TeenTix Blog

Review of A Tuna Christmas at ArtsWest by Safaa D.Light bulb earrings, wannabe Methodists, and a whole lot of Honky-Tonk are the ingredients for a real country Christmas.Welcome to Tuna. This fictional town happens to be the third smallest in Texas, meaning you can't spit snoose at a window without it being reported on the local radio station.Photo by Michael BrunkIt’s that time of year again when the tinsel blows freely and the eggnog has a questionable amount of nutmeg in it. The annual yard decorating contest is under way and residents fear the notorious Christmas phantom, one who can deflate a Santa Clause quick as a wink.We learn about Bertha Bumiller trying to bring her family together for the holidays, hear the annual announcement on the local OKKK radio station advising not to give exotic dangerous pets as gifts. The #249 Klan announces it's about to put on "The Whitest Christmas Ever." Priorities in this play have themselves tangled up as bad as last years lights.A politically incorrect and somewhat disjointed portrayal of small town politics, antics and neighbors coming together as one big family...that is if they're not late, three sheets to the wind, or have been decapitated by an unwanted pet Iguana.This wonderful parade of over 20 characters is portrayed by two quick-witted men. That's right, two. Split second costume, personality and gender changes are wrangled by the capable Jay Jenkins and Buddy Mahoney. They portray diverse characters, from two radio hosts preparing for their annual potluck dinner, to two cutesy diner girls thawing hamburger with hairdryers, to town resident Didi complaining about her husband’s lack ability to remain sober (there are no Martians in Texas, right?) Without a doubt, these two actors keep the show rolling.Photo by Michael BrunkOne of my favorite things about the play is the set. I brought my grandmother to the play and we both immediately notice the signs: "Route 66", "Tasty Kreme" and above all "Burma Shave." This evoked in my grandmother’s memory one of the old Burma jingles: "Every shaver now can snore six more minutes than before...by using Burma Shave."The forty costumes that must be dropped and shimmied into also evoke a sense of place. Chunky re-gifted sweaters, huge hair and Christmas light bulbs for earrings make for some real country fashion statements.The background sounds of country music artists such as Patsy Cline remind you that you are in small-town Texas.ArtsWest is the smallest theater I've been to. You’re almost onstage with the actors. The small space gives a sense of community and you listen in a different way. Not all audience members celebrate Christmas (myself included) but every one laughs equally well. The plot is exceptionally thin and corny, but two hours with Jenkins and Mahoney flipping through bushels of clothes and personalities, engages your interest and soon you’re laughing at the sheer cheesiness of it all.Please visit Tuna, where an all-white cast can pull off "Young, Gifted and Black," and riding shotgun is for real.A Tuna ChristmasArtsWestThrough December 24

Review of Four Boxes by Allison C.With spelling mistakes like “presnets” and “flimed bye” in the opening of Four Boxes, an inattentive watcher would assume that the movie was made unprofessionally by people who didn’t care. But, if you are willing to look for deeper connections, you will notice how these mistakes represent the purpose of the film. Embarrassedly I admit that as someone whose life centers around technology, I was oblivious to these mistakes, which are so commonly seen on my Facebook page. These misspellings are not a mistake. They are meant to show how stupid we have become with smart technology. Like the misspellings, the movie requires a higher level of thought than most blockbusters. The three characters Trevor, Amber, and Rob talk in a slang that is comical for their age, using “yo” often and saying things like “It’s a BD, big deal.” In their early thirties, they act like naïve teenagers. Instead of finding their attitudes easier to relate to, I thought their behavior was annoying and insensitive.The trio becomes obsessed with a website, fourboxes.tv, which shows footage from surveillance cameras set up in a man, Havoc’s, house. Havoc is bizarre and creepy. He appears to be creating bombs for some sort of Middle Eastern terrorist. Throughout the movie, the characters struggle to decide whether they should do something to stop him. It is a reflection of how technology has affected modern day morals.Watching Four Boxes is an experience. You find yourself asking “did they mean something by that, is that on purpose, what?” At some points in the movie I had trouble catching some of the important details; my brain had to work hard to keep up. Other times, the scenes, though purposefully, were drawn out and awkward. Neither of these aspects is bad, but I don’t suggest watching this movie lightly. As far as a scary movie goes, however, I would not name Four Boxes as one. My fear built up gradually as the movie progressed, but when it reached the point where I was genuinely freaked out, the plot flipped majorly, and I was left with a scrambled brain instead of fear. It changed everything that I had previously believed and started my quest to find the “deeper” meanings.When I finished Four Boxes I was confused, and yes, I watched it a second time. This time I think I understood most of what was meant and implied, as well as the obvious. When it was over, I really appreciated the way this movie had made me think. It was not the boring, factual, school-type of thinking. It was more allover thinking that applies to real life. I tried to dissect everything I had seen and my thoughts kept going in circles. Despite the obviously low-budget and the very cliché Middle Eastern terrorist with strange headpieces, I recommend this movie to anyone who wants have a mind-boggling experience. Or anyone who likes crazy ideas.Four BoxesNorthwest Film ForumThursday, December 9 @ 7:00 PMDirector Wyatt McDill in attendance!

