Plays – Page 14 – Shows I've Seen

Zach – Play – ArtsWest

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Zach play by Christian St. Croix at ArtsWest directed by Sara Porkalob starring Amber Walker and Michael Nevárez. Reminiscent of Saved by the Bell and Funny or Die’s Zach Morris is Trash series through the eyes of minority sidekicks. Complete with a 90s sitcom laugh track!

Synopsis from the Theatre: A satirical comedy that lovingly skewers the popular tropes of the 90s teen sitcom, Zach introduces us to the lives and loves of Gina and P.J., a Black girl and a Latino boy at an affluent, majority-white Southern California high school. P.J., a lovesick surfer boy, and Gina, a budding fashionista, are overjoyed when they’re invited into the inner circle of Zach, the white, charismatic, prank-happy new kid at school. But when Zach plans a new prank that goes too far, P.J. and Gina must race to stop him before it’s too late – and along the way, learn to see their peers, and themselves, with fresh eyes.

Reviewed Performance: 5/5/23 Opening Weekend

Type: Play

World Premiere: Yes

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings: Several

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’ll probably appreciate this piece more if you watched 90s teen sitcoms as a kid

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it especially if 1) you watched 90s teen sitcoms like Saved by the Bell 2) or you like discussing/exploring/dissecting/exposing straight white male privilege.

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Probably not but it was pretty good

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 2

Length (Including Any Intermission): 75 minutes

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

Sitcom Theme: It was novel to see a play portrayed as a sitcom. I’ve never seen any play with this theme. It was like Saved by the Bell, Boy Meets World, Blossom, Clueless, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, or any one of the Disney formula sitcoms on-stage. There was even a laugh track and an opening scene similar to sitcom opening credits. The opening scene would have been perfect if it began with a projection of the TV show name “Zach” on the wall followed by character names while each character posed for the camera. Think of the Full House opening credits.
Cast Doubling/Size: Usually, I’m hesitant seeing a show that only contains two actors. But since I saw Sara Porkalob (who was amazing in her one-person self-written show Dragon Lady) was the director, I knew I should give this play a chance. It’s surprising how many 90s sitcom character tropes Amber Walker and Michael Nevárez played. I loved how their racial background contrasted with their portrayal of Zach (inspired by Saved by the Bell’s Zach Morris) poignantly revealed how problematic he was as a privileged white straight male who didn’t experience consequences. It’s so interesting how 90s sitcoms subconsciously indoctrinated this bias in American kids.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Ending (No Spoiler): I’m proud to have predicted the twist resolution at the end of the play. It was definitely a cliche oopsie that we see often in high school-themed shows and movies.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar: I recently learned a fun fact on TikTok that Mark-Paul Gosselaar (who played Zach Morris in Saved by the Bell) is half-Asian and his blond hair was dyed in the TV show. It’s funny that this play exposes Zach Morris’s white privilege but the original actor wasn’t even fully Caucasian!

Theatre Company: ArtsWest

Venue: ArtsWest

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

Price: Cheap

Ticket Affordability Options: You can self-identify as needing the inclusion rate when purchasing a ticket online.

Dates: May 3 – 28, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: There are paid lots and free street parking. I usually park on 44th or 45th Ave behind the theatre.

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https://www.artswest.org/events/zach/

Other Video +/- Pictures: See my video below and pictures below video

@showsiveseen "Zach" #play by Christian St. Croix at #ArtsWest directed by @Sara P. starring Amber Walker & Michael Nevárez. Reminiscent of "Saved By the Bell" & @Funny Or Die "Zach Morris is Trash" series through the eyes of minority sidekicks. Complete with a 90s #sitcom laugh track! Review: showsiveseen.com/5227 #theatre ♬ Pronoia – Carly Pearl

Our Dear Dead Drug Lord – Play – Washington Ensemble Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Our Dear Dead Drug Lord play by Washington Ensemble Theatre at 12th Ave Arts. Middle-class suburban private school teens gone wild with cocaine, ouija board seances, & blood sacrifices. #PabloEscobar

Synopsis from the Theatre: Set in the face of the 2008 presidential election, the Dead Leaders Club meets in an abandoned treehouse to summon the ghost of Pablo Escobar. Are these teenage girls actually summoning the leader of the Medellín Cartel? Or are they just playing tricks on one another? This roller coaster ride through the trials and terrors of girlhood dabbles in blood sacrifice, the uncertainty of growing up, and a journey to unleash their personal power.

