoma Little Theatre

Venue: Tacoma Little Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 210 N I St, Tacoma, WA 98403

Price: Low

Ticket Affordability Options: PWYC (pay-what-you-can) on 5/4/23 and GoldStar

Dates: April 21 to May 7, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Mostly street parking. I usually like to park one block away on North Yakima Ave. Season ticket holders and donors can access a free parking lot.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video below by Dennis K Photography

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen “Significant Other” #play by Joshua Harmon at @tacomalittletheatre. As a regular #single #gay man whose friends are getting married, this hits home. #RomanticComedy that focuses less on love & more on girlfriends. Photos by Dennis K Photography. Review: showsiveseen.com/5003 #romcom #friends #friendship #LGBT #theatre ♬ Married – Mallory Johnson
Laura (Corissa DeVerse), Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald), Kiki (Tryphaena Singleton) & Vanessa (Amanda McCarther)
Roger (Paul Richter), Vanessa (Amanda McCarther), Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald), Kiki (Tryphaena Singleton) & Conrad (Rodman Bolek)
Laura (Corissa DeVerse) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)
Laura (Corissa DeVerse), Kiki (Typhaena Singleton) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)
Vanessa (Amanda McCarther) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)
Roger (Paul Richter), Vanessa (Amanda McCarther) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)
Kiki (Typhaena Singleton) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)
Laura (Corissa DeVerse), Vanessa (Amanda McCarther) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)
Vanessa (Amanda McCarther), Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald) & Laura (Corissa DeVerse)
Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald) & Helene (Sharry O’Hare)
Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald) & Will (Rodman Bolek)
Laura (Corissa DeVerse) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)
Laura (Corissa DeVerse), Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald), Kiki (Tryphaena Singleton) & Vanessa (Amanda McCarther)
RoleName
Jordan BermanNick Fitzgerald
LauraCorissa DeVerse
VanessaAmanda McCarther
KikiTryphaena Singleton
Helene BermanSharry O’Hare
Will/Conrad/TonyRodman Bolek
Zach/Evan/RogerPaul Richter
PlaywrightJoshua Harmon
DirectorChris Serface
Assistant DirectorCody Clark
Stage ManagerBethany Bevier
Assistant Stage ManagerErinne Kellogg
Technical Director/Scenic Designer/VisualsBlake York
Costume DesignerMichele Graves
Production ManagerDylan Twiner
Lighting DesignerNiclas R. Olson
Sound Designer/Board OperatorChandler Garry
Lead Carpenter/Properties DesignerFrank Roberts
Shop AssistantNate Lovitt
Scenic ArtistJennifer York
Hair and Wig ConsultantMauro Bozzo
Graphic DesignBlake R. York
PhotographyDennis K Photography
Tacoma Next Move InternsLachlan Desmarais, Sam Hibbard, Sergio Mijares

The Niceties – Play – Intiman Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Niceties #play by Eleanor Burgess at Intiman Theatre w/ Varinique “V” Davis & Amy Thone highlighting today’s generational/racial divide. It’s rare to find a 2-person play w/ intellectual dialogue as thrilling & delicious as this. Loved the twist at the end of the 1st act. Well-written and well-executed!

Synopsis from the Theatre: A pair of progressive women — a white baby boomer and a Black millennial — are pitted against each other at an elite university as a tenured history professor argues with her student about the effects of slavery on the American Revolution. What begins as a polite clash in perspectives explodes into a dramatic fight that will alter both their lives forever. The play forces us to choose a side as it asks: how much are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of progress?

Reviewed Performance: 4/20/23 Opening Night

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Just 2 scenes

Several or Few Settings: Just 1 room

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You need to know a little about the history, politics, and higher education of the United States to appreciate this play. A USA college degree and high school diploma will definitely go far in understanding the nuances.

Defined Plot/Storyline: No, there’s only so much you can do with 2 scenes in 1 room!

Recommendation: See it if you like either

  • 2-person Plays
  • Intellectual Debates
  • Leftist/Liberal Idealism
  • Black Lives Matter
  • Or Academia

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 really good

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
5 stars (Out of 5 Stars) – This is surprising since I usually don’t like shows with few actors!

