Preview Post – Sanctuary City – Play – Seattle Rep

Sanctuary City play opening night by Seattle Rep. Performing until 3/31/24. Stay tuned for my full review! #immigrant #immigration

Tickets: https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202324-season/sanctuary-city/

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Quixote Nuevo – Play w/ Music – Review – Seattle Rep

@showsiveseen Octavio Solis's "#Quixote Nuevo" amusing #play-w/-music by @seattlerep, @Portland Center Stage, & @South Coast Repertory starring Herbert Siguenza as #DonQuixote. Alluring portrayal of #dementia #hallucinations from the patient's perspective. Ernie González Jr. stole the show with his Sancho Panza comedic relief. Review: showsiveseen.com/7787  Director: Lisa Portes Music Director: Jesse J Sanchez #showsiveseen #theatre #Mexican #Chicano #puppetry #dementia #tejano #immigration #border ♬ Tijuana Nights (feat. iLL Nicky) – Bad Royale

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Octavio Solis’s Quixote Nuevo amusing play-w/-music by Seattle Rep, Portland Center Stage, & South Coast Repertory starring Herbert Siguenza as Don Quixote. Alluring portrayal of dementia hallucinations from the patient’s perspective. Ernie González Jr stole the show with his Sancho Panza comedic relief. #Mexican #Chicano #puppetry #dementia #tejano #immigration #border

Recommendation
See it, especially if you enjoy Chicano, Tejano, or Mexican culture. This play would also be up your alley if you liked the amusing nature of Between Two Knees and Peter and the Starcatcher.


Synopsis from the Theatre: Aging Cervantes professor Jose Quijano isn’t going down without a fight. When his family tries to move him to an assisted living facility, Jose escapes on his valiant tricycle steed in search of his long-lost love. Reality and fantasy blur in the Texas desert, as Jose dubs himself Don Quixote and embarks on a fantastic, death-defying journey to discover the truth of his past. Underscored by vibrant Tejano music, Quixote Nuevo is a humorous and heartfelt quest towards becoming the hero of your own story.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 1/24/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for my preview posts if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen.

Type: Musical-like Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? Mostly yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’d probably understand this play more if you’re already familiar with Chicano, Tejano, or Mexican expressions, language, and culture. It would have been harder for me to grasp if I didn’t grow up in San Antonio. There was a surprising amount of untranslated Spanish that the common Seattleite would have not understood. Additionally, it obviously helps if you’re also familiar with the classic Don Quixote story.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Mostly no, but this wasn’t a true musical. Occasionally, the performers played a guitar.

Equity Actors: 9

Total Number of Actors: 9

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium Speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Was there an intermission? Yes

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Maybe

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Elements of a Musical: This play occasionally exhibited elements of a musical similar to Peter and the Starcatcher. Raul Cardona even performed a minute of boot tap dancing! The few harmonies (especially the theme song) reminded me of national Broadway touring shows.
  • Puppetry: Even though I don’t typically enjoy stage puppetry, I could appreciate its effectiveness in this production. Just like in Wolf Play, life-sized puppets portrayed the child characters.
  • Death: For some reason, I’m drawn to death personifications in art like the movie Meet Joe Black or the musical Hadestown. Raul Cardona was well-cast as Papa Calaca (translated as “Father Skull”) who was a narrator-like guide (with a fit torso!) in this play.
  • Dementia Hallucinations: I was drawn to Don Quixote’s breaks of full-on hallucination throughout the show especially when the sound effects transformed the actors’ voices to the demonic. During these scenes, the actors danced in interesting costumes inspired by Día de Muertos, which isn’t something you see often on stage.
  • “I’m Telling You” Meme: I’m 75% sure they intentionally included a line referencing the “I’m Telling You” meme. If I’m correct, I’m so disappointed that the audience didn’t get it.
@bad_2the_bone_paranormal He’s not real 😱 #paranormal #flightattendant #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #airplane #pilot #passenger #passengerprincess #losingit #hesnotreal #flying #flyin #firstclass #firstclassflight #breakingnews ♬ original sound – Bad To The Bone Paranormal

Theatre Company: Seattle Rep in association with Portland Center Stage and South Coast Repertory

Venue: Bagley Wright Theater at Seattle Repertory Theatre

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

Price: Medium to Expensive

Tickets: https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202324-season/quixote-nuevo/

Ticket Affordability Options:

Dates: January 19 to February 11, 2024

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 plentiful 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 below by Nate Watters or by Jenny Graham.

