TeenTix Blog

Review of The Brothers Size at Seattle Repertory Theatre by Ehrik A.There has been a lot of hype surrounding “newcomer” Tarell Alvin McCraney. Already, his work has been compared to those of David Mamet, Tony Kushner, and August Wilson. So when The Brothers Size (part two of McCraney’s Brother/Sister triptych) came to Seattle, my expectations were high.The Brothers Size follows brothers Ogun (Yaegel T. Welch) and Oshoosi (Warner Miller) Size and doesn’t need its audience to be familiar with the other plays of the trilogy. The older Ogun is hardworking and determined to protect all that he has—ownership of an auto-repair garage and the company of his brother—while the younger Oshoosi currently wrestles with his new freedom after having been released from prison. Enter Elegba (Eddie R. Brown III), an ex-con who befriended the younger Size while in the pen, who also wants to have a loving and guardian relationship with Oshoosi. The audience observes the fraternal love triangle organically evolve as what can be taken as a conventional story becomes as captivating as it is moving.Each actor plays his character exceptionally well and is able to further showcase a variety of theatrical talents as the cast sings, chants, and dances throughout the play. Brown’s Elegba is particularly entrancing as you are constantly forced to reevaluate his character as a both a genuine friend and an ominous threat to the young Oshoosi. Welch and Miller also share a special chemistry that authentically models the highs and lows of brotherhood.And while each performance is virtually perfect, the true star of the show is the writing of 30-year-old Tarell Alvin McCraney, who wrote the script for Size while attending the Yale School of Drama. Replete with fast-paced dialogue and vivid and eloquent speeches, the language perfectly injects poetry into contemporary vernacular and is even ritualistic at times, playing into the elements of African storytelling that are prevalent throughout the show (the names of the characters stem from Yoruban mythology). Furthermore, the repeated use of more familiar (and profane) slang and the use of the “N” word continuously ground us in the delicate reality that serves as the foundation for this modern myth.Still, Size shares with the audience many heartfelt moments straight from brothers’ home including a soulful rendition of Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness” that leaves you smiling and mildly uncomfortable at the same time. And the play concludes with an emotionally searing and beautiful ending heavy enough to keep you in your seat despite your attempts to get up for a standing ovation. But I assure you. Get up you will. Go see this play.The Brothers SizeSeattle Repertory TheatreThrough February 27Ages 14+ for profanity, sexually suggestive language

Review of Vanities: A New Musical at ACT Theatre by Safaa D.Photo by Chris BennionHave you ever passed by an advertisement for a show and knew you just had to attend? It happens to me more often than not. This was how Vanities came to me and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review it.Vanities: A new Musical follows three best girlfriends from the changing 60's to the narcissistic 80's displaying their transformations from teenage queens to experienced older women. In spite of their best laid plans, they follow different paths in life, not knowing when they’ll meet again. Set to the musical numbers of David Kirshenbaum, the actresses relay the lives of Joanne, Mary and Kathy through heartbreak, happiness and all the rest. Never leaving the stage--even for costume changes--the actresses sing their hearts out to tell the stories of these three women.Billie Wildrick as Mary, Jennifer Sue Johnson as Joanne, and Cayman Ilika as KathyPhoto by Chris Bennion Jennifer Sue Johnson, Billie Wildrick and Cayman Ilika take the stage and fill it with their powerful voices. Ilika (Kathy) outdoes herself with a rich and melodic voice that she seems to project effortlessly. You don't have to be a great singer to play in a musical, but Ilika's voice would be enough on its own. The fairylike Johnson (Joanne) and spicy Wildrick (Mary) portray their characters well, bringing out different personalities from two girls of the same town, each with their own view of the world.The music goes from upbeat to slow in tempo with a live piano/keyboard accompanist. Ilika's solo "Cute boys with short haircuts" lends a sweet note to the play. While the cheer routine by the three make it fun and tell the hopes and dreams of 1960's girls. Kirshenbaum's score is fun and entertaining, while telling the stories and aspirations of three American women.Photo by Chris BennionThis coming of age play craves audience for its 101 performances and, even though it’s a story about women, it promises to please all genders. I find this play has a wonderful authenticity. It asks questions like: What does being beautiful mean? How do you choose the right road? Is there one?Vanities will sweep you away in a whirlwind of music, thought, plans and cleavage. ENJOY!Vanities: A New MusicalProduced by 5th Avenue Theatre and ACT TheatreACT TheatreThrough May 1, 2011