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 2

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hour

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Intellectually Interesting: Honestly, I initially thought the premise was inherently boring. I was pleasantly proved wrong and I actually found the play well written/executed. It was both mentally stimulating and entertaining. Stuffy academics would love listening to Professor Janine (played by Amy Throne) drone on about university. Entertainment seekers (like myself) will want to bust out the popcorn when the uncomfortable conflicts unfold. The playwright (Eleanor Burgess) wrote a great debate with interesting, valid arguments from both sides sprinkled with funny smart quips and several “mini climactic” moments.
  • Ending of Play (No Spoilers): The play ended abruptly on an emotionally charged note with a significant sentence and the lights suddenly off. I can’t think of many plays that do this and I feel like it’s more exciting this way. The final word of the script caught me off guard too. I had to look up the definition after the show and ponder what the playwright was trying to convey with that word. I’m still wondering! Maybe prompting the audience to ponder days after the performance is a sign of a good play though.
  • Ending of Each Act (No Spoilers): Both acts presented a different energy but they both also ended with their own unexpected similar juicy twist and sudden conclusion. I wish there was a word to describe this novel writing technique like the “bookends” technique. It’s like the bookends are at the end of each act instead of at the beginning/end of the play. Leave a comment in my social media if you have any ideas what this is called.

Rant(s)

  • “Line”: One of the actors asked for a line at the beginning of the second act. I’ve only ever seen this happen once or twice. Oh, the magical unpredictability of live theatre! In her defense, 1) it was opening night 2) she recovered well 3) and I’m always amazed at how much material on-stage actors memorize like the 1-2 gripping long-winded nervous breakdown-like tirades she delivered.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Moral of the Story: While both opposing sides made great points, the script didn’t offer much viable concluding solutions to the racial issues presented. There was no “moral of the story.” But I suppose these issues don’t have an easy solution that you can just tie up neatly with a pretty bow.
  • Liberal Wet Dream: With such a progressive script, Seattle was the perfect city to produce this show, what with our microaggression police, safe spaces, trigger warnings, land acknowledgements, PC-culture, pronoun-ing, and social justice warriors. Can you tell I’m not from here? 😛 Like I mentioned in my review of Between Two Knees, woke Seattleites with white guilt will be sure to eat this up. BLM protesters would love it too.

Theatre Company: Intiman Theatre

Venue: Erickson Theatre at Seattle Central College

Venue Physical Address: 1524 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Price: Medium

Ticket Affordability Options: The ticketing website offers honor code discount options for students, military, industry, … or anybody. There are also 20 free rush tickets 1 hour before each performance.

Dates: April 18-29, 2023

Seating: General Admission

Parking: It’s Capitol Hill … so good luck. Try to take the bus. The cheapest parking I could find was $14 on the street. Geeez!

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

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen "The Niceties" #play by Eleanor Burgess at #Intiman Theatre w/ Varinique "V" Davis + Amy Thone highlighting today's generational/racial divide. It's rare to find a 2-person play w/ intellectual dialogue as thrilling & delicious as this. Loved the twist at the end of the 1st act. Well-written and well-executed! Photos by Joe Moore. Review: showsiveseen.com/4916 #theatre ♬ leave me – Anees
RoleName
Zoe ReedVarinique ‘V’ Davis*
Janine BoskoAmy Thone*
PlaywrightEleanor Burgess
DirectorSheila Daniels
Associate Director + Fight ChoreographerJasmine Lomax
Scenic Designer and Intiman Artistic DirectorJennifer Zeyl†
Costume DesignerIsabella Price
Lighting DesignerVada Briceño
Sound DesignerMatt Starritt†
Stage ManagerHazel Rose Gibson*
Assistant Lighting DesignerChih-Hung Shao
Intiman Managing DirectorWesley Frugé
*Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
†Member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE

The Play That Goes Wrong – Play – Theatre33

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Play That Goes Wrong w/ Theatre33. Funny chaotic play-in-a-play w/ the slapstick hijinks of a murder comedy mystery.

Synopsis from the Theatre: From Mischief, Broadway masters of comedy, comes the smash hit farce. Welcome to opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. This 1920s whodunit has everything you never wanted in a show—an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences! Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, this Olivier Award–winning comedy is a global phenomenon that’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter!

Reviewed Performance: 4/15/23 Opening Performance

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings: Just 2 rooms in a house

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: None

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you like murder mystery comedies (like The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940) or chaotic slapstick hijinks

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show: Yes and it was my first time at Theatre33

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 8

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.5 hour

Intermission: Yes

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Perfect Scheme: I imagine this script is an actor’s dream. You could easily mess up or ask for lines without the audience knowing it wasn’t intentional and still garner some laughs with some improvisation.
  • Cast Age: As I mentioned previously, this was the first production from Theatre33 that I attended. I didn’t expect all of the cast members to be youth or young adults! I wonder how often adults perform.

