Performance Type – Shows I've Seen

Preview Post 2025 – Black Nativity – Concert Musical – Intiman Theatre and The Hansberry Project

Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity gospel xmas concert musical by Intiman Theatre and The Hansberry Project at Broadway Performance Hall. Closes 12/28/25.

Tickets: https://www.intiman.org/black-nativity/

Last Year’s Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/black-nativity-concert-musical-2024-review-intiman-theatre-the-hansberry-project/

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Preview Post – Penelope – Musical – ArtsWest

Alex Bechtel’s Penelope musical production at ArtsWest starring Chelsea LeValley. Based on The Odyssey. Happy closing weekend w/ two more performances left (tonight and tomorrow)!

Tickets: https://www.artswest.org/events/penelope/

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Elf – Musical – Review – The 5th Avenue Theatre

@showsiveseen "#Elf: The #Musical" at @The 5th Avenue Theatre is pure #holiday cheer. A swinging live orchestra (led by Matthew Smedal) delivering that classic big-band Broadway showbiz sound and all the sparkle of an NYC #Christmas. A joyful, festive escape starring Eric Ankrim. Closes #xmas ♬ Sparklejollytwinklejingley – Sebastian Arcelus & Michael Mandell & The Original Broadway Company Of 'Elf – The Musical'

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Elf: The Musical at The 5th Avenue Theatre is pure holiday cheer. A swinging live orchestra (led by Matthew Smedal) delivering that classic big-band Broadway showbiz sound and all the sparkle of an NYC Christmas. A joyful, festive escape starring Eric Ankrim.

Recommendation:
See it if you want to get into the Christmas spirit.

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, I saw the national tour and a community production.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Probably not, twice is enough for me.

Mainstream Appeal: Medium to high

If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Yes

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Inspired by the film, this light Christmas musical follows Buddy who realizes he’s a human and not a North Pole elf. He journeys to New York City to find his biological father.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Son of a Nutcracker! Buddy’s back! Buddy the Elf has spent his life fulfilling his elf-ly duties in the North Pole helping Santa get ready for Christmas. The only problem is, he’s always been a little different. He stands feet above everyone else, is slower at making toys, and can’t quite fit in a standard elf-sized bed. After finding out he’s actually a human, Buddy embarks on a journey to the big city to discover his true identity—while also bringing a little Christmas spirit to everyone he meets. Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema film starring Will Ferrell, this musical adaptation is a hilarious, fish-out-of-water comedy that’s full of heart, adventure, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re young, or just young at heart, make sure you’re on the nice list, because this show is a festive treat you don’t want to miss.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Dynamic

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’ll likely appreciate this more if you saw the movie, but it’s not required. I’ve never seen it.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Union Actor(s): All

Total Actor(s): Too many to count

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Other Rave(s)

Music: The true stars of the evening were the orchestra (led by Matthew Smedal) and the score (by Matthew Skylar). The 5th Avenue Theatre once again proved why it boasts the finest musical theatre orchestra in town, opening the show with a glorious, swinging overture. From there, the big-band, showbiz Broadway sound soared in numbers like “Sparklejollytwinklejingley,” “Nobody Cares About Santa,” and “The Story of Buddy,” before arriving at a standout moment in Jovie’s (played by Tori Gresham) beautifully delivered solo, “Never Fall in Love (With an Elf).” Together, the music and performances effortlessly conjured that cozy, classic New York City Christmas feeling.
“There Is a Santa Claus”: Echoing her memorable role in White Christmas at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Cayman Ilika (as mother Emily Hobbs) showcased her gorgeous voice in the duet “There Is a Santa Claus,” joined by the promising young Conor Sullivan (as son Michael Hobbs).

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Tap Dance: Throughout the performance, I kept wondering when the quintessential grand tap dance number would appear. It finally surfaced in the final number, which was an oddly placed choice. Usually, it would be somewhere in the middle of the 1st act. However, the dancing itself (choreographed by director Denis Jones) was obviously strong quality like any tap dance number from The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Snow: It’s unclear whether this was intentional, but in one scene the actors gazed at the “snow,” which appeared only as a projection. Several minutes later, snow particles finally drifted down from the ceiling, raising the question of whether the delayed snowfall was a deliberate choice or simply a technical malfunction.
Plot Holes: The story contained major practical and professional inconsistencies. For instance, a Christmas book commissioned by Christmas would realistically miss the publishing window until the following holiday season. Likewise, the plot glosses over legal concerns, such as the apparent reuse of material from a previous employer without addressing intellectual property rights or non-compete agreements.
Holiday Formula: The script openly pandered into the Christmas spirit, as many seasonal live theatre shows do. It wasn’t especially deep or substantial, but unlike much of the Christmas-themed filler drivel and slop (can we please stop producing A Christmas Carol?!) that floods theatre stages each year, this show was enjoyable. Its primary aim was simply to put the audience in a festive mood. And in that, it succeeded.

Theatre Company: The 5th Avenue Theatre

Venue: The 5th Avenue Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Price Range: $60-198

Ticket Affordability Options: The 5th Avenue Theatre often partners with organizations you’re affiliated with for discount tickets. For example, they sometimes offer a discount for my employer affiliation and my apartment complex. Rush tickets are typically also available the day of the performance at the box office.

Dates: 11/28/25 to 12/28/25

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: When I don’t walk to the theatre or park on the street, I park in the paid garage at the Motif Hotel northwest of the theatre. The entrance is on 5th Ave. Do NOT park in the APA Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel garage (entrance on 6th Ave). That’s where most of the audience (and I think the subscribers) parks, so it’s a nightmare to leave. However, the APA Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel garage is the closest garage to the theatre and you can access the theatre through a tunnel if you want to avoid the elements. But, in my opinion, this benefit is not worth the time wasted leaving the garage.