Photo by Ben Kasulke

Tucker: When the curtain opens on Gloria’s Cause, you are really not sure what to expect. There is no description in the program of what you are about to see, and any descriptions you can find online are sketchy at best and vary wildly. This mystery grows more when the actors come out on stage long before the play begins. They stare at you. You are freaked out, a little. And when the play begins, two forms appear at the back of the stage. Here is what will happen in your head: “Wait. Are they naked? Uhhhh. They look naked. Yep, they are definitely naked. Okay.” And things just get better from there. Dana: The naked ladies leave pretty early on, and a sitting man begins a monologue while another actor stands center-stage eating pie. Other actors enter, exit, taking on different characters and personalities, breaking into rock songs or violent dance sequences. It’s not clear what’s going on, but you get the sense that it’s something big. Sometimes the actors are telling stories you recognize, but things don’t really fit. The word “freedom” is thrown around, and you begin to see that this show is about America. Maybe.

I saw a brief preview and cannot wait for opening - however I noticed the link to Washington Ensemble Theatre is incorrect. http://www.washingtonensemble.org/

In true Scrooge-at-the-end-of-A-Christmas-Carol form, ACT Theatre has asked us to let you know that they are making four performances of A Christmas Carol Teen Tix-eligible this year! It's a Christmas miracle!Mark Chamberlin as Scrooge and Sarah Roberts as Tiny Tim. Photo by Chris Bennion.In case you're thinking that A Christmas Carol is just for kids, let us set you straight: ACT's Christmas Carol, true to the tone of Dickens' classic novel, is beautiful, dark, and haunting. Of last year's production, or reviewer, Jenny S., said "A Christmas Carol is visually appealing, intelligent, and occasionally humorous...And I’ll be the first to admit that Tiny Tim’s travails actually had my eyes welling up. So stock up on peppermint humbugs, Kleenex, and good cheer, and bear witness to a show that was captivating theater-goers when your parents still believed in Santa."Here are the dates when you can use your Teen Tix pass (they're next week!)Tuesday, December 7th at 7:30Wednesday, December 8th at 7:30Thursday, December 9th at 6:00 and 8:30Please note: There are NO companion (2 for $10) tickets available for any of these performances. As always, Teen Tix tickets are not guaranteed - if the show is sold out, no Teen Tix tickets will be available. We recommend calling ahead to check on availability before you head to the theatre. The phone number for ACT's ticket office is 206.292.7676. For more info about the show, visit acttheatre.org.

Curious, Happy, Snoring Puppeteer Kyle Lovenby Kayla E.Photo by Tyler KorthEDITOR'S NOTE: We really really wanted to interview Kyle Loven (whose work—in case you're thinking you outgrew puppets at the age of three—the Stranger describes as "a little bit Edward Gorey, a little bit Samuel Beckett, and a little bit Czech surrealism") and we tried and tried, and we kept lousing it up (always our fault, Kyle was endlessly gracious about it.) Finally FINALLY we made a plan to meet him that seemed like it was going to work out. And then it snowed. And we all know that when it snows in Seattle NOTHING ELSE CAN HAPPEN. So, we present to you now Kayla and Kyle's snow day email exchange. Get cozy and enjoy. - HollyKayla: How do you come up with ideas for your shows?Kyle: My shows always begin with something that inspires images to form in my head. My last piece came out of a dream. Crandal's Bag began with a fake mustache. From that original inspiration, it's a long and twisting road to the story that ends up being told.An image from Kyle's show BPhoto by Peter Thompson

