Theatre Off Jackson – Shows I've Seen

Oliver! – Musical – Review – Reboot Theatre Company & Theatre Off Jackson

@showsiveseen "Oliver!" #musical by @Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel bold English adult punk aesthetic was a refreshing contrast from the traditional casting with children. Starring @ankit_madhira as #oliverTwist. The toned Tommy Beale charismatically portrayed The Artful Dodger. Closes this weekend! #Review: showsiveseen.com/12311 Photos: Colin Madison Director: Scot Charles Anderson Music Director: Sam Peters Choreo: Annalisa Brinchmann Stage Manager: Michael Latham #CharlesDickens #Dickens #theatre #showsiveseen ♬ Food Glorious Food – Peter Pan Singers and Orchestra

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Oliver! musical by Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel bold English adult punk aesthetic was a refreshing contrast from the traditional casting with children. Starring Ankit Madhira as Oliver Twist. The toned Tommy Beale charismatically portrayed The Artful Dodger.

Recommendation:
See it if you enjoyed Annie or any other iteration of the classic Oliver Twist story.

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

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): In search of a better life, a poor English orphan joins a gang of street urchin thieves, leading him on an unexpected journey.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Reboot Theatre Company, in association with Theatre Off Jackson, present a bold, reimagined production of Lionel Bart’s OLIVER! with a radical new ‘Twist’. Directed by SCOT CHARLES ANDERSON (Reboot’s 110 in the Shade), music direction by SAM PETERS (Reboot’s Jesus Christ Superstar), and choreographed by ANNALISA BRINCHMANN (Reboot’s Damn Yankees, Rocky/Dance Captain).presents the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist explores themes of social inequality, exploitation, and youthful rebellion in Victorian London’s gritty underworld. Our fresh, edgy interpretation highlights identity, found family, and resilience as orphan Oliver navigates a world of pickpockets and criminals, finding unexpected friendship amidst danger.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Mostly static

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’d probably appreciate this show more if you’re remotely familiar with the classic Charles Dickens tale.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Union Actors: None

Total Actors: 13

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Other Rave(s)

Punk Vibe: The costumes, scenic design, promotional artwork, and dramaturgical displays uniquely embraced a retro anarchistic English punk rock aesthetic, reminiscent of the Sex Pistols, Green Day (albeit American), or the 2021 Cruella film.
Adult Casting: I was relieved that this production chose not to cast any child actors. I find children’s performing abilities tend to be less developed, or they rely too much on the cute factor. Traditional Oliver! productions (and similar shows like Annie) often employ child actors, but this adult casting choice adds a fresh dynamic of flipping the bird to childhood innocence. This artistic decision strangely reminded me of the hilarious “black Annie” sketch from SNL.

Rant(s)

Vocal Range: There were multiple noticeable instances when the actors strainingly sang an octave too high or too low from their optimal vocal range. This was likely due to two factors: 1) many songs in the score were written for children’s vocal range in mind 2) and Reboot Theatre Company typically intentionally casts actors in roles that differ from the actors’ birth gender, which can sometimes affect vocal compatibility. Transposition is the key!

Theatre Company: Reboot Theatre Company

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

Venue Physical Address: 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

Price Range: $35

Ticket Affordability Options: You can self-select the $10 price point.

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid street parking is usually available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. You can also try free parking on Jackson Street under/past the I-5 bridge, though it’s a dodgier area. As usual, there are paid parking lots nearby as well.

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Pictures: See production pictures below by Colin Madison Photography.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Jasmine Joshua as Fagin (center) in OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.

Marnie Wingett as Widow Corney, Sean Vale as Mr. Bumble, and Ankit Madhira as Oliver in OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.

Ankit Madhira as Oliver and Tommy Beale as Dodger in OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.

Steven Rigaux as Bill Sykes in OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.

Alegra Batara as Nancy (center) in OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.

The cast of OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.

Preview Post – Oliver! – Musical – Reboot Theatre Company & Theatre Off Jackson

Oliver! musical by Reboot Theatre at Theatre Off Jackson. If you want tickets, don’t wait for my full review since the show closes next weekend! #oliverTwist #charlesDickens

Tickets: https://reboottheatre.org/oliver-2025

Final Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/oliver-musical-review-reboot-theatre-company-theatre-off-jackson/

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Damn Yankees – Musical – Review – Reboot Theatre Company & Theatre Off Jackson

@showsiveseen "Damn Yankees" #musical by @Reboot Theatre Company & Theatre Off Jackson. Starring Jessie Selleck & Vincent Milay. Delightful choreography by Mackenzie Malhotra. Wonderful "A League of Their Own"-like costumes & #baseball player ensemble. Review: showsiveseen.com/9657 Photos: Colin Madison Director: Brad Lo Walker Music Direction: Aimee Hong Stage Manager: Valerie Reid #theatre #showsiveseen ♬ Shoeless Joe From Hannibal, Mo. – 1994 Original Cast Recording – "Damn Yankees" 1994 Broadway Cast

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Damn Yankees musical by Reboot Theatre Company & Theatre Off Jackson. Starring Jessie Selleck & Vincent Milay. Delightful choreography by Mackenzie Malhotra. Wonderful “A League of Their Own”-like costumes & baseball player ensemble.

