Jeeves Takes a Bow – Play – Taproot Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Jeeves Takes a Bow play at Taproot Theatre directed by Scott Nolte adapted by Margaret Raether based on PG Wodehouse stories. Fast-moving light play … just how I like it! Chaotic comedy! Great job Jeeves understudy Mark Waldstein. It must be nice to have a butler to cushion your falls in life!

Synopsis from the Theatre: Bertie’s back! And this time his talent for trouble trails him to the Big Apple. When childhood chum Binkey Binkersteth knocks, one knacky notion leads to masterful mayhem and soon the notorious Knuckles McCann is fitting Bertie for a Chicago overcoat. Fortunately, the unflappable Jeeves is close at hand with a stiff cuppa joe and a penchant for putting things right!

Reviewed Performance: 5/19/23 – Opening Night

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Few

Several or Few Settings/Locations: One, the living room of a luxurious New York City apartment

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but I suspect you’d probably appreciate the play more if you’re familiar with PG Wodehouse’s Jeeves character. I only knew about Ask Jeeves from the 1990s prior to this performance.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Not particularly extensive. There’s only so much story that can unfold in a single room. It was more about comedic antics than unfolding complex plot.

Recommendation: See it, especially if you like chaotic comedies that Taproot Theatre tends to produce like The Nerd and See How They Run. Usually, I don’t prefer shows with focused on hijinks and antics but this one was actually pretty good.

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

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

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 6

Perceived Pace of Show: Fast

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours that flew by. Time flies when you’re having fun!

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Delightful Characters: Many amusing personalities filled this play with funny 1930s dialogue. The prude Vivienne Duckworth was probably my favorite since I grew up with her repressive moralistic mentality. Kelly Karcher’s energetic portrayal of Vivienne reminded me of her previous Taproot Theatre role where she shined as Lydia in The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley. The flapper-like NYC stardom-obsessed Ruby LeRoy (played by Claire Marx) was a wonderful contrast to prim British Vivienne. Speaking of contrasts, there was an “opposites attract” storyline, which I always eat up. It’s also worth mentioning Calder Shilling’s (Bertram Wilberforce Wooster) and Miguel Castellano’s (Nigel Bingham-Binkersteth, aka “Binkey”) lively portrayals of their British characters.
  • Scenic Design: While the design didn’t feel like 1910s-1920s era (seemed more 1980s-1990s), it was still visually pleasing. I was particularly drawn to the way high rise windows and the fire escape was designed.
  • Song: I was pleasantly surprised when Claire Marx sang a number in the second act. When I saw her name in the program, I remarked to myself that I usually see her in more music-related roles instead of pure acting parts. I’m glad she still briefly showcased her great musicality in her Ruby character.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Opening Remarks: The mundane opening remarks (like acknowledging the show sponsors) we hear before live theatre was pre-recorded like an old timey on-era NPR-like radio broadcast. Nice attention to detail.
  • Twist: Good unexpected twist with the gangster at the end of the first act!
  • Western Play Segment: Where did this chaotic scene come from? Very left field in my opinion.

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taproot Theatre

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

Price: Cheap

Ticket Affordability Options: Pay what you can days, GoldStar, and TodayTix

Dates: May 17 to June 17, 2023

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

@showsiveseen "Jeeves Takes a Bow" #play at @TaprootTheatre directed by Scott Nolte adapted by Margaret Raether based on PG Wodehouse stories. Opening night starring understudy Mark Waldstein & Calder Shilling w/ food from @Zylberschtein’s. Fast-moving light show – just how I like it. Chaotic #comedy! Photos by Robert Wade & @Giao Nguyen. Review: showsiveseen.com/5611 #theatre ♬ original sound – Shows I've Seen
Left to right: Calder Shilling and Miguel Castellano in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Left to right: Calder Shilling, Richard Nguyen Sloniker, and Miguel Castellano in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Giao Nguyen.
Left to Right: Claire Marx and Miguel Castellano in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Giao Nguyen.
Left to Right: Richard Nguyen Sloniker and Calder Shilling in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Giao Nguyen.
Left to Right: Calder Shilling and Richard Nguyen Sloniker in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Giao Nguyen.
Clockwise from left: Calder Shilling, Claire Marx, Miguel Castellano, and Richard Nguyen Sloniker in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Giao Nguyen.
Calder Shilling and Miguel Castellano in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade. Left to right: Calder Shilling and Miguel Castellano in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Calder Shilling in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Left to right: Tyler Matthew Campbell and Kelly Karcher in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Miguel Castellano on the floor, then left to right: Calder Shilling, Claire Marx, Kelly Karcher, and Tyler Matthew Campbell in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.

