Showing posts with label theater review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theater review. Show all posts

Review: Murder Inn at the Wade James Theatre in Edmonds

Friday, September 13, 2024

Murder Inn
by local playwrights, Howard Voland and Keith McGregor

September 13 - October 6, 2024
  • Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm
  • Sundays at 2pm
  • 15 total performances
Edmonds Driftwood Players
Wade James Theatre, 950 Main Street, Edmonds

Review by Kindle Carpp
Murder Inn is set in New England, at the dilapidated eighteenth-century Bardsley Inn, supposedly haunted by Marco, a knife-throwing poltergeist. A group of tourists, on a tour - Ghosts and Ghouls of New England - is forced by a storm to make an unscheduled stop at the inn. 

What looks to be an unpleasant and uncomfortable detour soon turns into a night of mayhem and madness as knives begin to pop up. As the storm builds and the body count rises, the survivors try to figure out who done it. And even more important - who’s likely to have it done to them next?

Olivia Alderton, David Hayes, Codie Wyatt, Jeannine Early, Ingrid Sanai Buron, Jennifer Nielsen, Tina Devrin. Photo by Dale Sutton

This engaging play begins when our stranded guests arrive at the Barnsley to discover it is a ramshackle inn which has closed for the season, opening only because of local flooding and landslides due to the rain. 

The proprietress maintains that the inn is haunted by her long ago murderous ancestor, while her son is skeptical that the ghost even exists.

The set design by Thomas LeClair stands out, setting the tone and scene of the decrepit inn. Look for the small details such as peeling wallpaper and water-stained walls. One aspect of the set that I particularly enjoyed was a door masquerading as a bookcase with an authentic-looking collection of books.

Carol Richmond, David Hayes, Tina Devrin, Thomas A. Glass
Photo by Dale Sutton

Everyone in this large cast performed well but there were a few actors who shone.
  • Tina Devrin embodied the exasperation of customer service when you really hate the customer.
  • Ingrid Sanai Buron embodied the mean girl trophe to perfection.
  • Jennifer Nielsen did a wonderful job of presenting as the benign and uncomplicated retired school marm who just happens to be sharp as a tack.
  • Rachael Risbell Walters really committed to her character’s kooky bit without upstaging the rest of the cast.
And the chemistry build between Olivia Alderton and Landon Whitbread was timed well and very believable. I literally caught myself “aw-ing” at their cuddling up on the sofa.

Just in time for the Halloween season you can check out Murder Inn and I promise you won’t have any reservations about the experience.

Codie Wyatt, Tina Devrin, Ingrid Sanai Buron, Jeannine Early, David Hayes, Carol Richmond
Photo by Dale Sutton

TICKETS: $28 General Adults (ages 19-59); $25 Youth/Senior/Military. Available online at www.edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org or by phone at 425-774-9600. Discounted tickets for groups of 10+ people.

Edmonds Driftwood Players is a volunteer-based nonprofit community theatre that is proud to have been entertaining audiences in the Pacific Northwest since 1958, making EDP one of the oldest operating community theatres in Washington State. As we celebrate our 66th Season in Edmonds, we would like to thank the community for their continued support of local theatre.” -Katie Soulé, Managing Director

Content Information: this production has been deemed by the publisher as appropriate for all audiences, however, it contains some mild adult themes, weapons and alcohol, as well as references to the supernatural.

Approximate Run Time: this production is anticipated to be approximately 2 hours including a 15-minute intermission.

“Murder Inn” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com


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Move Over Mrs Markham is a riotous bedroom farce, filled with misunderstandings, mix-ups, and mistaken identities

Monday, June 3, 2024

Photo courtesy James Sipes

Move Over Mrs. Markham by Ray Cooney & John Chapman
The Phoenix Theatre Firdale Village Shopping Plaza
9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds WA 98020

By Kindle Carpp

The action is chaos from start to finish and I loved every minute. Move Over Mrs Markham is a riotous bedroom farce, filled with misunderstandings, mix-ups, and mistaken identities.

Joanna and Phillip Markham have been happily married for 14 years, and while passion may have waned, love has not. 

Phillip works with his best friend, Henry Lodge, a children’s book publisher, and Henry’s wife Linda is Joanna’s best friend. 