Recommendation
See it, especially if you like baseball.

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): An older man makes a deal with the devil (hence “damn” in the title) to become a young baseball superstar so he can win the pennant for his favorite team.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Put summer into extra innings with Reboot Theatre Company’s upcoming production of Damn Yankees! This sporty musical comedy is a true American classic, packed with baseball, unforgettable music, high-energy dance, and devilish charm. Don’t miss Reboot’s twist on this Broadway mega-hit! Middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd, trades his soul to the Devil, also known as Mr. Applegate, for a chance to lead his favorite team to victory in the pennant race against the New York Yankees. As young baseball sensation, Joe Hardy, he transforms the hapless Washington Senators into a winning team, only to realize the true worth of the life that he’s left behind.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 9/6/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for preview posts on my website and social media if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Show closes on 9/21/24!

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you might enjoy this more if you’re familiar with baseball.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Equity Actors: None

Total Number of Actors: 15, which is pretty large for such a small stage

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.75 hours

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Yes

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

Songs and Choreography : There were many memorable songs, such as “You’ve Gotta Have Heart,” “Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo,” “The Game,” “Two Lost Souls,” and “Six Months Out of the Year.” This was largely due to Mackenzie Malhotra’s choreography and the exceptional baseball player ensemble. Of course, the well-crafted music played a significant role as well.
Devil and Gags: Mr. Applegate (the devil character played by Vincent Milay) was comedically well-written and well-executed. Additionally, the script contained several cute jokes related to the Satan or hell. For example, Mr. Applegate couldn’t swear on the bible in court because it burned him. Or when someone asked him “Are you anybody?” he replied “not a soul.”
Costumes: Chloe Cook designed nostalgic women’s baseball player outfits similar to the costumes in A League of Their Own movie as shown below.
The Washington Senators in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Rant(s)

Sound Balancing: It was difficult to hear some solo performers since they sang too soft and there were no microphones.
Resolutions (No Spoiler): The script resolved some conflicts at the end unsatisfyingly. The solutions felt random and lazily conceived.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Gender-conscious Casting: Like their previous shows, Reboot Theatre Company cast several roles with performers differently gendered than the original characters. Interestingly, their characters also often didn’t conform to traditional gender roles. For example, female performers played male baseball players characters but still sometimes acted feminine. They wrapped their hair in a towel in the locker room or screamed excitedly after a game like “woo girls.” It was certainly a show full of gender bending.
- Vocal Range: I was a little worried that that the gender inclusive casting would force the performers to sing unnaturally and unpleasantly too high or too low. Fortunately, I didn’t hear any weird vocal ranges in this production. It made me wonder if they transposed any songs.
Temperature: I was also worried about attending this show on a hot day. As I’ve often mentioned in the past, Theatre Off Jackson is too hot in the summer. Fortunately, the A/C valiantly and successfully cooled the room adequately during the performance.

Theatre Company: Reboot Theatre Company and Theatre Off Jackson

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

Venue Physical Address: 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

Price Range: $30

Ticket Affordability Options: You can self-select the $5 inclusion rate on the ticketing website

Dates: September 6 to 21, 2024

Seating: General Admission

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Pictures: See pictures below by Colin Madison.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Sophie J. Sen (center) as Gloria Thorpe with the ballplayers in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Ellen Dessler Smith as Meg Boyd and Jessie Selleck as Joe Hardy in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Jessie Selleck as Joe Hardy and Salem Salma Wahab as Lola in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Vincent Milay as Applegate and Salem Salma Wahab as Lola in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

The company of DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Kiki Werner as Van Buren, Annalisa Brunchmann as Rocky, Eleanor Withrow as Smokey, and Stefanie Meifang Van Rafelghem as Sohovik in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Ed Robison as Joe Boyd and Vincent Milay as Applegate in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Preview Post – Damn Yankees – Musical – Reboot Theatre Company & Theatre Off Jackson

Congrats to Reboot Theatre & Theatre Off Jackson on the opening night to the Damn Yankees musical & their packed, energetic audience. Catch the show through 9/21 and stay tuned for my full review!

Final Full Review (Posted 9/11/24): https://www.showsiveseen.com/damn-yankees-musical-review-reboot-theatre-company-theatre-off-jackson/

Tickets: https://reboottheatre.org/damn-yankees-info

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Vietgone – Play with Music – Review – Pork Filled Productions, SIS Productions, & Theatre Off Jackson

@showsiveseen Qui Nguyen's "Vietgone" #play w/ #rap music by @Pork Filled Productions, SIS Productions, & Theatre Off Jackson. Starring Josh Erme and Megan Huynh. Basically #Vietnamese Hamilton. Refreshing to experience stories through an #Asian American lens. Closes 8/24. Review: showsiveseen.com/9426 Photos: @giaoo2 Director: @Suginamimi Music Director: @YUELAN 乐澜 Music: Shane Rettig Stage Manager: Omar Faust #vietgone #vietnam #viet #refugee #refugees #asians #theatre #showsiveseen #asians ♬ Cheeky – Albert Posis & Patrick Hizon

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Qui Nguyen’s Vietgone play w/ rap music by Pork Filled Productions, SIS Productions, & Theatre Off Jackson. Basically, Vietnamese Hamilton. Refreshing to experience stories through an Asian American lens. #refugee

Recommendation
See it, especially if you’re Asian American.