Kayla: When did you start performing?Kyle: If I can count playing the kid who makes the pasta pot overflow in Strega Nona, Mrs. Knutson's class in 3rd grade. If not, junior high.Kayla: Do you have any secret talents?Kyle: I wish.Kayla: Who or what inspires you?Kyle: I'm inspired by animated and stop-motion films, world history, mythology, music, rituals, and small things in daily life. I love Hitchcock films, Eastern European animators, and anything written by Haruki Murakami or Daniel Handler.Kayla: Describe your work to someone who has never heard of you before.Kyle: My work is image-driven theater that combines puppets, projections, objects and other art forms with live actors. It emphasizes visual storytelling and is generally geared to an adult audience.An image from Kyle's upcoming show, Crandal's BagPhoto by Tyler KorthKayla: Who are some of your favorite performers?Kyle: I don't see enough theater. Improbable is an amazing London-based theatre group, Christopher Guest films have some great performances, and I love singers who really sing from the soul.Kayla: What do you feel most proud of?Kyle: I guess I'm most proud of the work I make. It's a great deal of time and energy and such a part of who I am. I'm thrilled that people are enjoying the work and grateful for the opportunities that keep coming my way. Also, seeing that my work crosses language barriers is very special to me. I performed in Taipei this past October, and the gallery in which I was performing had a giant sign with my name and the performance information translated in Chinese characters. That was a special moment.An image from Kyle's upcoming show, Crandal's BagPhoto by Tyler KorthKayla: Do you have any pets?Kyle: No. I love dogs though.Kayla: Describe yourself in three words.Kyle: Curious. Happy. Snorer.Kayla: Where do you hope to be in 10 years?Kyle: I hope I'm making my living with my art and no longer needing a day job to survive.Kayla: Did you enjoy high school?Kyle: I did. I grew up in a small town in Minnesota. But life gets better after high school.Kayla: What is your favorite tv show/movie?Kyle: I don't own a tv and I watch the crappiest television when I get in front of one. Movies - Best in Show. Dial M for Murder and the original The Omen are close runners-up.Kyle, performing his show my dear lewisPhoto by Lucas SaugenKayla: What is your favorite holiday?Kyle: ChristmasKayla: Are you left or right handed?Kyle: Right handedKayla: What are three things your cannot live without?Kyle: The big wooden table where I build all of my shows. My Brita water pitcher. My music collection.Kayla: Are you more of an indoor or outdoor person?Kyle: The nature of my work makes me an indoor person but I love the outdoors.Kayla: What is your favorite place to go on vacation?Kyle: Somewhere in the world I have not been.Kayla: What famous person, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with and why?Kyle: Jeff Buckley. But only if he sings all through dinner. If he doesn't, I'll switch him out for Harry Houdini.Kayla: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?Kyle: Somewhere in Europe with old architecture and a lot of crazy art being made.Kayla: How does it feel to be Teen Tix crush of the month?Kyle: I'm really excited about high school students hopefully coming to see my show. Theater is much more exciting for me when the audience varies in age, background, etc.Poster by Cory LovenCrandal's BagWashington Ensemble TheatreDecember 9 - 20Learn more about Kyle at kyleloven.com

