Fall arts schedules
Published 3:48 pm Thursday, September 6, 2007
Here’s the 2007-08 season lineup for performing arts in Snohomish County:
Stage
Driftwood Players
The Players have packed their fall season with stories that involve a thrilling criminal trial, an ideal Christmas musical, a child’s view of the Nazi regime, a play that reaches a comic frenzy and an unconventional family that teaches their daughter how to follow her heart.
And that’s just the mainstage productions.
The diversity in this season doesn’t quit at the mainstage but is laced through the offerings of the special presentations and alternative stage performances. Some of the highlights include “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” “The Vagina Monologues” and “Brothers from Different Mothers.”
For a full schedule of the Driftwood Players new season go to www.driftwoodplayers.com. Mainstage show times are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. All mainstage performances are at Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds. Information: 425-774-9600.
The mainstage lineup is:
“Witness for the Prosecution”: Sept. 7-23. This classic Agatha Christie tale puts the audience in the courtroom watching a master criminal attorney take on what would appear to be a simple case of a man on trial for murder. The ante is upped, however, when the man’s wife takes the stand for the prosecution.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”: Nov. 16-Dec.16. This musical parable with music by Andrew Lloyd Weber and lyrics by Tim Rice focuses on the biblical saga of Joseph, who is his father’s favorite son. He is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and then faces a series of challenges. But Joseph the dreamer holds onto his freedom through his dreams as he journeys from pauper to prince.
“The Diary of Anne Frank”: Feb. 8-24. Anne Frank is wise and compassionate beyond her 13 years of age. In her last diary entry she writes, “I believe that people are really good at heart.” A sweet thought made poignant because we know that Anne is in hiding with her family, another family and an intolerant dentist during the Nazi regime. Besides captivity, Anne has meager and sometimes rotten food to eat and clothes she has outgrown that can’t be replaced. But through it all, her spunk and outspoken nature can’t be hidden.
“You Can’t Take it with You”: April 11-27. The Sycamore family lives large. Dad makes fireworks in the basement. Mom is a writer who pushes her children to be creative. The family believes in the adage “you can’t take it with you,” so you might as well live it up while you can. But when Alice meets Tony, a man from a staid family, and the two fall in love, their families and their world’s collide. Eventually, Alice dumps Tony. But with help from her family, she learns to follow her heart to really live life.
“Exit the Body”: June 13-29. This hair-raising farce is always an audience favorite as we follow mystery writer Lillian Seymour and her secretary to a restful New England retreat where they find a body in the closet. Or did they? As they ponder, a band of jewel thieves arrives on the scene and the plot escalates into a comic frenzy as the hunt for diamonds and bodies ensues.
Edge of the World Theatre
Currently, Edge of the World Theatre is presenting a new comedy called “Remember Me,” a farce about infidelity that asks the question: Can a married woman really be cheating on her husband if the other man exists only in her mind? The show runs through Sept. 15 at Edge of the World Theatre, 9667 Firdale Ave., Edmonds. The rest of the fall season, each selection a Northwest premiere, follows, though dates and times for these shows will be announced at a later date. Edge’s Web site is under construction. For ticket information, call 206-542-PLAY.
“Fast Girls”: This show by Diana Amsterdam does a comic reversal on the man who might have commitment issues and continues to play the field. This time it’s a 35-year-old woman who’s afraid of commitment, and who has a revolving door full of boyfriends and one-nighters. That lifestyle continues until her stereotypical Jewish mother plans and executes an “intervention.” Recommended for adults more than children.
“A Nice Family Gathering”: This Phil Olson comedy is set in Minnesota. Complete with the Fargolike accents, the family in this show has gathered to comfort their recently widowed mom who, it turns out, is quite a catch now that dad left her with a bounty. Meanwhile, dad himself continues to reappear, though dead, only seen by one son, who everyone else thinks is crazy. No matter. Dad’s on a mission of redemption, and his son’s going to carry it out.
