Cinderella – Musical – Village Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): This ain’t your granny’s Rodgers & Hammerstein Cinderella musical! Colorful retro costumes/hair. Stunning orchestra w/ the occasional funky beat. Nice ballroom choreography. Soothing voice from Prince James Schilling. Proud to see Pinay Ays Garcia play Cinderella at Village Theatre. Takes me back to Brandy & Whitney Houston’s TV special.

Synopsis from the Theatre: “Do I love you because you’re beautiful? Or are you beautiful because I love you?” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella comes to life in a timeless new production full of theatrical invention, tuneful melodies, and romance galore. With favorite songs like “In My Own Little Corner” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful,” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella was last seen on the Village Theatre stage in 1985. Now, under the inspired direction of the acclaimed Desdemona Chiang, with a script drawn from the 1997 television adaptation, Chiang’s production of Cinderella brings the story into the present with scintillating new costumes, a top-tier cast of Seattle stars, and a spectacular 16-person orchestra you’ll have to hear to believe. With an assist from her fairy godmother, as Cinderella dreams of finding her own place in a perfect world, she steps into her glass slippers to meet the prince of her dreams —only to lose him as the clock strikes midnight. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella promises to be an unforgettable trip to the theatre, perfect for the whole family as memories are made together.

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/18/22 Evening

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Recommendation: See it!

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Always! This is the second (maybe 3rd if you count the TV special) time I’ve seen a separate version of Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

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

Equity Actors: 13 out of 20

Length: 2 hours

Intermission?: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Kiss: I kinda liked that Cinderella made the first move. The conservatives would have been reeling though!
  • Shoulder Sleeves: The puffy shoulder sleeves on Cinderella’s initial dress were a great touch. I wonder if it was an intentional nod to retro Filipina/Filipinx/Filipino fashion since the Cinderella actress was Pinay. I assume it was since Village Theatre included a barong in their previous production of Mamma Mia.
  • Fairy Godmother: Novel portrayal of a non-traditional fairy godmother who’s typically either in an unflattering frumpy-albeit-comfortable muumuu-like dress, in a tulle-ly dress, or a granny. This one had a more butch lesbian vibe (I can say that since I’m gay right?) in a sparkly pant suit. Reminded me of the time the 5th Ave Theatre fairy godfather in Bliss was an actual gay Italian man.
  • Pharmacist: As someone in the pharmacy profession, thank you Village Theatre for recognizing most pharmacists are doctorate graduates!
  • Shadow Box Set: I’m a huge fan of shadow boxes in home decor and it was cool seeing them as set frames. However, I suggest removing the vertical lines from Cinderella’s house so it doesn’t look like a shipping container … unless it was intentional to show the family’s financial status.
  • Favorite Line: Something like “A glass slipper. A pumpkin. What a night!” Not sure why this was so funny.
  • Down to Earth: Ays Garcia portrayed Cinderella as someone more relatable. Usually, Cinderella is typically portrayed as someone more regal, unrealistic, with a dash of Stepford. I wonder what children would think of this Cinderella if they’ve never seen any other portrayal.
  • Stepmother: She made some amusing trembles! 😛

Rant(s)

  • Flow: Some of the acting flow was a little awkward and stilted. This production needs more time to cure. However, I attended the opening night and this problem will certainly improve as they continue to perform this piece.
  • Stage Space: Great ballroom choreography but the stage space looked too cramped for the dancers.
  • Stained Glass: I wasn’t really a fan of using a stained glass motif around the sides of the stage. Not sure why. I think it felt like wasted space on the already tiny-for-ballroom-scenes stage. Maybe it would be more suitable for Beauty and the Beast?
  • Staircase: Should have been more regal than a simple metal wobbly thing. It would have been nice to see a more dramatic Cinderella entrance on it.
  • Carriage: Should have been more pumpkin-looking. Although, a pumpkin carriage might be too big for the stage.
  • Puffer Jacket: I loved their groovy costumes. But a Patagonia-like puffer jacket as a ballroom costume piece? Oh the PNW … I guess they know their audience!