Review of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol at Taproot Theatre by Emma M.Terry Edward Moore as Holmes. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.If you celebrate the Christmas holiday, then at one time you have probably seen, read, or heard A Christmas Carol, the classic holiday story by Charles Dickens. If you don’t know it, the five minute version would go something like this: Scrooge the miser is visited by three ghosts and learns the true meaning of Christmas, “God bless us everyone!”, the end. Over the years, many literary icons have taken on this story. The Muppets, Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Mister Magoo, and countless others have told the classic tale. And now it is Sherlock Holmes’ turn.Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol, written by local playwright John Longenbaugh, is a mash-up of two of the greatest literary curmudgeons in history, Sherlock Holmes and Ebenezer Scrooge. The story starts after Holmes has fallen to his death at Reichenbach Falls and returned, only to become more anti-social than ever, much to the chagrin of his friends. Then he is visited by three ghosts and learns to give of himself more. Don’t be bamboozled, this show is first and foremost A Christmas Carol. The great detective does hardly any sleuthing during the course of the show.Jesse Notehelfer, Terry Edward Moore, and Aaron Lamb. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.The play, a world premiere, is very cleverly written. For example in the scene where Holmes meets the ghost of Moriarty (his version of Jacob Marley), he goes through the logical steps to determine that he really is a ghost, which culminates in Holmes taking out a revolver and shooting him. In moments like this, Longenbaugh really captures the true Holmes character as he is portrayed in the books by Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, making the script truly enjoyable.There is always room for improvement. Some of Longenbaugh’s Christmas Carol references are a bit too much, such as Watson’s uncle-in-law, whose name is Tim and who walks with a cane. Tim tells Watson that his father had a wicked miserly employer once, who ultimately became like a second father to Tim after a Christmas Eve of reflection. Also there is a scene in Holmes’ past where he is in love with a young woman, but doesn’t pursue the relationship, and the older Holmes viewing his past regrets it. This scene was another parallel to A Christmas Carol’s story, but it felt really out of place in the play. As well, director Scott Nolte’s staging was at times difficult. Since we visit so many places in Holmes’ past, present, and future, we the audience need some sort of clue to help us know where we are. The stage is set minimally, with the exception of 221b Baker Street, and at times there aren’t enough visual or audio clues to help us understand where and when we are in the story.Holmes, as played by Terry Edward Moore, is great. Moore essentially plays two of the most iconic literary characters of all time, Holmes and Scrooge, and portrays them both with grace. His grumbling gruffness and his sharp exasperation mesh together to form an engaging version of the great detective. Other notable performances are those of Aaron Lamb as Young Holmes, and Eric Riedmann as Garrison. They bring a really wonderful youthful energy to the stage, making it a pleasure to watch their scenes.Holmes says to Watson at the end of one of his cases, “Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away these bleak autumnal evenings.” If you’re looking for a clever little spin on a Christmas classic, Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol is a great way to while away one of your “bleak autumnal evenings.”Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas CarolTaproot TheatreThrough December 30

review of Nora Ephron at Seattle Arts & Lectures by Laura V.Amidst the convivial atmosphere at Town Hall, Nora Ephron bitterly recalls that her name rhymes with Norephedrine, the brain neurotransmitter. Otherwise, her interview with Seattle Arts and Lectures is full of laughter, reminiscing, "lobster, relationships, and Charles Portis," and other happy vibes. With her new book I Remember Nothing out, many fans join to watch the prolific writer, director, and journalist talk about her writing process (what she remembers, what she doesn't remember) and answer questions from curious fans. Oh yeah, and Tom Skerritt is in the front row.Viper in the house!Nora Ephron is most known for her movies Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, Heartburn, Silkwood, and Julie and Julia. She does not take herself too seriously as she talks about her March on Washington (during which she ended up spending too much time in her hotel room), and her youthful hopes of becoming a journalist (or possibly dating one.) She "weirdly" remembers the fish market across her house when she was a child and the drapes in the room when she met Eleanor Roosevelt.Maybe you've heard of it?The interview focused on her writing process, food (specifically her fascination with Iron Chef), her career as a journalist for 15 years, the "silent singing" from the internet that distracts her, and whatever else she remembered.What struck me the most was the importance she places on how old she feels. When asked to describe herself in five words, she replied, "Old, married, writer, mother, and director." I personally have a fascination with old people. I love them, the history they've accumulated over decades, and that they get to retire, yes RETIRE.Honestly, I had no idea of what to expect, but that was the fun of it: the "aha" moments and outrageously funny commentary that everyone could relate to, the audience full of middle aged women with a smattering of men (which wasn't surprising but interesting if anything.) But the "old age" wisdom made it all the better.Next up at Seattle Arts & Lectures: Poet Billy CollinsTONIGHT! Monday, November 22, 7:30 PM, Town HallMore info at lectures.org

Review of Wittenberg at Seattle Shakespeare Company by Lauren W.It’s like the start of a joke told by your professor. “So Martin Luther, Faust, and Hamlet all walk into a bar…” Except it’s not a joke—it’s the premise for Wittenberg, David Davalos’s brainy “what-if” comedy, brought to the Center House stage by Seattle Shakespeare Company. Billed as “hyper-literate,” the show is stuffed with gleeful geekiness, a playground for Davalos’s obvious love for humanities class. Any student will get a kick out of the intellectual engagement on display here; it’s like a manic lecture from your favorite snarky English teacher brought to life.

