Jay Irwin - Page 55

Fledgling theater group New Century Theatre Company is presenting its current show at ACT's Falls Theatre with the world premiere of company member Stephanie Timm's new play, "On the Nature of Dust". And while a tad preachy at times, the show makes me wish that half of the new emerging voices in the theater community (both in Seattle and abroad) were as engaging and fresh as Timm.

Arts West in West Seattle is currently presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber's seldom produced one act, one woman musical "Tell Me On A Sunday". And while the show boasts one of the best singers in town, it ends up coming across as under directed and over produced.

Village Theatre is presenting the world premiere of the new musical "The Gypsy King" on their mainstage. And while the show could do with a little tightening, it's a charming, witty and above all FUN throwback to the musicals of the 40's and 50's.

I met up with Hans in between his Matinee and Evening shows of "An Iliad" on Saturday. In the short time since he arrived here in 1993 to go to school at Cornish College of the Arts (where he graduated in 1996) this 39 year old from Detroit, Michigan has become one of the hot tickets in the Seattle theater scene. But beyond that, he's also a really great guy.

Finishing up their 19th season, the Seattle Shakespeare Company is presenting one of William Shakespeare's most beloved histories (at least it's one of my personal favorites), "Henry V". But this time they have traded in their tunics and swords for uniforms and guns by transplanting it to 1962. And while the show is a solid one I question the decision to retell it in this era.

The 5th Avenue Theatre in conjunction with Spectrum Dance Theater is currently presenting the Leonard Bernstein classic "On the Town" as part of the Seattle Celebrates Bernstein event. With book and lyrics by the incomparable Betty Comden and Adolph Green (who by the way were also the original Ozzie and Claire in the show on Broadway in 1944), it's a superb throw back to the Golden Age of American Musicals. And while there are a few spots that need a little tightening, the show is goofy, whimsical, and just plain fun with a ton of heart!

The Seattle Rep has capped off what has already been a stellar season with yet another gem, the world premiere of a brand new work from Denis O'Hare and Lisa Peterson of their one man interpretation of "An Iliad".

The national tour of the hit musical "Dreamgirls" is currently at Seattle's Paramount Theatre. You may have seen a production of this before. Or maybe you've only seen the 2006 movie. Or maybe you're only familiar with that one song from the show. Whatever the case, the current tour of this outstanding show is a production not to be missed.

The Seattle Rep comes full circle in their relationship with the work of August Wilson by remounting the first Wilson play they produced back in 1986, "Fences". And the show, now celebrating it's 25th anniversary, shows no sign of age or waning relevance.

Seattle's Intiman Theatre continues it's hit and miss streak with a definite miss with Clifford Odets' depression era epic, "Paradise Lost". But after seeing this production I think it should have been titled "Two and a half hours Lost".

Seattle Shakes is currently presenting one of William Shakespeare's more lighthearted ventures, the fun and goofy "Two Gentlemen of Verona". And while Shakespeare's comedies don't always broaden one's horizons (culturally speaking) you're sure to have a totally awesome time with this one, dude.

Village Theatre is presenting the world premiere of the new musical "The Gypsy King" on their mainstage. And while the show could do with a little tightening, it's a charming, witty and above all FUN throwback to the musicals of the 40's and 50's.

The Parmount has once again brought Kander and Ebb's killer musical "Chicago" here to Seattle. So how many times do we really need to see this show? Apparently one more time if this is the production!

The 5th Avenue Theatre has brought Heather Hach, Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin's musical adaptation of the Reese Witherspoon movie, "Legally Blonde" to their stages. And while this is not the best production of the show I've seen, it certainly gets snaps for bringing the fun.

The Seattle Rep is presenting David Mamet's viscously funny and hard edged masterpiece "Glengarry Glen Ross" directed by Wilson Milam. And with the level of talent up on the stage and behind it, it's no wonder the Rep has yet another hit on their hands.

Showtunes presented a one night only concert Saturday night which not only showcased highlights from their previous shows as well as from upcoming productions but also announced their collaboration with Broadway Across America and Seattle Theater Group. In addition they also debuted for Seattle audiences in their new performing home of The Moore Theatre in Downtown Seattle.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is presenting the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic "South Pacific". This 2008 Tony and Drama Desk award winning revival comes direct from it's continuing run on Broadway and is directed by Seattle favorite Bartlett Sher (who was one of the aforementioned award winners). So with all that in it's favor, it's surprising that the show did not wow. It's good but not great.

An up and coming actor in the Seattle area, 27-year old Trick Danneker (Patrick Francis Danneker) not only knows a lot about theater and conveying a character on stage but is also your average American guy who loves baseball, movies and Coca-Cola. I was lucky enough to sit down with Trick and talk with him about his life, his career and his current role in The Seattle Rep's 'Speech and Debate.'

Seattle Shakespeare Company is presenting the bloody Greek tragedy "Electra" by Sophocles and adapted by Frank McGuinness. And let me tell you the tragedy here is most certainly not the quality of the production.

Neil Simon's classic coming of age story "Lost in Yonkers" is currently playing at Village Theatre in Issaquah. And while the show may be a little tired, there are certainly some wonderful performances in this production.