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Photos: See production photos below by Michael B. Maine.

Cast and Production Team: See after photos below.

Eric Ankrim and the Fake Santas in ELF THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Photo by Michael B. Maine.

Eric Ankrim and Tori-Gresham in ELF THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Photo by Michael B. Maine.

Richard Ziman and the cast of ELF THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Photo by Michael B. Maine.

Richard Ziman. Eric Ankrim, and the cast of ELF THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Photo by Michael B. Maine.

The Lion King – Musical – Review – Paramount Theatre

@showsiveseen @Disney's "The Lion King" #musical at Paramount Theatre from @BwayAmerica & @Seattle Theatre Group. Spectacular synergy between puppetry, costume, & scenic design. Starring Gilbert Domally, Aaron Chao, & Josiah Watson. Performing in Seattle till 1/4/26. Review: showsiveseen.com/14376 Photos: Matthew Murphy, Deen Van Meer, Joan Marcus Director: Julie Taymor Conductor: Karl Shymanovitz Stage Mgr: Charles Underhill Choreo: Garth Fagan #disney #lionKing #theLionKing #theatre ♬ Circle of Life – Ndlovu Youth Choir

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Happy opening weekend to Disney’s The Lion King musical at Paramount Theatre from Broadway Seattle and Seattle Theatre Group. Spectacular synergy between puppetry, costume, and scenic design. Performing in Seattle till 1/4/26.

Recommendation:
Whether young or old, see it!

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, I saw the tour the last time it came to Paramount Theatre.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Probably not, twice is enough for me

Mainstream Appeal: Medium to high

If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Yes

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Inspired by the classic Disney film, the story follows a young lion prince thrust into exile who must find the courage to reclaim his rightful place as the lion king.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. The Lion King also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award®-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like The Lion King.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Dynamic

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’ll appreciate this more if you saw the movie, but it’s not required.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Union Actor(s): All

Total Actor(s): Too many to count

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Other Rave(s)

Design: The production’s true star was the extensive puppetry, costume, and scenic design by Julie Taymor, Michael Curry, and Richard Hudson. While reminiscent of the intricate style seen in Life of Pi, the puppetry here was even more ambitious. The designers didn’t limit themselves to the iconic animals of the African savanna. Every element, down to the swaying grass, was transformed into a living, moving piece of costume/puppet art. Among the most memorable creations were the tears built into the lioness’s mask and the mesmerizing gazelle hunt, in which the gazelle’s body fractured into multiple body parts.
“Circle of Life” Bookends: The show opens with a glorious hook in “The Circle of Life” song. The stage (and even the audience lovel itself) was alive with action, offering so much to take in that I found myself with a bit of FOMO torn between multiple points of focus. It was overwhelming in a good way. If you have the chance, sit on the orchestra level. I remember watching from the balcony last time and missing much of this immersive energy from the actors roaming the audience. The opening song built to a triumphant climax. The musical came full “circle” in a bookend, closing with the same piece for a thrilling, satisfying conclusion.
“He Lives in You”: This song was executed with breathtaking imagination. At first, the staging hinted at Mufasa’s reflection, assimilating gradually like a hidden portrait in an autostereogram optical illusion. The audience sensed it before it suddenly appeared like a revelation. Midway through the number, illuminated faces of the performers materialized as if out of thin air, heightening the sense of revelation. And then, in a final flourish, a burst of vibrantly saturated, rainbow-colored dancers appeared, sharply contrasting the monochromatic palette that had defined the song until that moment.
“Be Prepared”: Scar’s (Peter Hargrave) rendition of “Be Prepared” was another standout. It was elevated by several sharply conceived staging choices in gleeful villainous theatrical flair. The hyenas swarmed into the audience and their movements eventually snaped into a militaristic choreography that evoked the rigid precision of a North Korean (dare I say Nazi?) army parade. At one point, the number even shifted into a scene with the pulsing energy of a gay nightclub, as sculpted, bare torso-ed hyenas performed a tango-infused sequence. The whole moment brought to mind Matteo Lane’s joke about Disney villains being gay.
Voices: Gilbert Domally’s adult Simba brought an unexpected burst of energy with his surprisingly high voice in “Hakuna Matata.” He reignited that spark again in “He Lives in You.” It’s a shame Domally didn’t get more opportunities to showcase this vocal flair. But, he and Thembelihle Cele (as Nala) created beautifully sweet harmonies in “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
African Themes: The stage adaptation brought a vibrant African flair that the movie didn’t come close to replicating. It was a refreshing burst of color and energy to Seattle’s typically homogenous scene. I especially loved Rafiki, whose performance (complete with a vividly painted mandrill butt) incorporated African clicking sounds into their speech.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Climax: Disney is notorious for being accused of slipping subtle adult references into its family-friendly fare. In this production, Shenzi the hyena (played by Martina Sykes) delivered an unforgettably … enthusiastic reaction (basically an orgasm) to Mufasa’s name. This was definitely not something I saw in the movie. It was weird observing that sitting next to my nephew!

Theatre Company: National Tour from Broadway Across America and Seattle Theatre Group

Venue: Paramount Theatre

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

Price Range: $49-230

Ticket Affordability Options: Seattle Theatre Group might partner with an organization you’re affiliated with for discount tickets. For example, I believe UW employees/students are still eligible for an organization discount.

Dates: 12/4/25 to 1/4/26

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 move closer to the West Precinct (810 Virginia St, Seattle, WA 98101). Do NOT park where the Paramount subscribers park. Last I checked, they usually park in the garage attached to the former Cheesecake Factory. It’ll take you at least 30 minutes to exit that garage after the show.

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Photos: See production photos below by Matthew Murphy, Deen Van Meer, Joan Marcus.

Cast and Production Team: See after photos below.