New, Old, and Free – Seattle-Area Theater Provides Summer Enjoyment

Cast of Titanish (Truman Buffett)

It may be the middle of summer, but there is still plenty of energy on stages around the area. Still free shows in parks, reliable summer productions to make you laugh, some brand new work to get you excited about something you’ve never seen before. Shout out to Pork Filled Players  and SiS Productions for producing a regional production of smart, funny, and provocative Vietgone!

 
Greenstage Shakespeare with ASL interpretation, Lynnwood, WA, 8/1 and 8/8/24
For possibly the first time in Puget Sound’s history of hosting summer Shakespeare in the Park, the City of Lynnwood will offer ASL-interpreted performances at Lynndale Amphitheatre, 18927 72nd Ave W.
https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Community/Community-Events-Calendar/Shakespeare-in-the-Park%C2%A0
 
King Lear, Island Shakespeare Festival, 8/1/24-9/8/24
This powerful tragedy tells the story of the aging King Lear who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. His plan goes awry when his daughters' flattery leads to treachery and betrayal. Probing deeply into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of power and betrayal, the play unravels the poignant tale of an aging monarch's descent into madness and the ultimate redemption of his soul, while tackling themes of transformation, disillusionment, consent, and the timeless struggle for identity.
www.islandshakespearefest.org
 
Miss Holmes, Latitude Theatre, 8/2-25/24 (at Seattle Center Armory Theater)
Sherlock Holmes is hot on the trail of a murderer, but there are many obstacles in HER way: her brother Mycroft’s interference, corrupt cops, and a society that doesn’t understand that a woman’s proper place is in­vestigation! Teaming up with her new friend, Dr. Dorothy Watson, Sherlock chases her quarry through the back alleys of London, the halls of Bedlam, and the unexpected confines of the Royal Free Hospital. The game is afoot! It’s her move!
www.latitudetheatre.org
 
Festival of New Musicals, Village Theatre, 8/2-4/24
Friday 8p.m.: The Oscar Micheaux Project: From silent pictures to the talkies, groundbreaking cinematic pioneer Oscar Micheaux battles the racism of Hollywood to bring Black stories to the silver screen… facing down censorship boards, financial ruin, and family betrayal. Micheaux’s legacy as America’s first major Black filmmaker comes to syncopated and soulful life in this tuneful and historic new jazz musical. Music by Alphonso Horne, lyrics by Jesse L. Kearney, Jr. & Peter Mills, book by Jesse L. Kearney, Jr. & Cara Reichel, additional music by Peter Mills
Saturday 2p.m.: Wakeman: A true story of American Civil War soldier Rosetta Wakeman — who dressed as a man to fight for the Union army — chronicling her heroic journey with a thrilling modern-folk-rock-meets-Americana score. Music, lyrics, and book by Jenn Grinel
Saturday 8p.m.: We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon & Parfunkel Musical: A zany jukebox musical about — and featuring the songs of — a band that never existed, with a hilarious score spoofing your favorite 60s-70s folk artists. Book, music, and lyrics by Gregg Hammer & Louis Pardo
Sunday 2p.m.: And Sometimes… Love: Inspired by true-story A Love Not
Meant For Me by Aryana Rose, a Latina empty-nester experiences romance for the first time while working in France. She’s just met a passionate Italian lover, many years her junior. Music and lyrics by Michael Mott, book by Gretchen Suárez-Peña
www.VillageTheatre.org
 
Vietgone, Pork-Filled Prods. and SiS Prods., 8/9-24/24 (at Theatre Off Jackson)
It’s Arkansas, 1975, after the fall of Saigon. Two young survivors (who may or may not be the playwright’s parents) meet in a refugee camp. Will this new land of burritos, bikers and pot allow them to love? Flipping stereotypes and remixing history, Vietgone brews a sexy, funny romp that’s an origin story for playwright Qui Nguyen.
www.porkfilled.com
 
Kenmore Quickies: Location, Location, Location, As If Theatre, 8/9-12/24
Eight brand new plays written specifically for this event in Kenmore, WA; an annual event for this company. You don’t know what you’ll get because they don’t know what they’ll get from the eight playwrights’ efforts over the last month or so. All eight plays every performance.
www.asiftheatre.com
 
The Secret Garden, Olympic Theatre Arts Center, 8/9-18/24
Reimagined from the classic piece of children's literature, the story of a young girl orphaned in India, 11-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his disabled son Colin. The estate's many wonders include a magic garden and a variety of characters who help tell this joyous story about the growth and blossoming of the earth and the human spirit.
www.olympictheatrearts.org
 
Titanish, Marxiano Productions and Seattle Public Theater, 8/22/24-9/22/24
Titanish is a 90-minute laugh-a-thon with live music, clever staging, endless gags, and a cast of hilariously talented performers. An annual favorite, this spoof smacks all the right icebergs!
www.marxiano.com or www.seattlepublictheater.org
 
Come On, Get Tappy!, SecondStory Repertory, 8/23/24-9/15/24 (world premiere)
Local writers Harry Turpin and Stacie Hart bring you the “Tappy McCrackin Variety Hour,” the biggest hit show network television has ever seen. A pint-sized girl named Tappy McCrackin is the star, but she’s collected a dangerous enemy in her rise to the top. As the 25th anniversary approaches, danger lurks in the wings. Villains, friends, and lovers find themselves in a chaotic scene when disaster strikes the studio – right before the big show. As the cameras roll, who will help her save the day?
www.secondstoryrep.org
 
Through the Window (And Into the Cabin), The Shattered Glass Project, 8/23-25/24 (at MLK FAME Center, 3201 E. Republican St.)
Two new plays by Carolynne Wilcox and Miriam Tobin that bring together themes of family and the end of the world. (Plus fundraiser.)
www.shatteredglassproject.org
 
Cowboys with Questions, Washington Ensemble Theatre, 8/30/24-9/15/24 (at 12^th Avenue Arts) (world premiere)
Local playwright Rebecca Tourino Collinsworth introduces an isolated community that is led by George, a charismatic leader with an uncanny ability to skirt death. Their day-to-day activities and secret rituals are disrupted by the arrival of a cowboy. Inspired by Euripedes’ The Bacchae and modern-day cults, this play is a thought-provoking exploration of human behavior.
www.washingtonensemble.org

Pride and Prejudice, Harlequin Productions, 8/30/24-9/22/24
Bold, surprising, boisterous, and timely, this updated script for a new era explores the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life. Playwright Kate Hamill imbues hilarious new life into this classic love story with a decidedly progressive take on the trials and travails of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and of course the delightful Bennet clan!
www.harlequinproductions.org