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

RBCC Players scheduling auditions for “Mary Poppins”

Monday, March 11, 2024

Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, and astonishing stagecraft.

The RBCC Players are gearing up for a production of this timeless classic for an opening date of June 7, 2024.

Auditions will be on March 24 - 26 with callbacks if needed on April 1, 2024

To schedule a time, follow this link

The cast will be announced on April 8 and rehearsals will begin on April 13 with a schedule of Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoons, and Monday - Wednesday evenings (not all cast members will be called to all rehearsals).

The Performances will be on June 7, 8, 14, and 15.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with
  • Set design, build, and stage crew.
  • Stage manager
  • Choreographer
  • Light and sound design and running
  • Costume and props helpers
  • Marketing and PR
Have an interest in one of these, email us at rbccplayers@gmail.com.

We perform and rehearse in the

Bill McLaughlin Theatre (west side, lower level)
Richmond Beach Congregational Church
1512 NW 195th St, Shoreline WA 98177

Showtimes
  • Doors 7:00pm • Show 7:30 pm Fridays & Saturdays
  • Doors 1:30 pm • Show 2:00 pm Saturdays
Tickets for Mary Poppins 
  • $20 for Adults
  • $15 for Students and Seniors.
  • All seats are general admission 

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"Vanity Fair" opens Thursday, March 7, 2024 from UW Drama

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Vanity Fair cast photo
Courtesy UW Drama

Enter the world of "Vanity Fair," where rich storytelling and nuanced performances explore the complexities of human ambition and morality. 

Directed by UW School of Drama Director MFA in Directing candidate Kate Drummond, this compelling production brings William Makepeace Thackeray's classic novel to life on stage, adapted by Kate Hamill. 

Join us at the Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse from March 7, 2024, to March 16, 2024, for an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Venue: Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse 4045 University Way NE, Seattle WA 98105 - Google Map

According to director Kate Drummond, “The central image of this production is going for the brass ring on a vintage carousel."

She further reflects, "When the carousel slows to a stop and you're left with what you've done, can you say that you tried everything you could to grab that ring? Isn’t it better to have laid it all on the line, even if it makes you look a little silly along the way, than to have given up and just been along for the ride?"

In Vanity Fair, Becky, orphaned and disadvantaged, is cunning and ambitious, while Amelia, born into privilege, is well-intentioned but naive. As they each strive to secure love, success, and stability in the patriarchy of early 19th-century London, they face many obstacles to their dreams. Through Becky and Amelia’s travails, this thrilling, highly theatrical (im)morality play explores the flexibility of our morals when faced with the harsh realities of our lives.

Dates & Performances
March 7-9, 12-16, 2024
  • Thursday, Friday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 7:30 pm
  • Sunday - 2:00 pm
Run Time: Approx. 2 hrs. 30 mins plus a 10-min intermission.

Tickets, Contact: & Accessibility

Price: $10-$20 
Phone: (206)-543-4880 or (800) 859-5342 (12–4 p.m., M–F)

The University of Washington School of Drama develops innovative and courageous artists and scholars poised to be the creative leaders of tomorrow. Degrees offered include a BA, an MFA, and a Ph.D. 

The School of Drama’s public season features fully produced shows and Lab projects in five different venues on the Seattle campus. These productions provide further opportunities for practice, experimentation, and exploration — often alongside prominent, internationally known artists.


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Live performance at Mountlake Terrace Library Saturday: Rachel Carson and the Silent Spring

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

The book Silent Spring by Rachel Carson is credited with starting the environmental movement.

Join Edmonds SnoKing AAUW for Debbie Dimitre’s live performance as Rachel Carson - American scientist, marine biologist and author of Silent Spring. 

This is a free event, open to the public.

Saturday March 9, 2024 from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA


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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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Ada and the Engine opens Friday at the Driftwood Players in Edmonds

Monday, February 26, 2024

Edmonds Driftwood Players presents...
Ada and the Engine by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Eric Bischoff
March 1-17, 2024 at the Wade James Theatre

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 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.

ADA AND THE ENGINE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLc, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)

March 1 - 17, 2024 at Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St, Edmonds, WA 98020
  • Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm
  • *A Saturday matinee performance has been added on 3/9
TICKETS: 
PURCHASE TICKETS!
  • Content Warning: this production contains some adult themes and is best suited for ages teen+
  • Lighting/Fog: Although there is no strobe effect, this production includes some rotating/moving light effects, as well as fog towards the end of the show.
Thank you to Fluke Corporation for sponsoring Ada and the Engine!