Viviana Garza, Alexis B. Santiago, Lakin Valdez, Laura Crotte and Herbert Siguenza in South Coast Repertory’s 2023 production of Quixote Nuevo by Octavio Solis. Photo by Jenny Graham.
Ernie González, Jr., and Herbert Siguenza in South Coast Repertory’s 2023 production of Quixote Nuevo by Octavio Solis. Photo by Jenny Graham.
Maya Malan-Gonzalez, Alexis B. Santiago, Lakin Valdez, Laura Crotte and Sol Castillo in in South Coast Repertory’s 2023 production of Quixote Nuevo by Octavio Solis. Photo by Jenny Graham.
Ernie González, Jr., Herbert Siguenza and Raúl Cardona in South Coast Repertory’s 2023 production of Quixote Nuevo by Octavio Solis. Photo by Jenny Graham.
Lakin Valdez, Raúl Cardona, Maya Malan-Gonzalez and Herbert Siguenza in South Coast Repertory’s 2023 production of Quixote Nuevo by Octavio Solis. Photo by Jenny Graham.
Laura Crotte, Maya Malan-Gonzalez, Viviana Garza, Sol Castiloo and Herbert Siguenza and Raúl Cardona in South Coast Repertory’s 2023 production of Quixote Nuevo by Octavio Solis. Photo by Jenny Graham.
The cast of South Coast Repertory’s 2023 production of Quixote Nuevo by Octavio Solis. Photo by Jenny Graham.
The cast of Quixote Nuevo (2024) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
The cast of Quixote Nuevo (2024) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Maya Malan-Gonzalez and Herbert Siguenza in Quixote Nuevo (2024) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Raúl Cardona and Herbert Siguenza in Quixote Nuevo (2024) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Herbert Siguenza in Quixote Nuevo (2024) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.

Preview Post – Quixote Nuevo – Play with Music – Seattle Rep

Quixote Nuevo play-with-music opening night by Seattle Rep, Portland Center Stage, & South Coast Repertory. Performing until 2/11/24. Stay tuned for my full review! #showsiveseen #theatre #DonQuixote #Mexican #immigration #Chicano #puppetry #dementia #hallucinations #Tejano

Final Full Review (Posted 01/27/24): https://www.showsiveseen.com/7787

Tickets: https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202324-season/quixote-nuevo/

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Little Women – Play – Seattle Rep

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Kate Hamill’s Little Women play at Seattle Rep starring Amelio Garcia, directed by Marti Lyons. Based on the original classic by Louisa May Alcott. Modern commentary on gender roles and growing up. Pleasantly surprised to find a Christmas theme in this winter show. #tomboy #ComingOfAge #LittleWomen #xmas

Recommendation
See it, especially if you enjoy plays about defying traditional gender roles.


Synopsis from the Theatre: Jo March isn’t concerned with what’s “ladylike.” Actually, she’s not sure she wants to be a lady at all. An aspiring writer, the headstrong Jo must negotiate with rigid societal norms to realize her dreams of independence. Against the backdrop of the Civil War, the beloved March siblings grow together and apart, discovering love, joy, and friendship as they learn the importance of family and being true to oneself. Kate Hamill’s (Pride and Prejudice, 2017) fresh and lively adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel will bring the entire family together this holiday season.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 11/15/23 – See my previous preview posts here.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set: Mostly no

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’d probably appreciate this play more if you read the original classic novel. I did not, but I constantly wondered during the performance how the book and the play differed.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Equity Actors: 9

Total Number of Actors: 9

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Was there an intermission? Yes

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 good

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Scenic Design: The dollhouse-like motif was well-chosen in light of the script’s “defy gender norms” message.
  • Christmas Theme: I’m typically not a fan of Christmas shows since they typically lack depth and seem more of a way for theatres to milk audiences for extra holiday revenue. But I appreciated how the playwright/author included Christmas themes while not making the story solely about Christmas. The theatre synopsis didn’t even tout this as a holiday show! The first act was heavy on the feel-good old-timey movie-like Christmas theme. To quote the script, it was like the “sentimental lady stories” Jo was instructed to write. On the other hand, I don’t think the second act mentioned Christmas much at all and it was less sentimental (aka better than the first act).
  • Favorite Quote: “Can’t you play something gayer?”

Rant(s)

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Battle Hymn of the Republic: What’s the deal with the sisters singing “Glory, glory, halleluiah!” occasionally throughout the show?
  • Atrocity: A character committed a grave atrocity in the middle of the second act, but I don’t think they portrayed it to the audience (unless I missed it). I would have loved to see the drama of the scene occur, especially since it preceded a delicious argument scene.
  • Friends Episode: I kept thinking about the Friends TV show episode “The One Where Monica and Richard are Friends” where Joey was too emotionally invested in the characters when he read the book, especially when somebody (who honestly lived an insignificant life in my opinion) died. I kind of wish I didn’t know the book spoilers from that episode so I’d feel more surprised.
  • End of 1st Act: The first act uniquely didn’t end in a cliffhanger. It felt similar to when the first act of Into the Woods ended. I literally thought there wasn’t a second act in both shows!

