Broadway Performance Hall – 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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The Story of Edgar Sawtelle – Play – Review – Book-It Repertory Theatre

@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!

Recommendation:
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.

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https://book-it.org/events/the-story-of-edgar-sawtelle/

Pictures: See production pictures below by Aaron Wheetman Photography.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Preview Post – The Story of Edgar Sawtelle – Play – Book-it Repertory Theatre

Book-it Repertory Theatre is back! Happy opening night to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle stage play adaptation production at Broadway Performance Hall. Closes on 10/12/25. Stay tuned for my full review! #signLanguage #dogs

Tickets: https://book-it.org/the-story-of-edgar-sawtelle/

Final Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/the-story-of-edgar-sawtelle-play-review-book-it-repertory-theatre/

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Black Nativity – Concert Musical – 2024 Review – Intiman Theatre & The Hansberry Project

@showsiveseen Langston Hughes's "Black Nativity" #Christmas #concert #musical by @Intiman Theatre & The Hansberry Project. Truely a worthy yearly tradition of the Seattle #holiday season. That #black #gospel church #choir was dynamite! Closes this weekend. Review: showsiveseen.com/10975 Photos: Joe Moore Director: @valeriecurtisnewt2 Music Direction: Sam Townsend, Jr. Choreo: Vania C. Bynum Stage Manager: Neen Williams-Teramachi #theatre #showsiveseen #xmas ♬ My Way Is Cloudy – Latrice Pace & Various Artists

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Black Nativity Christmas concert musical by Intiman Theatre & The Hansberry Project. Truely a worthy yearly tradition of the Seattle holiday season. That black gospel church choir was dynamite! Closes this weekend.

Recommendation:
See it, especially if you love black gospel choir music.

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, I attended the same production last year, and this year’s version felt 85% identical. They also seemed to have improved how the second act addressed the 4th wall. I’m curious how much the script and songs differ in productions by other theatre companies since there seems to be so much inherent leeway for deviation.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Yes, in fact, I’d probably attend next year again!

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): The first act was a church concert-style musical reenactment of the Biblical nativity story. The second act was mostly an interactive sing-along with some non-sing-along numbers.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Langston Hughes’ Gospel Song-Play returns in this newly reimagined production! Celebrate the season with a cast of more than 30 actors, dancers, soaring vocalists, a live band, and a rousing city-wide gospel choir. Audiences will have the chance to raise your voice and sing-along during this stirring and joyful holiday musical for families of all backgrounds and beliefs. Don’t miss your chance to experience this treasured Seattle tradition as Intiman presents the second year of the new Black Nativity.

Type: Concert Musical and Sing-along

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several, but they weren’t presented as traditional live theatre since it was more of a concert than a musical.

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several, but they weren’t presented as traditional live theatre since it was more of a concert than a musical.

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Static

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’ll probably appreciate this more if you grew up in the Christian church.

Defined Plot/Storyline: No, since it was more of a concert than a musical.

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Union Actors: 5

Total Actors: 5 main actors + 5 dancers + 16 choir members

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium to fast speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

Unlikely Theatre Fan: I already shared my initial thoughts on this show in my review last year, but this year, I attended with my sister and experienced the performance through her fresh eyes. Now, she can’t stop thinking about it, and we both agreed we should have brought her kids along so they could experience church in a way that’s rare to find since Seattle is so homogenous and the least churched city in the USA. Now, she’s eager to make Black Nativity an annual tradition with me, which is surprising given that she’s not usually a fan of musicals or live theater.
Choir: Even though the choir was relatively small (16 members), they were on fire!
Interactivity: I usually don’t prefer interactive elements in live theatre, but it felt fitting for this Christmas performance. There was a singalong, an offertory, kids decorating a tree, opportunities to share our holiday traditions, and even a fun lesson on how to clap/sway in a black church.

Rant(s)

Audience: The audience could have used a bit more energy. You can’t fully capture the spirit of Black church with amazing performers and a tepid crowd. Kudos to the performers for maintaining their energy despite the lack of audience enthusiasm. Oh Seattle…

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Pregnancy Belly: It was weird not seeing a pregnancy belly on Mary (played by DaeZhane Day) … but it probably would have been equally as weird to see a pregnant woman dancing as energetically.
Song List Highlights:
- “Mary Did You Know”: My sister was moved to tears during this song. Then we laughed when Mary nodded in response to the question, “Mary, did you know?” The choir later joined in with an unexpectedly dynamite burst of energy.
- “The Night That Christ Was Born”: Kearia Keke Duncan’s arms must be incredibly strong to support her graceful angel wings dance. Additionally, the soloist was outstanding.
- “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”: Obviously when emulating the style of Mariah Carey’s version, this song was crowd pleaser.
- “Oh Holy Night”: The acapella harmony at the lyrics “fall on your knees” was incredible.
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Josephine Howel was an amazingly effortless powerhouse with an interesting voice.
- “Total Praise” + “Hallelujah, Salvation and Glory”: I love that they included these black gospel staples even though the songs weren’t Christmas themed.

Theatre Company: Intiman Theatre & The Hansberry Project

Venue: Seattle Central College’s Broadway Performance Hall

Venue Physical Address: 1625 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122

Price Range: $65-110

Ticket Affordability Options: The ticketing website offers honor code discount options for students, military, industry, … or anybody. They also offer 20 free rush tickets 1 hour in-person before each performance.

Dates: December 4 to 29, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Ironically, the uncovered parking lots on Harvard Avenue across Seattle Central College are cheaper than street parking.

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Pictures: See production pictures below by Joe Moore.

Cast and Production Team: See pictures below.

Rontrell J. Brimmer, Antwoin Parmer, and DaeZhane Day. Photo by Joe Moore.

Shaunyce Omar, Yusef Seevers, Felicia Loud, and Esther Okech. Photo by Joe Moore.

The cast of *Black Nativity*. Photo by Joe Moore.

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

Black Nativity concert musical w/ singalong from Intiman Theatre and The Hansberry Project. Performing till 12/29/24. Stay tuned for my full review of this year’s production or read my review of last year’s production now. #blackChurch #xmas #christmas

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

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

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