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Original play to debut at Shoreline Community College Theatre in April

Monday, February 19, 2024

What if John Lennon survived the gunshots inflicted upon him by Mark Chapman on that cold December night in Manhattan in 1980?

"Dream # 9" is a musical play, with a cross-cultural fantasy theme, that explores this question – with some twists and turns. It is the story of the first few months following that night; of Lennon's recovery with the help of the loving and strong woman by his side, of where he finds himself at the end of his recovery (and where the world wants him to be), and of the power of dreams.

The play itself was inspired by a dream, but really came about as the convergence of a real-life story of survival, a mythological tale of perseverance and intelligence borne of love, from India (the story of Savitri and Satyavan), and the fierce fantasy that many of us share of having John Lennon amongst us still.

"Dream # 9" is produced by Ayesha and Vik Patnaik, and written and directed by Vik. Ayesha is an adjunct faculty member in the Communication Arts Dept. at Shoreline Community College, while Vik is an independent consultant in clean energy technologies and international management. 

Production was originally scheduled for the Frederick Theatre at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse (where they lived for 23 years, before moving to the PNW), the weekend of May 23, 2020. However, due to COVID, the project had to be shelved. 

We are grateful to have been able to discover the vibrant theatre scene in the Greater Seattle area and revive this project in our new settings. We are especially thankful for the excellent cast we have from the local community.

Production is now scheduled for the first weekend in April 2024:
  • Friday, April 5, 7pm
  • Saturday, April 6, 7pm
  • Sunday, April 7, 3pm
at the Shoreline Community College Theatre, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.
 
Doors open 45 minutes before Curtain on each day.

Tickets: $15 ($10 student); purchase through Brown Paper Tickets


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Murder at Toadwurst School February 24, 2024 at the Shoreline Elks Lodge

Friday, February 16, 2024


There is a scent of murder and mayhem in the air at Toadwurst School. Evil is afoot and assistance is needed to find the devious, dastardly demon who could do such things! Help is needed! 

Join the actors and audience to discover ‘Who Dunnit?” in this production of Murder at Toadwurst School with a superb cast from the Juanita High School HOSA. 

The curtain is set to rise on Saturday evening, February 24, 2024, with dinner at 5:00pm and show at 7:00pm.

This production is a fundraiser for the high school’s Health Occupations Students of America Club (HOSA). Proceeds from the event will go toward funding training, leadership projects and educational activities for this student group dedicated to developing skills for those striving to go into a healthcare profession.

The event will be held at the Shoreline Elks Lodge, 14625 15th Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155. Tickets cost $35 and include the play, a full dinner and who knows what else. 

For guaranteed seating, plan to purchase your tickets through the Elks Lodge by February 19. For more information, contact the Shoreline Lodge Office at 206-364-1800.


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Shoreline Community College Presents: The Crucible

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

 

The Crucible opens March 8, 2024 at Shoreline Community College

This exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society. 

The story tells how small lies, childrens lies, build and build until the suspicions of a whole town are aroused. Set in a small tight-knit community, personal grievances collide with lust and superstition, fuelling widespread hysteria. 

Arthur Miller's timeless parable attacks the evils of mindless persecution and the terrifying power of false accusations.

Salem, Massachusetts, 1692. A small group of girls cry out against other people in the town, accusing them of witchcraft, in an attempt to cover up their own dabblings in the occult.
Led by Abigail Williams, the girls accusations cause a court to be formed to investigate the alleged crimes.
Caught up in the trials are John and Elizabeth Proctor, a farming couple whose marriage is hanging by a thread. John Proctor, following an illicit affair with Abigail, finds himself and his wife caught up in the proceedings when Abigail accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft, hoping to take her place at John's side.
Desperate to clear his wife's name, John attempts to convince the court of her innocence, but instead finds himself in deep water when Abigail turns on him.

The end of this tale, based on true events, is both tragic and deeply affecting as John is arrested for witchcraft himself. When faced with the choice between confessing to witchcraft, thus saving himself or professing his innocence, and destroying his good name, John finds it is an impossible choice to make.

