Leave a comment on my Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/CpR285mOBZ1/) with your favorite musical & I’ll choose a winner 24 hours from now. Bonus points if you’re a student or if I love the musical you mention.
This is a free single ticket worth about $120 to any of the remaining “Into the Woods” performances at 5th Avenue Theatre, which ends this wknd. Depending on the date you choose, you’ll be in Zone 3 (Blue) or 4 (Orange).
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Miss Step throwback musical at Village Theatre by Kit Yan and Melissa Li. Feel good love letter to the 80s that emphasized the “T” in LGBT! Bodacious dance ensemble. Totally tubular spandex aerobic-inspired choreography/costumes. Jane Fonda would be so proud.
Synopsis from the Theatre: Pam Carter is an unremarkable trans woman, working as a toll collector on the New Jersey turnpike. When a family tragedy uncovers her late father’s secret passion for competitive aerobics, Pam decides to step into her father’s sneakers and vault herself on a remarkable journey. This sweet, fun, 80’s throwback musical is a comedy for family members of all ages and genders. So slap on that spandex, throw on a headband, and get ready to clap your hands for MISS STEP!
Reviewed Performance: 2/16/23 Evening – Sorry for the late review. Since this wasn’t a press ticket and there were only two more shows left on this short run, I didn’t prioritize the review.
Type: Musical
World Premiere: “Pre-World Premiere” – It’s still in the development phase as part of the Village Originals Beta Series
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes
Live Band/Orchestra: Yes – There was only a keyboardist and a drummer. I didn’t even notice there were so few musicians during the show. I was shocked there were only two band members listed in the playbill I read after the show.
Recommendation: See it!
Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Absolutely! I’d love to compare and contrast this developmental production with the final world premiere production.
Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)
Equity Actors: 9
Total Number of Actors: 14
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours but it felt like the perfect length
Intermission: No
Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts
Transgender/Queer Representation: This musical normalized LGBT+ characters/actors especially those who are trans. I like how the song “Unremarkable” punctuated how commonplace it was to be trans in this world. However, it felt like the cast was missing a bisexual character and it wouldn’t hurt to add another trans man. I thought it was interesting when an audience member from the aftershow talkback pointed out the juxtaposition between an older trans woman character who subscribed to traditional gender binary roles while her child supported a more modern non-binary gender role.
Cassi Q Kohl: I didn’t know Cassi Q Kohl (who played Cindy) had such a powerful voice! I’ve only seen her in Village Theatre’s previous production Cinderella where she played the fairy godmother. I guess her previous role didn’t let her showcase her voice as much.
Ending Reveal: The revealing twist at the end with the father was pretty cleaver.
1980s Theme: As someone born in the 80s, it was fun being reminded of elements that were popular in my childhood like Michael Bolton, John Stamos, kazoos, Operation boardgame, ankle warmers, headbands, Madonna, leotards, New Kids on the Block, wrist slappers, corny humor, the ThighMaster, and effortless plot resolutions.
Second Act Ballad: Janet (played by Bobbi Kotula) sung a wonderful ballad with a lovely melody. The playbill said the song was called “He Was My Trophy” but I thought it was called “It Wasn’t Me.” Since this was a dynamically-changing beta musical still in development, they might have added/changed the ballad after the playbill went to press.
Rant(s)
Microphone Queuing: There were numerous instances when the microphone turned on late. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt that it was because of the dynamically-changing nature of a beta musical in development.
Accompaniment Key: There were 1-3 songs in the beginning that felt like the accompaniment key didn’t match well with the transgender performers’ best vocal range. The song(s) need(s) to be transposed.
Deadbeat Reasons: The show didn’t explained well why the dad left his family. The few potential reasons I gathered during the second act didn’t seem like compelling enough reasons to leave a family.
First Act Ballad: There was a slower song that Pam (played by MJ Rawls) sang in the beginning that either started too abruptly from a more energetic scene or ended too abruptly to a more energetic scene. I don’t remember.
Theatre Company: Village Theatre
Venue: Village Theatre – Hunt Family Theatre First Stage
Venue Physical Address: 120 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027
Price: Cheap
Ticket Affordability Options: Pay-what-you-will on 2/16/23
Dates: February 11 to 19, 2023
Seating: Assigned Seating
Parking: Free street parking and free lot parking. If you park in the lot, make sure the spot is not reserved for a business. As a last resort, you can always find parking at the library (10 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027) but it’s a little far. Remember, there’s a bottom floor parking lot under the library’s main parking lot that most non-locals don’t know about.
