Seattle Rep News

Charlayne Woodard's newest play, 'The Night Watcher,' opens this Sunday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre. 'The Night Watcher,' written and performed by Woodard and directed by Daniel Sullivan, continues through December 18.

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 said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again since it keeps coming up, I personally cannot stand other people's therapy on stage. And if you must put up some theatrical therapy, at least frame it in an interesting story. And while the Seattle Rep's current production of "Circle Mirror Transformation" isn't necessarily author Annie Baker's therapy, it is the therapy for her five characters and no, they're not that interesting.

This October, the Tony Award-winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre once again introduces a new script for the American theatre with the world premiere of How to Write a New Book for the Bible.

Lookingglass Theatre Company presents The Great Fire, a Lookingglass Original written and directed by Ensemble Member John Musial.

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater is set to present Oregon Shakespeare Festival's production of Bill Cain's Equivocation in the first collaboration between Arena Stage and OSF.

Penumbra Theatre Company, the nation's preeminent African American theatre, announces a special presentation of I Wish You Love in the 2011-2012 season. Due to popular demand, 16 performances will be staged at Penumbra Theatre November 18 - December 4, 2011

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.

Lisa D'Amour and Melissa James Gibson are this year's recipients of the 2011 Steinberg Playwright Awards, presented by The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust at Lincoln Center last night, November 14. The Steinberg Playwright Awards are presented biennially, and are uniquely positioned to honor the accomplishments of some of the most gifted up-and-coming American playwrights, and to recognize the promise they hold for the future of American theatre.

Charlayne Woodard's newest play, 'The Night Watcher,' opens this Sunday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre. 'The Night Watcher,' written and performed by Woodard and directed by Daniel Sullivan, continues through December 18.

Producer Carolyn Rossi Copeland, currently represented Off-Broadway with the hit play Freud's Last Session, has assembled a starry cast for today's (November 14th) special invitational presentation of the original new musical AMAZING GRACE, with music & lyrics by Christopher Smith and book by Mr. Smith & Arthur Giron, at the New 42nd Street Studios.

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater has announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of HORSEDREAMS, a new play written by and featuring award-winning and Pulitzer Prize finalist, Dael Orlandersmith. The third production of the company's 17th season, performances of HORSEDREAMS will begin Wednesday, November 9th at Rattlestick Theater (224 Waverly Place - off Seventh Avenue South, between Perry & West 11th Streets). The official opening night is set for Thursday, November 17th. The production is scheduled to run through December 11th. Gordon Edelstein directs.

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director) has announced the complete cast for its upcoming production of the new musical THE BLUE FLOWER: Sebastian Arcelus (Buddy in Elf, Wicked, Jersey Boys), Marc Kudisch (Three-time Tony Award nominee for 9 to 5, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Thoroughly Modern Millie), Meghan McGeary (The Blue Flower at A.R.T.), Joseph Medeiros (Irving Berlin's White Christmas), Julia Osborne (National Tour of South Pacific), Graham Rowat (Guys and Dolls), Aaron Serotsky (August: Osage County), and Teal Wicks (Elphaba in Wicked).

THE PEARL THEATRE COMPANY (J.R. Sullivan, Artistic Director) has announced the company for Shakespeare's drama, RICHARD II. The production, beginning November 8 at New York City Center Stage II, will be directed by J.R. Sullivan and features Sean McNall as Richard II. The twelve member cast features both members of The Resident Acting Company and guest artists who will portray over 30 characters.

Cleveland Play House (CPH) is thrilled to present a world premiere by multi-Tony Award®-nominated playwright and winner of the Olivier and Helen Hayes Awards, Ken Ludwig.

Road Less Traveled Productions (RLTP) announces a special FREE reading of Safe Home, a play by New York City (NYC) playwright/actor and Buffalo native Sean Cullen. The reading will be presented at 7:30 PM on Friday, November 4 th , 2011 at the Road Less Traveled Theater in Downtown Buffalo.

THE PEARL THEATRE COMPANY (J.R. Sullivan, Artistic Director) has announced the company for Shakespeare's drama, RICHARD II. The production, beginning November 8 at New York City Center Stage II, will be directed by J.R. Sullivan and features Sean McNall as Richard II. The twelve member cast features both members of The Resident Acting Company and guest artists who will portray over 30 characters.

Arizona Theatre Company welcomes the lighthearted new musical Daddy Long Legs directed and written by John Caird, the Tony award-winning director of Les Misérables and Nicholas Nickleby, with music and lyrics by Paul Gordon of the Tony-nominated Jane Eyre.

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.

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater has announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of HORSEDREAMS, a new play written by and featuring award-winning and Pulitzer Prize finalist, Dael Orlandersmith. The third production of the company's 17th season, performances of HORSEDREAMS will begin Wednesday, November 9th at Rattlestick Theater (224 Waverly Place - off Seventh Avenue South, between Perry & West 11th Streets). The official opening night is set for Thursday, November 17th. The production is scheduled to run through December 11th. Gordon Edelstein directs.