Review of Cinderella at Pacific Northwest Ballet by Alyssa T. Calling all people! Whomever you are—old, young, romantic or not—seeing Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Cinderella can evoke ideas of fantasy and wonder in your mind. Imagine being a kid again. Watching the ballet is much like watching your favorite fairytale come to life. How much awe would you feel if characters magically popped out the storybook you were clutching, and suddenly began to twirl and spin out before your eyes?! With the PNB’s lovely production of Cinderella, you’re almost literally cast into a temporary wonderland.

This actually made me laugh really hard. ~A.T.

Sci-Fi on Blu-Ray Series @ SIFF CinemaYay! It's back! The series that won the 2009-2010 Teeny Award for Best Film is bigger and badder and backer than ever. Check out this year's line up:Dark CityEscape from New YorkForbidden PlanetGalaxy QuestSerenityStarship TroopersTime Bandits aaaand...Spaceballs Quote-Along!Who cares if it's sunny outside? Let's go watch some sci-fi on the blu-rays!!!!1!!Sci-Fi on Blu-Ray SeriesFebruary 4 - 6SIFF Cinema

Experiments at Henry Art GalleryWish there were a way to look at art other than just, y'know...looking? This is for you. This weekend only, Henry Art Gallery, in partnership with some cool Museology grad students (YES IT'S A WORD) are bringing you "Experiments in Participatory Design." What is it? It's a chance for you to interact with the exhibit Vortexhibition Polyphonica in some radical, interactive ways, such as:Air Your Dirty LaundryDo you have a secret that you’ve never shared? Something that you are just dying to reveal? Air Your Dirty Laundry at the Henry, and help us sort and hang the secrets of other participants. You can also get into an artist’s head, and tell us what secrets their artwork reveals.Alphabet Soup with XavierA little silver man is living in the Henry Art Gallery. What is he thinking, what is he feeling? Rearrange, combine, create and build on streams of thought in his bubble. Let us know what his story is, or even better, tell us your story!Stringing ConnectionsYou will have the opportunity to create and build upon previous connections on a large-scale collaborative map, located near the entry to the gallery. What pieces in the gallery fit together, how do they connect? Leave your mark on the exhibition, and see the ways that others have interpreted the artwork.Sounds kind of interesting, right? Yeah, we thought so, too.Experiments in Participatory DesignHenry Art GalleryActivities will take place5-7 PM and 8-9 PM Friday, February 411:00-4:00 Saturday, February 5, and Sunday February 6REMEMBER: The Henry is ALWAYS FREE for Teen Tix members, and you can always bring a guest for $5!

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, presented by Balagan Theatre @ ACT TheatreDry your tears, Joss Whedon fans! Thought you missed Balagan's wildly popular production of the sensational internet musical last summer? Well, kids, it's bigger, it's badder, and IT'S BACK! This time at the elegant ACT Theatre in downtown Seattle. You've been given a second chance - we trust you won't waste it.We'd like to draw your attention to Kyrin's review of Balagan's first iteration of the production currently playing at ACT:Review of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog at Balagan Theatre by Kyrin C.I would like to first point out that I am a crazy Dr. Horrible fan. I adore everything about the original Internet videos and I even have them on my computer via iTunes. I have watched the commentary and I would give anything to hang out with the actual cast. Joss Whedon is my hero. When I saw the opportunity to see the show live, I generally freaked with excitement. My mom is the one who introduced me to the world of Dr. Horrible, so, naturally, I had to take her with me. We went, and I have to say, we were not disappointed. I laughed so hard at times that I was almost in tears. The theatre itself was very small, but very fitting for the show. The actors assumed all their roles to perfection and brought the joy of the Doctor's blog to the stage. They also included several song numbers that were not in the original show, but added a lot to the stage. If given the opportunity, I would definitely go again, and again, and again, and again.Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along BlogThrough February 12ACT Theatre

definitely a cool cat...

