DOLLY! & More Lead BroadwayWorld's Seattle Summer 2024 Top Picks

Summers around Seattle tend to get a bit lighter on the theatrical side.  But there’s still a bunch of fun things coming along.  Here are a handful that I’m excited about.

Dolly!
The Can Can – May 30 – Sept 1

A reverie of rhinestones and ruffles, dazzling dance, and iconic sing-alongs, Dolly! is an original, fictional summertime spectacle inspired by the divine feminine. Magical and honey-covered, this jukebox-dance musical is a soulful romp that follows the miracle maven as she uses her supernatural powers to transform the world into a glittery utopia. Big hair and even bigger ballads will inspire even the most apprehensive to sing through the laughs, love, tears, and joy.

Why I’m excited?
I mean, hey, it’s The Can Can.  They’re always a good time.  Add into that some cowboy hats and fringe and it can’t miss.

www.thecancan.com/shows/dolly-2024

Girl From the North Country
The Paramount – June 25-30

Written and directed by celebrated playwright Conor McPherson and featuring Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Simon Hale, GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY reimagines 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan as they’ve never been heard before, including “Forever Young,” “All Along The Watchtower,” “Hurricane,” “Slow Train Coming,” and “Like A Rolling Stone.”  

It’s 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota. We meet a group of wayward travelers whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life and hope. Experience this ‘profoundly beautiful' production (The New York Times) brought to vivid life by an extraordinary company of actors and musicians. 

Why I’m excited?
Saw this one on Broadway and was blown away.  The songs of Bob Dylan and an incredible book from Conor McPherson and get ready for a great night.

https://seattle.broadway.com/shows/girl-from-the-north-country/

Sister Act
Taproot Theatre – July 10 – Aug 10

A feel-good musical comedy like “nun” other! Delores dreams of fame and fortune, but after witnessing a murder she lands in protective custody. Being disguised as a nun can’t cramp her style, and soon she’s inspired the whole choir. Featuring original music by Tony and Oscar winner Alan Menken (Newsies, Little Mermaid, Aladdin)!

Why I’m excited?
“Sister Act” is a classic movie.  And this production is starring powerhouses Alexandria J. Henderson as Deloris and Anne Allgood as Mother Superior.

www.taproottheatre.org/shows/2024/sister-act/

Clue
The 5th Avenue Theatre – July 9-21

Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery play.

Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist. 

Why I’m excited?
C’mon.  It’s Clue.  Not sure what to expect but if it’s anything like the movie, it should be, well, killer.

www.5thavenue.org/shows/2023-2024/clue/

Titanish
Seattle Public Theater – August 22 – September 22

From the creators of the sell-out super hit "A Very Die Hard Christmas" comes a comedy so colossal it can only be called "Titanish". Crashing onto the shores of Green Lake this August, this musical parody (that lampoons the epic film) will showcase the wit and creativity that The Habit Comedy writers are acclaimed for. Winner of the 2022 Broadway World Critic's Choice Award for best new musical.

Why I’m excited?
If you’ve seen it before or any of the other Habit shows, then you know to be excited whenever this brilliance comes back around.  Do you like to laugh?  Then see this.

www.seattlepublictheater.org/ports