“Don’t Hug Me”: Another selection by Phil Olson and Paul Olson. This one’s a musical. And it’s being described as “Fargo” meets “The Music Man,” except without the blood or trombones.
Edmonds Center for the Arts
The Smothers Brothers? Are they still around? Well, you can see for yourself when you arrive at the Edmonds Center for the Arts in May. The brothers are among the many and diverse acts the Edmonds Center for the Arts has on tap for its 2007-08 season. From opera to gospel singers, from comedians to Celtic singers to Al Stewart, the facility has quite a lineup after just a year in business since its grand opening in January.
The center is in the former home of Edmonds High School and Puget Sound Christian College at 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. For tickets and information, call 425-275-9595 or visit www.edmondscenterforthearts.org.
Side Street Strutters: Sept. 26. This innovative jazz group reworks old favorites into new entities by combining a variety of jazz styles with tap dance, colorful costumes and rare instruments.
San Jose Taiko: Sept. 29. These performers are inspired by traditional Japanese drumming and strive to celebrate its beauty while creating new audiences for this Asian American music.
“Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged”: Oct. 5. This is a tribute to the Bard as well as a whirlwind tour through 37 plays and 154 sonnets in under two hours. Did we mention this is Shakespeare with footballs and hip hop? It’s a refreshing refresher through Shakespeare with lots of madcap humor, puns and pratfalls.
Jake Shimabukuro: Oct. 13. He’s been called the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele. He stretches the limits of this tiny four-string and has yet to meet a genre he can’t play on his two-octave instrument.
“Danielandsomesuperfriends”: Oct. 18. Choreographer Daniel Wilkins calls this the “all-terrain dance.” It’s a multimedia experience that gives voice to the nation’s poor through dance and storytelling. It’s powerful so not suitable for some children and pushes the limits of modern dance while combining ballet, martial arts, yoga and break dancing.
Al Stewart: Oct. 25. Known for “Year of the Cat,” the Scottish-born Stewart began his career of historical storytelling more than 40 years ago.
Seattle International Comedy Competition: Nov. 2. This event features 16 selected comedians.
Seattle Opera Young Artists Program: Nov. 4. The young artists will perform Leonard Bernstein’s “Trouble in Tahiti,” and Gaetano Donizetti’s “Rita (A Marital Comedy).”
“Ralph’s World”: Nov. 10. Ralph Covert creates a musical world where children and their parents can rock out and sing along without overdosing on sugar.
The McDades: Dec. 28. This Celtic-rooted music fuses jazz improvisation with global rhythms.
Tap Kids: Jan. 12. Eight of the nation’s most talented tap kids take the stage.
California Guitar Trio: Jan. 24. This fusing of instrumental styles takes on classical, blues, jazz, rock, progressive and world sounds along with California surf music and a dose of humor.
The Second City Comedy: Feb. 14. This national touring comedy company brings original and hilarious routines.
Golden Dragon Acrobats: March 12-13. These performers, who have been trained as acrobats since their early youth, offer thrills.
Harlem Gospel Choir: March 20. The choir is a gathering of some of the finest singers and musicians throughout the black churches in Harlem in New York City.
Peru Negro: March 29. Percussion, passion and guitar make up black Peruvian music and Peru Negro, a band of more than 30 dancers and musicians.
Borealis String Quartet: April 12. This ensemble has been praised for its dynamic style and refined musical interpretation.
The Kusun Ensemble: April 25. Based in Ghana, West Africa, this group has developed a new form of music and dance that fuses bass and guitar with jazz, African rhythms and traditional African instruments.
Dance Theatre of Oregon: May 2. The dance theater is known for its daring and exuberant routines.
Smothers Brothers: May 30. Among the more successful entertaining teams in history, the brothers bring their humor, warmth and showmanship to Edmonds.
New Everett Theatre
New Everett Theatre’s season starts with what might be the most controversial musical of the year, “Hair,” but also will give us the classic “A Christmas Carol,” some comedy, some drama and a suite of special performances that includes the women’s film festival, a 2D animation festival, swing music, George Winston and the Best of the Comedy Underground. For a complete schedule of events, go to www.everetttheatre.org. For tickets, call 425-258-6766.
