Allan – Page 76 – Shows I've Seen

Jesus Christ Superstar – Musical – Reboot Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Jesus Christ Superstar musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber w/ Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel modernized production w/ a cool TV-driven set. Sweet harmony from the energetic inclusively-cast ensemble. Pleasantly surprised there was a tap dance number. Favorite actors were Herod, Annas, & Pilate. #Jesus #Christ #JesusChristSuperstar #JesusChrist #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: Don’t miss our high octane heavenly production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! We’re excited to continue our reputation for new interpretations of established musicals and long history of inclusive with this rockin’ fan favorite, featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR focuses on the personal relationships between Jesus, Mary, and Judas, and examines the highs and lows of stardom, fanaticism, and mob justice.

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/4/22 Evening

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Live Band: Yes

Recommendation: See it! Especially if you like inclusive casting.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.5 stars

Equity Actors: Zero but don’t let that steer you away from this production.

Rant(s)

Background vocals on namesake signature song “Superstar” needed more volume or energy.
While I appreciate the gender inclusive casting that Reboot Theatre is known for, I wish they would (or could?) transpose songs sung by the opposite gender of what the composer wrote it for. Often times, performers were singing at the lower end of their range and the audience either can’t hear it or it just doesn’t sound good.

Other Rave(s)

I loved how Noel Pederson portrayed Annas as a stern, cold, calculating corporate suit well on her way to eventually shatter the glass ceiling!

Theatre Company : Reboot Theatre Company

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

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

Price: Cheap w/ inclusive pricing options

Dates: November 4-19, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid street parking is available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. I think there might be free street parking east of the theatre on Jackson starting under the bridge. There’s also paid parking lots nearby as well.

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: Under the video and pictures.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Colin Madison Photography.

@showsiveseen "Jesus Christ Superstar" #musical by @officialalw w/ Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel modernized production w/ a cool TV-driven set. Sweet harmony from the energetic inclusively-cast ensemble. Pleasantly suprised there was a tap dance number. Favorite actors were Herod, Annas, & Pilate. Review & Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/1921 #Jesus #Christ #JesusChristSuperstar #JesusChrist #theatre #AndrewLloydWebber ♬ Superstar – Andrew Lloyd Webber & "Jesus Christ Superstar" 1996 London Cast & Zubin Varla

William Douglas Johnson (Jesus) and Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.

The cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.

Front: William Douglas Johnson (Jesus) and Shana E. Emile (Judas) with the ensemble of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Reboot Theatre Company.

Shana E. Emile (Judas), William Douglas Johnson (Jesus), and Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.

Kiki Werner (Simon), Natalie Moe, Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary), Aaron Jin, Jacqueline Tardanico, and (kneeling) Matthew Reyes (Peter) in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Reboot Theatre Company.

Noel Pederson (Annas), David Breyman (Caiaphas), Mariesa Gonzale, Natalie Moe (Herod), and Aaron Jin in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.

Noel Pederson (Annas), Mariesa Gonzale, Shana E. Emile (Judas), Khane Berry, and David Breyman (Caiaphas) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.

Role	Name
Jesus	William Douglas Johnson
Caiaphas	David Breyman
Judas	Shana E. Emile
Pilate	Jasmine Joshua
Herod	Natalie Anne Moe
Mary	Jordyn Day Palmer
Annas	Noel Pederson
Peter	Matthew Reyes
Simon	Kristie Werner
Swing	Joanna Hardie Sarah Hooper
Ensemble	Khane Berry Mariesa Genzale Aaron Jin Jacqueline Tardanico (Jesus/Judas/Mary Understudy)
Conductor/Keyboard 1	Sam Peters
Keyboard 2	William Bryant Jenny Nguyen (Alternate)
Bass	Kendall Crane
Guitar	Cam Schneider
Drums	Scot Sexton
___	___
Director/Choreographer	Harry Turpin
Musical Director	Sam Peters
Stage Manager	Meredith Zandi
Associate Director	Mandy Rose Nichols
Lighting Design	Carolina Johnson
Costume Design	Janelle Kimbrough
Video Engineer	Laser Volcanoes: Grant Boling, Andrew Croll
Video Graphics and Poster Design	Noel Pederson
QLab Programming	Brendan Mack
Props Design	Jessamyn Bateman-Iino
Sound Design	Sandra Huezo-Menjivar
A/V Installation	Bruce Hart
Production Manager	Scot Charles Anderson
Artist Liaison	Wei Low
Dance Captain	Mariesa Genzale
Tap Dance Captain	Meredith Zandi
Fight Captain	David Breyman
Composer	Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyricist	Tim Rice
Executive Director (TOJ)	Patti West
Business Manager (TOJ)	Karen Shay
Technical Liaison (TOJ)	Catriona Urquhart
Technical/Production Coordinator (TOJ)	Frank Phillips
Front of House Manager (TOJ)	Tim Crist

