Funny, Fierce, Fabulous Production of “Vietgone”

(4 of 5 members of) The Cast of Vietgone (photo by Giao Nguyen)

Vietgone

Pork Filled Productions and SiS Productions
At Theatre Off Jackson
Through August 24, 2024
 
For a relatively small-sized set of companies to take on plays that challenge every part of a production – sets, casting, size of stage, ability to fund it, marketing – and pull it off so that everyone can be happy and proud of the achievement is a big deal. Pork Filled Productions and SiS Productions are two mighty, tiny companies that attempt such work. Their production of Vietgone is this kind of mighty effort and a huge “win” for our community because they have gifted us with the ability to see this play in person, again.
 
Seattle Rep produced this play for us at the end of 2016. Having had the great experience of seeing that script live, I want to make sure everyone knows to try to get tickets for closing weekend! Fill those seats, folks. You won’t be disappointed!

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

Brothers and Sisters, Time for “Sister Act!”

Anne Allgood and Alexandria J. Henderson (Robert Wade)

Sister Act

Taproot Theatre

Extended through August 17, 2024

Understudies rock! They are the “save the day” wait-ers in the wings, ready to jump into action on a moment’s notice. Often, you the audience don’t even know an understudy has substituted for an actor unless you read the tiny notes added quickly to programs.
 
On the night I saw Sister Act at Taproot Theatre, two understudies went on: Cherisse Martinelli needed to step out of her regular role (Sister Mary Theresa) and go on as Sister Mary Robert; Lauren Engstrom then stepped in as Sister Mary Theresa). Neither of them missed a beat and flawlessly performed every song and choreography!
 
This fun musical came after the movie of 1992. That’s a bit unusual because most often it’s the other way around. It focuses on a would-be-famous singer, Deloris Van Cartier (Alexandria J. Henderson) who has a sad history of picking the wrong man. When she’s hanging out with Curtis (Danny Kam), clearly a gangster, he shoots one of his men as a snitch and she has to run.

Hot Shakespeare and Cool Productions in July

July is theater in the parks! Also musicals and other stuff in cool theaters. Get out yer calendars!

Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival, GreenStage(.org) leads, 7/13-14/24 (at Volunteer Park)
Various park shows now and into August! Including CSZ Seattle (improv Shakespeare), Dacha Theatre, Red Eagle Soaring, Last Leaf Prods., Thistle Theatre, Young Shakespeare Workshop, Shakespeare NW.
 
All month:
Wooden O/Seattle Shakespeare Company presents Two Gentlemen of Verona, www.seattleshakepeare.org, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Bainbridge Performing Arts www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, GreenStage presents Henry VI: Part 1, and Henry VI: Part 2, Twelfth Night, AND short stagings of All’s Well That Ends Well, and Julius Caesar, www.greenstage.org, Island Shakespeare Festival presents The Lucky Chance and King Lear starting 7/19/24 www.islandshakespearefest.org, and Fallen Angel is presented by Burien Actors Theatre starting 7/21/24 www.battheatre.org.
 
People in the Square, Creative Hiatus Productions, 7/5-27/24 (Skid Road Theatre)
A cabaret-style musical revue, a glimpse into the many different inhabitants, past and present, of Pioneer Square. Based on historical people and events, the show is a collection of songs and short scenes, celebrating the diversity and fascinating stories of Seattle’s first neighborhood. Ranging in time from the original inhabitants of the Duwamish and Suquamish Tribes, early pioneers and gold miners, it fast-forwards to those who frequent Pioneer Square today.
https://www.creativehiatusproductions.com/people-in-the-square-virtual-release/

Spring Awakens at 5th Avenue Theatre

Lauren Drake and Ciara Alyse Harris in Spring Awakening (Mark Kitaoka)

Spring Awakening
5^th Avenue Theatre
Through June 30, 2024
 
This is the third time I have seen Spring Awakening on stage. I saw the initial Broadway touring show in 2007, an iconic and much better (than the touring show) version by Balagan Theatre in 2012 that is remembered for a compelling performance by Jinkx Monsoon (just before she became Jinkx Monsoon) and included cast members Diana Huey and Solea Pfeiffer, and now this one at the 5^th.
 
The best part of this musical is the songs and this cast has killer pipes! The harmonies are sweet and there are some standout performers among a pretty cool cast. Two singers new to me are Ciara Alyse Harris and Lauren Drake, both of whom I would love to see/hear more of.

Back from the Future – I Mean Now… with Jinkx Monsoon and Major Scales at Seattle Rep

Jinkx Monsoon at Seattle Rep (Nate Watters)

Jinkx Monsoon and Major Scales Together Again, Again!
Seattle Rep
Through 6/23/24
 
Many people love drag shows around here and we have some high profile performers like Dina Martina, Ben de la Crème, and Scott Shoemaker’s Ms. Pak-Man character. They are beloved by their audiences. They are reliably talented performers with plenty of pizzazz. Sometimes, though, shows that are really funny for a while get worn out when stretched past the premise.
 
Such is the case with beloved ex-local, Jinkx Monsoon, and her talented music-composing side-kick, Major Scales. They are both fully capable performers, and if they weren’t they wouldn’t have achieved the notoriety and fame they’ve already achieved. Having enjoyed earlier iterations of their shows together, I was hopeful that their new show, Jinkx Monsoon and Major Scales Together Again, Again!, would benefit from the heaps of different show business growth that has helped them hone their talents to a fierce shine.
 
Their new production’s gimmick is that they have been separated from each other for many years, with resentments and beefs galore, but now, in the year 2065, “the sun has exploded, a dystopian nightmare has been realized, and the world has been taken over by authoritarian lizard people,” (says the pr blurb) and maybe it’s time to reunite and bury their hatchets.