Review of Emilie: The Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight at ArtsWest by Safaa D.Emilie! Shout it for the world to hear! This lady may not come to the forefront of your thoughts when the phrase "world's greatest minds" is uttered but it's time to add her to your vocabulary. Perhaps more often known as Voltaire's hot-rod mistress, the spotlight is finally shined upon Emilie Du Chatelet in this Seattle debut performance.Photo by Michael BrunkBorn an aristocrat in the early eighteenth century Emilie (Kate Witt) is given the rare advantage of being highly educated as a girl. Married at a young age to an officer in the army and having three children, she continues on with her thirst for knowledge that her father inspired in her as a child. Learning six languages, experimenting with the mass of fire, and correcting Newton's theories about life and the universe is what she does best. (All while tending to society and fueling a passionate affair with Voltaire [Nick DeSantis].) Unable to freely speak her mind due to the sexism of the day, Emilie is portrayed as of one of the greatest minds and feminists in history.Playwright Lauren Gunderson brings the story alive through love and philosophy, along with a good dose of comedy. The mature Emilie is portrayed by Kate Witt who demands your attention throughout the evening, never allowing your mind to wander, she has you roped and tied. Scenes from Emilie’s life when she was young are showcased throughout the play by Sara Coates showing all the different aspects of her life from childhood to her last breath. Gunderson is as accurate as possible with Emilie’s life and her love affairs; sexuality runs as an undercurrent throughout the play, a study of physics and physiques. This is a way you can get a two-hour history lesson without even knowing it. Enjoyable and educational, you will not want to miss this piece of work.I must say that ArtsWest is one of my favorite theaters and I encourage you to check it out. Definitely the smallest play house I have been to, it's amazing what it can do for the performance. The actors are more in tune with their surroundings, making you feel part of a community. There are probably only a hundred seats to fill. Emilie is the perfect time for you to visit ArtsWest.Head over to ArtsWest, sit back in your seat and take a dive into the mind of Emilie. Let the Madame Du Chatelet tell you her story. Wherever your interests may lie, you will find this play enjoyable.Emilie: The Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life TonightArtsWestThrough February 20thRecommended for ages 14+ due to adult themes

Name: Sarah O.Age: 17School: Bellevue College/Redmond High SchoolFavorite Teen Tix experience (so far): The Ballet, all of it One Teen Tix venue that you wish more people knew about: Balagan Theatre, it sound funkyBio: I'm a Running Start student who's graduating this year with my high school diploma and Business Transfer AA. I've been in numerous musical theatre shows at places such as SecondStory Rep, Studio East, and Village Theatre KIDSTAGE. I recently choreographed Redmond High School's production of The Wedding Singer.The Teen Tix Steering Committee is a group of young, committed arts leaders who help guide and shape the Teen Tix program. We'll be introducing you to one member of your Steering Committee every few days here on the blog. Interested in joining the Steering Committee? More info can be found here.