Theatre Company: Theatre33

Venue: Carlson Theatre at Bellevue Collage

Venue Physical Address: Officially, the address is “3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, WA 98007,” which doesn’t lead to the theatre. It’s better to use the GPS coordinates 47.58320939616845, -122.14925423992935.

Price: Cheap

Dates: Sorry, there were only 4 performances April 15-16, 2023

Seating: General Admission

Parking: $2 parking at the non-student parking lot #10 or #12 (GPS coordinates 47.582914377229656, -122.14761699020893)

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

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen “The Play That Goes Wrong” w/ #Theatre33 by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, & Henry Shields. Funny #chaotic #play-in-a-play w/ the #slapstick #hijinks of a murder #comedy mystery. Review: showsiveseen.com/4868 #theatre ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show
Role (This is a play-within-a-play)Name
Annie plays the stage managerLubava Kochergin
Trevor plays the lighting/sound operatorLucie Dolezel/Alex Agadjanyan
Chris plays Inspector CarterLilli Agadjanyan
Jonathan plays Charles HavershamDanylo Sakara
Robert plays Thomas ColleymooreEdward Prozhogin
Dennis plays PerkinsLucie Dolezel/Alex Agadjanyan
Max plays Cecil Haversham and Arthur the GardenerDaniel Polonsky
Sandra plays Florance ColleymooreEvelin Nitsuk
DirectorMarianna Chebotaryova
PlaywrightsHenry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, & Henry Shields

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – Play – Seattle Children’s Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Wonderful Wizard of Oz play at Seattle Children’s Theatre. Vibrant scenic design and costumes. Fabulous scarecrow portrayal from Nicolas Japaul Bernard.

Synopsis from the Theatre: Growing tired of her life in Kansas, Dorothy and her little dog Toto discover a new adventure in the wonderful and magical Land of Oz after a cyclone swoops them “somewhere over the rainbow.” While following the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, who quickly become her new friends. Together, they overcome their fears of witches, flying monkeys, and a haunted forest to learn if the Wizard can make their dreams come true.

Reviewed Performance: 4/7/23 Opening Night – Sorry for the late review! I was busy obtaining pictures and clarifying guidelines with the theatre. Fortunately, you still have more than a month to see this production.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings: Several

Prior Exposure Required: None but it wouldn’t hurt to have seen the classic movie

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you want to treat your kids to live theatre. This show targeted audiences younger than teenagers. In contrast, most other Seattle Children’s Theatre shows I’ve chosen to attend like The Boy Who Kissed the Sky and The Diary of Anne Frank could be enjoyed by adults without kids.

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Yes, if I had kids and it was another professional production

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

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 12

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1 hour

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Design: The set and costumes were gorgeous. What a treat that children can experience the same level of production value as other professional theatres! See the pictures at the end of this review.
  • Scarecrow: Nicholas Japaul Bernard was delightful as the fabulous flamboyant scarecrow providing comic relief with Pippi Longstocking hair. His portrayal reminded me of his previous role as Pharus in Choir Boy at ACT Theatre.
  • Filipino Elements: Did they incorporate a barong and pagmamano (bless) in this show? If so, I’m digging the visibility as a Pinoy! It reminded me of Village Theatre’s production of Mamma Mia.

Rant(s)

  • Mask: One of the performers was wearing a mask. While I acknowledge a person’s right to continue wearing one in the workplace, this is probably the second or third time I’ve ever seen an actor wear a mask on-stage even when theatres reopened Fall 2021 … and I’ve seen almost 200 shows since COVID started! Masks on-stage are visually distracting and they muffle actors’ lines. For the record, I’m not a staunch anti-masker. I actually still occasionally wear an N95 when I’m in the theatre to ensure my packed show schedule (of about 3 shows per week) is uninterrupted.
  • Stage Crew Visibility: It was a little distracting seeing the stage crew moving set pieces.
  • Tornado: I would have personally preferred the tornado scene to be more violent and treacherous … but I guess we don’t want the young audience members to have nightmares!
  • Auditory Stimulation: The show felt a little too silent for kids, who are already accustomed to sensory overstimulation from the media. Plus, the colorful vibrant set begged to be accompanied with more sound. Maybe add more background audio.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Slippers: I didn’t know the original book described the magic slippers as silver instead of the classic ruby red. Today I learned that the classic film’s studio wanted to show off the new technicolor technology with more vibrant props.
  • Youth Actors: This production incorporated two sets of alternating youth actor casts. I’m sure the young people in the audience got a kick out of seeing their peers on stage.

