I Hate Hamlet – Play – The Phoenix Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): I Hate Hamlet play at The Phoenix Theatre. As usual, Josiah C Miller & Jag delivered wonderful stage presence in this funny love letter to showbiz & live theatre. Shakespeare lovers & haters (like me) alike will enjoy! #JohnBarrymore

Synopsis from the Theatre: Television star Andrew Rally is about to start rehearsals to play Hamlet—and he is terrified. Unsure of himself, worried about his career, Andrew doesn’t know what to do. In the midst of his confusion, he is visited by the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore. Barrymore explains that all actors who take on the role are visited and mentored by their predecessors, and that he cannot leave Andrew until he takes the stage as Hamlet.

Reviewed Performance: 4/8/23 Opening Weekend

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Only one scene in each act

Several or Few Settings: Only one setting (John Barrymore’s NYC apartment)

Prerequisite Knowledge Required: Despite the name in the title, prior Hamlet experience is not required to enjoy this play. However, I wonder what nuances I missed being unfamiliar with the seminal classic. You probably won’t appreciate this play as much without prior Shakespeare exposure though.

Defined Plot/Storyline: It’s difficult to achieve a defined plot with only two scenes. Nevertheless, the script was good.

Recommendation: See it especially if either

  • You like plays/musicals about live theatre such as Something Rotten!
  • Or you have a strong opinion towards Shakespeare, whether love or hate

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

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

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

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 6

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Codpiece: Codpieces must be the rage in the Puget Sound theatre world today since this is the second time I’ve seen an exaggerated “unit” this year. The first time was in The Taming at Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts. I wonder if Seattle Shakespeare Theatre Company will follow suit.
  • Fencing: Good fight choreography (from Geoffrey Alm) and execution (from Josiah C Miller and Jag)
  • Soliloquy Magic: Andrew Rally’s (played by Josiah C Miller) description of soliloquy magic was spot on and well executed. I could definitely relate as an audience member. I wonder what it’s like as a performer when the magic is just right and “you’ve tasted glory.”
  • Vocal Assurance: Jag and Josiah C Miller’s inherent vocal assurance worked well for delivering their Shakesperean lines. It reminded me of Jag’s last role at The Phoenix Theatre in Dashing Through the Snow as a delightful, dramatic, over-the-top, self-involved thespian.
  • NYC and LA Rivalry: I enjoyed the script’s comparison/contrast between west coast Hollywood and east coast theatre.
  • Costumes: Deirdre’s (played by Mary Guthrie Leedy) costumes were so 80-90s chic!
  • Favorite Lines:
    • “The elderly should not discuss romance, it is distasteful.”
    • “Wait, let me get this. It’s Shakespeare, right? It’s like algebra on stage.” – As someone who hates Shakespeare, I couldn’t agree more!

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Seance: As a previous Adventist, I’m always a bit freaked when I see portrayals of the occult in entertainment. But the unexpected circumcision joke during the seance thankfully dispelled all that. At least, I think there was a circumcision joke but now I’m not sure if I misheard it since I was the only person in the audience that laughed. If it was there, it was good comedic relief from left field. If it wasn’t there, I just have a dirty mind … but they need to add it!

Theatre Company: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020

Price: Cheap

Dates: April 7-30, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Free and plentiful lot parking in front of theatre

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video below by James Sipes

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and video below

@showsiveseen "I Hate #Hamlet" #play by Paul Rudnick at The Phoenix Theatre. As usual, Jag & Josiah C Miller delivered wonderful stage presence in this funny love letter to #showbiz & live #theatre. #Shakespeare lovers & haters (like me) alike will enjoy! Photos by James Sipes. Review: showsiveseen.com/4751 #JohnBarrymore ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim
RoleName
Felica Dantine Susan Connors
Andrew Rally Josiah C. Miller
Deirdre McDaveyMary Guthrie Leedy
Lillian Troy Dawn Cornell
John Barrymore Jag
Gary Peter Lefkowitz Thomas A. Glass
Director Keith Dahlgren
Playwright Paul Rudnick
Stage Manager Amanda Costinett
Assistant Stage Manager August Marshall
Technical Director Craig Marshall
Fight Director Geoffrey Alm
Set Dresser Susan Connors
Costumer Elizabeth Shipman
Set Design & Construction Craig Marshall
House Manager Lauren Kottwitz
Graphic Designer Felicia Hallenbeck
Set Construction Eric Helland
Artistic Director Melanie Calderwood
Managing Director Tracy Cahill

Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll & Hyde Play – The Phoenix Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play at The Phoenix Theatre. Hilarious slapstick comedy. Great leading performance by Josiah C. Miller as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: ​Dr. Jekyll’s research finds him – as usual – investigating the split between good and evil in the human psyche. Of course, things get out of hand when he decides being evil might be more fun and recreational. This hilarious spoof of the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson will keep you in stitches as this fast-paced comedy takes the stage and is appropriate for all ages.

Reviewed Performance: 2/4/23 on opening weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you enjoy slapstick comedy. I usually do not but I still enjoyed the show.

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Yes, if it was an Equity production

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

Equity Actors: None

Number of Actors: 10

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1 hour and 45 mins

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Leading Actor: I was already excited to see Josiah C Miller because of his great performances in Chapter Two and Rocky Horror Show. In Chemical Imbalance, he commanded his portrayal of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with a well-spoken, strongly-projected voice.
  • Cast Doubling: Obviously, cast doubling was involved between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. There was also significant cast doubling between the good and evil identical twins Calliope and Penelope, both played by Julia Mounce. Both actors took on the challenge without using costume changes. The lisp was a clever way (or a crutch?) to help the audience distinguish when the actor was playing a good or evil character. If anything, I consider it a success when the audience is able to do this, regardless of the means … unless you use a big fat sign!
  • Favorite Scene: When a dinner party gradually and hilariously migrated to below the dinner table
  • Favorite Lines: “You have to marry and have children before your hair drops out” and “See about getting the carolers some table scraps from the kitchen. I do so like to support the arts.”