Photo by James Sipes

Henry is a philanderer and has convinced Philip to let him use their upstairs flat that evening for an amorous encounter with Miss Wilkinson. Linda is aware of Henry’s unfaithfulness and has decided to have her own illicit encounter with Walter, convincing Joanna to allow her to use the same apartment. 

Meanwhile, Alistair, the Markham's interior designer, has planned to get to know Sylvie (the au pair) much better in that same apartment that same evening.

This play features no fewer than eight people all trying to pair up for an evening. . The Markham's one bedroom apartment becomes the unofficial tenth member of the cast holding up under nine people running around, hiding behind closed doors and unsuccessfully under sheets.

The exceedingly well-timed exits had the Benny Hill theme song playing in my head.

This production is tremendously funny.

Photo courtesy James Sipes

The exquisite 1970s set and costumes transport you back in time perfectly.
 
While the use of the word queer could have been used in a derogatory way, the playwright uses it as another option for confusion for the characters.

May 31-June 23, 2024
  • Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
  • Sunday matinees at 2:00pm
Purchase tickets here
  • Adults 54 & under $25
  • ​Seniors/Students/Military $20
The theatre is located on the 2nd floor of the rear building in Firdale Village. Our level entrance drop-off zone can be accessed by driving around the back of the building where we have a marked accessible entrance.

Parking is free. Cookies and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available at our bar.


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Shorecrest Drama serves up another infectiously fun time with Something Rotten

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

A photo courtesy of Shorecrest Drama shows students serving up high-energy musical theater
with a side order of rotten breakfast-food puns. 

By Oliver Moffat

From the first moment when the lights come up at the Shorecrest Performing Arts theater and a Shorecrest student sings the first lines of Something Rotten, you realize this cast has serious talent.

Shorecrest Drama has long delivered entertaining musical theater performances, but this show sets a new high note.

Something Rotten is a silly sendup of Shakespearean England that imagines what might have happened if modern musical theater somehow arrived hundreds of years before its time.

This plot setup unleashes the talents of the Shorecrest kids who perform over-the-top musical theater numbers complete with singing and tap-dancing. Some numbers are executed so well and with so much energy that the audience hooted and cheered.

The breakfast food based comedic puns may not be to everyone’s taste, but the cast commits fully to serving up the stinkers and landed every punch line.

The villain of Something Rotten is William Shakespeare - impressively performed as a narcissistic rock star in leather pants. The orchestra and the choreographer, Jenny McMurry, deserves a special round of applause.

The kids worked hard on this - the entire cast is full of energy and having an infectiously fun time. Seriously. Do yourself a favor and go see this. You’ll have a great time.

You can catch Something Rotten May 16, 17, 18 at 7:30pm and May 18 & 19 at 2:00pm

Tickets available online here

Update: Choreographer has been identified as Jenny McMurry.

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Here's to making old new friends - Savannah Sipping Society at Driftwood Players through May 19, 2024

Friday, May 3, 2024

Melody Mistlin, Rita Baxter, Dawn Cornell, Kirsten McCory

Review by Kindle Carpp

The Savannah Sipping Society plays through May 19, 2024 by the Edmonds Driftwood Players at the Wade James Theatre, 950 Main Street, Edmonds WA 98020. Directed by Joe Goins.

This is a story about four women who range from middle aged to in their golden years who meet by happenstance and form a deep and meaningful bond.

These are women who initially seem to have little in common other than a hot yoga class which they all hated.


Over the two hours of the play they develop deep friendships. As their stories develop and are shared, I wanted to pull up a chair of my own, sit, talk and laugh with them.

Scenes are broken up and cleverly transitioned by monologues from each character, allowing all the acting to be done on Randa's porch, or as they say in Savannah "veranda."

Dawn Cornell, Melody Mistlin

The story feels familiar but is fresh and so very funny. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments.

Babs once told me that people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. The friendships that develop among these four women during this play is meant to last for a lifetime.

This is a top tier cast, with great timing, great acting and delivery, no notes! I look forward to seeing them in future productions knowing they will elevate any production in which they act.