The cast of MISS STEP. Photo by Nikki Womac.Kathryn Van Meter and the cast of MISS STEP. Photo by Nikki Womac.Irene Rising, Vincent Milay, Cassi Q Kohl, MJ Rawls, Leah Sainz-Jones, and Tom Avery in MISS STEP. Photo by Nikki Womac.MJ Rawls and Ethan Carpenter in MISS STEP. Photo by Nikki Womac.Tori Gresham, Joel Domenico, Bridgid Abrams, Nehemiah Hooks, and Mackenzie Malhotra in MISS STEP. Photo by Nikki Womac.
Role
Name
Gail
Kathryn Van Meter *
Pam Carter
MJ Rawls *
Janet
Bobbi Kotula *
Cameron Carter Sr
Ethan Carpenter *
Cindy
Cassi Q Kohl *
Rachel Weissman
Bridgid Abrams *
Eli
Vincent Milay
Pauline
Irene Rising *
Topaz
Leah Sainz-Jones
Jay
Tom Avery
Ensemble
Joel Domenico Mackenzie Mathotra Nehemiah Hooks * Tori Gresham *
—
—
Keyboard/Conductor
Elisa Money
Drums
Scot Sexton
—
—
Director & Co-Choreographer
Connor Gallagher
Co-Choreographer
Jay Jackson “Laganja Estranja”
Writer/Composer
Kit Yan and Melissa Li
Scenic Designer
Jason Sherwood
Costume Designer
Chelsea Cook
Lighting Designer
Chih-Hung Shao
Sound Designer
Erin Bednarz
Projection Designer
Ahren Buhmann
Stage Manager
Jessamyn Bateman-Iino
Gender Consultant
Josephine Kearns
Dance Arrangements
David Dabbon
New York Casting
Judy Bowman
Music Director
Elisa Money
Assistant Director
Charlie Johnson
Assistant Stage Manager
Kallen Pishue
Assistant Scenic Designer
Jeremy Hollis
Production Assistants
Liam Nellis, Lainie Schwartz
Vocal Coach
Danny Kam
Head Stage Carpenter
Andrew Long
Head Lighting Engineer
Zac Andersen
Head Sound Engineer
Alex Wren
Wardrobe Lead
Malena Langlie
Projection Technician
Ahren Buhmann
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in USA
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): On the Market play w/ Burien Actors Theatre. Light modern romantic comedy w/ funny caricatures. Second chances are possible during middle age with love and life! #comedy #theatre
Synopsis from the Theatre: A former singer, now realtor, struggles with the modern dating scene after becoming a widow two years ago. Her life is turned upside down when she finds a mysterious note from her dead husband telling her it’s okay to “move on.” A touching modern, romantic comedy for grown-ups about love, loss, and finding your Forever Home.
Reviewed Performance: 2/25/23 Evening
Type: Play
World Premiere: No but almost. This play was first produced in Fall 2022. I looked it up since I was surpised how many modern references were in the show. For example, I’ve never seen a show that mentioned steaming services like Hulu Plus.
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes
Recommendation: See it if you like supporting community theatre
Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Maybe if it was produced by an Equity theatre
Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value: 4.25 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)
Equity Actors: None
Total Number of Actors: 4
Length (Including Any Intermission): 90 mins
Intermission: No
Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts
Cutting Insults: The “mean girl” in me loves to watch tense scenes where someone figuratively cuts a friend to the knees with insults. It was very “you’re a virgin who can’t drive.” But not to worry, this negative energy was only in a brief scene and was not the focus of the play.
Rant(s)
Transitions: The scene transitions sometimes felt a little awkward. It may have something to do with the frequent lack of transition sounds or weird light queuing.
On-stage Costume Changes: There was one scene where the actors hastily distractingly changed costumes several times on-stage in the background. I was a confused why they didn’t change costumes off-stage like in all the other scenes. UPDATE 3/4/23: A reader let me know that this “circusy” montage was actually written into the script to feel messy and improvised. I’m curious if the scene execution in this production was what the playwright envisioned.
Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)
Mid-life Inspiration: I worry my dreams and ambitions are less realistic the more I age. This play inspired me to believe that middle age isn’t too late for dreams that will bring major life changes.
