Review: ELF at The 5th Avenue Theatre
by Shelley Dean - Dec 12, 2025
The movie Elf is one of those films that sticks with you throughout your life; you remember the spaghetti, the syrup, and the unrivaled holiday cheer from the unique story. It’s only natural that a story full of this much nostalgia takes on a new life that honors its legacy. Enter Elf: The Musical. All of the magic of the original movie is packed into a stage show with dancing Santas, larger-than-life Christmas trees, and onstage skating that makes you want to join the fun. Seattle has been gifted its very own production this holiday season at the 5th Avenue Theatre. Elf: The Musical, directed and choreographed by Denis Jones, is now running downtown.
Video: ELF THE MUSICAL Trailer at The 5th Avenue Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Dec 8, 2025
ELF the Musical is now playing at the 5th Avenue Theatre Company, running through December 28 at the historic downtown Seattle theatre. Check out an all new trailer for the production in the video here!
Review: MRS. LOMAN IS LEAVING at ACT
by Jay Irwin - Oct 18, 2024
Dear Readers, like many, I love a good rollicking backstage comedy. One of those plays within a play where we get to peek behind the stage and check out the antics happening beyond. The classic “Noises Off” for example has always been one of my favorites. Now, along comes this new work from Katie Forgette, 'Mrs. Loman is Leaving', currently at ACT, and while certainly having more than a few funny moments, for a show that makes it very clear to be focused on the oft forgotten Mrs. Loman, and women in general, the resolution of her story arc felt a bit rushed and unsatisfying.
BLACK NATIVITY Returns To Intiman Theatre In 2024
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 13, 2024
Intiman Theatre has announced the return of BLACK NATIVITY in 2024, bringing the beloved holiday musical back to Seattle. The production will feature a mix of gospel music, dance, and storytelling.
Review: STEW at ACT Theatre
by Jay Irwin - Mar 22, 2024
I like to think, Dear Reader, that I don’t need to have the meaning/plot/message of a show spoon fed to me. But sometimes, as with Zora Howard’s “Stew” currently playing at ACT, I could use a bit of clarity. I’m not saying the show was completely confusing, not by a long shot, just a few elements in it as well as that ending that left me questioning what I just saw. Then again, sometimes those shows can be the most fun afterwards, as my theater companion and I got to try and decipher what it meant to us.
Review: DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID at The 5th Avenue Theatre
by Jay Irwin - Sep 16, 2023
In these tumultuous theatrical times, it’s of little surprise that The 5th Avenue Theatre would head back under the sea with a remount of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”. I mean, they just did it back in 2016. But it’s a crowd pleaser and I suspect a bit of a cash sea cow so here we are.
Review: INTO THE WOODS at 5th Avenue Theatre
by Kelly Rogers Flynt - Feb 18, 2023
INTO THE WOODS at 5th Avenue Theatre is loaded with surprises and modern flair. From floor to ceiling and head to toe, this production gives a new look to this timeless fairytale. With humor and heart leading the way, INTO THE WOODS provides a night of intricate storytelling. Whether it is your first or fiftieth time to see this Sondheim masterpiece, you will leave knowing that wishes do come true, and even when they don’t, you are not alone.What did our critic think of INTO THE WOODS at 5th Avenue Theatre?
Review: THE WIZ at The 5th Avenue Theatre
by Jay Irwin - Nov 28, 2022
L. Frank Baum’s classic fantasy “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is the gift that just keeps on giving. From its 1901 origins to the 1939 iconic film to any number of sequels, movies, and even a Broadway musical or two, we always seem to want to hear more and more about the magical land of Oz. And no small part of those tales is the fabulous William F. Brown and Charlie Smalls, Tony Award winning musical, “The Wiz” from 1974. And now the 5th Avenue Theatre has brought this green gem to vivid life with their current delightful production.
Spend The Holidays At The 5th Avenue Theatre With THE WIZ Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Oct 20, 2022
Performances of The 5th Avenue Theatre's original staging of The Wiz, the beloved reimagining of The Wizard of Oz that celebrates and centers Black joy, starts one month from today on Saturday, November 19, running through December 23, 2022.
2019 Gypsy Rose Lee Award Winners Announced
by Stephi Wild - Jan 31, 2020
Seattle Theater Writers Seattle's theater reviewers circle announces the Winners of Excellence in Seattle theatrical productions. Spanning dozens of theater companies and productions, from large and prominent to small and humble, the Gypsy Rose Lee Awards honor the excellence found across the area.