Seattle’s beloved 5th Avenue Theatre is gearing up for a brand new season of musical theater that includes productions of classics like “Oklahoma” and “Guys and Dolls” as well as newer favorites like the Tony winning, “Next to Normal” and Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5”. But, right now, all the focus is on the upcoming production of the Tony winning “In the Heights” which runs September 28 through October 17. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ground breaking show, (still running on Broadway!) is:
a universal story set in Manhattan’s Washington Heights – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.
If you want a taste of what “In the Heights” has to offer, then head to the 5th Avenue TONIGHT at 7pm for a FREE preview of the show and other events offered by the company. Tonight’s preview will feature “creative chats” with “In the Heights” producer Kevin McCollum, (who has also produced other hot shows like Rent, Avenue Q and The Drowsy Chaperone) and the recent and LOCAL producers of the 5th Avenue co-produced “Memphis”, Kenny and Marleen Alhadeff, which cleaned up at the 2010 Tony Awards, including a win for Best Musical. And, to keep us thoroughly entertained, there will be musical performances from local powerhouse talents like Cayman Ilikda, Billie Wildrick and Eric Ankrim featuring numbers from upcoming productions at the 5th Avenue. Should be a fun, FREE evening but you should pre-register for tickets at the 5th Avenue website. Do it!
You should also think about “doing” Q Club if you are a regular LGBTQ audience member at 5th Avenue productions. For those of you unaware, Q Club is the season long promotion where members of the “Club” get discount tickets to the entire season PLUS invites to special events and receptions for the shows. The 5th Avenue offers this as a SEASON long package, but for their production of “In the Heights” they are giving us the chance to buy a one show membership to the Q Club! The Friday, October 8 performance will be the designated night for “In the Heights” promotion. Purchase your tickets for that night on the site, and type in “LGBT” in the Promo Code box to receive a discount on your ticket AND entrance to the Q Club pre-reception that will feature appetizers and a cocktail. It’s a great deal and a fun way to see this award winning show! AND, of course, you can also join the Q Club for the ENTIRE season as well…THAT package includes all the goodies you get with ANY season package to the 5th Avenue:
◦The best seats in the house
Subscribers get the best seats and the right to renew them – guaranteed.
◦Free Parking
Subscribe to all seven shows and receive free parking at a variety of parking garages during performances. One parking voucher is issued for every two season tickets.
◦Ticket exchange privileges
Change your performance date up to 24 hours in advance at no charge.
Priority ordering
You’ll be the first to hear about special events and receive advance purchase privileges. ◦Friends & family discounts
Share the magic and the savings by ordering extra tickets before public on-sale.
◦Dining & arts discounts
Dine on a dime at downtown’s finest restaurants and receive special discounts from our arts partners.
◦The inside scoop
Enjoy our subscriber magazine, Take 5, where you’ll find tips, quips and the latest theater news.
You get THAT plus the aforementioned pre-show reception that sometimes features special guest stars as entertainment. Go to the website for more info and to order. Sounds like a good deal for musical theater loving queer audiences…Do it!
-Michael Strangeways
