Braden Abraham News

It's been a crazy year, Dear Readers. Lots of ups, lots of downs, and LOTS of emotions. And I'm not just talking about on stage. But let's not dwell on the bad things that may have happened in the world and focus on some of the amazing things Seattle theater companies gave us this past year, and let me tell you there were quite a few. So many in fact that in some categories I simply had to call out more than the usual Honorable Mentions as some performances just needed to be noted. You'll see what I mean especially when you get to the female categories as the ladies were certainly bringing it this year. But let's get started shall we? Out of the myriad shows I saw this year in Seattle, here are the shows and performances that truly stood out to me.

Tickets are now on sale for Tony Award-winning writer, Lisa Kron's, WELL, directed by Braden Abraham and running February 10-March 5, 2016 at Seattle Repertory Theatre.

Single tickets are now on sale for Seattle Rep's highly anticipated production of David Byrne (Talking Heads) and Fatboy Slim's epic HERE LIES LOVE, running April 7-May 28, 2017.

The internationally acclaimed tale, Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie, is coming to Seattle Repertory Theatre. This musical portrait, featuring Woody's stirring ballads and joyous anthems, celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America's great folk troubadour. Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie will run January 6- 29, 2017 (opening night is January 11, 2017) in the Bagley Wright Theatre.

Coming off their second win for Outstanding Theatre of The Year from the Gregory Awards, Sound Theatre Company announces their most compelling and relevant season to date.

Seattle Repertory Theatre presents Vietgone, the highly anticipated new play, produced in association with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, from up-and-coming playwright Qui Nguyen (Vampire Cowboys). Vietgone loosely chronicles Nguyen's parent's journey from Vietnam to American in 1975, with a quirky approach Nguyen describes as 'a sex comedy about my parents.' With direction by May Adrales, who has been with the show since its inception, Vietgone will run December 2, 2016-January 1, 2017 (opening night is December 7, 2016) in the Leo K. Theatre. Tickets are on sale now through the Seattle Rep Box Office at 206.443.2222and online at seattlerep.org.

The legendary Woody Guthrie defined an American era of social consciousness and political expression with songs such as 'This Land is Your Land' and 'The Ballad of Tom Joad.' This musical portrait, featuring Woody's stirring ballads and joyous anthems, celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America's great folk troubadour. Along with a multitalented cast of performers/musicians, virtuoso David Lutken reprises his award-winning role as 'the original folk hero.'

Seattle Repertory Theatre presents the 2015 Oliver Award-winning Best New Play, King Charles III, Mike Bartlett's runaway smash hit, a contemporary and provocative comedy drama about Prince Charles' ascension to the throne upon the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth. It is a powerful piece about press intrusion, backroom politics, and the timeless magnetism of power.

Seattle Repertory Theatre presents the 2015 Oliver Award-winning Best New Play, King Charles III, Mike Bartlett's runaway smash hit, a contemporary and provocative comedy drama about Prince Charles' ascension to the throne upon the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth. It is a powerful piece about press intrusion, backroom politics, and the timeless magnetism of power.

With great excitement and anticipation, Seattle Repertory Theatre announces 11 projects for its nationally respected new work series, The Other Season, with additional projects to be revealed.

Seattle Repertory Theatre today announced complete casting for the 2015 Oliver Award-winning Best New Play, King Charles III, Mike Bartlett's runaway smash hit, a contemporary and provocative comedy drama about Prince Charles' ascension to the throne upon the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth. It is a powerful piece about press intrusion, backroom politics, and the timeless magnetism of power.

Seattle Repertory Theatre presents the world-premiere production, Roz and Ray, a play by local playwright, Seattle Rep Writers Group alumna, and University of Washington Senior Artist in Residence Karen Hartman, with direction from the acclaimed Chay Yew, Artistic Director of Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago.

Seattle Repertory Theatre today announced the highly anticipated two-person casting for the world-premiere production, Roz and Ray, a play by local playwright, Seattle Rep Writers Group alumna, and University of Washington Senior Artist in Residence Karen Hartman, with direction from the acclaimed Chay Yew, Artistic Director of Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago.

Roz and Ray follows the close, turbulent relationship between Roz, a pediatric physician and Ray, the single father of two hemophiliac boys. Caught in a devastating chapter of medical and queer history rooted in the 1970s and 80s, this brilliant doctor and devoted parent struggle together over impossible choices. Can they 'do no harm' while saving the children they love?

Seattle Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of the compelling new drama and recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award Roz and Ray, the story of Ray, a single dad who believes he's found a miracle in Dr. Roz, until tragedy strikes.

Seattle Repertory Theatre presents its season opening production, A Raisin in the Sun, a classic Lorraine Hansberry's drama, directed by Timothy McCuen Piggee.

Seattle Repertory Theatre today announced the highly anticipated launch of Public Works Seattle. One of Artistic Director Braden Abraham's first major new artistic initiatives, Public Works Seattle creates theatre of the people, by the people, and for the people of our region. Adapted from the nationally recognized model built by New York City's prestigious The Public Theatre, this program seeks to engage audiences in new ways by making them creators and not just spectators. In September 2017, Seattle Rep will produce a large-scale production featuring over 100 community members on the Bagley Wright Stage, and today marks the celebratory public launch of this inaugural program's preparation.

Seattle Repertory Theatre today announced the full ensemble cast of its season opening production, A Raisin in the Sun, a classic Lorraine Hansberry's drama, directed by Timothy McCuen Piggee.

Roz and Ray follows the close, turbulent relationship between Roz, a pediatric physician and Ray, the single father of two hemophiliac boys. Caught in a devastating chapter of medical and queer history rooted in the 1970s and 80s, this brilliant doctor and devoted parent struggle together over impossible choices. Can they 'do no harm' while saving the children they love?

Seattle Repertory Theatre presents Lorraine Hansberry's acclaimed classic A Raisin in the Sun. Helmed by Seattle actor and director, Timothy McCuen Piggee, A Raisin in the Sun will run September 30-October 30, 2016 (opening night is October 5, 2016) in the Bagley Wright Theatre.