Name: Bea M.Age: 16School: Roosevelt High SchoolFavorite Teen Tix experience (so far): Speech & Debate [at Seattle Rep]One Teen Tix venue that you wish more people knew about: YATC [the Young Americans' Theatre Company]Which foreign language do you most want to learn? I want to learn one language by heartWhat is your perfect Saturday? Sleep in late, get up, go to dance class downtown, go to my favorite cafe with my best friend, then go to a show that eveningDo you have any New Year's resolutions? No, I don't have that much faith in myselfWhat is one thing you must do before you die? Walk 40 blocks in New York CityIn/OutCoffee or Tea - can't live without my morning cup o' joeEnglish or BioPoetry or ProseFacebook or Not Facebook - As much as I'd like to answer the other one...Car or BusEarly Bird or Night Owl - chronic night owlJeggings or Pajama JeansThe Teen Tix Steering Committee is a group of young, committed arts leaders who help guide and shape the Teen Tix program. We'll be introducing you to one member of your Steering Committee every few days here on the blog. Interested in joining the Steering Committee? More info can be found here.

Oh, don't worry. She specifically told me that she is representing everybody EXCEPT you.

this girl bugs me. i don't want her representing me on the committee.

Sunday night at On the Boards, every seat in the house was packed in anticipation of the grand finale of The A.W.A.R.D. Show, a competition for Pacific Northwest choreographers. Twelve choreographers had entered, and for the previous three nights audiences had crowned a winner from among each group of four. Now, with the dirty work of selecting the finalists done, it was our job to sit back and enjoy an evening of spectacular dance before crowning the winner. And it was indeed spectacular.

Review of A.W.A.R.D. Show, Friday, January 28th at On the Boards by Samantha V.tEEth The curtains part and all I see is a large white sheet stretched across the floor of the stage with big lump in the center. My first thought was “What the heck is going on!?”. It turned out that the lump was actually two nude dancers with a camera when a screen that was on the back wall of the stage showed what was going on underneath the sheet via a live video feed (don‘t worry, it’s art). I was impressed by this, but I couldn’t get a grasp on what this performance was about. As it went on the sheet disappeared and the dancers, Keely McIntyre and Noel Plemmons, became more aggressive in their movements. Then something in my head went click. They were a couple, likely married. And I knew that they were suppose to be fighting, but I was not getting a feeling of anger from them which I expecting at this point in the piece. I don’t think that the vocalists singing in the background were helping. It’s not that they weren’t good, they just didn’t add to the emotions that were trying being evoked in this performance at that time. tEEth was the winner on the 28th. I have no objections.　Josephine’s EchopraxiaThree words can sum up this work: deep throbbing pain. That was more than clear in the jerky, thrashing way the dancers moved. Their costumes were dark, though not in color. The lead dancer wore what looked like blood-soaked bandages with a bullet hole just where her heart should be. The music accompanying this hurtfest was live. A steel and electric guitar, and a small drum kit sit just behind the action. This dance came across strongly to me, and I will remember it for a long time.Quark Contemporary Dance TheatreI felt that this dance was very well done. It was German inspired contemporary, but kept to its roots with the men wearing possibly unwashed lederhosen. It was funny in its own way like when Little Bo Peep’s wannabe walks on stage to thirty seconds of laughing, or when two of the dancers begin to swivel their hips vigorously while showing a blank face to the audience. I had to keep telling myself to keep my composure. It was great!　Waxie MoonNow, this one I was not ready for. I did prepare myself for some possibly strange stuff, but I was not expecting three stripteases in a row. By the third time it had lost the effect especially when done to “Halo” by Beyoncé. Other than that, the performance was okay. This was a multi-media production which was just a bit more impressive than a slide projector and a bed sheet. In the video part of it, which was about sorrow, this awkward dog kept popping on and off screen, and no one knew why that dog was even there. I found it quite funny. I also thought that the costume choices were of impeccable style. In the end, all I wanted was there to be more dancing AND more clothing.tEEth won the second night of A.W.A.R.D. Show, and will move on to Sunday night's final. Stay tuned to the blog for daily A.W.A.R.D. Show recaps by our reviewers.The A.W.A.R.D. Show is now closed.Up next at On the Boards: Paul Budaitis' (IN)STABILITY, a theatre piece using "fervid, multilayer storytelling, quasi-standup comedy, and a highly physical aesthetic to create an intimate connection with the audience"February 3 - 7On the Boards