Monstrous Regiment – Play – Latitude Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Monstrous Regiment play adaptation (by Christopher Hainsworth) of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novel. Directed by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom. Latitude Theatre’s historic first show ever! A group of monstrous/misfit army underdogs defy traditional gender roles. Unexpected reveal at the end. #girlPower #igor #vampire #troll #Discworld

Synopsis from the Theatre: From the pages of the Discworld(TM) novels, comes a story filled with loyalty, love, monsters, and mayhem. Borogravia is at war. Again. When Polly Perks’ brother goes missing in action, she disguises herself as a young man, enlists in the army and heads to the front lines in search of her sibling. But all is not as it seems, and Polly soon learns that she isn’t the only one in this band of “brothers” protecting secrets. Making their way to the front, this misfit company might just overcome insurmountable odds to become unlikely victors. ​A wickedly funny look at the absurdities of war and ambiguities of identity.

Reviewed Performance: 5/18/23 – Opening night and debut show of Latitude Theatre’s inception!

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’d probably appreciate it more if you read the book. I haven’t read the book and I was still able to follow the story.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 11

Length (Including Any Intermission): 3 hours-ish , which was a bit too long

Intermission: Yes

Theatre Company: Latitude Theatre

Venue: Isaac Studio at Taproot Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 212 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price: Cheap

Dates: May 18 to June 4, 2023

Seating: General Admission

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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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video by James Murphy of Trainman Photography

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen "Monstrous Regiment" #play adaptation (by Christopher Hainsworth) of Terry Pratchett's #Discworld novel. Directed by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom. Latitude Theatre's historic first show ever! A group of monstrous/misfit army underdogs defy traditional #gender roles. Unexpected reveal at the end. Photos by James Murphy. Review: showsiveseen.com/5577 #girlPower #igor #vampire #troll #theatre ♬ original sound – Shows I've Seen
The evil Prince Heinrich (Rowan Gallagher, center) is captured by members of the Monstrous Regiment (Jacq Babb, Ali Kidder-Mostrom, Steven Sterne, L-R) in the stage adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s Monstrous Regiment adapted by Christopher Hainsworth, directed by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom No playing at the Isaac Studio Theatre, produced by Latitude Theatre.
Sergeant Jackrum (Steven Sterne, right) prepares the members of the Monstrous Regiment for the realities of war in Latitude Theatre’s production of Terry Pratchett’s Monstrous Regiment adapted by Christopher Hainsworth.
Polly (Lola Rei Fukushima, center) holds her own sparring against Corporal Strappi (David Elwyn, right) under the watchful eye of Sergeant Jackrum (Steven Sterne, left) in Latitude Theatre’s production of Terry Pratchett’s Monstrous Regiment adapted by Christopher Hainsworth, directed by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom.
RoleName
Polly PerksLola Rei Fukushima
IgorAli Kidder-Mostrom
MaladictJacq Babb
CarborundumKirsten Traylor-Thorson
TonkerLeah Sainz-Jones
LoftyAnnabel Klein
WazzerEmily Fortuna
Sgt JackrumSteven Sterne
Lt Blouse, BarmanJonathan Swindle
Cpl Strappi, Sgt Towering, Gen FrocDavid Elwyn
Handsome Young Man, Death, Lord RustRowan Gallagher
Polly (Understudy)Annabel Klein
Maladict/Lt Blouse (Understudy)Skye Farrell
Igor/Carborundum/Tonker/Lofty/Wazzer (Understudy)Jacqueline Alves
Strappi, et al/Death, et al (Understudy)Alex Hogue
DirectorChristopher Kidder-Mostrom *
Assistant DirectorHannah Lund
PlaywrightTerry Pratchett
Set DesignerRhys Strohmayer
Set BuilderBenji Strohmayer, Niclas Brown, Alex Hogue
Costume DesignerAli Kidder-Mostrom
Costume AssistantsJane Ryan, Jennifer Nielsen
Lighting DesignerGwyn Skone
Sound DesignerAmber Granger
ComposerCharlie Sandford
Props DesignerJennifer Nielsen
Stage ManagerSam Williamson
Assistant Stage ManagerAlex Hogue
Fight ChoreographerStacey Bush
Fight CaptainKirsten Traylor-Thorson
Dialect CoachRowan Gallagher
*Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union

Free Ticket – How to Break – Village Theatre

Leave a comment tagging your favorite live theatre venue or theatre company and why. I’ll choose a winner after 5/23 11:59 PM.

Post your comment submission on my Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. This is a free SINGLE ticket for any section B seat to any of the remaining How to Break musical performances at Village Theatre in EVERETT, Washington. The production run ends this weekend. Read my review at showsiveseen.com/4676 #theatre

Lydia and the Troll – Musical – Seattle Repertory Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Lydia and the Troll musical by Justin Huertas at Seattle Repertory Theatre. Origin story of the Fremont troll w/ a timeless message to love yourself and to cherish the life you live.

