The Book of Will – Play – Review – Taproot Theatre

@showsiveseen Lauren Gunderson's "The Book of Will" #play at @TaprootTheatre. Enthusiastic delivery. Nice #Tudor costumes. Love letter to #Shakespeare, #acting, posterity, & legacy. #theatre #showsiveseen ♬ Takes forever – Subyub Lee

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Book of Will play at Taproot Theatre. Enthusiastic delivery. Nice Tudor costumes. Love letter to Shakespeare, acting, posterity, and legacy.

Recommendation
See it if you enjoyed Bruce or if you’re a Shakespeare fan.


Synopsis from the Theatre: An unforgettable true story! In an act of undying devotion, Shakespeare’s best friends race to do the impossible: Publish every play he wrote. This irreverent, witty, and surprisingly modern tale celebrates friendship, found family, and an unselfish act that changed the world forever. From the author of Silent Sky and the Christmas at Pemberley series.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 1/26/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for my preview posts if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Get your tickets now since the show ends this weekend!

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: Obviously, you should be familiar with Shakespeare references and his major plays.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 10

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? No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Purpose of Theatre/Acting: My favorite scene was at the beginning of the second act when John Heminges (played by Eric Jensen) and Henry Condell (played by Reginald André Jackson) solemnly waxed poetically about the reason for live theatre – it’s so the people in the room can feel. “The faeries aren’t real, but the feeling is.”

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Storyline: It’s not an absolute requirement, but it didn’t feel like the storyline followed the classic narrative structure of the typical plot pyramid/diagram. Additionally, similar to Bruce, there didn’t seem like enough substantial significant conflict or cliffhanger. The deaths seemed random/unnecessary, and characters appeared out of nowhere.

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taproot Theatre

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

Price: Medium

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2024/the-book-of-will/

Ticket Affordability Options: TodayTix/Goldstar

Dates: January 24 to February 24, 2024

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 pictures below and in video above by John Ulman.

Reginald André Jackson, Nolan Palmer, and Eric Jensen in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Nolan Palmer and Melanie Godsey in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Andrew Litzky and Nik Doner in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Reginald André Jackson and Eric Jensen in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Llysa Holland, Nikki Visel, Eric Jensen, and Reginald André Jackson in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Reginald André Jackson, Melanie Godsey, Nik Doner, and Eric Jensen in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Eric Jensen and Llysa Holland in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.

Preview Post – The Book of Will – Play – Taproot Theatre

The Book of Will play opening night at Taproot Theatre. Performing until 2/24/24. Stay tuned for my full review!

Final Full Review (Posted 2/19/24): showsiveseen.com/7994

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2024/the-book-of-will/

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Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley – Play – Taproot Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Georgiana & Kitty play at Taproot Theatre. Final chapter in Lauren Gunderson’s and Margot Melcon’s “Christmas at Pemberley” Pride and Prejudice trilogy. Filled with the hallmark themes of Jane Austen’s stories. Relatable to online dating.

Recommendation
See it if you enjoyed Pride and Prejudice.


Synopsis from the Theatre: Georgiana Darcy is an accomplished pianist but wary of romance. Kitty Bennet is a bright-eyed optimist and a perfect best friend. These two younger sisters are ready for their own adventures in life and love, starting with the arrival of an admirer and secret correspondent. Meddlesome families and outmoded expectations won’t stop these determined friends from forging their own way in a holiday tale filled with music, ambition, sisterhood, and forgiveness. The third and final play in the trilogy by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 11/24/23 – See my previous preview posts here.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: (Very?) Few

Static (Stationary) Set?: Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: Pride and Prejudice is required reading (or “watching” if you prefer a movie/play) to understand and appreciate this play. Don’t worry if you didn’t see the previous two chapters in the “Christmas at Pemberley” trilogy. I saw the 2nd and 3rd chapters sequentially without seeing the 1st chapter and I still enjoyed the shows. But if you’re like me and you’re not an ardent Pride and Prejudice aficionado, I highly recommend reviewing the helpful family tree in the program on page A-3.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Equity Actors: 2

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? No, but it was good. Since I saw the 2nd and 3rd chapters of this trilogy, I’m now curious to see the 1st chapter.

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Favorite Line: When Mr. Darcy said, “There’s always a letter” which was a wink to the audience on how Jane Austen’s conflicts often start with a letter.
  • Georgiana Casting: As someone regularly featured in Seattle’s theatre music scene, Clair Marx was perfectly cast as the virtuoso Georgiana Darcy.
  • Modern Dating: Whether or not it was the playwrights’ intention, I loved how the script evoked feelings experienced in online dating. The Jane Austen-esqe letters remind me of how chatting on the dating apps builds so much anticipation/expectation potentially leading up an endearingly awkward meeting in-person (or a horrible catfish!). There was one such meeting in the play that was reminiscent of an old HappySlip sketch (see 1:50 to 2:50).
  • Reprised Roles: Many key characters in this production were previously cast in Taproot Theatre’s past “Christmas at Pemberley” productions. For example, in the 1st and 3rd chapter, Shanna Allman played Mary Bennet and Melanie Hampton portrayed Jane Bingley. Annie Yim played Elizabeth Darcy (nee Bennet) in the 2nd and 3rd chapter. Throughout the entire trilogy, Kelley Karcher portrayed the narcissistic Lydia Wickam while Brian Pucheu played the cold Mr. Darcy. This role reprisal promoted a feeling of continuity and familiarity between productions.