Name: Dana FAge: 16School: Bothell High SchoolFavorite Teen Tix experience: The Rimini Protokoll Best Before weird video-game show at On the BoardsOne Teen Tix venue that you wish more people knew about: Northwest Film Forum. They have some really interesting stuff!Which foreign language do you most want to learn? More French! And Spanish.What is your perfect Saturday? Spend the morning reading, and the evening Teen Tix-ing.What is one thing you must do before you die? Write a novel.College Right Away or Gap YearEnglish or BioPoetry AND ProseFacebook or Not FacebookEarly Bird or Night OwlThe Teen Tix Steering Committee is a group of young, committed arts leaders who help guide and shape the Teen Tix program. We'll be introducing you to one member of your Steering Committee every few days here on the blog. Interested in joining the Steering Committee? More info can be found here.

Review of The A.W.A.R.D. Show, Thursday, January 27 at On the Boards by Monet C. (and her friend Elizabeth)Composed of four “acts” of 15 minutes each, the A.W.A.R.D. Show was rowdy, good fun.zoe | juniperMany, many, many things can be said of zoe|juniper. The “dance” starts out with Zoe having a red string clenched in her teeth and moving rather erratically on the end of it, almost like a fish out of water. After she has finished there, she draws her shadow on the wall while her partner, Raja Kelly, repeats her red string performance. I had to keep telling myself “It is interpretive dance. It is interpretive dance” as he writhed across the stage. A few minutes later, he and Zoe are sitting across from each other and remove their “tunics” (aka mesh shirts)…… Thankfully, the curtain closed after a minute. zoe | juniper won the vote on the 27th.My friend and guest, Elisabeth (19), had a few thoughts on this:“Visually arresting, atmospherically compelling, and emotionally disturbing, this abstract work put multimedia to the task with the incorporation of chalk drawing and projection. The technicality was impeccable, yet the artistic freedom unhindered. The climax, a bestial display of growling and barking, crystallized the smoggy, distorted emotion of the first half into a sense of heartbreak; the unexpected but perfect apex.
 The only drawback, though I understood the choice, was near the end, when the two dancers complacently stripped to the nude. I feel that there are other ways to accomplish the effect while preserving the dignity of the performers.
 A near perfectly beautiful and unsettling creation, but flawed.”Cherdonna and LouOh, Charlie Chaplin would have been proud to meet these two fine actors/comedians! Between walking on glass and framing me (with a picture frame, of course!), they had me roaring with laughter! Cherdonna’s over the top fussy/frantic/drunkenness and Lou’s silence/studious/musicalness give this a delightfully Linus and Lucy all grown up feel. Oh, and the glass doesn’t hurt. Don’t worry.Elizabeth’s View:“Two Crumb-esque characters, diametrically opposed, flooded the stage with outrageous humor, awkward moments to which each of us can relate, and melodramatically introspective breaks. The one a bubbly hostess, the other an inverted artist, they play off each other to the effect of a drunken stupor. I did not want to like this piece, but its charms were irresistible, and I walked away a fan of the act.”Crispin SpaethIn a dance about nothing else than, and Crispin admits it too, sex, she captures it well. Also, Crispin captures high school and life in general.Elizabeth noted that “the process of five people gleefully shifting from one to another reminded me of the often loveless atmosphere of high school, in which boyfriends and girlfriends are traded back and forth till everyone has been with everyone, but no one's really loved another, did not convey a bohemian happiness but rather a sort of weak depression. Essentially, the face didn't matter so long as there was a body, of either gender."Shannon MockliA rather depressing let down, as the dancers never moved as one, or even tried to.“The dry humor of the narration at the start had me interested, but as that died out in exchange for a music accompaniment I found myself grasping to keep interest. The dancers were good, but the choreography did not engage me until after the second clip of narration, in the last quarter of the piece. I like the music and story, but the performance was so devoid of emotion that I could not connect. The dancers didn't seem to invest spirit in it until the small bit at the end and worked like soloists in a duet, leaving the potential of collaboration virtually untapped. 
I wanted this to be good, as it was refreshingly free from the heavy degree of sexual weight carried by the first three pieces, but found it too much bound by its technicalities to be able to reach the artistic expression in strained at."zoe | juniper won the first night of A.W.A.R.D. Show, and will move on to Sunday night's final. Stay tuned to the blog for daily A.W.A.R.D. Show recaps by our reviewers.The A.W.A.R.D. ShowOn the BoardsThrough Sunday, January 30thTICKET NOTES: The A.W.A.R.D. Show is expected to sell out each night, however, there will be a wait list! Call the box office (206-217-9888) after 3:00 PM on the day of show to inquire about ticket availability. Sunday night's finale IS Teen Tix eligible, however, no companion (2 for $10) tickets will be available.