Synopsis from the Theatre: Lydia is struggling to find her voice. As a Black woman on the brink of breaking through the music industry, her dreams of being a record producer feel just out of her reach. But when a mysterious stranger offers her a chance to level up, Lydia embarks on a thrilling journey of self-discovery to take back what is hers. Inspired by the fantasy and folklore of Seattle’s landmarks, playwright and composer Justin Huertas (Lizard Boy) conjures up fresh Pacific Northwest magic through a riveting electronic/pop score and multi-media landscape in this world-premiere musical.

Reviewed Performance: 5/10/23 – Opening Night

Type: Musical

World Premiere: Yes

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: None

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes, consisting of only two people. Most of the music sounded synthesized.

Recommendation: See it, especially if you enjoy Justin Huertas’ works

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

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

Equity Actors: 5

Total Number of Actors: 5

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.5 hours

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Neon Trim Lighting: I always love modern clean lines in design. The neon trim lighting accented the stage nicely. The multicolored light show during certain numbers was particularly dazzling.
  • “Black Hair” Song: The powerful “Black Hair” song was my favorite number in this musical because of the message to cherish the cards you were dealt in life because it could always be worse. While “Black Hair” was referring to African American hair, I feel like it could also be applied to other races as well. I know Asians sometimes bleach their hair blonde (I’m guilty of this) because of colonialism and colorism.
  • Puppetry: As I mentioned in my Wolf Play review. I’m usually not a fan of puppetry. But again, this was not your typical furry Muppets or Avenue Q variety. The puppetry was more shadow effects on a white backdrop against bright projected lights. The audience actually rarely saw the actual puppets but only their shadows. I liked that the puppeteers were shortly showcased during one of the final chase scenes where they were visible on-stage without the backdrop obscuring them.
  • Favorite Line(s):
    • “I always leave a person better than I found them” – It reminded me of the TV show Dollhouse.
    • “Do Over” – The couple occasionally said this before performing a funny bit where they pretended to rewind life like a VHS tape.

Rant(s)

  • Background Crew Visibility: I’m not sure if it was because of my vantage point on the side of the balcony but it felt like the stagehands and the puppeteers were sometimes too visible. In particular, I could see the stagehands or puppeteers via the “Pepper’s Ghost” effect from glass reflections.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Troll Sizes: Why was the final troll huge, but the earlier trolls were not?
  • Troll Voice: Why did the female trolls have normal voices, but the male troll did not?
  • Seattle References: There were some Seattle references throughout the show like Columbia City Theatre (which I still have never attended!), Aurora Ave, and obviously the Fremont Troll. I thought there would be more references though. Maybe the references went over my head, especially since I’m not from the PNW.
  • Running Song: The crowd went wild during the running song. Did I miss an inside joke? Major FOMO here.

Theatre Company: Seattle Repertory Theatre

Venue: Leo Kreielsheimer Theater at Seattle Repertory Theatre

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

Price: Medium to Expensive

Ticket Affordability Options:

Dates: May 5 to June 4, 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.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video by Bronwen Houck

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen "Lydia and the Troll" #musical by @Justin Huertas w/ Steven Tran & Ammenah Kaplan at Seattle Rep. Staring @Sarah Russell & @Janet Krupin. Origin story of the Fremont #troll w/ a timeless message to love yourself & to cherish the life you live. Photos by Bronwen Houck. Review: showsiveseen.com/5328 #theatre ♬ original sound – Shows I've Seen
Janet Krupin in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Sarah Russell in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Janet Krupin in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Adam Standley and Janet Krupin in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Sarah Russell and Adam Standley in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Sarah Russell and Adam Standley in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Janet Krupin and Sarah Russell in Lydia and the Troll at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
RoleName
JaneJanet Krupin
LydiaSarah Russell
PeteAdam Standley
PuppeteerGuy Garrison, Sophia Franzella
Jane, Lydia (Understudy)Esther Okech
Pete, Puppeteer (Understudy)Ricky Spaulding
Writer, Composer, and LyricistJustin Huertas
Co-Creator and DirectorAmeenah Kaplan
Additional Music, Music Production, and Musical SupervisionSteven Tran
Lighting DesignerRobert J. Aguilar
Sound DesignerErin Bednarz
Hair/Wig & Makeup DesignerCherelle D. Guyton
Scenic & Projections DesignerBryce Cutler
Costume DesignerDanielle Nieves
Puppet CreatorGuy Garrison
Associate Music Director & ConductorElisa Money
Stage Manager (May 5 – 28)Jessica C. Bomball
Stage Manager (May 31 – June 4)Stina Lotti
Assistant Stage ManagerMalie Fujii
Conductor/Keys/GuitarElisa Money
DrummerScot Sexton
Music Assistant & CopyistDaniel Arthur
Music ConsultantAaron Norman
Projections ProgrammerBen Goldberg
Stage Management ApprenticeRosemary Lisa Jones
A2David Misner
Head AudioEvan Rees
Directing ApprenticeDaira Miranda Rodriguez
Wig BuildShelby Rogers
Wig Run CrewKD Schill
Lighting ApprenticeMel Williams
Stage Management ApprenticeMax Zamorano
The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Sunday in the Park with George – Musical – SecondStory Rep