Theatre Company: Seattle Children’s Theatre

Venue: Seattle Children’s Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 201 W Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: Cheap to Medium

Ticket Affordability Options: Each performance has a value option available online. Also check out the theatre’s discount page.

Dates: April 4 to May 21, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking or various paid parking lots/garages. Street parking is sparse when there’s a major Seattle Center or Climate Pledge Arena event. I usually have good luck finding street parking around Lenny Wilkins Way next to the theatre on non-event days. I try to take the bus on event days since even the event street parking costs more than $12.

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

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” #play by @dulcia.25 at Seattle Children’s Theatre. Vibrant scenic design & costumes. Fabulous scarecrow portrayal from @djpaul90. Photos by Truman Buffet. Review: showsiveseen.com/4793 #WizardOfOz #Oz #theatre ♬ Munchkinland Musical Sequence – The Munchkins
Avery Clary and Marena Kleinpeter in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Audrey Conner, Jerik Fernandez, Marena Kleinpeter, Chad Kelderman, and Dedra D. Woods in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Dedra D. Woods, and Avery Clark in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Avery Clark, Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Roz Cornejo, and Jerik Fernandez in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Fiona Hurley, Emberly Hoke, Jerik Fernandez, Marena Kleinpeter, Dedra D. Woods, Avery Clark, Chad Kelderman, Audrey Conner, Penelope Tobin, and Tabitha Murphy Madden in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Jerik Fernandez, and Avery Clark in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Jerik Fernandez, and Avery Clark in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Jerik Fernandez, and Avery Clark in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Chad Kelderman, Marena Kleinpeter, Jerik Fernandez, and Avery Clark in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Marena Kleinpeter, Chad Kelderman, and Jerik Fernandez in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Roz Cornejo in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Dedra D. Woods, Emberly Hoke, and Roz Cornejo in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Marena Kleinpeter in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Annelih Hamilton and Marena Kleinpeter in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Marena Kleinpeter in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Marena Kleinpeter in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
Roz Cornejo in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Photo by Truman Buffett.
RoleName
Scarecrow Nicholas Japaul Bernard
Wizard of Oz/Wicked Witch Of The West Roz Cornejo
Uncle Henry / Cowardly Lion Jerik Fernandez
Aunt Em / Locasta, Good Witch of the North Annelih Hamilton
Tin Woodman Chad Kelderman*
Dorothy Marena Kleinpeter
King of the Winged Monkeys / Glinda, Good Witch of the South / Hungry Wildcat Dedra D. Woods*
Munchkin / Flying Monkey Ian Bartlett, Ariadne Taw, Penelope Tobin, Emberly Hoke, Fiona Hurley, or Lillian Morris
Munchkin / Hungry Wildkitten / Flying Monkey Zella Davidson or Tabitha Murphy Madden
Guardian of the Gates / Flying Monkey Reagan Nino or Audrey Conner
Understudies Gloria Alcalå
Avery Clark*
Bethanie Willis
DirectorJéhan Òsanyin**
PlaywrightAdapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton from the novel by L. Frank Baum
ChoreographerAlice Gosti**
Scenic Designer Julia Hayes Welch^
Costume Designer Taya Pyne
Lighting Designer Adem Hayyu^
Sound Designer Erin Bednarz
Fight Director Geoffrey Alm**
Wig & Hair Designers Kafi Masika Modest Roberts
Costume Design Assistant Natalie Shih
Makeup Artist Meredith Keister
Stage Manager Jamie J. Kranz*
Assistant Stage Manager Quinn Chase*
Production Assistant P. Alyda Sorm
Youth Cast Supervisor Amy Jurkiewicz
Swing Youth Cast Supervisor Lillia Nelson
* Actors Equity Association
^ United Scene Artists Member, Local 829
** Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Member

I Hate Hamlet – Play – The Phoenix Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): I Hate Hamlet play at The Phoenix Theatre. As usual, Josiah C Miller & Jag delivered wonderful stage presence in this funny love letter to showbiz & live theatre. Shakespeare lovers & haters (like me) alike will enjoy! #JohnBarrymore

Synopsis from the Theatre: Television star Andrew Rally is about to start rehearsals to play Hamlet—and he is terrified. Unsure of himself, worried about his career, Andrew doesn’t know what to do. In the midst of his confusion, he is visited by the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore. Barrymore explains that all actors who take on the role are visited and mentored by their predecessors, and that he cannot leave Andrew until he takes the stage as Hamlet.