Directed by Duygu Monson

Performances:  
  • March 8, 9, 15, 16  -  7:30pm
  • March 10 & 17th  -  3:00pm
Shoreline Community College Theater
16101 Greenwood Ave N, 1600 Bldg. / Theater
Shoreline WA  98133

House Doors open approximately 30 minutes to performance time
Lobby opens 1 hour to performance start time


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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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Attend the dress rehearsal free for The Lady Demands Satisfaction at The Phoenix Theatre

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Katie Wallace as Trothe and Josiah Miller as Osric
Join us for a FREE / Pay What You Can dress rehearsal of The Lady Demands Satisfaction by Arthur M Jolly, directed by Eric Lewis this Thursday February 1, 2024 at 7:30pm. 


The theatre is located in the middle of the second floor in the back building at Firdale Village. 

Lots of free parking! Doors open at 7pm, no reservations are required.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into getting a show up on its feet and give the actors some reactions to work with for the first time

Tickets for the run of this hilarious farce playing February 2nd - February 25th are available now at tptedmonds.org


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The Lady Demands Satisfaction opens February 2, 2024 at the Phoenix Theatre

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Tickets are now on sale for The Lady Demands Satisfaction by Arthur M Jolly, Directed by Eric Lewis, opening Friday February 2, 2024.

Be among the first to see this new comedy first produced in 2019 - and get your tickets now because productions tend to sell out.

When a young maiden who has never touched a sword learns she must defend her inheritance in a duel, she struggles with a milksop suitor, a servant girl posing as a Prussian fencing master, the actual Prussian fencing master who believes he is there to marry her, a stodgy lord, and her domineering aunt – the finest blade anywhere - to save her house and lands.

Phoenix Theater is located in Firdale Village, directly north of NW Shoreline, 9673 Firdale ave, Edmonds, WA 98020




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Call for playwrights: Edmonds Driftwood Players 13th Annual Festival of Shorts

Tuesday, January 23, 2024


CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: 13th Annual Festival of Shorts - Silver Linings

Edmonds Driftwood Players is pleased to announce our theme and call for submissions for our 13th Annual Festival of Shorts.

Our annual playwriting festival provides an opportunity for playwrights to have their works brought to life on stage, as well as gain recognition and potential awards. Some past winners have later been developed into full-length award-winning plays!

The festival this year will be presented in five performances June 27-30, 2024, featuring eight shorts finalists. The theme for 2024 is “Silver Linings: a consoling or hopeful prospect.” We would love to see both comedic and dramatic stories with uplifting endings.

The finalists are selected from submissions from around the globe. Our volunteer readers and judges are local Seattle-area theatre lovers and playwrights. To keep the process as fair as possible, our readers are given blind copies of script submissions for judging.

After the closing performance, we will announce the winners for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Judges’ Awards and Overall Audience Favorite.

To enter your short play in the festival, please follow the instructions below:

Submit an original script for a short play based on the following guidelines:
  • Run time between 10 and 12 minutes
  • Minimum 2 characters – maximum 5 characters
  • Can be staged with minimal sets, props, and costumes.
  • Limited foul language
  • Be sure to incorporate the theme of “Silver Linings” into your story
  • To be eligible for consideration, the play cannot have been previously produced beyond a staged or feedback reading
  • Submit your play by 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time on Sunday, March 17, 2024 to Shorts@EdmondsDriftwoodPlayers.org
Submit two separate documents:
  1. A single cover page with the title of your play and your full name, address, email address and phone number.
  2. The original short submission (Standard Stage Play Format. For an example, please click HERE) with the script and title of the play ONLY. No identifying information about the playwright is to appear in this “blind” copy. All plays which fail to submit a blind copy of their play will be disqualified. The blind copy of the script preserves anonymity in our reader selections to keep the process as fair for playwrights as possible.
Festival of Shorts website
Ticketing information to attend the festival is below:

WHEN: June 27-30, 2024 - Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2pm (5 total performances).

TICKETS: $20 General Adults (ages 19-59); $18 Junior/Senior/Military. Available online or by phone at 425-774-9600. Discounted tickets for groups of 10+ people are also available.

Thank you to First Financial Northwest Bank for sponsoring the 13th Annual Festival of Shorts, and to our Season 65 Sponsors: Rick Steves’ Europe, Windermere Real Estate Edmonds, Templar Financial Services, and Down Easy Salsa.