Theatre Company: Seattle Rep

Venue: Bagley Wright Theater at Seattle Rep

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

Price: Medium to Expensive

Tickets: https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202324-season/little-women/

Ticket Affordability Options:

Dates: November 10 to December 17, 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 plentiful 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 under video by Bronwen Houck

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and/or video below

@showsiveseen @Kate Hamill's "Little Women" #play w/ @seattlerep & Milwaukee Repertory Theater starring Amelio Garcia, directed by Marti Lyons. Based on t@Kate Hamill's "Little Women" #play w/ @seattlerep & Milwaukee Repertory Theater starring Amelio Garcia, directed by Marti Lyons. Based on the original classic by Louisa May Alcott. Modern commentary on gender roles & growing up. Pleasantly surprised to find a Christmas theme in this winter show. Review: showsiveseen.com/7261 #tomboy #ComingOfAge #LittleWomen #xmas #theatre #showsiveseen he original classic by Louisa May Alcott. Modern commentary on gender roles & growing up. Pleasantly surprised to find a Christmas theme in this winter show. Review: showsiveseen.com/7261 #tomboy #ComingOfAge #LittleWomen #xmas #theatre #showsiveseen ♬ Reasons – STAR SEED
Katie Peabody, Amelio García, Cy Paolantonio, and Rebecca Cort in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Katie Peabody, Rebecca Cort, Cy Paolantonio, and Amelio García in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Chiké Johnson and Katie Peabody in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Rebecca Cort, Katie Peabody, Colleen Madden, Amelio García, and Cy Paolantonio in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Amelio García and Austin Winter in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Rebecca Cort, Cy Paolantonio, Katie Peabody, and Amelio García in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Richard Nguyen Sloniker, Colleen Madden, Amelio García, and Rebecca Cort in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
RoleName
Amy MarchRebecca Cort
Jo MarchAmelio Garcia
Hannah/Mrs. Mingott/MessengerMacall Gordon
Mr. Laurence/Robert March/DoctorChiké Johnson
Marmee March/Aunt MarchColleen Madden
Meg MarchCy Paolantonio
Beth MarchKatie Peabody
John Brooks/Parrot/Mr. DashwoodRichard Nguyen Sloniker
LaurieAustin Winter
Understudy for Beth/Meg/Hannah/Mrs. Mingott/MessengerCheyenne Barton
Understudy for Laurie/Brooks/Parrot/Mr. DashwoodMiguel Castellano
Understudy for Marmee March/Aunt MarchMacall Gordon
Understudy for Mr. Laurence/Robert March/DoctorVincent “VJ” Orduna
Understudy for Jo/AmyLeah Sainz-Jones
PlaywrightKate Hamill adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott
DirectorMarti Lyons
Scenic DesignerCollette Pollard
Movement Director & CaptainCy Paolantonio
Costume DesignerAn-Lin Dauber
Lighting DesignerReza Behjat
Fight Director & Intimacy ConsultantAlyssa Kay
DramaturgPaul Adolphsen
Sound Designer & Original MusicJane Shaw
Music DirectorAaron M. Davis Norman
Assistant DirectorDaira Rodriguez Miranda
Stage ManagerJessica C. Bomball
Assistant Stage ManagerShay Trusty
Milwaukee Rep CastingJonathan Hetler
Seattle Rep CastingKaytlin McIntyre & Shawna Grajek
Scenic AssistantDelena Bradley
Spanish Show Program & Youth Guide EditorAlejandra Campoy
Marketing & Engagement ContractorAna María Campoy
Spanish Script TranslatorDaniel Jáquez
Assistant Lighting DesignerLily McLeod
Spanish Content TranslatorGrecia Leal Pardo
Production AssistantAnahita Sepehri
Stage Management ApprenticeSam Smith

Preview Post – Little Women – Play – Seattle Rep

Celebrating Seattle Rep’s 60th anniversary at the Little Women play opening night w/ a special visit from the Seattle mayor. Performing until 12/17/23. Stay tuned for my full review! #littleWomen #showsiveseen #theatre

Final Review (Posted 11/29/23): https://www.showsiveseen.com/little-women-play-seattle-rep/

Tickets: https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202324-season/little-women/

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