Solaris – Play – Book-it Repertory Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Solaris play by David Greig based on Stanislaw Lem’s novel. Starring Jay Woods & Ian Bond. Directed by Gus Menary. Book-it Repertory Theatre is closing its doors on a high note. Mysterious sci-fi story w/ many interesting layers. Timely piece in light of today’s rapid AI neural network development. Great scenic design. I’d be interested to read the book one day. Contender for one of my favorite 2023 shows. #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: Solaris is a haunting story of love and loneliness on the edge of space that asks the big question: What happens when humans encounter, for the first time, a truly alien intelligence? For the scientists aboard the space station orbiting Solaris, the strange new planet is a manifestation of their life’s work – a dream come true. To explore an unknown world, learn its nature and design, discover its secrets – isn’t this the meaning of life? But as their mission forces them to confront their own unexplored grief and pain, science proves woefully inadequate, and they must each decide for themselves where the true boundaries to reality lie… and whether the ghosts from their pasts will help or hinder them in building humanity’s future. This 1961 novel is a heady science fiction gem that suggests that the real final frontier might just be the hazy place where memory and reality intertwine. This heartfelt (and sometimes hair-raising) story presents a message about the dangers of intrusion into the realms of the unknown.

Reviewed Performance: 6/17/23 – Opening Night

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Maybe 3 to 5 rooms on a space station

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You might appreciate this more if you read the book. I did not read the book, but I might one day because the play was so good.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Mostly yes, but there’s only so much action that can occur in 3-5 locations.

Recommendation: See it, especially if you like sci-fi

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 another Equity production of this play

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

Equity Actors: 3 equity actors and 1 actor from the Stage Directors/Choreographers Society

Total Number of Actors: 6

Perceived Pace of the Show: It felt slow at the beginning, but the pace picked up a little as the story unfolded. In its defense, the slower pace also contributed to the mysterious ambience of the play.

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.75 hours

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Non-traditional Alien Concept: The Stanislaw Lem created alien life form “characters” that weren’t your run-of-the-mill ET aliens. I wonder if the Avatar movie borrowed concepts from the original Solaris book.
  • Consciousness: It was interesting to see how consciousness, sentience, and self-awareness can potentially evolve from nothing. Like I touched on earlier, this concept is vogue in today’s AI craze. It kind of reminded me of Adam and Eve’s inception.
  • Captions: The diary captions displayed periodically above the stage were well chosen. I assume they were actual quotes from the original book. I’d love to reread them already knowing how the story unfolds.
  • Escapism Theme: For some reason, I’m drawn to stories that deal with escapism, dreaming, and a Matrix-like existence. The last play I saw She Kills Monsters at SecondStory Repertory had a similar theme. Maybe that’s why I’m into live theatre in general.
  • Humanity: Good commentary on the destructiveness of humanity and our effects on the environment. However, the solution in the play isn’t feasible on Earth.
  • Bookends: Good use of bookends in the first and last scene

Rant(s)

  • Scarring: It wasn’t clear what the characters were referring to when they talked about inducing a scar. The script should dwell on the subject more especially since the sci-fi lore sounded intriguing.
  • Table Jump: One character jumped on a table in distress. If someone was in such distress, they wouldn’t jump on a table. They would lean on the table or collapse on the floor.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • “Overture” Scene (Slight Minor Spoiler): Before the play began, the theatre broadcasted an overhead announcement like a plane or spaceship would take off in 3 minutes and then played sci-fi music in the background. The 3 minutes weirdly ended anticlimactically, but it wasn’t a terrible experience since it introduced a feeling of mysterious anticipation before the play began.
  • Liquid Nitrogen: They should place dry ice in the liquid nitrogen container to simulate the vapors we usually see when dealing with liquid nitrogen in real life.

Theatre Company: Book-it Repertory Theatre

Venue: Center Theatre at Seattle Center Armory

Venue Physical Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: Medium

Ticket Affordability Options: Check out the discount section of their ticketing page. Goldstar and TodayTix usually offer good options too.