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): A gallant Vietnamese pilot who fought for the Republic of Vietnam against the Viet Cong travels from an Arkansas refugee camp across the USA trying to return home overseas. In contrast, a beautiful Vietnamese woman flees Vietnam and embraces assimilation in the USA.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Arkansas, 1974, after the fall of Saigon. Two young survivors (who may or may not be the play-wright’s parents) meet in America. Will this strange new land of burritos, bikers, and pot allow them to fall in love? Flipping stereotypes and remixing history, Vietgone cooks up a sexy, funny romp that’s a secret origin story for playwright Qui Nguyen (author of Raya and the Last Dragon)!

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 8/9/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for preview posts on my website and social media if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Buy your tickets now since the show closes on 8/24!

Type: Play with Rap Music

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? Mostly yes, since it’s such a small theatre.

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’d probably enjoy this show more if you’re Asian American. I doubt Asians without an American background would appreciate it nearly as much as Asian Americans.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Equity Actors: 0

Total Number of Actors: 5

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.75 hours

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, I previously attended Vietgone at Seattle Rep.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Maybe, but twice might be enough for me. It would definitely need to be another professional production like the one I saw at Seattle Rep … not to say that this one was bad.

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

Asian Perspective and Representation: As an Asian American who grew up in Texas, it’s always refreshing (dare I say “novel”) to see Asian perspectives and representation on the stage. We’re not the “cultural other” in this story. Instead of Asian Americans speaking incomprehensibly, it was the other way around where the white American characters spoke weird broken English to depict their difficulty speaking Vietnamese. There were also many references in the play about living in a white-dominated society that many non-Asians wouldn’t understand. Additionally, it was a welcome change seeing the male romantic lead as an Asian man (Joshua M Erme as Quang) with sex appeal, muscular physique (Gurrrrl, look at that body!), and a masculine profession in the armed forces. This representation is still so important today even in the woke PNW where I know a half-Asian kid who literally expressed that they didn’t want their Asian features. Role models and goals!
Rap: Vietgone is a play with rap music. This production also incorporated a live band. The group sitting behind me said “I didn’t know this would be like Hamilton!” Personally, I’m not a fan of rap and I think Hamilton was good, but not amazing. However, I recognize the talent and skill involved in writing and executing the rap music in these two shows. My favorite song was Tong’s (played by Meghan Huynh) first number at the beginning.
Food Gag: As a vegetarian, I can totally relate to the running commentary throughout the show that American food is generally all meat or deep-fried greasy vegetables. There’s a reason why I hate eating at American food restaurants. In contrast, Vietnamese cuisine is so fresh with many vegetables. It might be my favorite cuisine.
Montages: The “days of the week” montage was a bit unnecessary and corny, but the Ninja montage was pretty good. It was a nice touch that the band even participated on-stage in this scene, especially Yuelan on the retro 80s keyboard. Side note, I was so concerned about the banana prop on the floor after a racing scene. If that wasn’t intentional, Huong (played by Wendy Chinn) improvised a good funny save.
Contrasting Motivation: The playwright devised contrasting motivations between the lead characters well. Quang was torn from his home country and wanted to go back while Tong fled her home country and was focused on American assimilation.
Favorite Line: “North and South Vietnam may be at war, but at least we’re not fighting each other over something as stupid as the way we look [like the Americans].”

Rant(s)

Temperature: Theatre Off Jackson is always too hot in the summer.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Shadow Boxes: Rectangular stage pieces switch positions throughout the show to indicate location changes. These structures need to be thicker to look less flimsy and to be less precariously fall prone. They fell at least once during opening night.
Reverse Racism: The script contains some mild racist jabs towards Caucasians. These quips were rooted in the shared trauma of the racism and microaggressions that Asians experienced throughout the years and even today. While the jokes were funny and I would assume most white people today wouldn’t be terribly offended, when do the jokes become inappropriate? When does reverse racism reverse back to straight up racism? If the shoe was on the other foot against Asians, these jokes definitely wouldn’t be received as well. It reminds me of Avenue Q‘s funny and insightful song “Eveyone’s a Little Bit Racist.”
Last Scene (No Spoiler): The last scene felt a bit out of place from the rest of the show. It was a different energy and I’m not sure I fully grasped or agreed with the message. It presented a novel perspective about the Vietnam war different from what Americans conventionally believe. Does this perspective apply to the war in Ukraine or Palestine? Should the USA be the police officer of the world?

Theatre Company: Pork Filled Productions and SIS Productions

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

Venue Physical Address: 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

Price Range: $10-50

Dates: August 9 to August 24, 2024

Seating: General Admission

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Pictures: See pictures below and in video by Giao Nguyen.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.