Reviewed Performance: 4/29/23 Opening Weekend

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings: One, a treehouse

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: None

Defined Plot/Storyline: It was consecutive but not quite defined. There’s only so much plot and storyline one setting can accomplish!

Recommendation: See it if you like plays that are weird and unconventional

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

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 4 but there were 2 other actors mentioned in the program who I assume were the background voices

Length (Including Any Intermission): 90 minutes

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

Trapdoor: The play takes place in a treehouse, so the actors entered/exited from a trapdoor, which was novel.
Tissue: One of the characters blew their nose with tissue from their padded bra. It was a funny way to show the audience how young the characters were.
Favorite Line: “I lost my virginity while watching [President] Bush II’s ‘we got him’ speech. So basically, I’m fucked.”

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Meaning: I couldn’t assimilate the message from this play. Was there any symbolism? If so, I missed it.

Theatre Company: Washington Ensemble Theatre

Venue: 12th Avenue Arts

Venue Physical Address: 1620 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Price: Cheap

Dates: April 28 to May 15, 2023

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid lot or paid street parking. Street parking is extremely limited since it’s Capitol Hill. Your best luck would be East of Cal Anderson Park on 11th or 12th Ave. Cheapest paid lots are on 11th Ave next to the park. I highly suggest parking far away or taking the bus since the lots are expensive in Capitol Hill.

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https://washingtonensemble.org/season-19/season-19-our-dear-dead-drug-lord/

Other Video +/- Pictures: Sorry, I’m still waiting for the theatre company to send me press pictures. In the meantime, see my video below.

@showsiveseen "Our Dear Dead Drug Lord" #play by Alexis Scheer w/ @wet.seattle at 12th Ave Arts. Middle-class suburban private school teens gone wild w/ cocaine, ouija board seances, & blood sacrifices! Review: showsiveseen.com/5170 #PabloEscobar #theatre ♬ Da Girls – Ciara

The Squirrel Plays: Infestation, Compensation, Eradication – Play – Mirror Stage

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Squirrel Plays – Infestation, Compensation, Eradication by Mia McCullough w/ Mirror Stage at 12th Ave Arts. Allegory on government/politics. It was fun guessing what each thing symbolized. Probably the best opening performance reception spread I’ve seen! #play #symbolism #symbolic

Synopsis from the Theatre: Tom and Sarah finally find the suburban house of their dreams with probably the nicest garden on the market. Everything is blissful, until an unwanted squirrel gets trapped in the attic, interrupting their lives and causing a rift in their marriage. Once an exterminator, the neighborhood association, and animal control all get involved, violence and turmoil unsettle the entire subdivision.

Reviewed Performance: 4/30/23 Opening Performance Matinee

Type: 3 connected consecutive plays

World Premiere: No but USA premiere

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings: Few – Around three settings

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: None

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you like exploring symbolism in live theatre or other art forms

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

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 6

Length (Including Any Intermission): It was 2.25 hours with a long 1st act and a shorter 2nd act. I suggest moving some material to the 2nd act.

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

Symbolism: Halfway through the first act in a sudden epiphany, I finally realized what the squirrels represented. I scrambled to replay the previous scenes in my mind to gather any missed nuances. If I had the time, I would rewatch those scenes with my newly-opened eyes. However, later on, it felt like the playwright changed what squirrels represented. Whether or not this change was intentional, the squirrel symbolism seemed unsatisfactorily inconsistent. Other than squirrels, this play was full of other political symbols. It was fun guessing what each thing represented. But for the life of me, I still couldn’t successfully guess what the bird feeders meant. Leave a comment in my social media links below if you have any ideas!
Stagehands: The stagehands were costumed and in-character as home movers. I always appreciate when the technical crew does not stick out on-stage.

Rant(s)

Stage Curtain: It’s a shame they covered part of the stage when scenes weren’t occuring there. The stage looked much more complete with all the curtains open, and it would have made a better first impression to audience members walking into the theatre space. When half of the stage is covered, it looks awkward and incomplete.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Numerous Commentaries: The play has a lot to say politically but it needs to hone its focus more to avoid becoming a hodgepodge of random leftist ideas.
Ending (No Spoilers): While I appreciate the conclusiveness of the ending, it felt a little too clean and idealistic. The raised social issues aren’t neatly resolved with a bow in real life.
Sounds: There were scenes that felt a little too quiet. Maybe include more background noise. But what does suburbia sound like? Maybe rustling leaves or birds chirping? What non-musical background noise do they play in Desperate Housewives? The transitional music between scenes was appropriate though.

