Todd Jamieson

One thing that can be said about Book-It Repertory Theatre, Dear Readers, is that they know how to surprise and thrill. Their 2016 productions of “The Brothers K” still live rent free in my head. So, when I heard they were tackling a novel such as Stanislaw Lem’s “Solaris”, currently playing at the Center Theater, I was dubious but excited. Taking on this Sci-Fi/thriller/love story is not an easy thing to do. It’s been attempted many times including a few movies, the most recent in 2002 with George Clooney, but to put the Solaris Space Station up on stage sounded like a stretch. But then, I did say they always surprise, and they did this time, as well as thrill.

Ah, the restoration comedy. Those bawdy little comedies from the 1600's and 1700's with ill-mannered aristocrats being put through their paces. Now let's take one of those, spice it up with a bit of modern flair, pepper in some of the funniest damn people in town, and a hilariously ridiculous three person band with some original songs and what you'll have is the joyous, bound to go off the rails at any minute, high-speed train ride that is Seattle Shakespeare Company's current production of "She Stoops to Conquer".

Dear Readers, a few years back on one of my trips to the Mothership, I managed to catch Robert Askins' hilarious play "Hand to God" on Broadway and as soon as I finished wetting myself from laughter I thought, "Someone in Seattle needs to do this so my Dear Readers can wet themselves as well." Well last night I watched the entire house at Seattle Public Theater collectively wetting themselves over this hysterical show and so my wish has come true. My wish for all of you.

Seattle Public Theater rings in the new year with the fourth production of its 2017-18 Season with the musical comedy-fantasy Vanishing Point. Aviatrix Amelia Earhart, evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, and author Agatha Christie all have one thing in common: they were women who vanished mysteriously. Christie walked out of her life in 1926 and was discovered at a hotel 11 days later with no recollection of what happened.

It's that time of the year again! Theatre Schmeater's 'Twilight Zone: Live!' celebrates its 24th birthday with three culturally pertinent episode adaptations. As a first timer with high expectations, the first few moments seeing my beloved Twilight Zone in color were jarring. This passes. In this perfect homage that clearly expresses reverence with just the right sprinkling of poking-fun, 'Twilight Zone: Live!' is a cozy, kooky production that continues to be as timeless as infinity.

Broadway-bound new musical, Come From Away, presented by Seattle Repertory Theatre, wins four Gypsys, tying with another new musical, Lizard Boy, also produced by Seattle Repertory Theatreand also with four Gypsys, a company that has been known for years as a powerhouse dramatic straight-play playhouse! 

Seattle Theater Writers critics' circle is pleased to present the nomination slate of the fifth annual Gypsy Rose Lee Awards, theater awards devoted to recognizing excellence across the economic spectrum of professional Seattle theaters in the prior calendar year.

ArtsWest has announced the Seattle Premiere of Chinglish, penned by renowned playwright, librettist and screenwriter, David Henry Hwang. Described in the New Yorker as 'the most successful Chinese-American playwright this country has produced', David Henry Hwang may be best known for his Tony-winning play M. Butterfly (1988), but is also noted for writing insightful satire, often laced with his own quick wit.

Seattle Public Theater (SPT) presents the Pacific Northwest premiere of Johnna Adams' explosive new drama, Gidion's Knot, directed by Shana Bestock.