Dawn Cornell

The set design deserves more than just a mention. This is one of the better sets that I've seen. The porch not only had great details such as the siding, brackets and dentils, but I want the beautiful porch lights and the screen door. If they disappear you'll know why.

For Show & Ticket Info, please visit: www.EdmondsDriftwoodPlayers.org/shows-tickets. Some dates are already sold out, so don't wait to book your tickets!

And note that they are fundraising for new lights for the stage. Two of five systems have failed and they want to replace them all with LED. You can donate to their campaign here.


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Death by Design - a fun evening of mischief and murder

Friday, April 5, 2024

The cast of Death by Design at The Phoenix Theatre

Death By Design runs through April 28, 2024 at The Phoenix Theatre in Firdale Village, 9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020.

Doors open at 6:45pm for a 7:30pm show time on Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 2pm

Written by Rob Urbinati

Director Eric Lewis

Featuring: Melanie Calderwood, Amanda Marquis Petrowski, Michael Gene McFadden, Susan Connors, James Lynch, Ian Louis Wight, Ingrid Sanai Buron and Brandon Jepson

Get your tickets at TPTEdmonds.org or call 206-533-2000 to reserve your seats today.

One evening at an impromptu gathering at a country home filled with uninvited guests, there is a murder. 

Who did it? The mental institution escapee? The Bohemian artist? The unhappily married actress and her director husband? 

Bridget, the surly maid who enjoys gossip magazines and hates it when her employers show up to the country house where she works, claims the right to solve the murder.

Divining clues and motives worthy of Hercules Poirot, Death by Design is Agatha Christie meets Clue.

The cast of over the top characters include the unhappily married Sorel and Edward, who in the heat of a fight will trash an entire apartment. All the characters spend time insulting and belittling each other, much to the enjoyment of the audience.

In addition to the enjoyment of hearing the characters tear each other apart, the audience has the fun of trying to figure out who the murderer is when every character is a suspect, even Bridget.

The costumes, by Elizabeth Fleming, were period appropriate and beautifully tailored with sharp creases and flattering lines.

For a fun evening of mischief and murder with some surprising twists, this is your ticket.

--Kindle Carpp

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Review: Woodland Park Players' production of My Fair Lady is a 'joyous assault'

Monday, March 25, 2024


My Fair Lady
Woodland Park Players
at Shoreline Community College Theatre


By Bruce Scholten
 
Some community gatherings are commendable but as forgettable as school plays with other people's children. Other community gatherings are historic, like the stabbing of Julius Caesar in Rome. Like the latter, showgoers are still discussing the denouement of My Fair Lady, directed by Christopher Nardine for Woodland Park Players.

Based on Lerner & Loewe's 'My Fair Lady', book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, and music by Frederick Lowe, this production's provenance is rich. Some audience members know the original effort was directed by Moss Hart. More know it is adapted from George Bernard Shaw's 1913 play, or have seen Gabriel Pascal's 1938 movie 'Pygmalion'. 

What marked this Shoreline production as the best seen by this reviewer in five decades, was the talent of actors, singers, dancers and full orchestra in a dramatic gestalt.

Not that there weren't a few laughs, too. But the fierce spirit - and voice - of Amanda Cirie as Eliza Doolittle, a Covent Garden flower girl whose Cockney diction is coached into a duchess-like mien by her upper class 'betters' is unforgettable. Mike Boyle plays posh phonetician Professor Henry Higgins - on a bet with his roommate Colonel Henry Pickering played by Peter Heinrich.

All the leads are strong, but expectations that Higgins would emulate 'sexy Rexy' Harrison of the 1964 Pygmalion movie were non-starters. This professor is more nuanced. So is director Chris Nardin's glimpse of the ultimate relationship between upper class Higgins and the 'guttersnipe' street urchin he passed off as a duchess - then cruelly ignored. Whereas some Seattle art may be analyzed vis-à-vis the LGBTQ spectrum, this might be explained in terms of autism.  

Opening night on March 22 was a joyous assault by the stars, ensemble players, dancers choreographed by Kate Kingery, and Woodland Park Players production team founded by producer Linda Joss, working with music director Paul Linnes.

You still have time to buy tickets for the March 29 and 30 shows!

