@showsiveseen "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" by Book-It Repertory Theatre at Seattle Central College's Broadway Performance Hall. Stage #play adaptation of David Wroblewski’s novel by Jane Jones (Director) and Kevin McKeon. Starring @Christopher Morson with excellent #bodyLanguage. Realistic endearing #dog character mannerisms from @libbybarnard290. Live music from Edd Key composed by @annastasiaworkman. Closes this weekend! Review: showsiveseen.com/13777 Photos: Aaron Wheetman Stage Mgr: Devorah Spadone #dogs #theatre ♬ Riptide – Vance Joy
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by Book-It Repertory Theatre at Seattle Central College’s Broadway Performance Hall. Stage play adaptation of David Wroblewski’s novel by Jane Jones and Kevin McKeon. Starring Christopher Morson with excellent body language. Realistic endearing dog character mannerisms from Libby Barnard. Live music from Edd Key composed by Annastasia Workman. Closes this weekend!
See it, especially if 1) you enjoyed the book, 2) you love dogs, 3) or you’re familiar with Hamlet.
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 wasn’t bad.
Mainstream Appeal: Medium
If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Yes
My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Born mute into a family of dog breeders, a young boy struggles to find his voice in a world that seems determined to misunderstand him … especially when tragedy strikes his family.
Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, a sprawling novel with epic Shakespearean themes, is the story of a young man who lacks the ability to speak, but communicates with the dogs his family breeds on a kennel in the rural Midwest in the early 1970’s. The story explores the deep connection Edgar has with his beloved Sawtelle dogs, and weaves in a plot of sacrifice, betrayal, and ultimately murder. The adaption is penned in the traditional Book-It Style familiar to long-time Seattle theatergoers, which preserves the author’s narrative along with the dialogue to tell the story. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, has been adapted for the stage by Jane Jones, Founder and Founding Co-Artistic Director for over 30 years, and Kevin McKeon, a veteran of the company.
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 this more if you read the book or if you’re familiar with Hamlet.
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes
Union Actors: 3
Total Actors: 9
Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium Speed
Was there an intermission? Yes
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 Hours
Other Rave(s)
- Live Music and Sound Effects: Edd Key provided live background music (composed by Annastasia Workman) and sound effects on the keyboard synthesizer. I always appreciate when productions include this. It’s a thoughtful touch that sets the production apart since many plays typically only just use recordings. It reminded me of how Seattle Rep incorporated live music in a couple shows from their last season like Blues for an Alabama Sky.
- Dogs: Libby Barnard, Matty Sythandone, Jon Stutzman, and Jesica Avellone brought the Sawtelle dogs to life with realistic performances. All that crawling must have been hard those knees! Barnard’s portrayal of Almondine, the main character’s loyal companion, was especially endearing.
- Body Language: With the Edgar Sawtelle main character (played by Christopher Morson) and his loyal companion dog unable to speak, the play depended heavily on body language, gestures, and makeshift sign language to tell its story. Time and again, they conveyed complex emotions without uttering a single word, drawing the audience deeply into their world. The performance captured the heartbreaking sense of helplessness and futility that comes from the inability to communicate with others. It’s no wonder why solitary confinement is torture.
Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)
- Ending (No Spoiler): The ending was unclear. What became of the humans and dogs?
- Energy Level: Perhaps it was the script, the lighting, the source novel material (which I have never read), or some combination of all three, but for much of the production, the energy felt monotone except during the climactic moments of the second act. A monotone energy level is fine in a musical with razzle dazzle, but a singular energy level in the opposite direction can be draining.
Theatre Company: Book-it Repertory Theatre
Venue: Broadway Performance Hall
Venue Physical Address: 1625 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
Price Range: $45
Dates: September 26 to October 12, 2025
Seating: General Admission
Parking: Ironically, the uncovered parking lots on Harvard Avenue across Seattle Central College are cheaper than street parking.
Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:
Buy a Ticket or Learn More:
Pictures: See production pictures below by Aaron Wheetman Photography.
Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.