The Amen Corner – Play – The Williams Project

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Amen Corner play w/ music by The Williams Project & Langston Seattle at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. Good critique on toxic hypocritical church piety & condemnation. Religious interjections & rich pure black voices were a delight. Love seeing a good unraveling on stage. The audience attended in their Sunday best! #POC #religion #mutiny #BiPOC

Synopsis from the Theatre: In a storefront church in Harlem, Sister Margaret’s fierce piety inspires both devotion and fear in her congregation. But when a figure from her past returns, and her son starts looking for answers outside the church door, Sister Margaret finds her standing in danger. As secrets emerge and loyalties are tested, Sister Margaret must fight for her family, her flock, and ultimately, her faith. Equal parts soaring music, prophetic poetry, and gripping family drama, The Amen Corner asks audiences to face the beautiful and frightening path that leads to liberation. And gives space to, as Baldwin says, “let the church say Amen.”

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/3/22 Evening

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Live Band: No

Recommendation: See it! Especially if you grew up in a Christian church.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.75 stars

Equity Actors: 6 out of 9. First professional production of this play in Seattle!

Rant(s)

The bedroom and kitchen was confusing. Where they located in the same building as the church?
I’m not sure if the production budget could afford this or if it was an intentional creative decision but the folding chairs needed to be replaced with real church pews.
The churchgoers somehow needed better stage blocking. I don’t want to see the back of their heads! To be fair, I admit that it’s difficult to avoid this with a church stage.

Other Rave(s)

Sister Boxer (Felicia Loud) has a lovely voice. I could listen to her talk or sing all day.
Powerful stern fierce pastor portrayal by Maiya Reaves
Nice background gospel music before performance and during intermission.
Favorite line was something an old man said to the effect of “no woman has ever touched me.”

Other Thought(s)

Where were my BiPOC brothas and sistas? This is the first time I’ve attended Langston Seattle (albeit only 3 times total) where non-POCs were the majority in the audience. The subject matter was even about a black church! Leave a comment on my social media links below if you have any theories.

Theatre Company : The Williams Project

Venue: Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute

Venue Physical Address: 104 17th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

Price: Cheap w/ Pay-what-you-can Options

Dates: November 2-20, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking and Cost: Free lot parking or free street parking.

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

https://www.thewilliamsproject.org/amen-corner

Cast and Production Team: Under the video.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Michael B. Maine.

@showsiveseen “The #Amen Corner” #play w/ music by The Williams Project at Langston Seattle. Good critique on toxic hypocritical #church piety & condemnation. #Religious interjections & rich pure #black voices were a delight. Love seeing a good unraveling on stage. The audience attended in their Sunday best! Review & Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/1887 #poc #religion #mutiny #BiPOC #theatre ♬ original sound – Shows I've Seen

Role	Name
Brother Boxer	Holiday
Sister Boxer	Felicia Loud
Sister Moore	Anjelica McMillan
Margaret	Maiya Reaves
Odessa	Cathleen Riddley
Luke	Adrian Roberts
Brother Davis	Malcolm J. West
David	Dimitri Woods
Sister Ida Jackson	Amaya Zhané
———-	———-
Playwright	James Baldwin
Director	Reggie D. White
Music Director	Aaron M. Davis Norman
Set and Costume Designer	An-lin Dauber
Props Designer	Robert J. Aguilar
Lighting Designer	Robin Macartney
Stage Manager	P. Alyda Sorm
Production Manager	Kyle Hartmann
Technical Director	Justin Duffiance

Ghost Writer – Play – Woodinville Repertory Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Ghost-Writer play by Woodinville Repertory Theatre at Sammamish Valley Grange. Inherently boring subject matter becomes interesting & beautiful. The instrument evolves into a musician! Loved the sophisticated prickly old wife. Nice touch with the playbill. What was the secret phrase? #ghostwriter #writer #author #typist #punctuation

Synopsis from the Theatre: In the early 20th century, New York author Franklin Woolsey hires Myra to type his popular novels. As Myra’s involvement in the mechanics and interpretation of Franklin’s dictation deepens, their metaphysical interplay becomes as entwined as their repressed attraction to each other. Even after Woolsey suddenly dies, Myra continues to finish his novel, to the consternation of his jealous wife Vivian. Is Myra channelling the words of a dead man, concocting a skillful scam, or finding her voice as a writer?