Theatre Company: Mirror Stage

Venue: 12th Avenue Arts

Venue Physical Address: 1620 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Price: Cheap

Ticket Affordability Options: Pay-what-you-can (PWYC) and 20 radical hospitality free tickets for every performance

Dates: April 27 to May 20, 2023

Seating: General Admission

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video by Michael Poggenburg

Mirror Stage, *The Squirrel Plays*, featuring [L to R] Emily Hoffman, Valerie Ryan Miller, Caitlin Frances Branston, Jason Marr and Serin Ngai . Photo by Michael Poggenburg.

Mirror Stage, *The Squirrel Plays*, featuring [L to R] Valerie Ryan Miller and Jason Marr. Photo by Michael Poggenburg.

Mirror Stage, *The Squirrel Plays*, featuring [L to R] Caitlin Frances Branston, Serin Ngai and Jason Marr. Photo by Michael Poggenburg.

Mirror Stage, *The Squirrel Plays*, featuring Angie Bolton. Photo by Michael Poggenburg.

Mirror Stage, *The Squirrel Plays*, featuring Valerie Ryan Miller. Photo by Michael Poggenburg.

How I Learned What I Learned – Play – Seattle Repertory Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): How I Learned What I Learned by August Wilson & Todd Kreidler performed by Steven Anthony Jones at Seattle Repertory Theatre. Random storytelling of black Pittsburgh. Like listening to a kindly grandfather ramble on “in my day.” Entertaining voices. Funny dig at Justin Bieber and Clarence Tomas. Well-designed stage. #play

Synopsis from the Theatre: Actor Steven Anthony Jones is here to tell you a story. Many stories, in fact. One of the greatest American playwrights, August Wilson, learned many lessons over his life, and “Wilsonian Warrior” Jones imparts them to you in one non-stop, spellbinding performance. From life-or-death moments to the deepest love, from comedic stand-up to bursts of pure joy, Wilson’s poetry and timeless stories radiate from the Bagley Wright stage, where he himself premiered this piece. Witness the 20th anniversary production of How I Learned What I Learned where it all started and follow one of the greats from his beginning as a young Black poet from Pittsburgh to the literary giant we honor today.

Reviewed Performance: 4/26/23 Opening Night

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: There weren’t any scenes, just lots of stories recounted

Several or Few Settings: There weren’t any settings, just lots of stories recounted

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’d probably enjoy this show more if you’re familiar with August Wilson’s work

Defined Plot/Storyline: No, it was several random stories

Recommendation: See it if you like either one-person plays or listening to your grandparents tell stories about the past

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

Equity Actors: 1

Total Number of Actors: 1

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours, which is too long for a one-person show

Intermission: No

Theatre Company: Seattle Repertory Theatre

Venue: Bagley Wright Theater at Seattle Repertory Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 155 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: Medium to Expensive

Ticket Affordability Options:

Dates: April 21 to May 14, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: There are paid lots and paid street parking. I usually park on Mercer to the West of 1st Ave. There’s usually also a lot of street parking around Safeway. If there’s an event in Seattle Center or Climate Pledge Arena, street parking is usually limited and much more expensive.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures by Jenny Graham under video

@showsiveseen "How I Learned What I Learned" by #AugustWilson & Todd Kreidler performed by Steven Anthony Jones at Seattle Rep. Random storytelling of black #Pittsburgh. Like listening to a kindly grandfather ramble on "in my day." Entertaining voices. Funny dig at Justin Bieber & Clarence Tomas. Well-designed stage. Review: showsiveseen.com/5060 #play #theatre ♬ Head in the Clouds – Carly Pearl

Steven Anthony Jones in August Wilson’s *How I Learned What I Learned* at Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Photo by Jenny Graham.

Significant Other – Play – Tacoma Little Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Significant Other play by Joshua Harmon at Tacoma Little Theatre. As a regular single gay man whose friends are getting married, this hits home. Romantic comedy that focuses less on love & more on girlfriends. #romcom #friends #friendship

Synopsis from the Theatre: Jordan Berman would love to be in love, but that’s easier said than done. So until he meets Mr. Right, he wards off lonely nights with his trio of close girlfriends. But as singles’ nights turn into bachelorette parties, Jordan discovers that the only thing harder than finding love is supporting the loved ones around you when they do. But, as they get married one by one, he is left to wonder why life won’t give him the same fairytale ending. Significant Other is an unorthodox romantic comedy that celebrates the highs and lows of twenty- something urban life, wedding after wedding after wedding.