Don't forget to load up on drinks and candy at intermission - because WPP donates profits to youth theater. Pssst! Parking is free at Shoreline College Community Theater.


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Review: Ada and the Engine

Friday, March 1, 2024

Photo by Dale Sutton

Ada and the Engine, by Lauren Gunderson, currently playing at Driftwood Players in Edmonds. Directed by Eric Bischoff.

March 1-17, 2024 at the Wade James Theatre. Purchase tickets online or by phone at 425-774-9600

As the British Industrial Revolution dawns, young Ada Byron Lovelace (daughter of the flamboyant and notorious Lord Byron) sees the boundless creative potential in the “analytic engines” of her friend and soulmate Charles Babbage, inventor of the first mechanical computer.

Ada played by Guneet Kaur Banga
Photo by Dale Sutton 

Ada envisions a whole new world where art and information converge—a world she might not live to see. A music-laced story of love, friendship, and the edgiest dreams of the future. Jane Austen meets Steve Jobs in this poignant pre-tech romance heralding the computer age.

The huge golden gears that encompassed the majority of the stage were a constant reminder of the size of the engine and a metaphor for the space that the engine filled in Ada and Babbage's imagination.

While the math and the technical aspects of the engine were beyond my skill set, Ada and Babbage's enthusiasm for the subject was contagious.

Babbage, played by Sumant Gupta, Maary Somerville, played by Elizabeth A. Shipman, and Ada, played by Guneet Kaur Banga. Photo by Dale Sutton

The incredibly talented cast crafted a mathematical story in words and built the engine in the audience's imagination. The sounds, the sights, and the movement of the gears were vivid in my mind.

I really enjoyed Lord Lovelace's character growth - BJ Smyth did an excellent job of expressing the gamut of infuriating to sympathetic.

A particular scene I really appreciated portrayed the passage of time. The actors interacted silently on stage while correspondence between Ada and Babbage over time was projected on the screen at the back. Narration in the characters own voices read the letters where Ada shared news of her marriage, birth of her children and subsequent illness while Babbage engaged her intellectually. 

--Review by Kindle Carpp


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The Lady Demands Satisfaction is a must see production at The Phoenix Theatre in Edmonds

Saturday, February 3, 2024

The Lady Demands Satisfaction
Written by Arthur M Jolly Directed by Eric Lewis
Featuring Katie Wallace and Josiah C Miller
February 2 - 25, 2024

Doors open at 6:45pm for a 7:30pm showtime time. Tickets

By Kindle Carpp

The Lady Demands Satisfaction is riotous fun. filled with swords, hijinks, and unexpected plot twists.

A young maiden learns that she must defend her home and land in a duel when she has never held a sword.

Katie Wallace and Josiah C. Miller
The first lesson that she learned was how to hold the sword, and she figured out not to hold the pointy end on the second try.

The lights come up on a puppet show of the death of Lord Pepperston during a duel which was a delightful non sequitur and completely unexpected.

From there, the rest of the play delights and amuses, walking the line between campy and just plain hilarious.

The cast and the characters are appealing, uniformly excellent with the talented actors working seamlessly as an ensemble.

Accents were believable and appropriate to the character and their social station, drawing a clear line between upper and servant class.

Talena Viydo as the Duchess
Swordplay is integral to the play. The Duchess is the finest blade in the land and fights nearly every character in the play, and they fight each other. Only one character was not involved with anything sharp or pointy.

The time and energy the cast spent with the choreography of the fight scenes is evident in their handling of the weapons.

Every cast member was skilled, everyone was suited to their roles, but my favorite character was the Duchess, played by Talena Viydo. 

Josiah C. Miller played the dandy Osric with exactly the right amount of camp, and Chelsey Sheppard handled the physical comedy of Tilly the Maid beautifully.

The production was such a joy. I wish I had a digital copy so I could experience it on demand.

It's a must see production.


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The Driftwood Players' Willy Wonka is a sweet treat of pure childhood nostalgia

Friday, December 1, 2023

Bucket Family (L-R): Stephanie Marshall, Brian Knudson, Nina McKinstry, Jeff Strom, Jennifer Nielsen, Vicki Wicks, Marty Wicks. Photo by Dale Sutton of Magic Photo.


Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse

Adapted for the Stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald
Based on the Book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl
Directed by Jenny Cross

November 24 - December 17, 2023 
Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm.
Wade James Theatre, 950 Main Street, Edmonds.

Tickets: $28 General Adults (ages 19-59); $25 Junior/Senior/Military. 

Performances of this classic musical are completely sold out; however as any seats open up along the way, they will be available at this link.

Factory (L-R): Shannon Johnson, Cindy Chen, Jeff Strom, BJ Smyth, Nina McKinstry, Sarah McBride, Russell Presho, Kanton Budge. Photo by Dale Sutton of Magic Photo.

By Kindle Carpp

Having grown up in the 80s, the 1971 Charlies & the Chocolate Factory frequently featured in my childhood, so it was quite a treat to see a live production.

There were a few changes from my childhood classic that I was quite charmed by, namely the inclusion of The Squirrels and additional musical pieces.

The Gene Wilder movie switched out The Squirrels from the book for chocolate-laying geese. I suspect that it was the 70s lack of cgi and their need to use puppetry that led to this decision. However, this stage production did not allow size to be an issue, allowing for four foot tall, nut-cracking squirrels.

The second change was the inclusion of additional musical numbers. I particularly enjoyed "I Eat More" sung by Augustus Gloop and his mother.

A minimalist setting was created with projections on a background screen. The lack of scenery made every prop and costume invaluable. Thankfully the costumes and props were on point.  

Some of the costume highlights were Willy Wonka, the Oompa Loompas, and Veruca Salt.

The boat was the highlight of the props, as it sailed around the stage with a load of passengers.

A joy and a delight of the stage direction was the oompa loompas, as they transformed into the machinery of a candy-making gumball machine.

BJ Smyth's Willy Wonka was the backbone of the show.
Photo by Dale Sutton of Magic Photo.

Out of such a large ensemble there were some standout performances. 
  • Kendra Tamär Budd (Ms. Beauregarde) is a gem and sure to be an audience favorite.
  • Royce Napolitino (Phineous Trout) you can't take your eyes off of him. Half of his performance genius was his facial expressions.
  • Merry Senn (Mrs. Gloop) Mama Gloop's humorous interpretation leaves a lasting impression in spite of her short time on stage.
  • Shannon Johnson (Veruca Salt) draws the eye with her strong performance.
  • BJ Smyth (Willy Wonka) (cameo as Candy Man) was the backbone of the show. 
All in all this production was a sweet treat of pure childhood nostalgia.

Edmonds Driftwood Players is a volunteer-based nonprofit community theatre that is proud to have been entertaining audiences in the Pacific Northwest since 1958, making EDP one of the oldest operating community theatres in Washington State. 
As we celebrate our 65th Season in Edmonds, we would like to thank the community for their continued support of local theatre.” -Katie Soulé, Managing Director

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Laugh until your face hurts at A Nice Family Christmas at The Phoenix Theatre

Sunday, November 26, 2023

The cast (L - R) Patrick Holland, Karli Reinbold, Susan Connors, James Lynch, Shaylyn Reed, Jag, and Melanie Calderwood. Photo courtesy The Phoenix Theatre

By Kindle Carpp

A Nice Family Christmas, by Phil Olsen, directed by Eric Lewis, opened November 24, 2023 at The Phoenix Theatre in Edmonds to an uproarious response from the opening night crowd. 

I was surrounded by audience members who were snorting with laughter. 

The scene opens on a midwestern living room decorated for Christmas, missing only the scent of cookies and a sprig of mistletoe.

Our cast of characters includes Carl, the Family Disappointment; Michael the Golden Brother; and forgotten little sister Stacy. 

Rounding out the cast are Carl's peacemaker mother, floozy grandmother, and uninvited lush of an uncle.

Susan Connors, Jag, and Shaylyn Reed
Photo courtesy The Phoenix Theatre
The family dysfunction is evident immediately as Carl arrives and his mother and grandmother are disappointed that he isn't Michael.

As the night progresses we watch the family attempt to be civil, assisted by a bribe from their mother, as their secrets come to light.

And let me tell you - the tea is hot. I found myself gasping at the gossip that was being spilled. If this fruitcake family weren't so funny, it would be a disaster. There are so many one liners that were delivered so well that the cast often had to pause for audience laughter.