Chad Kelderman as Faustus and Connor Toms as Hamlet. Photo by John UlmanIn case you’re not up to speed, here are the players, in sum: Martin Luther, kick-starter of the Reformation of the church, hasn’t gotten around to any reforming yet. At the moment, he’s a monk with a day job teaching theology at Wittenberg College. Doctor Faustus, of German folk-tale soul-selling fame, is a doctor of philosophy and medicine, who loves asking the questions but doesn’t seem to have many answers. Then, of course, there is Hamlet, that angsty Prince of Denmark, who has been having some troubling nightmares. Unsure of his direction, Hamlet seeks counsel from his two most respected professors, Luther and Faustus. What follows is a hilarious and surprisingly passionate battle between two ways of seeing the world: faith and reason.Though the play is presumably about Hamlet, the real thrust of the action is the friendship and rivalry of Luther and Faust; Hamlet is, for the most part, merely caught between them. Where Hamlet’s lines are joke-packed but prim iambic pentameter, Luther and Faust speak in spiky, crude, and smart modern speech. Davalos has written the scenes with the rivalry in mind; we see the sparks of ideas flying in dueling lectures, competing advice, and acid-tongued bar conversations. But behind all this lies a true friendship and concern for the other, which lends soulfulness to a production that could easily turn cold.

Chad Kelderman as Faustus and Michael Patten as Martin Luther. Photo by John Ulman.The play might trip over its own cleverness if it weren’t for the fully committed performances of its actors. They are never merely reciting banter—they are clearly motivated by strong needs and desires. Michael Patten shows real conviction as Luther, pious but not afraid to come down to earth when he needs to do battle on Faust’s level. Chad Kelderman’s winking Faust is a treat; Kelderman shows us a man who must mask his growing melancholy and doubt in a shroud of wit and playfulness. Connor Toms’s Hamlet is delightful, bounding with energy and wide-eyed enthusiasm, but effectively communicating the anguish of doubt and will plague Hamlet through the course of his next story. Michelle Chiachiere handles her four parts with grace and charm, moving these plagued men into action.Get yourself to Wittenberg. Though the plot elements never fully converge into a cohesive tale, the level of discourse happening on stage is sure to get your brain firing. The cast is on-point, the direction is stellar, and the script is one you’ll end up wishing you wrote instead of passing notes during Western Civ. WittenbergSeattle Shakespeare CompanyNovember 15 - December 5NOTE: Wittenberg is playing in repertory with Seattle Shakespeare Company's mainstage production of Hamlet, which means it's schedule is a bit irregular. The following are all dates and times to see Wittenberg:Sunday, November 21 @ 7:30Monday, November 22 @ 7:30Friday, November 26 @ 2:00Saturday, November 27 @ 7:30Sunday, November 28 @ 2:00Tuesday, November 30 @ 7:30Wednesday, December 1 @ 7:30Sunday, December 5 @ 2:00

Do you have a love for arts and culture? If you do, then we want to hear from you!

The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is looking to speak to teens as it plans new programming and outreach for teens. Past attendance at SIFF is not required. It’s just important for us to hear directly from teens about what would make its experience more appealing and exciting, so make your voice heard! We are holding 90 minute discussion groups and as a thank you, everyone who participates will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

For more information and to see if you qualify to participate, go to:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SIFF_focusgroup

Thank you for your willingness to share your thoughts!

Do you have a love for arts and culture? If you do, then we want to hear from you!The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is looking to speak to teens as it plans new programming and outreach for teens. Past attendance at SIFF is not required. It’s just important for us to hear directly from teens about what would make its experience more appealing and exciting, so make your voice heard! We are holding 90 minute discussion groups and as a thank you, everyone who participates will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.For more information and to see if you qualify to participate, go to:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SIFF_focusgroupThank you for your willingness to share your thoughts!