Reviewed Performance Date: 10/29/22 Evening – Sorry for the late review. I would have attended sooner and prioritized writing the review sooner if this theatre company provided me w/ a press ticket like most other theatres do. 🙁

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Recommendation: See it if you’re okay with plays with less action and plot. I usually don’t prefer them but this was actually good.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes, if it was produced by an Equity company.

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.25 stars

Rant(s)

It was a little weird how an actor that just died awkwardly stayed standing on stage. I wonder how the original production depicted this.

Other Thought(s)

This is the first Woodinville Repertory Theatre show I attended. It kind of reminded me of As If Theatre Company or Heart Repertory Theatre.
The theatre was so intimate I could see that the leading actress had nice teeth!

Theatre Company : Woodinville Repertory Theatre

Venue: Sammamish Valley Grange

Venue Physical Address: 14654 148th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072

Price: Cheap

Dates: October 14 to November 6, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking and Cost: Free lot parking. Watch out for bad online directions though. Google Maps incorrectly led me to the parking lot of J Bookwalter Tasting Studio, Market Vineyards, & Pepper Bridge Amavi Cellars!

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team Leadership: Under the video.

Other Video +/- Pictures:

@showsiveseen “Ghost-Writer” #play by Woodinville Repertory Theatre at Sammamish Valley Grange. Inherently boring subject matter becomes interesting & beautiful. The instrument evolves into a musician! Loved the elegant prickly old wife. What was the secret phrase? Nice touch with the playbill. Review: showsiveseen.com/1851 #ghostwriter #writer #author #typist #punctuation #theatre ♬ The Author – Livingston

Character Role	Performer Name
Myra Babbage	Mary Leedy
Franklin Woolsey	Curt Simmons
Vivian Woolsey	Melanie Workhoven

Production/Creative Role	Name
Playwright	Michael Hollinger
Director	Cynthia White
Costumes Design and Props	Chris Curino
Lighting Design	David Baldwin
Stage Manager	Tyler Petty
Audio Engineer	Alex Trewin
Sound Consultant	Hjalmer Anderson
Producer	Charley Blaine
Photographer	Sandro Menzel
Production Manager	Jane Ryan

Starmites Pro – Musical – SecondStory Repertory

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Starmites Pro musical at SecondStory Repertory. A sci-fi inter-dimensional fantasy comic book story comes to life! Unique subject matter for theatre. Deliciously 1980s corny humor. Villain had a great rich voice. Favorite line was “May we fluff them?” #comics #comic #nerdy

Synopsis from the Theatre: Shy teenager Eleanor has built a fantasy world around the sci-fi comic books she collects. To the distress of her mother, she has learned to avoid the pains of growing up by escaping into fantasy, imagining herself to be an unrecognized superhero. When she is mysteriously thrust into the Website World of her favorite comic book, Eleanor is drawn into the conflict between Shak Graa, Arch-Creep of Chaos, and the Starmites, guardian angels of Innerspace. She turns out to be the legendary Milady, teen superhero who must lead the Mites on their Quest to save the Galaxy.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Live Band: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you like nerding out, community theatre, and/or 80s comedy!

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes!

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.25 stars

Rant(s)

Individually, they were great singers. But collectively, there was less synergy than expected. I could actually hear someone going out of tune in some parts. I anticipate this will improve as they perform together more during this production’s run.

Other Rave(s)

I loved when they made the “arms above head pointing in the same direction diagonally while head was down” pose when they uttered “Aragala” or other revered names of lore. If anybody knows what that salute is called, tell me in my social media comments below! It’s been bothering me and Google hasn’t been helpful. I loved when they dabbed (or “made a dab pose?”) when they uttered “Aragala” or other revered names of lore. Thanks Buddy Todd and Jessica Robins for letting me know what this was called!