And the unsaid question of the night was: will the magic of Christmas heal their relationships? 

If you want to laugh until your face hurts and be immersed in family gossip that will brighten your holiday season, please go see A Nice Family Christmas.

Melanie Calderwood and Jag
Photo courtesy The Phoenix Theatre
A Nice Family Christmas at The Phoenix Theatre, 9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA

November 24 - December 17, 2023
  • Friday - Saturday 7:30pm
  • Sunday 2pm
  • Adults $25, 
  • Seniors 55+, Students, Military $20

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Calendar Girls at the Phoenix Theatre starts with a laugh that doesn't really stop

Friday, October 20, 2023

The Calendar Girls in their tai chi class
By Kindle Carpp

If you don’t like to laugh please avoid this play. Calendar Girls starts off with a laugh that doesn’t really stop. The humor has great timing and great energy. It has a thread of a sad story that leads to some touching moments.

Tim Firth’s hilarious play is based on the true story of eleven Women's Institute members who famously posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukemia Research Fund in 1999 after the husband of a member dies of the disease.

Director Renee Gilbert said, “Eleven women decided to laugh in the face of traditional propriety and do what they felt needed to be done in order to help overcome grief. And now their laughter is passed onto us.” 

There was a fun use of props to allow the actors to be “nude” on stage.

The ensemble cast and their comedic timing made this lighthearted comedy easy to watch. I especially enjoyed Melanie Calderwood’s subtle physical comedy in her portrayal of the doddering Ruth. And Ingrid Sanai Buron made Marie unlikable in the most authentic kind of way.

I particularly took notice of the costumes by Elizabeth Shipman. It was a subtle use of color in a neutral colored set. They felt like an expression of each character.

Calendar Girls runs through Sunday, October 29, 2023,
  • Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
  • Sundays at 2pm
Adults $25.00
Seniors 55+/Students/US Military and Veterans $20.00

Run Time: 100 Minutes with a 15-minute intermission

Appropriate for viewers 13 and up with parental guidance suggested and implied nudity.

By Tim Firth, directed by Renee Gilbert.

Cast: Nicola Amos, Ingrid Sanai Buron, Melanie Calderwood. Erin Carter, Susan Connors, Jeannine Early, Erin Hobbs. James Lyle, James Lynch, Keith Remon, Melanie Workhoven, Cody Wyatt.
 
Set Design: Craig Marshall; Renee Gilbert; Susan Connors. Costume Design: Elizabeth Shipman; Stage Manager: Amanda Costinett

The Phoenix Theatre
9673 Firdale Avenue, Edmonds, WA 98020 (in Firdale Village)
206-533-2000

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Cry It Out now playing at As If Theatre in Kenmore

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Jessie (Taryn Pearce) and Lina (Gabriela Noble) are new mothers and new friends
Photo by Christine Mitchell

Cry It Out is currently playing at the charming theatre in the Kenmore Community Club, 7304 NE 175th St, Kenmore, WA 98028.

Cry It Out is a drama that uses humor to add levity to lighten the mood and not bog down the audience in the everyday struggles of life. The topics brought up are universal to American families and the complicated relationships we have with our spouses, parents and ourselves when we have major life changes, in this case children.

The dialog and acting were so authentic that I had to hold myself back from joining in on Jessie and Lina's backyard conversations.

The talented actors brought me so deep into the story that I wanted to both give Adrienne a cup of overly hot coffee so she would burn off her taste buds and hug her once we were given a window into her world.

And I really wanted to give Mitchell a gift certificate for therapy because he made me so uncomfortable and it was clear it was because he had issues that had not been resolved.

Cry It Out features the talent of Taryn Pearce (Jessie), Gabriela Noble (Lina), Kira Dorrian (Adrienne), and Varun Kainth (Mitchell), with a creative team that includes Ken Michels (Set Design), Gwyn Skone (Lighting Design), William French (Sound Design), Ali Kidder-Mostrom (Costume Design), and Chandria Danelle (Property Design).

This story of three new mothers was written by Molly Smith Metzler (Shameless, Orange is the New Black, and Maid), and directed by Shoreline resident Betsy Mugavero.