Other Thought(s)

  • Glass Slipper: I wish there was a better way to show live theatre audiences a glass slipper than just a glittery shoe. It’s easier to do this on-screen but nearly impossible to do this on a stage. Some people in the audience wouldn’t even see a glass slipper but just feet since the slipper is transparent.
  • Technical Pause: They had to stop in the middle of the second act for a technical glitch. I think one of the set pieces wasn’t moving. I wouldn’t hold it against them too much since it’s part of the the magic of live theatre!
  • Dress Down: While I appreciated Stepmother’s scathing figurative dress down, I would have also loved to see a more dramatic literal dress down of Cinderella’s first dress where the stepsisters eviscerate it in cat fight-like fray. But to be fair, I think most Rodgers and Hammerstein Cinderella musicals actually don’t show a first dress like in the Disney versions.
  • Lyrics and Songslist: I recently learned the songlist and lyrics between each Rodgers & Hammerstein Cinderella production I’ve seen have been different. It’s interesting to observe these variations.
  • Animals: Not sure how I feel about the incorporation of animal characterization and puppetry in this version of Cinderella. I don’t think we normally see this from other Rodgers & Hammerstein Cinderella productions. If anything, it’s novel to see!

Theatre Company : Village Theatre

Venue: Village Theatre Issaquah (Additional Performances in Everett)

Venue Physical Address: 303 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027

Price: Medium

Dates: Issaquah Nov 16 – Dec 23, 2022 | Everett Jan 6 – Jan 29, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Free street parking and some free parking lot. Lot parking is pretty difficult to find though. I’ve basically given up on that. I usually end up parking on Rainier Boulevard North. As a last resort, I think you can always find parking at the library 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.

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

Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

Cast and Production Team: See under the multimedia below.

Other Video +/- Pictures: B-reel clips in TikTok video by Nyhuis Creative

@showsiveseen This ain’t your granny’s @rodgersandhammerstein #Cinderella #musical! Colorful retro costumes/hair. Stunning orchestra w/ the occasional funky beat. Nice ballroom choreography. Soothing voice from Prince James Schilling. Proud to see #Pinay @aysgarcia play Cinderella at #VillageTheatre. Takes me back to @brandy & @whitneyhouston’s TV special. Review + Video Credit: showsiveseen.com/2047 #theatre ♬ “Ten Minutes Ago” (Reprise) – Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Original Broadway Ensemble
Ays Garcia and Cassi Q Kohl in Village Theatre’s Cinderella. Photo by Angela Sterling.
Anne Allgood, Mia Mooko, and Carly Corey in Village Theatre’s Cinderella. Photo by Angela Sterling.
Brandon O’Neill and Candice Donehoo in Village Theatre’s Cinderella. Photo by Angela Sterling.
Jason Weitkamp and the cast of Village Theatre’s Cinderella. Photo by Angela Sterling.
Cassi Q Kohl in Village Theatre’s Cinderella. Photo by Angela Sterling.
The cast of Village Theatre’s Cinderella. Photo by Angela Sterling.
Ays Garcia in Village Theatre’s Cinderella. Photo by Angela Sterling.
Mia Mooko and Carly Corey in Village Theatre’s Cinderella. Photo by Angela Sterling.
Ays Garcia and James Schilling in Village Theatre’s Cinderella. Photo by Angela Sterling.
Ays Garcia and James Schilling in Village Theatre’s Cinderella. Photo by Angela Sterling.
Ays Garcia, James Schilling, and the cast of Village Theatre’s Cinderella. Photo by Angela Sterling.
RoleName
Fairy GodmotherCassi Q Kohl*
Candice Donehoo* (u/s)
GraceCarly Corey*
Bridgid Abrams* (u/s)
LionelJason Weitkamp*
Fune Tautala (u/s)
CinderellaAys Garcia*
Beth Pollack (u/s)
JoyMia Mooko
Mackenzie Neusiok
Queen ConstantinaCandice Donehoo*
Rebecca Maiten
StepmotherAnne Allgood*
Beth DeVries*
ChristopherJames Schilling
Kawika Huston
King MaximillianBrandon O’Neill*
Mark Emerson*
EnsembleBridgid Abrams*
Beth DeVries*
Keola Kapulani Holt
Sade Aset
Mark Emerson*
Mackenzie Neusiok
Ethan Carpenter*
Kawika Huston
Fune Tautala
Gabriel Corey*
Charlie Johnson
Ensemble SwingsLisa Kwak
Christopher Sweet
Director/Conductor/Keyboard 2R.J. Tancioco
Violin 1/ConcertmasterWinnie Dungey
Violin 2Valerie Tung
CelloGrant Olson
BassOlivia Hamilton
Reed 1Alicia Suarez
or Susan Telford
Reed 2Koryn Orcutt
or Bruce Carpenter
Reed 3Jay Easton
Reed 4Robyn Watson
Keyboard 1Benjamin Bentler
Trumpet 1Greg Lyons
Trumpet 2William Ward
Horn 1David McBride
Horn 2Jill Jaques
TromboneKeith Winkle
PercussionJesse Whitford
Stage ManagerJamie J. Kranz*
Assistant Stage ManagersMichelle Chesley
Alyx Kruger
ComposerRichard Rodgers
Book and LyricsOscar Hammerstein II
Adapted by Tom Briggs from the teleplay by Robert L. Freedman
Scenic DesignersLauren Nichols
Arnel Sancianco
Costume DesignerChelsea Cook
Lighting DesignerAndrew D. Smith
Sound DesignerKurt Conway
ChoreographerKaty Tabb
DirectorDesdemona Chiang
*The Actors and Stage Managers are members of the Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage
Managers in the United States.