Reviewed Performance: 4/8/23 Opening Weekend

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Only one scene in each act

Several or Few Settings: Only one setting (John Barrymore’s NYC apartment)

Prerequisite Knowledge Required: Despite the name in the title, prior Hamlet experience is not required to enjoy this play. However, I wonder what nuances I missed being unfamiliar with the seminal classic. You probably won’t appreciate this play as much without prior Shakespeare exposure though.

Defined Plot/Storyline: It’s difficult to achieve a defined plot with only two scenes. Nevertheless, the script was good.

Recommendation: See it especially if either

  • You like plays/musicals about live theatre such as Something Rotten!
  • Or you have a strong opinion towards Shakespeare, whether love or hate

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

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

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 6

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Codpiece: Codpieces must be the rage in the Puget Sound theatre world today since this is the second time I’ve seen an exaggerated “unit” this year. The first time was in The Taming at Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts. I wonder if Seattle Shakespeare Theatre Company will follow suit.
  • Fencing: Good fight choreography (from Geoffrey Alm) and execution (from Josiah C Miller and Jag)
  • Soliloquy Magic: Andrew Rally’s (played by Josiah C Miller) description of soliloquy magic was spot on and well executed. I could definitely relate as an audience member. I wonder what it’s like as a performer when the magic is just right and “you’ve tasted glory.”
  • Vocal Assurance: Jag and Josiah C Miller’s inherent vocal assurance worked well for delivering their Shakesperean lines. It reminded me of Jag’s last role at The Phoenix Theatre in Dashing Through the Snow as a delightful, dramatic, over-the-top, self-involved thespian.
  • NYC and LA Rivalry: I enjoyed the script’s comparison/contrast between west coast Hollywood and east coast theatre.
  • Costumes: Deirdre’s (played by Mary Guthrie Leedy) costumes were so 80-90s chic!
  • Favorite Lines:
    • “The elderly should not discuss romance, it is distasteful.”
    • “Wait, let me get this. It’s Shakespeare, right? It’s like algebra on stage.” – As someone who hates Shakespeare, I couldn’t agree more!

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Seance: As a previous Adventist, I’m always a bit freaked when I see portrayals of the occult in entertainment. But the unexpected circumcision joke during the seance thankfully dispelled all that. At least, I think there was a circumcision joke but now I’m not sure if I misheard it since I was the only person in the audience that laughed. If it was there, it was good comedic relief from left field. If it wasn’t there, I just have a dirty mind … but they need to add it!

Theatre Company: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue: The Phoenix Theatre

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

Price: Cheap

Dates: April 7-30, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Free and plentiful lot parking in front of theatre

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:
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Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

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

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen "I Hate #Hamlet" #play by Paul Rudnick at The Phoenix Theatre. As usual, Jag & Josiah C Miller delivered wonderful stage presence in this funny love letter to #showbiz & live #theatre. #Shakespeare lovers & haters (like me) alike will enjoy! Photos by James Sipes. Review: showsiveseen.com/4751 #JohnBarrymore ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim
RoleName
Felica Dantine Susan Connors
Andrew Rally Josiah C. Miller
Deirdre McDaveyMary Guthrie Leedy
Lillian Troy Dawn Cornell
John Barrymore Jag
Gary Peter Lefkowitz Thomas A. Glass
Director Keith Dahlgren
Playwright Paul Rudnick
Stage Manager Amanda Costinett
Assistant Stage Manager August Marshall
Technical Director Craig Marshall
Fight Director Geoffrey Alm
Set Dresser Susan Connors
Costumer Elizabeth Shipman
Set Design & Construction Craig Marshall
House Manager Lauren Kottwitz
Graphic Designer Felicia Hallenbeck
Set Construction Eric Helland
Artistic Director Melanie Calderwood
Managing Director Tracy Cahill