Reviewed Performance: 4/21/23 Opening Weekend

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings: Several

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: None

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it especially if you’ve ever been a single gay man

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Probably if it was a professional production

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 7

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hour

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

Stage Background: As usual, Tacoma Little Theatre showcased vibrant projected backdrops on-stage. I particularly liked the simple white modern background displayed before the show, during intermission, and at the curtain call. The club scenes backgrounds were flashy too. See the video and pictures below.
Storytelling: I enjoyed when the main character obsessively recounted/reenacted his love interest stolen moments, especially the wet naked body scene. What can I say, sex sells! Again, check out one of the pictures at the end of this article to see what I’m referring to!
Kiki: Tryphaena Singleton’s (who played Kiki) look and outfits were so chic. Great silhouette! You can tell she’s also a model in real life.
Cast Doubling: Paul Richter played 3 characters that I didn’t even know were the same person until I read the credits after the show! I wish we saw more of his fabulous “omigod, haaaaayyyy gurrrrrl!” gay coworker character though.
Anti-marriage Themes: As a cynical perpetually-single person, I definitely enjoyed the digs towards marriage like comparing marriage to a funeral and feeling like all your engaged friends are dying. There was a great tirade about how straight married couples sometimes lose their individuality and settle into mediocre heteronormativity.
Favorite Line: Something like “‘He’s a sweet guy’ is code for ugly!”

Rant(s)

Energy: Maybe it was the common show-after-opening-night lull but this production needed a little more energy. Maybe speed up some scenes or add more background/transition sounds.
Music: The very last scene contained a critical background song that awkwardly cut out in the middle. I was worried the actors would need to improvise! Fortunately, the music came back on after a minute and the play comfortably concluded. It must have been a long minute for the actors on-stage! Oh, the magical unpredictability of live theatre!

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Suicide Theme: There were some mentions of suicidality that felt out of place in this romantic comedy script. The playwright could have left these out.

Theatre Company: Tacoma Little Theatre

Venue: Tacoma Little Theatre

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

Price: Low

Ticket Affordability Options: PWYC (pay-what-you-can) on 5/4/23 and GoldStar

Dates: April 21 to May 7, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

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

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:
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https://www.tacomalittletheatre.com/blog/20222023/significant

Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video below by Dennis K Photography

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen “Significant Other” #play by Joshua Harmon at @tacomalittletheatre. As a regular #single #gay man whose friends are getting married, this hits home. #RomanticComedy that focuses less on love & more on girlfriends. Photos by Dennis K Photography. Review: showsiveseen.com/5003 #romcom #friends #friendship #LGBT #theatre ♬ Married – Mallory Johnson

Laura (Corissa DeVerse), Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald), Kiki (Tryphaena Singleton) & Vanessa (Amanda McCarther)

Roger (Paul Richter), Vanessa (Amanda McCarther), Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald), Kiki (Tryphaena Singleton) & Conrad (Rodman Bolek)

Laura (Corissa DeVerse) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)

Laura (Corissa DeVerse), Kiki (Typhaena Singleton) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)

Vanessa (Amanda McCarther) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)

Roger (Paul Richter), Vanessa (Amanda McCarther) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)

Kiki (Typhaena Singleton) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)

Laura (Corissa DeVerse), Vanessa (Amanda McCarther) & Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald)

Vanessa (Amanda McCarther), Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald) & Laura (Corissa DeVerse)

Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald) & Helene (Sharry O’Hare)

Jordan (Nick Fitzgerald) & Will (Rodman Bolek)

Role	Name
Jordan Berman	Nick Fitzgerald
Laura	Corissa DeVerse
Vanessa	Amanda McCarther
Kiki	Tryphaena Singleton
Helene Berman	Sharry O’Hare
Will/Conrad/Tony	Rodman Bolek
Zach/Evan/Roger	Paul Richter
—	—
Playwright	Joshua Harmon
Director	Chris Serface
Assistant Director	Cody Clark
Stage Manager	Bethany Bevier
Assistant Stage Manager	Erinne Kellogg
Technical Director/Scenic Designer/Visuals	Blake York
Costume Designer	Michele Graves
Production Manager	Dylan Twiner
Lighting Designer	Niclas R. Olson
Sound Designer/Board Operator	Chandler Garry
Lead Carpenter/Properties Designer	Frank Roberts
Shop Assistant	Nate Lovitt
Scenic Artist	Jennifer York
Hair and Wig Consultant	Mauro Bozzo
Graphic Design	Blake R. York
Photography	Dennis K Photography
Tacoma Next Move Interns	Lachlan Desmarais, Sam Hibbard, Sergio Mijares