Rant(s)

  • Keyboard: As I mentioned in Village Theatre’s current Beautiful production, there’s a Seattle live theatre problem with cheap-sounding on-stage electric keyboards. While I’m always happy to hear Claire Marx performing live music, I wish she could play a real piano on-stage in this production. An upright piano would have fit the bill perfectly for the small theatre space.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taproot Theatre

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

Price: Medium

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2023/georgiana-kitty-christmas-at-pemberley/

Ticket Affordability Options: TodayTix

Dates: November 22 to December 30, 2023

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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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures under video and in video by Robert Wade Photography.

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

@showsiveseen "Georgiana & Kitty" #play at @TaprootTheatre starring Claire Marx & @Ays Garcia. Directed by Karen Lund. Final chapter of Lauren Gunderson's and Margot Melcon's "#Christmas at #Pemberley" #JaneAusten trilogy. Filled with the #hallmark themes of #PrideAndPrejudice. Relatable to online dating. Photos: Robert Wade. Review: showsiveseen.com/7519 #theatre #showsiveseen #xmas ♬ Please Santa Please – Pentatonix
William Eames and Jeremy Steckler in Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Photo by Robert Wade Photography.
William Eames and Claire Marx in Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Photo by Robert Wade Photography.
Claire Marx and Ays Garcia in Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Photo by Robert Wade Photography.
Jeremy Steckler and Ays Garcia in Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Photo by Robert Wade Photography.
Claire Marx with Melanie Hampton, Kelly Karcher, Shanna Allman, and Annie Yim in Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Photo by Robert Wade Photography.
ROLENAME
Kitty BennetAys Garcia*
Elizabeth DarcyAnnie Yim
Fitzwilliam DarcyBrian Pucheu
Henry GreyWilliam Eames
Georgiana DarcyClaire Marx
Jane BingleyMelame Hampton
Mary BennetShanna Allman
Lydia WickhamKelly Karcher*
Thomas O’BrienJeremy Steckler
Georgiana, Lydia, & Jane U/SRebecca Gelzer
Darcy & Thomas U/SElijah Spreier
Kitty, Lizzy, & Mary U/SAriel Rose
Darcy & Henry U/SDavid Breyman
PRODUCTION TEAM
DirectorKaren Lund**
Assistant DirectorBretteney Beverly
PlaywrightsLauren Gunderson, Margot Melcon
Original CompositionsMichael Nutting
Associate Artistic DirectorBretteney Beverly
Co-Scenic DesignerAmanda Sweger
Sound & Co-Scenic DesignerMark Lund
Costume DesignerPete Rush
Lighting DesignerTim Wratten
Stage ManagerNik Nolen*
Dialect CoachDimitri Woods
Property MasterAndrea Spraycar
Dramaturg TeamKelly Flynt, Sonja Lowe, Dami Munroe
Assistant Stage ManagerNicola Krause
Backstage Crew SwingAshley Burns
Casting DirectorBretteney Beverly
Casting ConsultantJes Spencer
DresserLuna McMeen, Brooke Thomas
DraperMartha Mitchell
StitcherVeronica Dimoff, Scian Hayes, Lucy Cavener
Wig DesignerJoyce Degenfelder
Wig SpecialistJenn Hill
Master ElectricianAiyana Stephens
Scenic CarpenterTim Samland ^
Light Board OperatorMatthew Ray
Sound Board OperatorAndi Villegas
ElectriciansClint Bull, Morgan Poirer, Matthew Ray, Anna Van Vleet, Jacob Viramontes
Scenic Strike/Load-inElke Johnson ^, Kimmy Mar ^, M. Stephanie Watson^
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association
** Member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
^ Member of IATSE Local No. 15

Preview Post – Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley – Play – Taproot Theatre

Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley play opening night w/ Taproot Theatre. Performing until 12/30/23. Stay tuned for my full review!

Final Full Review (Posted 12/12/23): https://www.showsiveseen.com/georgiana-kitty-christmas-at-pemberley-play-taproot-theatre/

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2023/georgiana-kitty-christmas-at-pemberley/

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Last Drive to Dodge – Play – Taproot Theatre & The Hansberry Project

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Andrew Lee Creech’s Last Drive to Dodge world premire play at Taproot Theatre w/ The Hansberry Project. Well-written dialogue, cute repartee, dimensional characters, and lots of audience reactions. #showsiveseen #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: Prophet and Ro are chasing dreams faintly whispered on the wind that sweeps the dusty Texas plain, where ranching is brutal work and change is on the horizon. Set at the end of the Cowboy Golden Age, Last Drive to Dodge examines race, love, and legacy in a time when everyone is scrambling for their piece of the American Dream.