Name: Nathan M.Age: 16School: The Northwest SchoolFavorite Teen Tix experience (so far): Anything at Seattle RepOne Teen Tix venue that you wish more people knew about: Balagan TheatreWhich foreign language would you most like to learn? GermanWhat is your perfect Saturday? Sunny day on the the beachDo you have any New Year's resolutions? See more artWhat is one thing you must do before you die? SkydiveIn/OutCollege Right Away or Gap YearCoffee or TeaEnglish or BioPoetry or ProseFacebook or Not FacebookCar or BusEarly Bird or Night OwlJeggings or Pajama Jeans - NeitherThe Teen Tix Steering Committee is a group of young, committed arts leaders who help guide and shape the Teen Tix program. We'll be introducing you to one member of your Steering Committee every few days here on the blog. Interested in joining the Steering Committee? More info can be found here.

Name: Alex Hayes-LundryAge: 18School: Seattle Central CCFavorite Teen Tix experience (so far): The ballet in general. I love it. Really any play of any sort.One Teen Tix venue that you wish more people knew about: I just wish more people checked what was out there in generalBio: Life is too short to be cautious, but too long to be stupidWhich foreign language do you most want to learn? I am curently learning American Sign Language but it is not foreign so maybe FrenchWhat is your perfect Saturday? Hanging with friends in Seattle all dayDo you have any New Year’s resolutions? Naw those never workWhat is one thing you must do before you die? Live another dayIn/OutCollege Right Away or Gap Year - I went to college right away Coffee or Tea - depends on mood tea every morning (though, English background: we love our tea)Poetry or Prose meh whatever worksFacebook or Not Facebook - Facebook and MyspaceCar or Bus - Bus - I love you 255Early Bird or Night Owl - bothNO Jeggings or Pajama Jeans? I'm not sure what these are but if they are anything like jeggings again with the NO. i'm a Jeans Jeans type of person - go levis

Seattle Modern Orchestra @ PONCHO Performance Hall, Cornish College of the ArtsCornish College of the Arts, in addition to training future artists, brings some of the best professional, working artists in the world to Seattle. Their music series, in particular, gives us the opportunity to hear work that we otherwise wouldn't hear in these parts. Seattle Modern Orchestra is a great example:"Led by Co-Artistic Directors Julia Tai and Jeremy Jolley, the Seattle Modern Orchestra is dedicated to presenting musical masterpieces of the 20th and 21st centuries in both traditional and innovative, unconventional venues. The Orchestra’s mission is to provide Seattle audiences with live performances of the best in contemporary chamber and orchestral music, music seldom if ever performed in Seattle until now."If you think that the idea of modern classical music is oxymoronic, this concert, "Strictly Strings" is going to totally blow your mind in a great way. Why not go?Seattle Modern OrchestraPONCHO Hall, Cornish College of the ArtsFriday, January 28 @ 8:00 PMMore info at cornish.edu