About Edmonds Driftwood Players: Edmonds Driftwood Players is a volunteer-based, non-profit community theatre with the mission to produce live theatre that entertains, enriches and engages the community. Established in 1958, it is one of the oldest operating community theatres in Washington State.

Performances at the Wade James Theatre, 950 Main Street, Edmonds.


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A Thick Description of Harry Smith, Vol.1 at the UW School of Drama January 19-28, 2024

Sunday, January 14, 2024

The School of Drama at the University of Washington is pleased to present A THICK DESCRIPTION OF HARRY SMITH, VOL. 1, a play written by Carlos Murillo, directed by graduate M.F.A. Directing student Nick O'Leary, Friday, January 19, 2024 – Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse.

By Carlos Murillo, Directed by Nick O’Leary
January 19-28, 2024 
4045 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Tickets: $10-$20 | Buy Tickets here

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the proto-psychedelic masterpiece,
Notes from the Creators:

Nick O’Leary (Director): "Harry Smith was real, and this play is a rediscovery of the magic of the American experiment." 
Carlos Murillo (Playwright): "In the age of forgotten playwrights, Javier C's absence intrigued me. ‘A Thick Description of Harry Smith’ is not just a play; it's a call to unearth the hidden narratives that shape us."
Step into the enchanting world of the proto-psychedelic masterpiece, a captivating journey through the eclectic life of Harry Everett Smith — filmmaker, musicologist, painter, anthropologist, collector, occultist, and fabulist.
Show Highlights:
Dates & Performances: 
  • January 19-28, 2024
  • Jan 19-20, 24-27: 7:30 pm
  • Jan 21, 27-28: 2:00 pm
Run Time: Approx. 2 hrs. 40 mins with a 10-min intermission.
Warnings: Haze, amplified sound, mild mature themes, and sexual content.

Tickets, Contact & Accessibility:
About the UW School of Drama

The University of Washington School of Drama develops innovative and courageous artists and scholars poised to be the creative leaders of tomorrow. Degrees offered include a BA, an MFA, and a Ph.D. 

The School of Drama’s public season features fully produced shows and Lab projects in five different venues on the Seattle campus. These productions provide further opportunities for practice, experimentation, and exploration — often alongside prominent, internationally known artists. We believe in the power of theatrical storytelling to elevate individual and collective voices, promote understanding, and nurture compassion.


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St. Dunstan's hosts the touring company of Taproot Theater in their production of A Christmas Carol

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

St. Dunstan's hosts the touring company of Taproot Theater in their production of A Christmas Carol on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 7pm

Experience the timeless tale of Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas - in Mr. Dickens’ own words! 
With enduring relevance, this story of redemption continues to captivate audiences across generations. Watch as one incredible night thaws the icy heart of the world’s most infamous humbug. 
And may God bless us, every one.

Stay after to meet the players and share some Christmas treats with us. Childcare available

Suggested Donation: $5 student, $15 adult, $30 family. All proceeds go to support the St. Dunstan’s Feeding Program

December 15, 2023, 7:00pm at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church 722 N 145th St Shoreline, WA 98133. Near the Aurora & 145th St. E Line Stop


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Shorecrest student received YoungArts award for accomplishments in Musical Theatre

Friday, December 8, 2023

Logan Yao
Photo by Jeff Berryman
Logan Yao of Lake Forest Park, WA, from Shorecrest High School, has received a 2024 YoungArts award in Musical Theatre. 

Yao has been recognized for his caliber of achievement and joins nearly 700 of the most accomplished young visual, literary and performing artists from across the country, heralding the next generation of artists to watch. 

YoungArts award winners are selected through a highly competitive application, which is reviewed by panels of esteemed, discipline-specific artists in a rigorous adjudication process. 

2024 YoungArts award winners join a distinguished community of artists who are offered creative and professional development support throughout their careers. A complete list of the 2024 winners, all 15–18 years old or in grades 10–12, is available online at youngarts.org/winners.

“It is an extraordinary privilege to welcome these brilliant young artists into the YoungArts community,” said YoungArts President Clive Chang. 
“We’re honored to recognize and encourage these artists at this critical stage in their careers, and we’re looking forward to playing an active, ongoing role in what will no doubt be an incredible artistic journey for each of them.”