Dates: June 17 to July 9, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking or paid lot/garage parking. I usually like to park on the street near the skating park (313 Taylor Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109) East of the theatre. It’s more expensive on Climate Pledge Arena event days though so I ended up parking in South Lake Union since I’m cheap!

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video by Anthony Floyd.

@showsiveseen “Solaris” #play by David Greig based on Stanislaw Lem’s novel. Starring Jay Woods & Ian Bond. Director Gus Menary is leaving Book-it Repertory Theatre on a high note. #Mysterious #scifi story w/ many interesting layers. Timely piece in light of today’s rapid AI neural network development. I’d be interested to read the book one day. Great scenic design. Contender for one of my favorite 2023 shows. Photos by Anthony Floyd. Review: showsiveseen.com/5995 #theatre ♬ Padam Padam

She Kills Monsters – Play – SecondStory Repertory

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): She Kills Monsters play by Qui Nguyen at SecondStory Repertory directed by Kate Swenson. Starring Rebecca Cauthorn and Erin Elkins. Nerd out with Dungeons and Dragons in live theatre! Lots of fight choreography and cosplay-worthy costumes/props. #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons and Dragons notebook, however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

Reviewed Performance: 6/9/23 on opening night – Sorry for the late review!

Type: Play

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 played Dungeons and Dragons or if you grew up in the 80-90s. I’ve actually never played Dungeons and Dragons, but I was born in the 80s. I only know how the game roughly works because I saw Steve and his friends play it on American Dad.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it if either

  • You’re looking for a different kind of show
  • You play(ed) Dungeons and Dragons
  • You like to pretend
  • You like cosplay
  • or you liked the Starmites musical

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Probably not

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 10

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium to fast

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.75 hours

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Double Entendre: There was a funny scene where one person was talking about Dungeons and Dragons while the other person thought they were talking about sex.
  • Character/Actor Highlights:
    • Stav Hinenzon (Orcas) projected his voice well
    • Jack Anderson was funny as a dorky high school teenager Chuck
    • Why do I love seeing mean cheerleaders on-stage and on-screen? It must be fun for Jillian Faulk (as Evil Gabbi) and Grace Madland (as Evil Tina) to play succubus cheerleaders. Very Glee and Mean Girls.
  • Moral of the Story: I like the message throughout the play (especially at the end) on why Dungeons and Dragons was important to Tilly in her friends.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Theatre Company: SecondStory Repertory

Venue: SecondStory Repertory

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

Price: Cheap

Dates: June 9 to June25, 2023

Seating: General Admission

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

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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 "She Kills Monsters" #play by Qui Nguyen at SecondStory Rep directed by Kate Swenson. Starring Rebecca Cauthorn & Erin Elkins. Nerd out w/ "Dungeons & Dragons" in live #theatre ♬ House of Memories
NameRole
Rebecca CauthornAgnes Evans
Erin ElkinsTilly Evans
Miki MurrayKaliope/Kelly
Katie WallaceLilith/Lilly
Jillian FaulkVera/Evil Gabbi/The Beholder
Grace MadlandNarrator/Evil Tina/Farrah the Faurie
Tadd MorganMiles
Jack AndersonChuck
Alex OttoSteve
Stav HinenzonOrcus/Ronnie
Qui NguyenPlaywright
Kate SwensonDirector
Steven HochteilFight Choreographer
Elizabeth ShipmanCostume Designer
SueAnne Luchenta and Kasey ChristieCostume Assistant
Mark ChenovickSet/Light/Sound/Projection Design
Annie SimontonStage Manager
Weapons Ken Michels
PhotographyMichael Brunk

Cost of Living – Play – Sound Theatre Company

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Cost of Living play at Sound Theatre Company + 12th Ave Arts by Martyna Majok, directed by Teresa Thuman. Starring Drew Hobson, Teal Sherer, Viviana Garza, and Gerald Waters. People need people! #homeHealth #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: Martyna Majok’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play will leave you breathless. Co-Artistic Director Teresa Thuman (Gaslight (Angel Street), Peeling) returns to the director’s seat for this deeply touching drama about isolation, alienation, and the yearning for human connection. Majok does not shy away from the truths of our world today, yet paints a beautiful portrait of four individuals across stratas of disability, race, gender, immigration status, class, care-giving and care-receiving. In the late-COVID times, this story is prescient. In it, we may discover small pockets of tender humanity when we extend a helping hand.