Attended Performance Date: 9/22/23 (Opening Night) – Preview Posts

Type: Play

World Premiere: Yes, but it was well-developed

Several or Few Scenes: A couple of scenes

Several or Few Settings/Locations: A couple of locations on a ranch

Static (Stationary) Set: Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Mostly yes, but there’s only so much that can occur on a ranch

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 4

Perceived Pace of the Show: Slow to medium speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.25 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

Recommendation: See it, especially if you either like 1) plays about race in the USA 2) or plays that are heavier on the dialogue than action

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Audience Reaction: You know it’s a good play when you hear lots of reactions from the audience like laughter, gasps, groans, “humphs,” and “hmmms.” I noticed these audience reactions more in the second act. I won’t spoil anything, but I specifically remember audibly groaning when somebody took off their hat in the second act.
  • Dimensional Characters: The characters in this play were not simply good or bad and black or white (no pun intended). The playwright added some depth to their backstory that influenced their motivations. Ironically, I enjoyed the least complex character (Millie played by Jonelle Jordan) the most since she had the funniest lines.
  • Dialogue: The dialogue was well-written and there were some sly funny random quips. I loved the way Ro (played by Dedra D Woods) dressed down Millie regarding Millie’s ignorance of her own personal white privilege. The climactic scene towards the end of the play when Ro and Prophet (played by Yusef Seevers) debated the unfairness of black responsibility reminded me of when Michelle Obama said her family faced more scrutiny under the public eye than other presidential families because of race.
  • Twist: The reveal at the end of the first act was unexpected.

Rant(s)

  • Audience Hazard: One of the actors hammered a fence post on-stage and particulates flew everywhere. This was a potential eye injury hazard especially since the audience was so close to the stage.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Montage (Slight Spoiler): What did the “I am” video montage mean in the second act? And who were the people in it?
  • Prophet vs Profit: In the second act, I realized the name “Prophet” also sounds like “profit.” I wonder if the playwright intentionally considered this.
  • Hook: They were probably taking advantage of the fact that sex sells during the play’s first act hook with the post-coital scene.

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre and The Hansberry Project

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taproot Theatre

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

Price: Medium

Regular Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2023/last-drive-to-dodge/

Ticket Affordability Options: Pay what you can days, GoldStar, and TodayTix.

Dates: September 20 to October 21, 2023

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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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video by Robert Wade Photography

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

@showsiveseen @Andrew’s “Last Drive to Dodge” #worldPremire #play at @TaprootTheatre w/ The Hansberry Project directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton. Well-written dialogue, cute repartee, dimensional characters, & lots of audience reactions. Photos: Robert Wade. Review: showsiveseen.com/6768 #showsiveseen #theatre #cowboy #ranch #country ♬ It’s You – Tayler Holder
Dedra D. Woods and Yusef Seevers in Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech at Taproot Theatre. Photos by Robert Wade Photography.
Dedra D. Woods and Yusef Seevers in Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech at Taproot Theatre. Photos by Robert Wade Photography.
Dedra D. Woods and Tim Gouran in Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech at Taproot Theatre. Photos by Robert Wade Photography.
Dedra D. Woods and Yusef Seevers in Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech at Taproot Theatre. Photos by Robert Wade Photography.
Jonelle Jordan and Tim Gouran in Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech at Taproot Theatre. Photos by Robert Wade Photography.
Yusef Seevers and Tim Gouran in Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech at Taproot Theatre. Photos by Robert Wade Photography.
RoleName
ProphetYusef Seevers *
Ro Dedra D. Woods *
Millie Jonelle Jordan
Bennett Tim Gouran
Prophet (Understudy)Jarron A Williams
Ro (Understudy)Esther Okech
Millie (Understudy) Marianna de Fazio
Bennett (Understudy) Nik Doner
Director Valerie Curtis-Newton**
Assistant Director Bretteney Beverly
PlaywrightAndrew Lee Creech
Scenic Designer Matthew Smucker^^
Costume Designer Melanie Burgess ^^
Casting Director Bretteney Beverly
Lighting Designer Brian Engel
Sound Designer Evan Mosher
Projection Designer Mark Lund
Fight Choreographer Alyssa Kay
Stage Manager Kathryn Louise*
Dramaturg Sonja Lowe
Dialect Coach Gin Hammond
Props Designer Bella Rivera
Assistant Stage Manager Tiana Price
Property Master Bella Rivera
Casting Consultant Jessica Spencer
Dresser Tiana Price
Draper Martha Mitchell
Draping Mentor Connie Rinchiuso
Stitchers Veronica Dimoff, Scian Hayes
Wig Designer Joyce Degenfelder
Wig Specialist Kelly Schmidt
Scenic Carpenter Tim Samland^
Light Board Operator Clint Bull
Sound Board Operators Marty Sisk, Andi Villegas
Master ElectricianAiyana Stephens
Electricians Clint Bull, Jayde McCarrell, Kody Smith, Anna Van Vleet, Eric Wu
Scenic Strike/Load-In Michael Adler^, Seth Branum^, Thomas Moore^
*Member of Actors Equity Association
**Members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
^Member of IATSE No. 15
^^Member of United Scenic Artists Local 829