Quileute - Teen Perspective Behind the Scenes: The Real Story of the Quileute WolvesSeattle Art MuseumOur review, Alyssa T, says "If not for this review, I sadly can’t say I would have given the Quileute culture my time and consideration, which is distressing, since their culture fully deserves the description of 'beautiful.' Taking time to soak in the collection refreshingly left me more fascinated than I have been in a long while." Read Alyssa's whole review here.

omg so cute

Wittenberg @ Seattle Shakespeare CompanyPhoto by John UlmanIt is a well-known fact that everybody LOOOOOOVES Connor Toms. If Seattle theatre has such a thing as a teen heartthrob, he's it. And not to toot our own horn too loudly, but we figured this out, like, a million years ago. Okay, three years ago, when we did this interview with Connor when he was playing Hamlet at Seattle Children's Theatre. Since then, our reviewers have adored him in Two Gentlemen of Verona at Seattle Shakespeare Company, The Diary of Anne Frank at Intiman Theatre, and, most recently, as the hero Homer Wells in the epic two-part drama The Cider House Rules, for which he gave us this charming interview.Connor is tackling Hamlet again, but this time it's in Wittenberg, a modern comedy about Hamlet's craaazy college days. The balance of the cast is also excellent (the gorgeous and funny Michelle Chiachiere is pretty crush-worthy herself) and we have every reason to expect Wittenberg to make us swoon.WittenbergSeattle Shakespeare CompanyNovember 15 - December 5NOTE: Wittenberg is playing in repertory with Seattle Shakespeare Company's mainstage production of Hamlet, which means it's schedule is a bit irregular. The following are all dates and times to see Wittenberg:Monday, November 15 @ 7:30 (preview)Tuesday, November 16 @ 7:30Wednesday, November 17 @ 7:30Sunday, November 21 @ 7:30Monday, November 22 @ 7:30Friday, November 26 @ 2:00Saturday, November 27 @ 7:30Sunday, November 28 @ 2:00Tuesday, November 30 @ 7:30Wednesday, December 1 @ 7:30Sunday, December 5 @ 2:00

Congratulations to Rowan T, the winner of the second prize pack of the Teen Tix (he)ARTSCrush Adventure Quest! In the month of October, Rowan went to the Clay Throwdown at Bellevue Arts Museum ("How awesome it was to discover an incredible museum right under my nose!"), God of Carnage at Seattle Rep ("I thought it would be a perfect show for [my boyfriend and me] because it seemed an elegant balance of thought-provoking dialogue and childish aggression; some of our favorite things") and the Picasso exhibit at Seattle Art Museum (twice!) As a reward for all that brave adventuring, Rowan gets a whole bunch of art:

Review of Daniel Handler at Seattle Arts & Lectures by Stephanie H.Photo by Gerald HolubowiczDude. Daniel Handler is cray- cray. Waaaaay cray- cray. I mean what else would cause someone to go around pretending to be the representative of some made-up author named Lemony Snicket and not take credit for his own work? And he plays the accordion.Well, I guess I shouldn’t judge, seeing as the question seems not to bother the purchasers of the collectively over 60 million copies sold, in 41 different languages.But everyone knows that he is “Lemony Snicket” and he sometimes even slips up when he talks, using the first person when speaking about writing the novels. He even told us how he concocted the name!!! What?Ok. I’m getting too hung up on this. Sorry guys.Anyways, I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this…event. Not a play, not a lecture, not a reading, just Daniel Handler. And what of the audience? The series has been out for a while, so I could imagine lots of high school and early college age students like me who had grown up with the books, but also younger kids, who today fit the intended age group. Actually, the audience was filled mostly with adults, and after hearing Handler speak, I understand why.Photo by Jeff ChiuWitty and but straight-faced with just the right hint of satire, he spoke in a voice that reminded me of Alan Rickman’s when he plays Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films; slow, dry and a little bit pretentious. But unlike Snape, Handler is a true comedian, spinning stories out of everyday occurrences, going off on seemingly random tangents that end up weaving their way back in perfectly to create this long, mish-mash of a story which incorporated a Seattle Times headline, a Dear Abby submission, his struggles as an early writer and more than a few Anne Frank jokes. His references bounced from lowbrow pop culture to highbrow politics, and everywhere in between. You know those jokes with hidden innuendo that are funny to kids but hilarious to adults because they understand the double meaning? Handler has those mastered. It makes me want to reread the whole series just to delight at everything I had probably missed as a kid.If a comedian is judged on how hard and how long his audience laughs (which is usually the case, right?) Daniel Handler receives top marks. Walking out of the Benaroya, my previous expectations, or rather, lack thereof, had been answered. I had just experienced a performance.Next up at Seattle Arts & Lectures: author/screenwriter Nora Ephron, Thursday, November 18 at 7:30 at Town Hall. NOTE: This is event is SOLD OUT, but standby tickets may be available at the door. More info at lecture.org.