Jagged Little Pill – Musical – Paramount Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Alanis Morissette’s jagged little pill jukebox musical at the Paramount Theatre w/ Seattle Theatre Group. Love good implosions in the perfect suburbs. Wish there was a way to explore the addiction storyline more without diminishing the #meToo one. Costumes were deliciously 90s alternative grungy Seattle.

Synopsis from the Theatre: Joy, rage, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE: everything we’ve been waiting to see on a Broadway stage is back, in this exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. Nominated for 15 Tony Awards® (the most of any show), and a recent Grammy® winner for Best Musical Theater Album, this electrifying production about a perfectly imperfect American family “vaults the audience to its collective feet” (The Guardian). You live, you learn, you remember what it’s like to feel truly human… at JAGGED LITTLE PILL.

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/9/22 Evening. Sorry, I would have prioritized this review sooner if the theatre company gave me a press ticket.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Live Band: Yes

Recommendation: See it whether or not you’re a fan of Alanis Morissette! I actually only remotely knew 3 songs in the musical.

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

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.5 stars

Equity Actors: All of them!

Length: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Intermission?: Yes

Other Rave(s)

  • Enjoyed the witty quips from the lesbian girlfriend (Jo). My favorite line in the whole show was “She’s [your mother is] one salad away from a psychotic break.”
  • Loved how the cast performed “Smiling” while depicting MJ’s day in reverse. It reminded me of when the Hamilton cast performed “Satisfied.”
  • Lauren Chanel’s voice was so beautiful!
  • #meToo picket sign slogans were cleaver. Two of my favorites were “Don’t tell me how to dress, tell them not to rape!” and “Don’t Get Raped!”
  • The ensemble’s alternative grungy costumes contrasted well with the perfect Stepford suburbia costumes.
  • Thrilled that they included my profession (pharmacy)!

Other Thought(s)

  • This show so woke. Liberal Seattle surely ate it it up. I hope they paid attention to the racial commentary though.

Theatre Company : National Tour Coordinated by Seattle Theatre Group

Venue: Paramount Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: Expensive

Dates: November 8 – 13, 2022

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking and paid garage parking. The best parking garage is under the convention center w/ the entrance on Pike around the Pike and Terry intersection. Last I checked, this is one of the cheapest, least busy, and closest garages. Alternatively, you can probably find street parking as you get closer to the West Precinct (810 Virginia St, Seattle, WA 98101).

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

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: See under the multimedia below.

Other Video +/- Pictures:

@showsiveseen @alanis’s @jaggedlittlepill #jukebox #musical at Paramount #Theatre w/ @seattletheatregroup. Love good implosions in the perfect #suburbs. Wish there was a way to explore the #addiction storyline more without diminishing the #meToo one. Costumes were deliciously 90s alternative grungy Seattle. showsiveseen.com/2036 #theatre #jaggedlittlepill ♬ You Learn – Original Broadway Cast Of Jagged Little Pill
RoleName
The Chorus
Lee H. Alexander
Delaney Brown
Jada Simone Clark
Lani Corson
Jason Goldston
Rishi Golani
Zach Hess
Cydney Kutcipal
Jordan Leigh Mccaskill
Alana Pollard
Daniel Thimm
Kei Tsuruharatani
Jena Vanelslander
Mary Jane HealyHeidi Blickenstaff
Steve HealyChris Hoch
Nick HealyDillon Klena
Frankie HealyLauren Chanel
JoJade Mcleod
BellaAllison Sheppard
AndrewJason Goldston