Theatre Company : SecondStory Repertory

Venue: SecondStory Repertory

Venue Physical Address: 7325 166th Ave NE f250, Redmond, WA 98052

Price: Cheap

Dates: October 28 – November 13, 2022

Seating: General Admission

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

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

https://www.secondstoryrep.org/product-page/starmites-pro-2

Other Video/Pictures: Scroll under the table below.

Cast and Production Team Leadership:

Writer	Barry Keating & Stuart Ross
Director	Buddy Todd
Choreography	Angela Snyder
Music Direction	Tatiana Kruse
Stage Manager	Annie Simonton
Mark Chenovick	Set, Lighting, Costume, & Sound Design
Show Sponsor	Beth Moursund
Eleanor Fairchild	Taylor Davis
Diva	Jessica Robins
Shak Graa/Trinkulus	Shane Smith
Spacepunk	Matt Langenhop
Diggety Razzledazzle	Max Lopuszynski
Herbie Harrison	Tristan Carruthers
Ack Ack Hackerman	James B. Webster
Canibelle	Marlena McHenry
Balbraka	Jackie Alves
Shotzi	Lee Iris Thomas
Hollaback	Kaira Hensler

@showsiveseen “#Starmites Pro” #musical at SecondStory Repertory. A #scifi interdimensional #fantasy #comicbook story comes to life! Unique subject matter for #theatre. Deliciously #1980s #corny #humor. Favorite line was “May we fluff them?” Villain had a great rich voice. Review: showsiveseen.com/1832 #comics #comic #nerdy #nerd #nerds ♬ original sound – Shows I’ve Seen

Murder on the Orient Express – Play – Tacoma Little Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Murder on the Orient Express mystery play by Agatha Christie at Tacoma Little Theatre. Once again, detective Poirot surprised me w/ the reveal at the end. Impressive rotating stage & digital background especially for community theatre. Varied accents. Loved the stereotypical portrayal of Americans. #whodunit

Synopsis from the Theatre: Eight suspects, one thrilling ride with this new adaptation by Ken Ludwig! Board the exotic and mysterious Orient Express as it takes off into the opulence and grandeur of the 1930s. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of year, but by the morning, it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case they decide to strike again. Join Poirot as he battles the clock to figure out “whodunit” in this sleek, stylish, and surprisingly comedic murder mystery.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Recommendation: See it if you like murder mysteries!

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes if it was produced by an Equity Theatre

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.25 stars

Other Thought(s)

Did the 10/23/22 actor portraying the train attendant or the conductor feel ill during the big reveal? They were acting strangely and had to sit. I wasn’t sure if it was part of the script.
I wished the brutish/thugish American tycoon had more lines! He was great.

Theatre Company : Tacoma Little Theatre

Venue: Tacoma Little Theatre

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

Price: Cheap

Dates: October 21 – November 6, 2022

Seating: Assigned Seating

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

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

https://www.tacomalittletheatre.com/blog/20222023/murder

Other Video/Pictures: Scroll under the table below. Photos in the video and photos under the video are by Dennis K Photography

Cast and Production Team Leadership:

Writer	Book by Agatha Christie Adapted by Ken Ludwig
Director	Melanie Gladstone
Stage Manager	Ellie Rutt
Hercule Poirot	Craig Rock
Monsieur Bouc	Jacob Tice
Mary Debenham	Andrea Gordon
Hector Macqueen	Ton Williams
Michel the Conductor	Alan Plaster
Princess Dragomiroff	Rosalie Hilburn
Greta Ohlsson	Marisa-Clare Hissey
Countess Andrenyi	Canae Machelle Gray
Helen Hubbard	Jenifer Gillis Rifenbery
Colonel Arbuthnot	Brandon Fair
Samuel Ratchett (Understudy Poirot/Michel/Colonel)	Josh Johnson
Head Waiter (Understudy Macqueen/Bouc)	Josie DeRosier
Understudy Princess/Helen	Haylee Gregory
Understudy Greta/Countess/Mary	Jean-Michele Gregory

@showsiveseen “#Murder on the Orient Express” #mystery #play by #AgathaChristie at @tacomalittletheatre. Once again, #Detective #Poirot suprised me w/ the reveal at the end. Impressive rotating stage & digital background especially for community #theatre. Varied accents. Loved the stereotypical portrayal of Americans. Review & Photo Credit: tinyurl.com/yc27zhzv #whodunit ♬ The Locomotion – Little Eva