Sean G. Griffin News

I'll admit I was one of the first to roll their eyes in disdain when I heard they made a musical of the Will Ferrell movie "Elf", back in 2010. "Oh Good," I thought, "another overly sweet yet bland movie adaptation designed to get families in the theater and sell merchandise (in this case, elf hats)." And so even more eye rolling occurred when the 5th Avenue Theatre announced they would be putting up a production of it this year. And while the show may be most of those things I mentioned (especially the elf hats) what it isn't is bland. More importantly what the production at the 5th Avenue manages is a super engaging and absolutely adorable evening of elfish fun.

Buddy the Elf is bringing the North Pole to Seattle this holiday season when ELF - The Musical takes over The 5th Avenue Theatre. Under the direction of Seattle's theatrical superstar Eric Ankrim (in his 5th Avenue directorial debut), Elf will feature Seattle's singing and dancing wunderkind Matt Owen as Buddy, the iconic Christmas groupie, alongside Broadway's Kendra Kassebaum as his true love, Jovie. Owen and Kassebaum are joined by Broadway vet Kim Huber, and Seattle stars Sean G. Griffin, Allen Fitzpatrick, Cynthia Jones, Nick DeSantis, and Jessica Skerritt.

The 5th Avenue Theatre began previews for Aladdin, a new stage musical adapted from Disney's 1992 animated feature film on July 7, 2011, in anticipation of a July 21, 2011 opening. Aladdin, featuring the Academy Award®-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, will run through July 31, 2011. The first official production photos have been released and appear below!

Seattle Repertory Theatre is currently presenting John Steinbeck's depression era classic "Of Mice and Men". While not the most amazing play I've seen this season, the Rep continues to demonstrate that they know how to put up good, strong solid theater and this production is no exception.

Seattle Repertory Theatre is currently presenting John Steinbeck's depression era classic "Of Mice and Men". While not the most amazing play I've seen this season, the Rep continues to demonstrate that they know how to put up good, strong solid theater and this production is no exception.

A Contemporary Theatre concludes 2010 with the continuing run of Martin McDonagh's outrageous farce The Lieutenant of Inishmore, and welcomes the 35th Anniversary of ACT's holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol. Alongside Mainstage thrills, the Central Heating Lab at ACT is cooking up some mighty fine entertainment, featuring music and film from Jose Bold, short films from RAWSTOCK, as well as the return of Short Stories Live at Town Hall and the conclusions of the 2010 SOIL at ACT window displays and InterACTions 2010: Mindscapes. And it wouldn't be the holiday season without a special shopping opportunity: StageCraft will host an end of year Holiday Gift Bazaar, featuring one-of-a-kind art, jewelry and pottery from local theatre artists. It's all here at ACT!

The Seattle Rep's production of Conor McPherson's Tony Nominated play, 'The Seafarer' only goes to show that the Rep is up there with the best of them and can produce the goods.

Conor McPherson's recent Broadway hit The Seafarer comes to Seattle Repertory Theatre February 26-March 28, 2009. Set in a forgotten corner of Northern Dublin, the play centers on four old friends as they gather to face the holidays the only way they know how-with a bottle of whiskey and a deck of cards. But when a mysterious stranger arrives and wants a piece of the action, the men find themselves playing a game with devilishly high stakes. Steeped in Irish myth, the play is both darkly funny and surprisingly uplifting.

Conor McPherson's recent Broadway hit The Seafarer comes to Seattle Repertory Theatre February 26-March 28, 2009. Set in a forgotten corner of Northern Dublin, the play centers on four old friends as they gather to face the holidays the only way they know how-with a bottle of whiskey and a deck of cards. But when a mysterious stranger arrives and wants a piece of the action, the men find themselves playing a game with devilishly high stakes. Steeped in Irish myth, the play is both darkly funny and surprisingly uplifting.

Mame opens tonight and runs through March 2 at The 5th Avenue Theatre.

SCT enters dark territory with their solid adaptation of this classic tale...