5th Avenue Theatre Elevates Seattle in their 2012-13 Season

My favorite touring show, Les Mis, is coming back to The 5th Avenue Theatre and I'm thrilled at the prospect of a show with real story-telling.

There is a big problem that I’m having with you, Seattle Theater Industry, in my sharp Michele Visage voice. You are not trying hard enough to impress me, or the society/community that you’re telling stories to. In short, I can’t read what you’re personality is and that’s a hard concept to digest. The personality that I’m referring to is the edgy-ground-breaking entertainment that you are advertising and when I do go and support the local talent, I leave feeling remorse, and unsatisfied. What I should be walking away from the theater is feeling “wowed” and “oozing for more”. I want that “please, I hope this night never ends, hope this play/musical never ends, because I’m gagging with excitement and joy and pure esctasy”. Now, don’t get me wrong, by any means. There are some great experiences that occur in this grand city, but sometimes once is simply not enough. If local drag queens are drowning the theater industry with ground-breaking material and a grand entertainment presentation, shouldn’t you be stepping up your game? Perhaps I’m an artist that was never intended to tell my story in Seattle, or perhaps Seattle is way behind in the times and I’m ahead of the game.

What actually has impressed me is the recently released 2012-2013 season at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Check out the lineup for the new season which includes Memphis, The Addams Family (A New Musical) and Jersey Boys.

Memphis

Sept 18 – Oct 7, 2012

Bursting off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love, the Tony Award-winning Memphis makes its triumphant return to The 5th Avenue Theatre.  Inspired by actual events, a white radio DJ wants to change the world and a black club singer is ready for her big break.  Filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll.

This is a different direction to open a season with Memphis, so I’m really looking forward to what is in store for this production at 5th Avenue Theatre. I mean, how many times can we see “West Side Story” or “Smokey Joe’s Cafe”?

The Addams Family

Oct 24 – Nov 11, 2012

This smash hit brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life.  A magnificently macabre new musical comedy from Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa.  Come meet the family, they’re dying to meet you.

Finally – a new musical about a movie that I absolutely love and adore! The Addams Family and just in time for Halloween. What a perfect choice! When I think of Addams Family, I immediately think of Sharon Needles from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Maybe a cameo would make it a perfect opening night of this Halloween show.

ELF –The Musical

Nov 30 – Dec 31, 2012

Buddy, a human raised at the North Pole by elves, sets off to the big city in search of his father.  What he finds is an alarming lack of Christmas Spirit.  Even his little brother doesn’t believe in Santa!  So Buddy sets out to help everyone remember the true meaning of Christmas, and (just like in the blockbuster film) eat as many things covered in syrup as possible.

At last! A different holiday show that is not “A Christmas Carol” or “A Christmas Story”. I’ll be lining up to get tickets for this holiday show, and so should you!

The Music Man

Feb 7 – Mar 10, 2013

There’s trouble in River City, my friends, and Professor Harold Hill has the antidote – an all-boys marching band.  But Marian the Librarian sees through his schemes, at least until she falls in love with the irrepressible con artist.  Overflowing with a parade of hit tunes including “Seventy Six Trombones, “ “Gary, Indiana,” and “Til There Was You.”

Grey Gardens
A 5th Avenue Theatre / ACT Theatre Collaboration

Mar 16 – May 26, 2013

Little Edie is a dazzling socialite on a downward spiral into a life of illusions and hoarded junk.  Just exactly how did Jackie Kennedy’s cousin end up living in a decaying 42-room mansion full of cats?  First captured in a cult-hit documentary, this true-story-turned-musical will take you on an unforgettable journey.

Jersey Boys

April 4 – May 11, 2013

Follow the rags-to-rock-to-riches tale of four blue-collar kids working their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom.  Broadway’s biggest success story takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and features the hits “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

Way to go, 5th Avenue! Jersey Boys is one of my favorite musicals of our time and I can’t wait to sit front row watching this timeless modern rock classic. My only question is, will any shirts be flying off the stage?

The Pirates of Penzance

July 11 – Aug 4, 2013

Long before Johnny Depp swaggered his way across the Caribbean, a band of swashbuckling (but tenderhearted) pirates set hearts aflutter with their high seas hijinks.  This cheeky farce fairly explodes across the stage with damsels in distress, a sexy Pirate King, a delightfully dotty Major-General, and a score you will hum all the way home.

Sorry to disappoint you with no rants about Julie Taymor or how horrible I think Broadway is, but sometimes you could be happy with what is given to you. Until next time, my  fellow drama squirrels.

-The Drama Squirrel