Plays – Shows I've Seen | Theatre Reviews

Murder on the Links – Play – Review – Taproot Theatre

@showsiveseen "#Murder on the Links" #comedy #mystery play at @TaprootTheatre. Based on #agathaChristie's novel. Starring Richard Nguyen Sloniker (again) as the meticulous #HerculePoirot ♬ nice to know you – lovelytheband

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Murder on the Links comedy mystery play at Taproot Theatre. Based on the Agatha Christie novel. Starring Richard Nguyen Sloniker (again!) as the meticulous Hercule Poirot. Claire Marx shined with her signature charm. Impressive doubling from the cast. Now extended (twice!) through 8/30/25.

Recommendation:
See it if you enjoy murder mystery comedy plays (like Clue) filled with campy caricatures.

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? No

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

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

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Regional premiere, based on Agatha Christie’s gripping novel. After receiving an urgent plea from a stranger, Hercule Poirot whisks himself to the French seaside only to arrive a day too late. Paul Renauld has been found dead and the scene of the crime… a golf course. Poirot sets out to solve the murder, uncovering a web of deception, hidden identities, and old grudges.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Static

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’d probably appreciate the show more if you read the book.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Union Actors: 2

Total Actors: 6

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours

Other Rave(s)

Cast Doubling: Four of the six actors (Betsy Mugavero, Tyler Todd Kimmel, Claire Marx, and Jeff Allen Pierce) juggled a carousel of multiple characters. They distinguished each role through sharp dialect work (guided by dialect coach Marianna de Fazio) and costume changes. True to campy comedic style, the production acknowledged the absurdity of the cast doubling as characters rolled their eyes at one another while swapping personas mid-scene in a madcap whirl.

Rant(s)

Script: The script was difficult to follow and left me feeling restless. For a lighthearted piece, it demanded more mental energy than expected. In particular, the confusing chaotic resolution lacked the quintessential “satisfying Agatha Christie twist.” The twist was reminiscent of a soap opera grasping at straws to resolve a story that painted itself into a corner. By the end, I already lost track of key plot points … including the culprit’s identity! Overall, the script didn’t have the finesse or tightness of a classic play like The Mousetrap. It’s a reminder that some Agatha Christie novels are best translated into a script by Agatha Christie herself.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Title: Given the title “Murder on the Links,” I was surprised by how little action actually unfolded on the golf course.

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taproot Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price Range: $25-62

Dates: Jul 9 – Aug 30, 2025

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

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Pictures: See production pictures below by Robert Wade.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Betsy Mugavero as Actor Two and Claire Marx as Actor Four in Taproot’s production of *Murder on the Links* (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.

Jeff Allen Pierce as Actor One and Betsy Mugavero as Actor Two in Taproot’s production of *Murder on the Links* (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.

Jeff Allen Pierce as Actor One (left), Nathan Brockett as Captain Hastings (middle), and Richard Nguyen Sloniker as Hercule Poirot (right) in Taproot’s production of *Murder on the Links* (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.

Full cast of Taproot’s production of *Murder on the Links* (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.

From left to right: Tyler Todd Kimmel as Actor Three, Betsy Mugavero as Actor Two, Claire Marx as Actor Four, and Jeff Allen Pierce as Actor One in Taproot’s production of *Murder on the Links* (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.

Nathan Brockett as Captain Hastings and Richard Nguyen Sloniker as Hercule Poirot in Taproot’s production of *Murder on the Links* (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.

From left to right: Nathan Brockett as Captain Hastings, Richard Nguyen Sloniker as Hercule Poirot, Jeff Allen Pierce as Actor One, Betsy Mugavero as Actor Two, and Tyler Todd Kimmel as Actor Three in Taproot’s production of *Murder on the Links* (July 2025). Photo by Robert Wade.

Credits from the printed ENCORE program.

