Jay Irwin - Page 53

ArtsWest continues its streak of Seattle premieres with their current production of "Evil Dead: The Musical". And while the show can use a little tightening up, it's still a bloody good time … literally!

The Seattle Rep is off to a great start to follow up their previous can't miss season by opening this season with their local production of the Broadway smash, "God of Carnage". The Rep has once again shown they know what the goods are and how to deliver them.

The 5th Avenue Theatre continues its celebration and love of the American Musical with the National Tour of one of the freshest new shows to come along in awhile, "In the Heights". And while the tour of this fresh show seemed to come across a bit stale, the show still demonstrates that good new musical theater is out there and doesn't need to be based on a movie.

Theater Schmeater is currently presenting the fledgling yet classic work of Tennessee Williams, "The Glass Menagerie". And while a little over produced, there are solid and heartbreaking performances that will stay with you.

Book-It Repertory Theatre is presenting the second half of their outstanding rendition of John Irving's classic novel with "The Cider House Rules, Part Two: In Other Parts of the World". And it's no surprise that this production is just as stellar as its predecessor and perhaps even more so.

ACT is presenting an intimate look at one of America's favorite columnists, Ann Landers with the one woman show, "The Lady With All the Answers". Charming, funny and touching all at the same time, the show manages to give an inside peek at Ms. Landers' work and attitudes while never becoming preachy.

Judy Ann Moulton presented her one woman celebration of all things Garland last night with "Judy Sings Judy" at Bellevue's Meydenbauer Center. And let me tell you, Judy Garland would have been thrilled with the tribute Moulton gave her and considering Moulton's incredible belt, Garland could probably hear her from heaven. But then, we were all in heaven last night watching the show.

Village Theatre launches its 2010-2011 season with the beefcake musical comedy, "The Full Monty". And while the performers in the show have wonderful and rich voices, the show lacked any kind of energy, pace and heart.

Judy Ann Moulton presented her one woman celebration of all things Garland last night with "Judy Sings Judy" at Bellevue's Meydenbauer Center. And let me tell you, Judy Garland would have been thrilled with the tribute Moulton gave her and considering Moulton's incredible belt, Garland could probably hear her from heaven. But then, we were all in heaven last night watching the show.

Seattle's Paramount Theatre is currently presenting the national tour of the hot, steamy and sexy dance show, "Burn the Floor" and if you're a fan of dance, or just of really pretty people, you're bound to have a good time.

Seattle's Intiman Theatre continues its 2010 season with a bawdy and hilarious adaptation of Moliere's "A Doctor in Spite of Himself". And I have to say, it's silly, clever, fast paced and the best time I've had in a theater in quite some time.

Balagan Theatre finishes up their 2010 season as well as their run in their current performing space with the brand new play with music by Eric Lane Barnes, "Rapture of the Deep". And while their previous shows this season really hit home runs, "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog", "Trout Stanley", and "Greetings From Styx" to name a few, this final show really misses the mark and left me wondering, "What's the point?"

ArtsWest Playhouse begins their 2010-2011 season of mostly Seattle premieres with Neil LaBute's Tony nominated play, "Reasons to be Pretty". And while not the most groundbreaking play I've seen, with a powerhouse cast, they show just how good the Seattle Theater scene can be.

Judy Ann Moulton has been thrilling Seattle audiences with her beautiful, booming voice since she moved her in 1986 from Anchorage, Alaska. I recently got to sit down with Judy Ann to talk to her about her life, her career, her recent attendance at the International Cabaret Conference at Yale University and her upcoming show, "Judy sings Judy", spotlighting the songs of Judy Garland where she'll be backed up by a 12 piece orchestra.

Seattle's ACT is currently presenting the Seattle Premiere of Steven Dietz's "Yankee Tavern" And although they are billing this as a political thriller, I kept wondering when the thrills were going to come.

Balagan Theatre is currently presenting the stage version of the internet sensation "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" written by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Zack Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen. And while the show had some technical issues, it is anything but horrible.

Village Theater presented their "Village Originals 10th Annual Festival of New Musicals" over the weekend presenting 6 new musicals from up and coming writers and composers. Fostering the advancement of new works, the festival boasts the early stages of shows that have gone on for full mainstage runs ("The Gypsy King", "Chasing Nicolette", "Stunt Girl", "Iron Curtain") as well as a few which have recently gone on to Broadway runs ("Million Dollar Quartet" and the Pulitzer and Tony Award winning "Next to Normal"). So getting in at these early stages is a real treat and you never know what future hit smash you might see.

ACT is hosting a special two night only presentation of new works from the Fourth Annual Icicle Creek Theatre Festival on August 23rd and 24th with "An Uncorked Conversation: New Play Festival and Wine Tasting". And not only will you be able to be a part of the development process of two new plays but the festival is prepared to ply you with wine as well.

Seattle's ACT is currently presenting the Seattle Premiere of Steven Dietz's "Yankee Tavern" And although they are billing this as a political thriller, I kept wondering when the thrills were going to come.

Renton's Summer Teen Musical program, which has been providing the teens of the south end an outlet and education in theater for the past 25 years was about to be the latest victim of the economy. And so Renton Civic Theatre in collaboration with the City of Renton, stepped up to make sure that didn't happen.