Michael Winter News

Oh my! It's been a hell of a year for the Seattle Theatre scene and I can say we've been quite fortunate to see the incredible shows we have. So many amazing shows in fact that picking just a few stand outs (let alone a "best") is a near impossibility. But I have searched the deep dark recesses of my memory to find the shows and performances that really stood out and stuck with me beyond the evening and throughout the year. And so, without further ado, I'm thrilled to present the BWW 2014 Seattle Critic's Choice Awards (or Jay's Picks). Let the awesomeness flow!

I'm just going to stop you right here, Dear Reader. If you haven't already gone out and got your tickets for the Seattle Rep's production of Robert Schenkkan's "All the Way" then just stop reading this and go take care of that. I'll wait. Done? OK, now we can continue to talk about this juggernaut of a play that has completely lived up to all the hype that preceded it and more.

The National Theater Institute Semester is a 14-week, credit-earning program, offering college-aged students intensive theater immersion at the two-time Tony Award-winning Eugene O'Neill Theater Center.

This week at Rooftop Films might be more fun than you're used to. I suggest you consult a physician if you're at risk of laughing too much. There's just that much fun ahead.

This week at Rooftop Films might be more fun than you're used to. I suggest you consult a physician if you're at risk of laughing too much. There's just that much fun ahead.

Seacoast Repertory Theatre has announced that is has been has been honored with New Hampshire Magazine's Best of NH Award in the category of "New Hampshire's Eclectic Performing Arts Venue". The Rep earned its award because of the overwhelming success of its "Red Light Series", an ongoing sojourn through the world of adult alternative programming. In naming The Seacoast Repertory Theatre this year's winner, NH Magazine stated:

Seacoast Repertory Theatre has announced that Let's 'B' Reel: Cult Classic Films at The Rep will screen Joel Schumacher's The Lost Boys with a very special live Skype interview with star of the film, Jamison Newlander tonight, June 18th 2014. In addition to the special display, there will be a sultry vampire themed pre-show featuring hosts Timothy Fife and the 'Queen of B's', Bunny Wonderland (Knate Higgins), and Lady Luck Burlesque.

Seacoast Repertory Theatre has announced that Let's "B" Reel: Cult Classic Films at The Rep will screen Joel Schumacher's The Lost Boys with a very special live Skype interview with star of the film, Jamison Newlander June 18th 2014. In addition to the special display, there will be a sultry vampire themed pre-show featuring hosts Timothy Fife and the "Queen of B's", Bunny Wonderland (Knate Higgins), and Lady Luck Burlesque.

A Shakespearean classic directed by Sheila Daniels. Sounds like a dead lock winner right? Unfortunately Seattle Shakespeare Company's current production of "King Lear", while having some moments of power, ultimately left me wanting. Wanting for what? That's tough to say. There were so many little things needling me about the production that didn't quite work that they almost overshadowed what did. But ultimately it amounted to an inconsistency of pacing and performance that left me, like Lear, out in the cold facing the storm (such as it is but we'll get to that later).

Following a sold-out run of The Importance of Being Earnest, Seattle Shakespeare Company announced today that it will extend its production of King Lear through May 17 with four additional performances at the Cornish Playhouse. Below, BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production, which began previews last night - and opens tonight, Friday, April 25.

We speak with the diverse and talented Sam Gregory on his vast history with the Denver Center Theatre Company; meeting his lovely wife; and dream roles to come!

Seattle Shakespeare Company completes its 2013-2014 indoor season this spring with Shakespeare's tragedy of a family and country splintered by misrule and pride -- King Lear directed by Sheila Daniels.

Academy Award-Winning Producer, DEDE GARDNER (President of Brad Pitt's Production Company, PLAN B ENTERTAINMENT), will be the next celebrated networking guest offering advise to experts and novice alike at The Hollywood Networking Breakfast. Tickets: $45 (advance) and $55 (late) by calling 323-465-9800 or http://HollywoodNetworkingBreakfast.com

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival has announced its 2014 season cast, featuring television and film actor Michael Winters, luminaries from the Denver Center Theatre Company, returning favorites and stars from CSF's smash-hit 2013 season.

Academy Award-Winning Producer, DEDE GARDNER (President of Brad Pitt's Production Company, PLAN B ENTERTAINMENT), will be the next celebrated networking guest offering advise to experts and novice alike at The Hollywood Networking Breakfast®. Tickets: $45 (advance) and $55 (late) by calling 323-465-9800 or http://HollywoodNetworkingBreakfast.com

The absolutely stirring performances would have been enough. Even if the script for Seattle Rep's world premiere of "A Great Wilderness" were just so-so the ensemble cast knocking ball after ball out of the park would have been enough to make for an amazing evening. But when you add in the fact that this new script from one of the theater world's up and comers, Samuel D. Hunter, amounts to a subtle and gripping thing of beauty, you have an experience at the theater that you won't soon forget.

The discussion on conversion or reparative therapies seems to be growing fast, especially with many states enacting bans on conversion therapy practices on gays. And now the Seattle Rep has commissioned a play on the topic from rising star playwright Samuel D Hunter with his "A Great Wilderness". I got to sit down and discuss the show with Hunter as well as director Braden Abraham to get their in depth look at this upcoming work.

British talent turned out this evening for the 16th Moet British Independent Film Awards. The winners were announced at the star-studded ceremony, held at Old Billingsgate which was hosted by BIFA Winning actor James Nesbitt.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival will open the world premiere production of Naomi Wallace's The Liquid Plain tonight, July 6 at 8:00 p.m. in the Thomas Theatre. The play is directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, artistic director at Center Stage in Baltimore, Maryland.