Preview Post – Murder on the Links – Play – Taproot Theatre

Congrats to Taproot Theatre on the opening night of their Murder on the Links play production. Extended through 8/16/25. Look out for my full review! #agathaChristie #mystery #comedy #herculePoirot

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2025/murder-on-the-links/

Final Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/murder-on-the-links-play-review-taproot-theatre/

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The Effect – Play – Review – ArtsWest

@showsiveseen Lucy Prebble's "The Effect" #play at ArtsWest. Fantastic futuristic sci-fi vibe from the scenic, lighting, sound, & movement design. Charismatic, disarming male lead portrayal from @Morgan Gwilym Tso. Closes next weekend! #Review: showsiveseen.com/13278 Photos: John McLellan Director: Mathew Wright Stage Mgr: Neen Williams-Teramachi, @Alyda Sorm #theatre #showsiveseen #antidepressant #pharma ♬ Tomorrow – Fly By Midnight

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Lucy Prebble’s The Effect play at ArtsWest. Fantastic futuristic sci-fi vibe from the scenic, lighting, sound, & movement design. Charismatic, disarming male lead portrayal from Morgan Gwilym Tso. Closes next weekend!

Recommendation:
See it.

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

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

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

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

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Two volunteers sign up for a clinical trial testing an experimental antidepressant. As the boundaries between science, emotion, and ethics blur, the relationships among the researchers and subjects grow increasingly complex. Will the trial yield a medical breakthrough or a personal breakdown?

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: In this sci-fi thriller by Lucy Prebble (HBO’s Succession), a clinical drug trial is thrown off-course when two young volunteers succumb to the gravitational pull of attraction – is it love or just a side effect? As sexy as it is funny, this riveting play will have you at the edge of your seat.

Type: Play

World Premiere: Yes

Several or Few Scenes: A couple

Several or Few Settings/Locations: A couple

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Static

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Mostly, yes. But it was more dialogue than action.

Union Actors: 1

Total Actors: 4

Perceived Pace of the Show: Slow to medium speed

Was there an intermission? No

Length (Including Any Intermission): 100 minutes

Other Rave(s)

Vibe: The production exuded a distinctly futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic, with all design elements complementing in strong harmony. Parmida Ziaei’s scenic design evoked the sleek sterility of a modern museum with clean lines, minimalist forms, and a sense of clinical precision. Trevor Cushman’s lighting design beautifully enhanced the stage trim with pulsing neon reminiscent of a hip underground club. Outside of the neon, the lighting was vividly color-saturated and occasionally dramatically shifted. It echoed the lighting design in ArtsWest’s previous production Athena. The sound design (by Sandra Huezo-Menjivar and Conor Fortner) and sound composition (by Greg Fields) reinforced the technological atmosphere with robotic sound effects and synthetic announcements. Even the choreography by Alyza DelPan-Monley aligned seamlessly with the production’s futuristic tone as the test subject characters deliberately moved in an automated way between their scenes.
The Real You: Lucy Prebble’s script thoughtfully explored the philosophical question of true identity when a patient uses psychiatric medications. Connie (played by Anna Mulia) compared taking antidepressants to being drunk saying something like, “If you’re drunk and tell me, ‘I love you, you’re my best friend,’ I wouldn’t believe you.” If a chemical (like an antidepressant) alters your mood or thoughts, is what you say or feel still truly you?
Revelation and Twist: The final scenes unveiled an unexpected revelation, punctuated by an audacious twist that heightened the drama. Utterly reckless in a good way.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Script: The script presented an intriguing premise, but it moved at a pace that often left me restless. Maybe it’s because I work in the pharmacy field and the topic hits close to home. Or maybe it’s because theatre pieces from the UK tend to move at a slower pace compared to their USA counterparts. Additionally, the script could have more effectively illuminated the dynamic between the two scientists as well as their individual background/development.

Theatre Company: ArtsWest

Venue: ArtsWest

Venue Physical Address: 4711 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Price Range: $46

Ticket Affordability Options: Check out the discounts portion of their ticketing policies page.

Dates: 6/19/25 to 7/13/25

Seating: Assigned Seating

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Pictures: See production pictures below by John McLellan.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Photo by John McLellan for THE EFFECT at ArtsWest (2025).

