A Doll’s House Finds the Present in the Past

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 …

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Ballet’s Romantic Comedy: Coppélia

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 …

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Humor and Heart at The Washington Center

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 …

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Harlequin Announces Transformative Season

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, …

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If Timberline High Student Can Make It There, She Can Make It Anywhere

By CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Timberline High School junior Analisa Allen scored a triumph February 28 at Seattle Repertory Theatre by taking regional first place in the 11th-annual National August Wilson Monologue Competition, thereby advancing to finals May 6 at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway in New York City. Allen will test her mettle against finalists …

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2018 State of the Arts

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 …

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Bunbury at Olympia Little Theatre

By ALEC CLAYTON Bunbury, subtitled A Serious Play for Trivial People, comes to Olympia Little Theatre this March — but what or whom is Bunbury? For 124 years he’s been a throwaway reference in a popular comedy. In a new play by Tom Jacobson, however, he’s the title character, who enjoys a romance and encounters …

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A True Tale of 100 Dresses

By ALEC CLAYTON Inspired by a true story, The Hundred Dresses tells the story of Polish immigrant Wanda Petronski and the bullying she endured at school. Petronski’s classmate, Maddie, stands up to hostile classmates and makes an unlikely friend in the process. Olympia Family Theater describes the play as “a poignant tale of bullies and …

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The Intersection of Love and Information

By KAREN LUNDE What’s the difference between data and emotion? That’s the question Aaron Lamb plans to explore as director of Harlequin’s upcoming production of Love and Information, a fast-moving, experimental play by British writer Caryl Churchill. Its over-100 characters are usually portrayed by an ensemble of 20 or more actors. Harlequin will stage its …

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Broadway Olympia Productions Asks for Public Support to Continue Season

By Billy Thomas On Valentine’s Day, while many couples were doting over chocolates and flowers, and local businesses were declaring their love for their customers in email campaigns and on social media, Broadway Olympia Productions shared an unexpected and alarming Facebook post. “This is a call for help from the community. If you enjoy and …

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