Reviewed Performance: 6/10/23

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: A couple

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Around four

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: It was more dialogue and less storyline

Recommendation: See it if you like plays that explore what it means to be human

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 wasn’t bad

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 4

Perceived Pace of the Show: Slow to medium speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Scenic Design: I love the way Bryan Boyd designed John’s apartment. I’m always a sucker for modern designs. There was even a functioning shower with water!
  • Multitasking Dialogue: The shower/dress scene reminded me of the mesmerizing cakemaking scene in Seattle Public Theatre’s recent Hometown Boy. It was an enlightening to see how cumbersome simple activities of daily living can be for someone who relies on home health care. We take mundane things for granted!
  • Climactic Moments (No Spoilers): There were two gasp-worthy incidents toward the end of the play. One scene made the audience audibly gasp and the person sitting next to me muttered “Where the hell is he?!” The other scene was a deliciously cringy slow-moving car crash of rejection.

Rant(s)

  • Opening Scene: While well delivered, the rambling soliloquy-like opening scene was too long and wasn’t a good audience hook. However, I’d be interested to see it again through the lens of what I know from the entire show.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • People Need People: It was ironic that the characters who seemingly needed others the most were opposite of who I initially expected.

Theatre Company: Sound Theatre Company

Venue: 12th Ave Arts

Venue Physical Address: 1620 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Price: Cheap

Ticket Affordability Options: Self-select ticket prices as low as $5 depending on your financial situation in the online ticketing website

Dates: June 8 to July 1, 2023

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid lot or paid street parking. Street parking is extremely limited since it’s Capitol Hill. Your best luck would be East of Cal Anderson Park on 11th or 12th Ave. Cheapest paid lots are on 11th Ave next to the park. I highly suggest parking far away or taking the bus since the lots are expensive in Capitol Hill.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video by Aaron Jin and Nikeesha Gooding.

@showsiveseen "Cost of Living" #play at Sound Theatre Company + 12th Ave Arts by Martyna Majok, directed by Teresa Thuman. Starring Drew Hobson, Teal Sherer, Viviana Garza, and Gerald Waters. People need people! Photos by Aaron Jin and Nikeesha Gooding. Review: showsiveseen.com/5891 #homeHealth #theatre #isolation ♬ THATS WHAT I WANT
Viviana Garza and Gerald Waters. Photo by Aaron Jin.
Teal Sherer. Photo by Aaron Jin.
Viviana Garza and Gerald Waters. Photo by Aaron Jin.
Gerald Waters and Viviana Garza. Photo by Aaron Jin.
Drew Hobson and Teal Sherer. Photo by Nikeesha Gooding.
Drew Hobson and Teal Sherer. Photo by Nikeesha Gooding.

All New Cells – Play – The Shattered Glass Project

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): All New Cells play at The Shattered Glass Project & Theatre Off Jackson directed by Alison Kozar. Starring Kasper Cergol, Kay Taylor Yelinek, Jasmine Lomax, & Zenaida Rose Smith. Neat prop/lighting design. Only 2 more performances! Wish I could rewatch to the first scene with my new perspective.

Synopsis from the Theatre: When Nils’s ex-girlfriend dies suddenly, he is dragged back into a toxic online roleplay scene he swore he’d never return to. He’d been doing okay sticking to his seven-year plan for getting over their breakup – but now, everyone either blames him or expects him to have answers, and he’s getting nasty anonymous messages that might be coming from beyond the grave. A nuanced examination of identity, trauma, assault, grief, and mental health through an online world.