Preview Post – The Effect – Play – ArtsWest

The Effect play at ArtsWest. On-stage in West Seattle till 7/13/25. Keep posted for my full review! #depression #antidepressant #pharma #pharmaceutical

Tickets: https://www.artswest.org/events/the-effect/

Final Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/the-effect-play-review-artswest/

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Jersey Boys – Musical – Review – Village Theatre

@showsiveseen "Jersey Boys" #musical closing weekend at Village Theatre. Starring @Lorenzo Pugliese as #FrankieValli from the #FourSeasons. Great voices! #Review: showsiveseen.com/12868 Production Video: Nyhuis Creative Director/Choreo: Michael Berresse Stage Mgr: Laurel Nichols Music Director: RJ Tancioco #TheFourSeasons #JerseyBoys #Jersey #newJersey #musicaltheatre #theatre #showsiveseen #4Seasons ♬ December, 1963 (Oh What a Night!) – The Four Seasons

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Jersey Boys musical at Village Theatre. The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Great voices. Get your tickets before it closes this weekend!

Recommendation:
See it.

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, I’ve seen the national tour twice.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Three times already might be 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): Based on a true story, this jukebox musical charts the rise of Frankie Valli and Tommy DeVito as they navigate ambition, loyalty, and fame to create the legendary sound of The Four Seasons band.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: They were just four guys from Jersey until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story — a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. Go behind the music and inside the world of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony Award-winning true-life musical phenomenon, Jersey Boys.This scintillating new production is full of electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including: “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” “My Eyes Adore You,” and so many more!

Type: Jukebox Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Mostly dynamic

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: Obviously, you’ll appreciate this show more if you’re remotely familiar with the music from The Four Seasons.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Union Actors: 11

Total Actors: 13

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.75 hours

Other Rave(s)

Voices: In a jukebox musical centered around a legendary vocal group, stellar singing is essential. Thankfully, the cast more than delivered. Special shoutouts go to Robbie Serrano (whose voice was crisp and clear), Ethan Carpenter (a familiar face on Seattle stages whom I rarely get the pleasure of hearing sing), and Ben Dow. Lorenzo Pugliese (portraying Frankie Valli) was a standout. His performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” earned him an extended ovation with some audience members standing up with enthusiasm. Finding someone who can not only hit those iconic high notes but also channel Valli’s distinctive look and presence is no small feat. Pugliese nailed it.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Real Life Foreshadowing: The line “Frankie, you’ll be on the road ’til you’re 90” felt painfully prophetic. It’s even become a trend on TikTok to point out how eerily lifeless Frankie Valli now appears on stage with the obvious lip-syncing support. What kind of mob deal is forcing him on stage?
Bromance: This production leaned into the bromance between Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio. I didn’t notice this in the national tour performances.
Orchestra Placement: It was weird to only see the drummer visible on stage without the rest of the band. Showcasing the full orchestra would have added to the visual experience. Curiously, the musicians weren’t in the orchestra pit, but were instead hidden behind the curtain. Perhaps this decision was driven by space constraints.
Visual Vibe: For a jukebox musical, the scenic design was oddly dark and almost brutalist, with concrete-style backdrops and faded billboard advertisements evoking a has-been urban atmosphere. The production truly came alive during the American Bandstand scenes when the four leads, sharply suited up and lit under individual spotlights, delivered “choralography” and smooth harmonies to vintage microphones. Those moments captured the script’s energy and charm.
Energy: The performance lacked the pep I felt from the national tour. It might have been the curse of post–opening performance lull or the unusually dim visual aesthetic. Afternoon matinees also often struggle with energy. Additionally, the audience skewed older than usual and didn’t help with the vibe either. Then again, having seen this show three times now, it’s possible that some of the freshness has naturally worn off for me.

Theatre Company: Village Theatre

Venue: Village Theatre

Venue Physical Address:

Village Theatre’s Francis J. Gaudette Theatre: 303 Front Street North, Issaquah, WA 98027
Everett Performing Arts Center: 2710 Wetmore Avenue, Everett, WA 98201

Ticket Affordability Options: See the theatre’s official page about discounts and pay-what-you-can performances

Dates:

Issaquah: 3/18/25 to 4/27/25
Everett: 5/3/25 to 5/25/25

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking:

Issaquah: Free street parking and certain free parking lots. Lot parking availability is very difficult to find though. I’ve basically given up on that. I usually end up parking on Rainier Boulevard North. As a last resort, 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 mostly only locals know about.
Everett: Free street parking and some paid parking lots/garages.

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Pictures: See production pictures below by Auston James.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.