All YoungArts award winners have demonstrated exceptional technique, a strong sense of artistry, and an extraordinary commitment to developing their crafts. This year, winners were selected from more than 9,000 applications across 10 artistic disciplines – classical music, dance, design, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing. Each award winner will receive a monetary award of $250.

For the duration of their career, Yao is eligible for exclusive creative and professional development support; microgrants and financial awards; presentation opportunities in collaboration with major venues and cultural partners nationwide; and access to YoungArts Post, a free, private online platform for YoungArts artists to connect, collaborate and discover new opportunities. 

2024 YoungArts winners also have the opportunity to participate in YoungArts Labs, all-expenses paid learning intensives with field-defining artists working in New York and Los Angeles.

As a YoungArts award winner, Yao joins a distinguished group of accomplished artists including Daniel Arsham, Terence Blanchard, Camille A. Brown, Timothée Chalamet, Viola Davis, Amanda Gorman, Judith Hill, Jennifer Koh, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Andrew Rannells, Desmond Richardson and Hunter Schafer.

The YoungArts competition is open to artists 15-18 years old (or in grades 10 – 12). For more information about becoming a YoungArts award winner click here.

About YoungArts
YoungArts — the national foundation for the advancement of artists—was established in 1981 by Lin and Ted Arison to identify exceptional young artists, amplify their potential, and invest in their lifelong creative freedom. YoungArts provides space, funding, mentorship, professional development and community throughout artists’ careers.


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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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Shakespeare's Lost Christmas Play at the RBCC Players December 8-9, 2023

Monday, November 27, 2023

This holiday season RBCC Players Presents
“Shakespeare's Lost Christmas Play”

Shakespeare’s Lost Christmas Play by Dwayne Yancy and produced by special arrangement with Big Dog/Norman Maine Publishing LLC, Rapid City, SD.

Friday, December 8, 2023 - 7:30pm
Saturday, December 9, 2023 - 2:00pm

Join us for a Holiday Festival in the village of Moldingham-on-Cheese. This delightful comedy will have laughs and surprises from start to finish and is great for ages 10 and up. The show time is approximately 75 minutes without an intermission..

Adults: $20 Seniors 65+ and Under 18: $10

Tickets

Bill McLaughlin Theatre
Richmond Beach Congregational UCC
corner of 15th Ave. NW & NW Richmond Beach Rd.
Shoreline, WA 98177
**entrance on West side of building


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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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A Wrinkle in Time opens Friday December 1, 2023 at Shoreline Community College

Friday, November 24, 2023


Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time has made countless appearances in classrooms across the country since it was originally published in 1962. 

But did you know it's also one of the most frequently banned books as well? 

Criticism has ranged from the book being too religious to it not being religious enough. 

When asked about her book being challenged, L'Engle responded “It seems people are willing to damn the book without reading it. Nonsense about witchcraft and fantasy. First I felt horror, then anger, and finally I said, ‘Ah the hell with it.’ It’s great publicity, really.” (New York Times, 2001).

Adapted for the stage, A Wrinkle in Time begins a two weekend run at Shoreline Community College on Friday December 1, 2023.

Performances:
  • Friday December 1 7:30pm
  • Saturday December 2 7:30pm
  • Sunday December 3 3pm
  • Friday December 8 7:30pm
  • Saturday December 9 7:30pm
  • Sunday December 10 3pm

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Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka opens Friday at Edmonds Driftwood Players

Sunday, November 19, 2023

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

Edmonds Driftwood Players' musical production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka will play at the Wade James Theatre, 950 Main Street, Edmonds, November 24 - December 17, 2023. 

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka follows enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. 

Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats: the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory… or suffer the consequences…

TICKETS Available online or by phone at 425-774-9600.
  • $28 General Adults (ages 19-59); 
  • $25 Junior/Senior/Military.
  • Discounted tickets for groups of 10+ people are also available.
November 24-December 17, 2023
  • Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm, 
  • Sundays at 2pm. 
  • Two additional Saturday 2pm matinees have been added on December 2 and 16. 

The production features BJ Smyth as Willy Wonka and Nina McKinstry as Charlie. It is directed by Jenny Cross.

This production is appropriate for all ages but is most suitable for children ages 5+. This production is anticipated to be 2 hours including a 15-minute intermission.

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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