Reviewed Performance: 6/15/23

Type: Play

World Premiere: Yes

Several or Few Scenes: A couple

Several or Few Settings/Locations: A couple

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You should be familiar with online message boards

Defined Plot/Storyline: Somewhat yes. There were also many flashbacks.

Recommendation: See it if you’re familiar with online bulletin boards, especially if you live in a matrix-like existence where you met all your friends online and you primarily communicate with them online. Definitely see this if you’re into fanfic culture.

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Probably not

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 4

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.75 hours

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Lighting/Scenic Design: There’s something I love about simple rectangular frames with LED light trim that changes color. It reminded me Seattle Repertory Theatre’s recent Lydia and The Troll. The spotlights dedicated to each character only extenuated the design.
  • Prop Design: The laptop/monitor screens and cell phones were thick plexiglass. It doesn’t sound like much on paper but it conveyed a more futuristic feel. Plus, the transparency unobstructed the actors. An opaque monitor prop would have significantly blocked Moody’s face.
  • End of First Act (No Spoilers): The end of the first act revealed a juicy unexpected twist. Good last line before the lights cut out … although I wonder how many people would know the reference.
  • Obsession: I was facinated with Moody’s (played by Kay Taylor Yelinek) stalker-like fixation. Well-written and well-executed.

Rant(s)

  • Prop Movement: Props and furniture were moved during scenes, which was a little distracting. It would have been better to cut the lights and quickly move things around.
  • Blocking: The characters at stage center need better blocking when speaking to Nils, who was at upper center stage. It’s usually not a good idea to turn your back to the audience unless the seating is arena theatre style or surrounding a thrust stage.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Costume Design: The characters looked sooo Seattle, which fit well with the story themes.

Theatre Company: The Shattered Glass Project

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

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

Price: Cheap

Ticket Affordability Options: Self-select ticket prices as low as zero dollars depending on your financial situation

Dates: June 2 to 18, 2023 – Sorry, I didn’t have time to see an earlier show!

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 parking on Jackson Street closer to the I-5 bridge. As usual, there are paid parking lots nearby as well.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video by Kirk Hostetter.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen "All New Cells" #play at The Shattered Glass Project + Theatre Off Jackson directed by Alison Kozar. Starring Kasper Cergol, Kay Taylor Yelinek, @jasmineissublime and Zenaida Rose Smith. Neat props & lighting design. Only 2 more performances! Wish I could rewatch the 1st scene w/ my new perspective. Photos by Kirk Hostetter. Review: showsiveseen.com/5843 #theatre ♬ LOVER AND PSYCHOPATH – Casey Baer
Jasmine Lomax, Kasper Cergol, and Kay Taylor Yelinek
Kasper Cergol and Zenaida Rose Smith
Kasper Cergol and Kay Taylor Yelinek
Jasmine Lomax, Kasper Cergol, and Kay Taylor Yelinek
Kay Taylor Yelinek
Kasper Cergol and Zenaida Rose Smith
Kay Taylor Yelinek and Jasmine Lomax
RoleName
LuxZenaida Rose Smith
NilsKasper Cergol
MoodyKay Taylor Yelinek
AeonJasmine Lomax
PlaywrightAliza Goldstein
DirectorAlison Kozar
Intimacy ConsultantFrancesca Betancourt
Properties & Set-Dressing DesignerJessamyn Bateman-Iino
Sound DesignerMadelyn Zandt
Producer/Scenic DesignerRebecca O’Neil
Social Media ManagerCarolynne Wilcox
Calling Stage ManagerBrandon Ellis
Lighting DesignerChih-Hung Shao
Graphic DesignerLara Kratz
PhotographyKirk Hostetter
Casting DirectorBuddy Todd
Deck Stage ManagerHana Oh
Costume DesignFawn Bartlett
Production AssistantErin Lammie
Scenic PainterGwen Gothe