Cry It Out runs two more weekends October 19-29, 2023 – Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 5:00pm,  90 minutes, no intermission

Tickets: $25 and $20 (Seniors / Students) available at asiftheatre.com

--Kindle Carpp


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Murder on the Orient Express - a fresh telling of a classic murder mystery by the Driftwood Players

Friday, September 15, 2023

  • Left to Right: Carol Richmond, Brandon Jepson (standing), Elora Coble, Skye Stafford, David Hayes (standing), Kim Ferse, Brian Harper (standing), Giovanna Cossalter Walters (standing), Karli Reinbold, Thomas A. Glass (standing), Landon Whitbread. 
  • Photo Credit: Dale Sutton of Magic Photography

Murder on the Orient Express runs September 15 to October 8, 2023. Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. 

Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.

By Kindle Carpp

As we settled into our seats the first set was in the foreground of the stage. I was surprised that it didn’t look much like a train. But the art deco pillars that framed the stage set the time frame before a word was spoken
 
As the lights dimmed a scene began to play off stage, heard but not seen. Then Hercule Poirot, played by David Hayes, entered from the theatre lobby and up onto the stage.  Addressing the audience, he began to explain the mystery we were about to witness. 
 
Turning to the set, which I then realized was a restaurant, he transitioned from a narrator to a character. In a dreamlike sequence the cast walked casually on stage and cleared the furniture to the wings. and the story begun in earnest.

  • Left to Right: Kim Ferse, Skye Stafford, Karli Reinbold, Landon Whitbread, Carol Richmond, Elora Coble, David Hayes
  • Photo Credit: Dale Sutton of Magic Photography

The curtains opened on an ingenious set design, built on two double sided sets on casters. It was a simple solution for a limited space. In the background vintage footage ran, showing the view from the train and giving the set depth and perspective. Really very clever!
 
The experienced cast did an excellent job with a few real stand-out performances. Kim Ferse played Mrs. Helen Hubbard in a way that was both campy and charming. Brian Harper and Sky Stafford embraced their characters but knew how to share the stage to allow their fellow cast members to shine. 

David Hayes (Hercule Poirot)
  • Photo Credit: Dale Sutton of Magic Photography

David Hayes was an excellent casting choice for Hercule Poirot. I found him to be a delight.
 
A highlight for me was Brandon Jepson’s eyebrows, an inspired bit of levity. Watch for them in the second act.
 
This is a fresh production with innovative touches throughout.

  • Left to Right: Elora Coble, Carol Richmond, David Hayes, Karli Reinbold, Giovanna Cossalter Walters, Landon Whitbread
  • Photo Credit: Dale Sutton of Magic Photography

Murder on the Orient Express runs September 15 to October 8, 2023. Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. 

TICKETS: $28 General Adults (ages 19-59); $25 Junior/Senior/Military. Available online at www.edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org or by phone at 425-774-9600. Discounted tickets for groups of 10+ people are also available.


Directed by David Alan Morrison and featuring the acting talents of David Hayes (Hercule Poirot), Brian Harper (Monsieur Bouc), Karli Reinbold (Mary Debenham), Giovanna Cossalter-Walters (Hector MacQueen), Brandon Jepson (Michel the Conductor), Carol Richmond (Princess Dragomiroff), Elora Coble (Greta Ohlsson), Skye Stafford (Countess Andrenyi), Kim Ferse (Helen Hubbard), Landon Whitbread (Colonel Arbuthnot), and Thomas A. Glass (Samuel Ratchett).

The creative team includes Brent Stainer (Lighting Designer), Nancy Johnson (Properties Designer), Chantal Burns (Assistant Properties Designer), Audrey Herold (Costume Designer), Rex Goulding (Master Carpenter/Scenic Designer), Grace Helmcke (Dialect Coach), Joe Knight (Video/Projection Designer), Paul Fleming (Assistant Director), Julie (Bryan) Benner (Stage Manager), Natasha Thompson (Assistant Stage Manager), Topher Wick (Assistant Producer), Bailey Dobbins (Build Supervisor), Brian Fletcher (Technical Director/Producer), and Katie Soulé (Managing Director/Producer).


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