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Sunday in the Park with George musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine at a packed SecondStory Repertory. Directed by Harry Turpin & music directed by John Allman starring Brian Pucheu & Jacqueline Tardanico. Story centered around Georges Seurat’s famous painting.

Synopsis from the Theatre: Inspired by the painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat, Sunday in the Park with George, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s stunning masterpiece, merges past and present into beautiful, poignant truths about life, love and the creation of art. One of the most acclaimed musicals of our time, this moving study of the enigmatic painter, Georges Seurat, won a Pulitzer Prize and was nominated for an astounding ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Reviewed Performance: 5/12/23

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: None

Defined Plot/Storyline: Not really. The lack of a strong storyline reminded me of Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins (which I also saw at SecondStory Repertory or Company musicals.

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you like Stephen Sondheim’s signature style and if you’re okay with no extensive plot.

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

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 15

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Leading Actors: Brian Pucheu (George) and Jacqueline Tardanico (Dot/Marie) were well-cast leads in this performance. Brian delivered his lines with a genteel speaking voice. Jacqueline singing voice was strongly projected yet controlled with a beautiful slight vibrato.
  • Semi-transparent Canvas: Brian “painted” while facing the audience without the canvas obscuring his face or body. This was possible because the canvas was a semi-transparent curtain. See one of the pictures at the end of this review.
  • Favorite Characters: The two Celeste characters (Savannah Lynn and Daire Byrne) were delightful especially in their interactions with the soldier (Graham Arthur Blair). Also, as an arguably unsophisticated American (my favorite food is McDonald’s french fries), I identified with the unsophsticated American tourists exploring France (played by Kristie “Kiki” Werner and James Webster).

Rant(s)

  • Stephen Sondheim: As I mentioned in my Into the Woods review, I’m not a huge a fan of Sondheim’s works, which is probably blasphemous to mention on a theatre website! What can I say? The emperor has no clothes!

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Sondheim Elements: Naturally, this show reminded me of elements from Sondheim’s other musicals. When Brian Pucheu (George) scatted “bum bum bum” in a staccato manner while painting, it reminded me of the judge doing the same thing as Sweeney Todd shaved him. Also, act one’s ending was so conclusive that the audience might think the show has ended similarly to how the audience might feel that at the end of Into the Woods act one. Side note, it would have been better if Sunday in the Park with George act one ended at a cliffhanger during Dot’s reveal to George.

Theatre Company: SecondStory Repertory

Venue: SecondStory Repertory

Venue Physical Address: 7325 166th Ave NE Ste F250, Redmond, WA 98052

Price: Cheap

Dates: May 5 to 28, 2023

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Free lot or free garage parking provided by the Redmond Town Square outdoor mall where the theatre company rents.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video by Michael Brunk

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen "#Sunday in the Park with George" #musical by Stephen #Sondheim & James Lapine at a packed SecondStory Repertory. Directed by @Harry Turpin & music directed by John Allman starring Brian Pucheu & @Jacqueline Tardanico. Story centered around #GeorgesSeurat's famous #painting. Photos by Michael Brunk. Review: showsiveseen.com/5460 #StephenSondheim #theatre ♬ original sound – Shows I've Seen
NameRole
Brian PucheuGeorge
Jacqueline TardanicoDot/Marie
Max LopuszynskiFranz
Cece LeavittOld Lady/Blair
Graham Arthur BlairSoldier/Alex
Savannah Lynn Celeste 1/Waitress
Daire ByrneCeleste 2/Elaine
Kristie (Kiki) WernerMrs/Nurse/Harriett
Stacie HartYvonne/Naomi
Britt Boyd (called)Freida/Betty
Don ZhengLouis/Billy Webster
Doug FahlJules/Bob Greenberg
James WebsterMr/Lee Randolph
Miles WingettBoatman/Charles Redmond
Juliette HaroonLouise
James LapineWriter
Stephen SondheimComposer and Lyricist
Michael StarobinOrchestrator
Harry TurpinDirector
John AllmanMusical Director
Tatiana BoggsAssistant Music Director
Valerie ReidStage Management
Mark ChenovickProduction Design
Beth MoursundSponsor