Review of Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto #1 at Seattle Symphony by Tavis H.I must admit, I have a huge crush on our local symphony. At one time I feared this love might jeopardize my reviewing, but I eventually realized that it wasn’t my symphonic lusting which led to such gushing, it was the fact that Seattle Symphony has never disappointed me once in the five years I have frequented their hall. And what can I say for Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1? The Seattle Symphony has done it again. When it comes to programming, SSO really knows how to put on a show; and let me tell you, this weeks line up is killer for both lovers and newcomers alike!The evening starts off with a fantastic, bouncing, and subtly wry Mephisto Waltz by Franz Liszt. This is a great piece to kick off a night with its jazzy dance tone, vigor, strong theme, and refusal to lose the listener. It is a piece that grabs ones attention and strangleholds it through the duration.The next piece is far more complex, but rich, epic, and powerful; it is Prokofiev’s Symphony No.3. Listening to Prokofiev can truly be challenging, however watching him be performed is a treat beyond treats. It’s seeped in eeriness, command, and passion. To make a comparison, it reminds me of a good mythological tale. There’s a bit of adventure, terror, romance, but in the end no matter how your emotions have been played, you know it was pure fun, and that is the case with Symphony No.3 as well; it is pure fun.The final piece of the evening is Tchaikovsky’s epic Piano Concerto No.1. For four years I have been waiting for SSO to perform this piece, and they really gave it the honor it deserved. Watching the guest pianist Stephen Hugh is absolutely beautiful. He works the piano a grace and fluidity which greatly complements the intense –and sometimes bombastic- threshold of the concerto’s breathtaking tonal oeuvre.From the blasting horns and unforgettable theme for the first movements brass, to the neck break finger work of the piano, this weekend at the symphony is rocking pretty hardcore with their lineup, and have created rollercoaster evening of awesome piecesTchaikovsky Piano Concerto #1Seattle SymphonyThrough November 14

