Teens shine in ‘Into the Woods’
December 29, 2008
Keaton Whittaker (left) stars as Little Red Riding Hood and Ryan Hotes is Jack in Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production of ‘Into the Woods.’ Photo by Jean Johnson
Village Theatre KIDSTAGE TeenSelect presents “Into The Woods,” running Jan. 9–18 at First Stage Theatre, 120 Front St. N.
“Into The Woods,” based on the book by James Lapine, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, tells a story that brings to life several favorite fairy tale characters in a brand new way.
Featuring the talents of local youths from seventh to 12th grades, KIDSTAGE reinvents the story of the baker and his wife as they learn they’ve been cursed by the witch next door and are sent on an adventure to gather the special objects to break the spell that will allow them to have a child.
Although many wishes are granted, these characters begin to understand that the consequences of their actions and desires may return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. What begins as a lively fantasy becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.
Originally conceived for 17 actors, the KIDSTAGE TeenSelect production boasts a cast of 29. Read more
‘Nutcracker’ fills the season with wonderment
December 8, 2008
Pacific Northwest Ballet Co. dancers and PNB School students in ‘Nutcracker.’ Photo by Angela Sterling.
Whether you’re an annual viewer, an occasional ticket holder or a newcomer, young or old, the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “Nutcracker” is a feast of wonderment for the eyes and ears.
This year’s 25th anniversary production is no exception. McCaw Hall itself drips with holiday magic and the possibility that makes this season so bright.
But it’s truly the performers who bring “Nutcracker” to life.It’s hard not to feel wonderment as the rich costumes and sets fill the stage and as Clara’s dreams transport her to other worlds.
It’s a timeless story created by PNB Founding Artistic Director Kent Stowell and world-famous children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak (“Where the Wild Things Are”) that will have Seattle’s “Nutcracker” celebrating its 1,000 performance Christmas Eve. Read more
‘Much Ado’ debuts at Liberty High School
November 18, 2008
Liberty High School’s Patriot Players present Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” Nov. 20-22.
Come be enchanted by ‘Beauty and the Beast’
November 18, 2008
It doesn’t matter if you love the story from your childhood, barely remember it or only recall the 1980s’
The Beast, Eric Polani Jensen, laments that he will not get Belle or anyone else to fall in love with him before a magic spell condemns him to remaining a beast forever. By Jay Koh/Village Theatre
television series (starring Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton), you shouldn’t miss Village Theatre’s latest creation, “Beauty and the Beast.”
‘Saint Heaven’ is an innovative, inspiring musical
September 23, 2008
Allan Snyder (left) stars as Thom Rivers and Tanesha Ross portrays Eshie Willington.
Village Theatre’s “Saint Heaven” goes to the past and comes up with a soul-stirring new musical that will leave you wanting to hear more.
Set in the fictional, rundown mining town of Saint Heaven, Ky., during the 1950s, the musical tests its characters’ strength of faith as they sit on the cusp of drastic changes relating to medicine, religion and interracial relationships in American society.
Its main character, Thomas Rivers, played by Allan Snyder, returns to what he perceives as his backward hometown after his father, Thomas Rivers Sr., the town’s doctor, dies unexpectedly.
Rivers returns to shut down his father’s practice and leave. But his childhood friends and a passionate young woman, Eshie Willington, played by Tanesha Ross, have more in store for him.
Willington’s passion and misunderstood “gift,” which is actually epilepsy, is the driving force prolonging Rivers’ stay.
Snyder excels in his role as both a hero and villain as he confronts his jaded memory of his father and the demons he thought he Read more
