Not-To-Miss: “The Niceties” is Urgently Acted

 

Varinique 'V' Davis and Amy Thone (Joe Moore)

The Niceties

Intiman Theatre

At Erickson Theatre

Through April 29, 2023

The fierce arguments between Janine Bosko (Amy Thone) and Zoe Reed (Varinique “V” Davis) in The Niceties are as brutal, intense and absorbing as any political-polemic-on-stage you may ever see. Bosko, a history professor, and Reed, a whip-smart well-prepared junior in college, each implore, beseech, demand, and exhort each other to LISTEN.
 
And yet, they yell past each other, rarely even acknowledging some of the heart-rending details each reveals about their personal life. As intense as this is, it feels like Not To Miss Theater. Eleanor Burgess' playwriting is crisp and, while intellectual at times, beautifully encapsulates the various issues at hand between the white professor and the Black student.

Spring forward into theater!

 

Amy Thone and Varinique 'V' Davis in The Niceties (Joe Moore)

Here comes Spring. There’s a lot of fresh theater to check out in the greater Seattle (and islands and Tacoma) theater community. (But allergies got me, so this is a little late.)
 
The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, Seattle Childrens Theater, 4/5/23-5/21/23
Growing tired of her life in Kansas, Dorothy and her little dog Toto discover a new adventure in the wonderful and magical Land of Oz after a cyclone swoops them “somewhere over the rainbow.” While following the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, who quickly become her new friends. Together, they overcome their fears of witches, flying monkeys, and a haunted forest to learn if the Wizard can make their dreams come true. Approx. 60 minutes/Recommended for ages 5+
www.sct.org
 
Redd, Key City Public Theatre, 4/5-30/23 (world premiere)
Kat Agudo brings a Pilipino twist to the classic Little Red Riding Hood. Rue, a mysterious orphan with Babaylan royal ancestry, is planning to leave for Spain with their caretaker, Don Hunter from the sheltered town of Intramuros, Manila.. Accompanied by a spirit guide, Rin, they journey to Grandmother’s house. They engage in a fantastical battle fueled by the sacrifice of Rue’s ancestors and a chance for liberation of her people. KCPT commissioned this world premiere play.
www.keycitypublictheatre.org
 
I Hate Hamlet, The Phoenix Theatre, 4/7-30/23
Andrew Rally seems to have it all: celebrity and acclaim from his starring role in a hit television series; a rich, beautiful girlfriend; a glamorous, devoted agent; the perfect New York apartment; and the chance to play Hamlet in Central Park. But there are couple of glitches in paradise –
Andrew’s series has been canceled; his girlfriend is clinging to her virginity with unyielding conviction; and he has no desire to play Hamlet. In the midst of his confusion, he is visited by the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore. Andrew wrestles with his conscience, Barrymore, his sword, and confronts the ultimate question: Who he wants to be, or not be?
www.tptedmonds.org