Rant(s)

  • Punches and Kicks: Needs to be more realistic

Theatre Company: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020

Price: Cheap

Dates: February 3 – 26, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Free and plentiful lot parking in adjacent lot

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:
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Other Video +/- Pictures: See below pictures under video and in video

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen "Chemical Imbalance: A #Jekyll and #Hyde #Play" at the Phoenix Theatre. #Hilarious #slapstick #comedy. Great leading performance by Josiah C. Miller as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Review: showsiveseen.com/3794 #theatre ♬ Bad Side – CRMNL

RoleName
Plodgett Ingrid Sanai Buron
Lady Throckmortonshire Melanie Calderwood
Euphronia Jekyll Susan Connors
Ivy Kaira Hensler
Xavier & Police LieutenantBrandon Jepson
ConstableJames Lynch
Dr. Henry Jekyll & Mr. HydeJosiah C. Miller
Calliope & Penelope ThrockmortonshireJulia Mounce
Rosamunda Dewthistle Amanda Petrowski
Ambrosia Jekyll Mckenzie Wilson
….
PlaywrightLauren Wilson
Director Eric Lewis
Fight CoordinatorSam Graves
Technical Director Craig Marshall
Stage ManagerIan Wight
Costumer Elizabeth Shipman
Set Dresser Susan Connors
Set Design Eric Lewis & Craig Marshall
Set ConstructionEric Helland & Ian Wight
Board OperatorCraig Marshall

Dashing Through The Snow – Play – The Phoenix Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Dashing Through the Snow play at The Phoenix Theatre. Four short comedy stories at a Texas bed and breakfast. Unexpected Mrs. Claus affair twist. The dramatic self-involved thespian story was hilarious! #corny #xmas #inn #christmas

Synopsis from the Theatre: A mad-capped comedy that’s more fun than a joyride with friends in a one-horse open sleigh! Meet Trina the innkeeper of the Snowflake Inn in Tinsel, Texas. She’s frantically trying to prepare for the holidays while dealing with a mixed bag of challenging guests and employees who leave comedic chaos in their wake

Reviewed Performance: 12/2 Evening

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Recommendation: See it if you like 1) plays by Jones Hope Wooten, 2) ABC Family TV shows with a laugh track 3) or plays portraying stereotypical Texans.

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

Equity Actors: 0

Length: 2 hours

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Texas Portrayal: While a lot of the Texan/Southern acting was purposefully over the top and overtly stereotypical (thankfully there were no cowboys!), the play reminded me of when I used to live in Texas especially when I lived in a tiny town with only had one stop light. The actors also portrayed fancy trailer trash really well in the last segment!
  • Favorite Line: When Mrs. Claus seductively said something like “You were the LARGEST elf. That’s why I noticed you.”

Rant(s)

  • Scene Length: The scenes felt too long but this is likely just a problem with the script.
  • Offstage Dialog: I usually don’t like watching actors conversing with someone offstage via intercom, telephone, or even yelling to someone the audience can’t see. I want to see both speakers involved in the dialog.

Theatre Company : The Phoenix Theatre

Venue: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020

Price: Cheap

Dates: November 25 – December 18, 2022

Seating: Assigned

Parking: Free lot parking

Social Media Posts About this Performance from Shows I’ve Seen: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

Other Video +/- Pictures: There are also pictures under the video below.

@showsiveseen "Dashing Through the Snow" #play at The Phoenix Theatre. Four short #comedy stories at a #Texas #BedAndBreakfast. Unexpected Mrs. Claus affair twist. The dramatic self-involved thespian story was hilarious! Review: showsiveseen.com/2564 #xmas #inn #christmas #theatre ♬ Favorite Time Of Year – Carrie Underwood

Clue: On Stage – Play – The Phoenix Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Clue: On Stage comedy murder mystery play at The Phoenix Theatre. Based on the boardgame & film. Fast-paced energetic rhythm. Complex set impressively built on a tiny stage. Butler, call girl, & colonel were a delight. Packed audience. Playbill was a nice touch. #blackmail #slapstick #whodunit

Type: Play

Recommendation: See it if you like wacky whodunit plays

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes if it was done professionally.

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4 stars

Theatre Company : The Phoenix Theatre

Venue: The Phoenix Theatre – 9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020

Price: $ (Cheap)

Dates: October 7 – 30, 2022

Seating: Assigned Seating

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Other Media:

@showsiveseen "#Clue: On Stage" #comedy #murder #mystery #play at the Phoenix #Theatre. Based on the #boardgame & film. Fast-paced energetic rhythm. Complex set impressively built on a tiny stage. Butler, call girl, & colonel were a delight. Packed audience. Playbill was a nice touch. #blackmail #slapstick #whodunit ♬ Get A Clue – Album Version – Simon and Milo

Mama Won’t Fly – Play – The Phoenix Theatre

@showsiveseen "Mama Won't Fly" #play w/ The Phoenix Theatre. #Wacky #chaotic mother-daughter cross country #roadTrip full of #Southern ♬ Got It from My Mama – Honey County

“Mama Won’t Fly” play w/ The Phoenix Theatre. Wacky chaotic mother-daughter cross country road trip full of Southern charm.