2019 Percival Plinth Project Begins

By Billy Thomas The City of Olympia Percival Plinth Sculpture Project kicked off in early February with a call for up to 16 sculptures to be displayed on outdoor pedestals, or plinths, at Olympia’s Percival Landing. The temporary art installations will be displayed for up to one year, during which time people may get up …

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Music for 18 Musicians

By KAMEKO LASHLEE The orchestra is a centuries-old pastime, and it’s as good an excuse as any to get dressed up, go out on the town and listen to euphonious music. In recent years, however, classical music has been associated with boredom and stuffiness. In a world that evolves ceaselessly to satiate our need for …

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I Ought to Be in Pictures

By Noah Shachar Theater lives and thrives in Olympia, thanks partly to the talent at Harlequin Productions. After a strong 2018 season, I Ought to Be in Pictures will open in mid-January 2019 to further the company’s high, artistic precedent. Written by acclaimed playwright Neil Simon, the play follows Hollywood screenwriter Herb after he re-encounters …

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A Christmas Story, The Musical

By Lucia Volker A Christmas Story, The Musical is a musical-theater riff on the classic, holiday comedy. “I desperately wanted this show to be part of our first season, because it has strong ties to Olympia,” says Kyle Murphy, managing director of Broadway Olympia Productions, “and watching the movie is also one if my most-cherished …

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We’re Off to See the Wizard

By Jonah Barrett Grab those glamorous, ruby slippers and follow the Yellow Brick Road all the way to Washington Street. L. Frank Baum’s magical tale of friendship and green people plays one night and one night only at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts this January. Now a national touring production, the story of …

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A Scrooge for All Ages

By Jonah Barrett Ghosts aren’t always the best subject matter for children, even as part of a Christmas story. There are, however, times when fantasy is more than meets the eye and ghosts aren’t what they seem. Based on Charles Dickens’ beloved, 1843 novella, Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol opens at Olympia Family Theater Nov. 30 …

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Profile: Sound and Vision Living

By Lucia Volker Seasoned interior designer Nicole Durden and her husband Dan opened their store, Sound and Vision Living, in the beginning of October on Olympia’s east side. They specialize in mid-century modern and boho furniture, design goods, one-of-a kind gifts and the work of local artists. “Our concept is to have a store that …

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Olympia Film Society: Winter Events

By Noah Shachar Olympia Film Society plans a slew of enriching events for its historic, downtown location, the Capitol Theater, this winter. Marketing director Jonah Barrett said OFS will start the winter season with Nov. 24, 25 and 28 screenings of “massive cult classic” The Big Lebowski in celebration of its 20th anniversary. At the …

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Masterworks’ Yultide Celebration

By Kameko Lashlee Gaul Those looking for family-oriented, holiday fun that’s equal parts comic and touching should stop by The Washington Center to experience the Masterworks Choral Ensemble’s Yuletide Celebration: A Holiday Concert. December brings the ensemble’s 38th-annual performance, historically presented on the first Saturday in December. Although the celebration is a family Christmas concert …

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Harlequin Productions Revives Holiday Classic The 1940s Radio Hour

By Billy Thomas This holiday season, Harlequin Productions goes back in time to present the return of The 1940s Radio Hour. First gracing the Harlequin stage 22 years ago, Radio Hour inspired the launch of the iconic and successful Stardust series. The show replaces Stardust in Harlequin’s 2018-2019 lineup. Aaron Lamb, acting artistic director for …

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