Writers who only appear rarely in our pages, but must be tagged as “writer”
By LUCY VOLKER This spring Olympia Family Theater will revisit the playful musical production Go, Dog. Go! “Eight colorful dogs will bustle, frolic, dance, scoot, work, sleep, play, sing and party across the stage as they move through their days,” says artistic director Jen Ryle. “Whether working, picnicking or preparing for bed, their playful antics will …
By MELINDA MINTON Henry Ibsen wrote the play A Doll’s House as a daring portrait of a man who loves his wife as an equal. While that concept remains fresh in the #MeToo era, 150 years ago the thought of an equal partnership between man and wife was shocking. Ibsen himself said, as he was writing it …
By KAREN LUNDE Coppelia arrives at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts April 18 through 20, bringing a tale of mayhem, mischief and mistaken identities. Studio West Dance Theatre’s production follows the antics of Swanhilda and her friends as they try to discover the identity of Coppélia, a mysterious woman who’s enthralled Swanhilda’s fiancé, Franz. “Coppélia is the …
By MELINDA MINTON Olympia Symphony Orchestra’s grand finale for its 66th season provides the experience of visiting characters its audience will immediately recognize. The group’s upcoming concert, Cast of Characters, subtitled “an overture in four parts,” could also refer to the players themselves, whom conductor Huw Edwards calls “a cast of characters and a microcosm of society.” The show …
What’s the best way to address empty storefront space in downtown Olympia? Fill it with art. The Olympia Artspace Alliance (OAA) has proposed an ambitious new project to do just that. Beginning this May, the alliance will set out to create a series of three temporary installations that will show local artists in vacant, downtown-Olympia …
By Susan Christian Joe Batt has been teaching ceramic sculpture at South Puget Sound Community College for at least 20 years. He has shown his work at the college, in Olympia storefronts and at local galleries. His work has traditionally charmed with attractive color and fairytale references, and engaged social issues, such as the effect …
By KAREN LUNDE The Washington Center for the Performing Arts brings two critically acclaimed shows to the mainstage this spring, and each will deliver entertainment and humor in its own unique way. One is an updated, inclusive take on a classic comic opera, the other a surprising twist on a biblical being in the form …
By Billy Thomas Last Saturday, Harlequin Productions hosted its 2020 season announcement party. Over 200 subscribers, donors, sponsors and guests attended the event, flooding the theater’s lobby and mainstage space. They were greeted by Harlequin board members and staff, including the theater’s artistic director, Aaron Lamb, and managing director Hap Clemons. Attendees enjoyed live music, …
By Billy Thomas The Bridge Music Project (The Bridge), a Thurston County based non-profit is scheduled to host The Bridge Performance Flowcase at the historic Capitol Theater on March 22. This concert is the final project for youth who participated in The Bridge’s eight-week songwriting workshop. The show features all original music created by youth …
By Billy Thomas and Lydia Boss, special contributor Artist Trust is a nonprofit dedicated to helping Washington State artists of all disciplines thrive. Its mission is to support and encourage artists working in all disciplines to enrich community life throughout Washington State. Founded in 1986, it was formed by a group of artists and arts lovers who …