Sean Doherty for this performance
PhoenixRishi Golani
Pharmacist/TherapistJordan Leigh Mccaskill

Maya J. Christian for this performance
BaristaJada Simone Clark
Jill/TeacherLani Corson
DeniseDelaney Brown
CourtneyJena Vanelslander
Drug DealerDaniel Thimm
DoctorLee H. Alexander
SwingsMaya J. Christian
Claire Crause
Sean Doherty
Charles P. Way
Dance CaptainClaire Crause
Assistant Dance CaptainCharles P. Way
Conductor/KeyboardMatt Doebler
Guitar 1Will Yanez
Guitar 2David Manning
BassJennifer Giammanco
Drums And PercussionLucy Ritter
Concertmaster/ViolinDwayne Beach
ViolaCarolina Diaz Chan
CelloCalvin Chan
Assistant ConductorDavid Manning
Music CoordinatorMichael Aarons
Music PreparationEmily Grishman
Keyboard ProgrammerRandy Cohen
LyricsAlanis
Morissette
MusicAlanis
Morissette
Glen Ballard
Michael Farrell
Guy Sigsworth
BookDiablo Cody
DirectorDiane Paulus
Scenic DesignRiccardo Hernández
Costume DesignEmily Rebholz
Lighting DesignJustin Townsend
Sound DesignJonathan Deans
Video DesignLucy Mackinnon
Hair, Wig, & Makeup DesignJ. Jared Janas
Music Director/ConductorMatt Doebler
Music CoordinatorMichael Aarons
CastingC12 Casting
Jillian Cimini
Marketing & Publicity DirectionBond Theatrical
Production Supervising Stage ManagerIra Mont
Production Stage ManagerJustin Myhre
Jenn Gallo
Ashanti Smith
Company ManagerMichael Sanfilippo
Production ManagerHudson Theatrical Associates
General ManagerRCI Theatricals
David Richards
Shaun Moorman
Exclusive Tour DirectionThe Road Company
Stephen Lindsay
Brett Sirota
Music Supervisor, Orchestrator, and ArrangerTom Kitt
Movement Director and ChoreographerSidi Larbi Cherkaoui

The Boy Who Kissed the Sky – Musical – Seattle Children’s Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Boy Who Kissed the Sky musical at Seattle Children’s Theatre. Inspired by the early Seattle life of Jimi Hendrix. Vibrant costumes & great music. Fantastic show for kids or adults. Good teachable moments. Fascinating lobby exhibit of previous Seattle theatre stages. #JimiHendrix #musician

Synopsis from the Theatre: Set in the heart of Seattle’s Central District to the rhythms that shaped a generation, The Boy Who Kissed the Sky, is inspired by the early life and influences of Seattle native and musical icon Jimi Hendrix. The early era of rock ‘n roll music sets the stage as a young Black boy conjures his creativity as a budding guitarist. Guided by the spirit of music itself, the boy learns to find harmony inside the challenging noises of his life. Told with vibrant music and daring imagination, this play inspires us to dream big when it matters most.

Reviewed Performance Date: 10/29/22 Early Afternoon – 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: Musical but some may call it a play with music.

World Premiere: No. This might be their second run though. I think their first run was at Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA. Leave a comment on my social media links below if you have any more information!

Live Band: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you’re an adult or kid! I saw alone as an adult and thoroughly enjoyed it. The theatre website says ages 8 and up. I’d venture to change that to maybe ages 10 and up especially since it was on the longer side (but still only one act). I’m curious how 8 year olds enjoyed this. You also don’t need to be a Jimi Hendrix fan. I actually don’t like his music but I still enjoyed the show!

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

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 5 stars

Equity Actors: 8 out of 8

Rant(s)

  • Theatre was too cold.
  • The imaginary friend character needed a better cup so the audience doesn’t see his junk. As Gunther said in an episode of Friends, “Hey buddy, this is a family place! Put the mouse back in the house.”

Other Rave(s)

  • The professor was delightful!

Other Thought(s)

  • There are a few scenes involving depression. Obviously, they fit in just fine in an adult musical but some may question including the scenes in a children’s musical. I’m personally more in favor of the scenes than against the scenes. Children need to know real life! Maybe parents who tell their kids about Santa Clause would vote against these scenes.

Theatre Company : Seattle Children’s Theatre (and maybe Alliance Theatre Company?)

Venue: Seattle Children’s Theatre

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

Price: Medium – Try Goldstar or the SCT Offers page for more affordable options.