Performances are at the historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. The main stage schedule is:
“Hair”: Oct. 5-28. “Hair” reflects the time that was the ’60s. It’s a musical about rebellion, about an unpopular war and about what truly matters in our lives. It also introduced the world to such musical numbers as “Aquarius,” “Good Morning Sunshine,” and “I Believe in Love.” Its message still resounds in today’s unsettled times.
“A Christmas Carol: Scrooge &Marley”: Nov. 23-Dec. 9. This promises to be a dazzling new adaptation of a Christmas classic with narration by Charles Dickens, who will lead us through this tale of the miserly Scrooge and his journey from callousness to redemption.
“Laughter on the 23rd Floor”: Feb. 8-24. This Neil Simon comedy harkens to the days when Simon worked as a junior jokesmith for Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows” and was stuck in a room with the likes of Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart and others. The play is a memoir told by Simon’s alter ego, Lucas, about how each writer tried to top the other with gags while competing for the attention of head madman Max Prince.
Captain Smartypants, a Seattle Men’s Chorus Ensemble: April 5. Captain Smartypants, also known as those nine homosexuals who won’t stop singing, has performed with Ann Wilson, Melissa Manchester, Megan Mullaly, Kristin Chenoweth and Lea Delaria. Expect the unexpected during this show.
“Something’s Afoot”: April 11-27. This production takes a poke at Agatha Christie mysteries. Ten people are stranded in an isolated English country house during a raging thunderstorm. One by one they are picked off by fiendish devices. As the bodies pile up in the library, the survivors race to uncover the identity and motivation of the cunning culprit.
The Original Production: May 9-25. Each year, New Everett Theatre makes a commitment to bring original works to stage. The focus for this year’s search is a new children’s show. The management team is still in the process of considering scripts and submissions.
Missoula Children’s Theatre: June 23-28. Missoula Children’s Theatre is a nonprofit organization based in Missoula, Mont. The residency in Everett provides local children the opportunity to experience live theater from auditions, through rehearsals, concluding with a final performance.
“Private Eyes”: June 7-15. New Everett Theatre is hosting Sky Performing Arts’ production of “Private Eyes,” a comic relationship thriller about love, lust and deception. The plot focuses on Matthew’s wife, Lisa, who is having an affair with Adrian, a British theater director. Or is she? Maybe that’s just part of a play being rehearsed. Or perhaps Matthew needs to believe that so he has something to report to his therapist. And what about Cory, the mysterious woman who seems to shadow the others. Or does she?
Northshore Performing Arts Center
Though only in its second full season, the people at Northshore Performing Arts Center are putting the emphasis on full this year with selections such as daring music from around the world, a local comedic success story, holiday classics and a few headliner names thrown in to sweeten the pot.
Northshore Performing Arts is located at 18125 92nd Ave. NE, Bothell. For more information, go to www.npacf.org or call 425-489-6018.
Josh Rouse: Sept. 21. Rouse just released his seventh album, “Country Mouse, City House,” and Northshore is one of the first stops on his U.S. and European tour, Rouse recently toured with John Mayer and is a singer-songwriter reminiscent of the ’60s and ’70s.
“An Evening With Reilly and Maloney”: Oct. 6. Ginny Reilly and David Maloney play selections from their many albums of folk music.
Nick Lowe: Oct. 9. Known as the headmaster of British rock, Lowe has had a long recording career. His new album, “At My Age,” was released in June.
Kyle Cease: Oct. 11. By the age of 18, Bothell’s own Kyle Cease was among the youngest headlining comedians in the Northwest United States. By 21, he had toured nationally and won the International Giggles Comedy Competition, placed in the finals of the prestigious Seattle International Comedy Competition and completed his first major movie role. Cease is seen regularly on Comedy Central, and will have a one-hour special airing in September.