Theatre Company: Burien Actors Theatre
Venue: Kennedy Catholic High School
Venue Physical Address: 140 S 140th St, Burien, WA 98168
Price: Cheap
Dates: February 10 to March 5, 2023
Seating: General Admission
Parking: Huge free parking lot adjacent to the high school
From left to right, Excited Girlfriend (Amy Anderson) and Excited Boyfriend (Jalyn Green) discuss the loft space realtor Charlotte (Karin Rogers) is showing, with actor John Dugaw changing into another character in the background.From left to right, Charlotte (Karin Rogers) doesn’t believe her Grief Counselor (Jalyn Green).From left to right, Charlotte (Karin Rogers) listens as Frank (John Dugaw) opens his heart.From left to right, James (Jalyn Green) reads his letter to Charlotte (Karin Rogers), with Nice Husband (John Dugaw) and Nice Wife (Amy Anderson) seated in background.From left to right, a young James (Jalyn Green) takes a photo of a young Charlotte (Karin Rogers) on their first date.From left to right, Eccentric Wife (Amy Anderson) and Eccentric Husband (John Dugaw) arrive early, before the scheduled start time for a real estate open house run by realtor Charlotte (Karin Rogers).
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Into The Woods fairy tale musical opening night at the 5th Avenue Theatre. After seeing this show a third time, I finally realized it’s filled with modern life lessons and difficult philosophical questions. Cinderella’s family and the witch (Porscha Shaw) were a hoot! #theatre
Synopsis from the Theatre: “Happily Ever After” has never been so complicated.
That’s what Little Red, a Witch, Cinderella, the Baker, and his wife discover as they invade one another’s stories and find themselves tangled in a web of unexpected consequences. They quickly find this web is too big to untangle on their own and that they must work together to set everything right in the kingdom. Into the Woodsreminds us that only together can we defeat the wolves and giants of the world. With a stunning, unforgettable score featuring “No One is Alone,” “Children Will Listen,” and “Giants in the Sky,” this iconic show will enchant, entrance, and delight!
A Tony Award®-winning Broadway hit and feature film sensation, Into the Woodscontinues to enthrall theater lovers more than three decades after its creation. This is the first of a rare and remarkable two-show celebration and exploration of the theatrical genius of Stephen Sondheim.
Reviewed Performance: 2/17/23 on opening night
Type: Musical
World Premiere: No
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes
Live Band/Orchestra: Yes
Recommendation: See it if you like Stephen Sondheim musicals.
Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: No, I’ve seen it once in a Galveston, TX community theatre and once at Village Theatre.
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Since I’ve seen it so many times and I’m not a huge fan of Stephen Sondheim, I’d probably only see the national tour in the future.
Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value: 4.25 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)
Equity Actors: All
Total Number of Actors: 15
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.75 hours
Intermission: Yes
Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts
Deeper Meanings: Since this was the third time I’ve seen the show and because I usually watch shows for their entertainment value, I was finally able to grasp some of the deeper meanings in the musical. Little Red Riding Hood’s wolf was a life lesson for young women to be wary of men with a “bad boy” appeal. Additionally, they asked difficult philosophical questions when was okay to kill or is it worth it sacrificing a few for the greater good? I liked how Cinderella and the Baker juxtaposed two potential deaths simultaneously.
Princes and Wolf: Casey Raiha and Antonio Mitchell’s over-the-top flamboyant portrayal of the princes were a nice comedic relief. The same also applies to Casey’s wolf portrayal. Kudos to Casey for filling in as Louis Hobson’s understudy on opening night!
Cinderella Family and Witch: Shaunyce Omar, Trina Mills, Shanelle Nicole Leonard, and Porscha Shaw added a desperately-needed groovy flair as Cinderella’s family and the witch. I always loved Shaunyce’s role in her past shows and her afro-tastric stepmother portrayal was no exception. The stepsisters’ fabulous costumes also reminded me of trendy outfits from the movie Clueless.
Stage: It looks like the 5th Avenue Theatre reused the same thin horizontal catwalk-like platform downstage in front of the orchestra that they used in The Wiz (their previous show) to allow the actors closer access to the audience. The novelty of it has not worn off on me yet. I’m still a fan!
Baker’s Wife Voice: There were at least two songs that showcased Cayman Ilika’s strong and brilliant voice.
Rant(s)
Stagehands: There was a scene transition that required the stagehands to wheel in a ladde centerstage. It was a little obtrusive and might have been less distracting if the actors wheeled it in themselves.
Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)
Magic Beans: What happened to the last magic beans that were thrown on the ground?
Witch: What happened to the witch at the end?
Witch Transformation: Why did the witch need to run offstage for a hot second during the transformation scene if the transformation eventually occurred on-stage? Could the stage magic occur without running offstage?
Malfunctioning Prop?: Was there a malfunction when the goose prop did not lay a golden egg? If
so, the actors played off the malfunction well in a comedic way.
Scenic Design: I was surprised that they chose an austere theme. I half expected to see an actual forest like in The Wiz. The design reminded me of a hip dance club with modern fluorescent/neon lights.
1st Act vs 2nd Act: Into the Woods is notorious for leaving audience members confused at the end of the first act since all the stories seem to already conclude with some sort of finality. The first act unfolds with familiar fairy tales, but in the second act, the audience might be thinking “WTF is happening to these familiar fairy tales!”
Stephen Sondheim: Honestly, I personally don’t prefer Stephen Sondheim’s style and I’m a little sad the 5th Avenue Theatre is producing two of his shows this season. Sacrilege, I know … especially since he just passed away in 2021. Honestly, the 5th Avenue Theatre is probably producing two of his shows as a tribute to his legacy due to his recent passing. I’ve seen Assassins, Company, Sweeney Todd, and Into The Woods. I found all 4 inherently tepid. The songs have a weird quality where the actors sometimes talk their lyrics without a pitch. A mainstream beat is also hard to find and there’s too much dissonance. In the end, the songs are not memorable, you often can’t sing along, and I wouldn’t listen to them in my car. That being said, I don’t doubt that he’s a genius and a legend etc. It’s just not my cup of tea.
Theatre Company: The 5th Avenue Theatre
Venue: The 5th Avenue Theatre
Venue Physical Address: 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Parking: When I don’t walk to the theatre, I park in the paid garage at the Motif hotel NW of the theatre. The entrance is on 5th Ave. Do NOT park in the Hilton garage (entrance on 6th ave). That’s where most of the audience parks so it’s a nightmare to leave. However, the Hilton garage is the closest garage to the theatre and it has underground access to the theatre if you wanted to avoid the elements. But this benefit is not worth it in my opinion.
Shanelle Nicole Leonard, Shaunyce Omar, Trina Mills, and Sarah Russell in Into the Woods at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Photo Credit: Tracy Martin.Joshua Miller and Shermona Mitchell in Into the Woods at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka. Sarah Russell in Into the Woods at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Photo Credit: Tracy Martin 20230212 Tmartin 4884 Porscha Shaw, Mari Nelson, Eric Ankrim, and Cayman Ilika in Into the Woods at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Photo Credit: Tracy Martin.The cast of Into the Woods at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka.Sarah “SG” Garcia, Eric Ankrim, and Cayman Ilika in Into the Woods at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka.
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Murder of Roger Ackroyd play by Agatha Christie at Book-It Repertory Theatre w/ opening night cheesecake/wine reception. Diverse/blind casting. I’m proud to have finally correctly guessed the murderer in this whodunnit! #AgathaChristie #HerculePoirot #Poirot
Synopsis from the Theatre: “Always Bear in Mind That the Person Who Speaks May Be Lying”
Gossip, blackmail, deception and betrayal unsettle the peaceful English village of King’s Abbot. After a pair of mysterious deaths — including one from inside a locked room – the famous detective Hercule Poirot is pulled out of retirement to solve the case. Despite his desire to relax and grow vegetable marrows, the ingenious sleuth is compelled to snoop around this quaint hamlet and its surrounding countryside. Will this sleepy 1930s village ever feel quite so cozy again? Will Poirot be able to unravel the knots of this mystery? It’s a mystery!
Book-It and local playwright Danielle Mohlman (author of Nexus and a renowned theatrical adaptation of Frankenstein) are crafting this brand-new script based on one of Dame Agatha Christie’s most innovative, clever, and mind-bending mysteries. The original book has been lauded as the best crime novel of all time by the Crime Writers’ Association.
This play will be directed by Seattle-based director Jasmine Joshua (director of Irma Vep at Intiman in 2022, and has also directed at Reboot Theatre, Cafe Nordo, 5th Avenue, and Village Theatre). The creative team is taking a modern approach to staging of this show, include modern music remixed and re-recorded in vintage styles, and nontraditional gender casting.