Dates: October 11 – November 6, 2022

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking or various paid parking lots/garages. Street parking is sparse when there’s a major Seattle Center event or Climate Pledge Arena event. I usually have good luck finding street parking on Lenny Wilkins Way next to the theatre. My plan B is usually far away on the street near a electric substation (319 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109).

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 Truman Buffet Photography.

@showsiveseen “The Boy Who Kissed the Sky” #musical at Seattle Children’s Theatre w/ @alliancetheatre. Inspired by the early life of #JimiHendrix. Vibrant costumes & great #music. Fantastic show for kids or adults. Good teachable moments. Fascinating lobby exhibit of previous #Seattle #theatre stages. Photo Credit & Review: showsiveseen.com/1937 #musician ♬ Purple Haze (Made Popular By The Jimi Hendrix Experience) [Vocal Version] – Party Tyme Karaoke
RoleName
The BoyBrandon L. Smith
J SonicCedric Lamar
Mel / Feedback 1Adam Washington
Donna / Feedback 2Aishé Keita
Shapeshifter 1 / Feedback 3Alexandria Joy
Shapeshifter 2 / Feedback 5Mike Spee
Shapeshifter 3 / Feedback 4Deborah Bowman
Understudy for Aishé Keita and Alexandria JoyClaudine Mboligikpelani Nako
Understudy for Deborah Bowman and Mike SpeeMartha Kathryn Smith
GuitarMiles Harris
BassKhari Simmons
DrumsRaoul Hardin
PlaywrightIdris Goodwin
DirectorTim Bond
ComposerDivinity Roxx
Composer / Music DirectorEugene H. Russell IV
ChoreographerSonia Dawkins
Scenic DesignerCarey Wong
Costume DesignerAlan Yeong
Lighting DesignerConnie Yun
Sound DesignerChris Lane
Projections DesignerMiko Simmons
Wig DesignerJoyce Degenfelder
Stage ManagerTori Thompson
Assistant Stage ManagerMichelle Chesley
Assistant Stage ManagerClaire Stark
Production AssistantIsabella Marziello
Script SupervisorJay Chavez

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.
The cast of 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.
The cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
RoleName
JesusWilliam Douglas Johnson
CaiaphasDavid Breyman
JudasShana E. Emile
PilateJasmine Joshua
HerodNatalie Anne Moe
MaryJordyn Day Palmer
AnnasNoel Pederson
PeterMatthew Reyes
SimonKristie Werner
SwingJoanna Hardie
Sarah Hooper
EnsembleKhane Berry
Mariesa Genzale
Aaron Jin
Jacqueline Tardanico (Jesus/Judas/Mary Understudy)
Conductor/Keyboard 1Sam Peters
Keyboard 2William Bryant
Jenny Nguyen (Alternate)
BassKendall Crane
GuitarCam Schneider
DrumsScot Sexton
______
Director/ChoreographerHarry Turpin
Musical DirectorSam Peters
Stage ManagerMeredith Zandi
Associate DirectorMandy Rose Nichols
Lighting DesignCarolina Johnson
Costume DesignJanelle Kimbrough
Video EngineerLaser Volcanoes: Grant Boling, Andrew Croll
Video Graphics and Poster DesignNoel Pederson
QLab ProgrammingBrendan Mack
Props DesignJessamyn Bateman-Iino
Sound DesignSandra Huezo-Menjivar
A/V InstallationBruce Hart
Production ManagerScot Charles Anderson
Artist LiaisonWei Low
Dance CaptainMariesa Genzale
Tap Dance CaptainMeredith Zandi
Fight CaptainDavid Breyman
ComposerAndrew Lloyd Webber
LyricistTim 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):

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
RoleName
Brother BoxerHoliday
Sister BoxerFelicia Loud
Sister MooreAnjelica McMillan
MargaretMaiya Reaves
OdessaCathleen Riddley
LukeAdrian Roberts
Brother DavisMalcolm J. West
DavidDimitri Woods
Sister Ida JacksonAmaya Zhané
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PlaywrightJames Baldwin
DirectorReggie D. White
Music DirectorAaron M. Davis Norman
Set and Costume DesignerAn-lin Dauber
Props DesignerRobert J. Aguilar
Lighting DesignerRobin Macartney
Stage ManagerP. Alyda Sorm
Production ManagerKyle Hartmann
Technical DirectorJustin Duffiance