R. Hamilton Wright News

Art and class collide, as a group of Northern English miners unexpectedly ascend to the top of the art world in THE PITMEN PAINTERS at ACT - A Contemporary Theatre. Penned by playwright Lee Hall, author of the celebrated BILLY ELLIOT, this critically acclaimed play from London and Broadway will receive its regional premiere in ACT's dynamic in-the-round Allen Theatre directed by ACT's Artistic Director Kurt Beattie.

There are some authors who just have a complete mastery of storytelling and the English language so that their works live on forever. No, oddly enough considering the source of the production, I am not talking about William Shakespeare but George Bernard Shaw. This is never more evident than in his master work, "Pygmalion" which is currently being presented by the Seattle Shakespeare Company. And as wonderful as the play itself is, Seattle Shakes current production is equally as rich and vibrant and pays full homage to the work and the man.

There are some authors who just have a complete mastery of storytelling and the English language so that their works live on forever. No, oddly enough considering the source of the production, I am not talking about William Shakespeare but George Bernard Shaw. This is never more evident than in his master work, "Pygmalion" which is currently being presented by the Seattle Shakespeare Company. And as wonderful as the play itself is, Seattle Shakes current production is equally as rich and vibrant and pays full homage to the work and the man.

Seattle Shakespeare Company presents Pygmailion by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Jeff Steitzer, February 23 - March 11, 2012. Check out the production photos below!

Seattle Shakespeare Company will produce Pygmalion, the company's inaugural production of a play George Bernard Shaw, at the Intiman Playhouse.

A Contemporary Theatre (ACT) have announced their mainstage season productions are now on sale to the general public for individual ticket purchases. The first two major productions of the season are First Date, a new musical co-produced with The 5th Avenue Theatre, followed by The Pitmen Painters, a regional premiere of the acclaimed London and Broadway play.

From the dark and treacherous streets of 1930s LA comes a tale of betrayal, lust, and murder as the San Jose Rep stages the world premiere of the noir classic Double Indemnity.

Seattle Shakespeare Company will produce Pygmalion, the company's inaugural production of a play George Bernard Shaw, at the Intiman Playhouse.

A veteran cast brings its acclaimed performance of the noir classic Double Indemnity to San Jose, in a world premiere co-produced by the San Jose Repertory Theatre and Seattle's A Contemporary Theatre (ACT). The ensemble of five actors from Seattle and the Bay Area brought the story to stage during a successful run of Double Indemnity in Seattle in October 2011.

From the dark and treacherous streets of 1930s LA comes a tale of betrayal, lust, and murder as the San Jose Rep stages the world premiere of the noir classic Double Indemnity.

From the dark and treacherous streets of 1930s LA comes a tale of betrayal, lust, and murder as the San Jose Rep stages the world premiere of the noir classic Double Indemnity.

Being a fan of film-noir, I was delighted to have the opportunity to review "Double Indemnity," the final show of A Contemporary Theatre's 2011 season. Adapted from James M. Cain's 1936 novella, it's basically the same framework as his 1934 novel "The Postman Always Rings Twice." If you're unfamiliar with the storyline, I shan't spoil the fun.

I've always counted on the Rep to bring in the new and fresh stuff to the Seattle Theater community. And while I understand their nostalgic aspect of choosing to bring back a perennial favorite with their current production of "Sylvia" by A.R. Gurney, I have to question "why this one?" which has become such a staple of smaller theaters and High Schools around the country since the Rep's first production in 1994. But looking beyond that, this production manages to infuse itself with tons of heart and charm and even turns in some extraordinary moments.

Being a fan of film-noir, I was delighted to have the opportunity to review "Double Indemnity," the final show of A Contemporary Theatre's 2011 season. Adapted from James M. Cain's 1936 novella, it's basically the same framework as his 1934 novel "The Postman Always Rings Twice." If you're unfamiliar with the storyline, I shan't spoil the fun.

ACT Theatre concludes its 2011 Season with the noir thriller, Double Indemnity, by James M. Cain and adapted for the stage in this world premiere by Seattle favorites, David Pichette and R. Hamilton Wright.

ACT - A Contemporary Theatre wraps up 2012 with performances that both celebrate the holidays and provide an artful array of seasonal alternatives. With offerings that range from a crime thriller to a Christmas tradition, teen angst to a nativity parody, tell-all shorts to Pinter treasures and more, the year-end promises another unforgettable series of live events at the corner of 7th and Union.

Political intrigue, shifting loyalties and two powerhouses vying for victory over the other while advisors whisper their own agendas in their ears. No, it's not the upcoming Presidential campaign although one does resonate with the other. No, this is ACT's production of "Mary Stuart" directed by Victor Pappas and starring two grande dames of local theater, Anne Allgood and Suzanne Bouchard. And with this much history and pedigree on stage, what you end up with is a cutting machination woven together with humor, heart and venom.

ACT Theatre concludes its 2011 Season with the noir thriller, Double Indemnity, by James M. Cain and adapted for the stage in this world premiere by Seattle favorites, David Pichette and R. Hamilton Wright.

ACT Theatre's popular Central Heating Lab reaches maximum capacity in October. It includes a robust schedule of favorite performances and a brand new performance venue makes this schedule possible.

ACT Theatre's popular Central Heating Lab reaches maximum capacity in October. It includes a robust schedule of favorite performances and a brand new performance venue makes this schedule possible.