We love a good whodunnit! This classic murder mystery was revolutionary for its time, and it still hits all the right notes today. It’s sinister but also fun; fast-paced but still detailed; and thrilling without being frightening. Agatha Christie is one of the best-selling authors of all time, a master of her genre, and this story shows us why. Her subtle skewering of society and her delectable characters keep her work feeling fresh almost a century on. We want you to share time with us this winter, having some good ol’ fashioned fun!
Reviewed Performance: 2/11/23 on a packed opening night
Type: Play
World Premiere: Yes
Film/Book: Based on the popular book by Agatha Christie
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes, but like many “whodunnit” plays, it is not linear.
Recommendation: See it especially if you like mystery or “whodunnit” plays
Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Probably not since I now know the ending. Half the fun in watching a whodunnit is guessing who the killer is!
Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)
Equity Actors: 1 but they were all good
Total Number of Actors: 7
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours – The second act felt slightly long
Intermission: Yes
Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts
Intermission Voting: It was a nice touch that the audience could vote for the murderer’s identity at intermission. As the audience exited the theatre after the second act, they could read a sign which showed the character who “won” from the intermission vote tally. It’s the first time I’ve seen this audience involvement game at a whodunnit play and I’m surprised more productions don’t implement it as well.
Diction: There was something about the way that Brandon J. Simmons (Dr. James Sheppard), Lisa Viertel (Roger Ackroyd), and Megan Ahiers (Cecil Ackroyd) delivered their lines that was very pleasant and made me think of good breeding.
Rant(s)
Corpse: After the killer murdered Roger Ackroyd in a chair, the actors draped the chair under a white sheet instead of leaving the actor under the sheet or replacing the actor with a stuffed dummy. A stuffed dummy would have been a cheap prop to make the scene more realistic.
Motivation: When the murderer was revealed, the motivation wasn’t adequately explained.
Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)
Cecil Ackroyd: Why wasn’t the sister (or sister-in-law?) interrogated?
Killer Identity: I’m proud to have finally guessed the murderer correctly. If I’ve learned anything about whodunnit plays and Agatha Christie, the murderer is always who you least expect!
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 usually offer good options too.
Dates: February 11 to March 5, 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!
Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below
@showsiveseen "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" #play by #AgathaChristie & @daniellemohlman at Book-It Theatre w/ opening night cheesecake/wine reception. Diverse/blind casting. I'm proud to have finally correctly guessed the murderer in this #whodunnit! Review: showsiveseen.com/3930. Photos by Anthony Floyd. #theatre#HerculePoirot#Poirot♬ Freak – Moliy
Riley Gene photographed by Anthony FloydBrandon J. Simmons and Aaron Pitre photographed by Anthony FloydBrandon J. Simmons, Sydney Maltese, and Lisa Viertel photographed by Anthony FloydBrandon J. Simmons and Aaron Pitre photographed by Anthony FloydAaron Pitre and Brandon J. Simmons photographed by Anthony Floyd
Role
Name
Hercule Poirot
Aaron Pitre*
Dr. James Sheppard
Brandon J. Simmons
Roger Ackroyd
Lisa Viertel
Mrs. Cecil Ackroyd, Inspector Raglan, and
Miss Russell
Megan Ahiers
Captain Ralph Paton and Major Hector Blunt
Rhys Daly
John Parker and Ursula Bourne
Sydney Maltese
Miss Flora Ackroyd, Geoffrey Raymond, and
Charles Kent
Riley Gene
Understudies
Benjamin Elias Nickols, Jessica Robins, Jordan-Michael Whidbey
—
—
Director
Jasmine Joshua
Author
Agatha Christie
Playwright
Danielle Mohlman
Stage Manager
Nicola Krause
Assistant Stage Manager /
Covid Safety Officer
Selina Senn
Assistant Director &
Assistant Dramaturg
Adrian Prendergast
Dramaturg
Sara Keats
Scenic Designer &
Props Designer
Robin Macartney
Costume Designer
Jocelyne Fowler
Lighting Designer
Richard Schaefer
Sound Designer
Johanna Melamed
Dialect Coach
Marena Kleinpeter
Production Manager
Dan Schuy
Assistant Production & Company
Manager
Max Koh
Technical Director
Benjamin Radin
Poster Design
Tyrell Waiters
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in USA