Miming, bassoon-playing, helmet-wearing, tap dancing, nerd-being, cookie-loving, brave, hilarious improvisor Sara Mountjoy-Pepkaby Isabella F.Sara with Womb Escape teammate Ahsan ButtSara Mountjoy-Pepka started out doing everything but acting. At Northwestern University she majored in bassoon and social policy, but her real love was acting. "I did sports all through high school and then went to Northwestern University to be a bassoonist and then later added a social policy major so there wasn't a ton of time to do theater even though I always secretly loved it. I almost felt like I was forcing myself to stay away from it sometimes - but I finally cracked half-way through my junior year in college."Sara with Rat Puppet: "I like puppets and this one was giving me the evil eye"Sara attended a Magic Circle Mime Company performance in Chicago which completely turned her career around. "I saw the show just to say 'hi' and by the end of the hour I had changed my career path. I knocked on their dressing room doors after the show and demanded to be taken on as an apprentice." To comment about her first show, she exclaimed, “spring quarter my senior year I did my first show with Magic Circle. It was in Quebec, it was in French, and it was glorious.” She continues working with the company in Seattle, performing a few times a year.Sara in costume for Playborhood: Rogers and Hammerstein at Unexpected ProductionsMime gives Sara a chance to entertain both children and adults. The founders of Magic Circle Mime Company have drawn from Charlie Chaplin and the Marx brothers. When traveling with the group to Canada, Spain or Taiwan, she brings along her bassoon.Sara gives her wise advice, “if something freaks out you, tackle it head-on!” She started improv in Chicago at a small theater named The Old Town School of Folk Music. "I started taking improv classes back in Chicago because the thought of getting up on stage and doing something unplanned TERRIFIED me!" Sara has been involved with Unexpected Productions, an improv theater in Pike Place Market, for little over a year. "I love UP. I love watching shows at UP and I love performing in them. I love the people, I love the space. When I was a student I met my roommate and my boyfriend and some of my closest friends there. Cheapest, best classes in town and the students mingle with the company members. It's awesome."Sara with her NERDprov team and The GuildShe participated in NERDProv which she much enjoyed, ("NERDProv is awesome because we get to take the parts of our personality that have been scorned in other social circles, get up on stage, and become heroes for an hour with other people who love what we love. It's proven to me that we're never alone in the things we love - we just don't always find those communities right away. Don't despair, they're out there!") and soon she will be in Womb Escape IV, a show in which all the participants have taken a class at Unexpected Productions and been successful outside the theater. The other members of her group are: Ahsan Butt, Emily Elisei, Christina Filios and Mario Gomez in their group, the Maelstrom. Sara commented, “Womb Escape is more raw, more thoughtful. Still hysterical at times, but it's also a great chance to find out ‘where will this go tonight? Plus it's audience vote - you come and discover your favorites and vote them on to the next round for the final championship round on Saturday night."Ironically, her favorite theater performance was not only non-comical, but Shakespeare’s most well-known tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Playing Lady Capulet was extremely challenging because she had explore the dimensions of the character much more. However, for her, it was incredibly rewarding. Sara looks forward to doing a sci-fi show this winter, at the Annex theater.Sara playing Lady Capulet with GreenStageWhen she is downtown, Sara buys “the BEST COOKIE in town, the “Casbah Cookie” at Café Casbah. Her new indulgence is her bright blue Yamaha Vino 125 scooter. One of the added benefits of driving a scooter is her motorcycle helmet. When walking into shops, she gets to pretend to be a biker and flaunt the giant helmet: "You need to see my I.D.? Okay, let me just put down my MOTORCYCLE HELMET and get it out for you once I've set my MOTORCYCLE HELMET on the table."For young performers, “If you have a little or a lot of doubt in any given area, use that doubt to propel yourself through practice and improvement...you'll find yourself a lot better faster then you think.” And for teenagers in general, she says: "Your teen years are awkward and uncomfortable. Guaranteed, I don't care if you're lead cheerio or not. And every person you hear from who is worth hearing about will tell you they were shy and awkward and uncomfortable in high school. And THAT is because high school isn't the highest achievement of your life and you aren't ready to be top of your game. So if this sounds familiar, chill...you'll find your community and your stride soon enough."See Sara and root for her team, The Maelstrom, in Womb Escape IVNovember 17 - 21Unexpected Productions at the Market TheatreMore info at improvseattle.com

Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd...and Mozart? Actually, laser opera makes perfect sense if you think about it. The massive, dashing melodies of Don Giovanni and The Barber of Seville kind of feel like they were made to be laser-fied, don't they?Seattle Opera's annual Laser Opera show at the Laser Dome is super fun for opera lovers, and a great way to get your opera-shy friends to dip their toes in the opera waters. Bring some blankets, eat some popcorn, and just, y'know, space out (with Rossini!)Laser OperaThursday, November 117:00 PMSeattle Laser Dome at Pacific Science Center$5.00 for Teen Tix members$10.00 for general publicMore info at seattleopera.org

Soloist Chalnessa Eames in Afternoon Ball. Photo © Angela Sterling

If PNB’s All Tharp is any indication, Twyla Tharp is clearly a woman with a lot to say. You sit down in the theatre, the curtain goes up, and All Tharp proceeds to grab you and shake you around in every direction. Until last night, I had never seen ballet danced as though drunk, groups of dancers swooping across the stage dressed as synchronized swimmers, or dancers mouthing words that definitely cannot be written on this blog, screaming silently at a captivated audience. Tharp’s work is a creature truly and markedly set apart from any other. It is a blend of the traditional, of the movie and the theatre, of the hidden story and dance for the sake of dance.