Julia Sweeney’s “Letting Go of God”: Oct. 20. Actress/writer Julia Sweeney, known for her androgynous character “Pat” on “Saturday Night Live,” is touring with her third monologue.
Kelly Willis: Nov. 2. Willis was named by National Public Radio as “alternative country’s golden goddess.” Her latest album, “Translated from Love,” is considered her most adventurous to date.
Pearl Django: Nov. 3. Pearl Django produces new swing music by incorporating styles from bluegrass with French and Gypsy accents, plus a little jazz.
Bernadette Bascom’s “Broadway Meets Motown”: Nov. 18. Seattle’s Bernadette Bascom is known for her sultry soul-funk blues and gospel productions.
Grammy Winners! Tingstad &Rumbel with David Lanz and Gary Stroutsos: Nov. 24. Grammy Award winners Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel have performed, recorded and toured together for more than 22 years with 19 albums to their credit. This acoustic duo will be joined by Grammy-nominated pianist David Lanz, and composer and flutist Gary Stroutsos.
The Nutcracker by Olympic Ballet Theatre, with the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra: Dec. 1-2. Olympic Ballet Theatre’s full-length ballet is a family-oriented production for the holiday that features the Snowflakes, the Sugarplum Fairy, Mother Ginger with her little Buffoons and a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes.
“The Snowman”: Ballet Bellevue with the Ballet Bellevue Orchestra, Dec. 8-9. “The Snowman” is by Howard Blake and will be performed by Ballet Bellevue under the direction of artistic director Jennifer Porter, with the sounds of Ballet Bellevue’s Orchestra directed by conductor Philip Tschopp.
Roger McGuinn: Jan. 27. Folk-rocker McGuinn is best known as founder of the 1960s band the Byrds but has continued as a soloist for decades with his 12-string guitar and memorable songs, such as “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn, Turn, Turn.”
International Guitar Night: Feb. 2. This tour features guitarists from around the world who showcase a variety of styles.
Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra: March 9.
Northwest Savoyards
This Everett community theater troupe mounts three surefire musical favorites so the sun will definitely come out during this 2007-08 season.
Performances are at the Snohomish County PUD Auditorium, 2320 California Ave., Everett. For more information or tickets, call 425-530-9409 or 866-811-4111 or go to www.northwestsavoyards.org.
The Savoyards season lineup is:
“H.M.S. Pinafore” and “Trial by Jury”: Oct. 19-Nov. 4. Every year, a Gilbert and Sullivan production proves a hit for the Savoyards. This year, the group goes back to its roots by producing “H.M.S. Pinafore,” a show about love between social classes and one they premiered with in 1990 when the Savoyards was first founded. The second G&S comic opera, “Trial by Jury,” is a one-act satire on the legal system.
“Annie”: Feb. 22-March 9. The tunes of “Tomorrow,” “It’s a Hard-Knock Life” and “Maybe” will have you swaying and toe-tapping in your seat as you watch little orphan Annie and Daddy Warbucks build a bond that’s tighter than Sandy’s grip on a juicy dog bone.
“The Music Man”: May 30-June 15. One classic follows another in this Savoyards season with this story about con man “Professor” Harold Hill who goes from town to town swindling unsuspecting parents who believe their unmotivated children can learn a musical instrument and believe that Hill will form a band out of them. Finally, right there in River City, Hill’s fraud is discovered by a woman who falls for the charming professor. Hill faces a dilemma: to run or stay with the woman he loves and face the music.
Sky Performing Arts
Sky Performing Arts is ready to kick off a whole season of three productions at the new digs at Sky Valley Education Center, 17072 Tye St. SE, Suite 118, Monroe. For tickets, call 360-863-1663 or for more information, go to www.skyperformingarts.com.
Sky’s season lineup is:
“The Night of January 16”: Oct. 5-14. This is where the audience gets to help as volunteers for the jury in this interactive murder trial help determine whether a murder has taken place, or was it just a tragic accident? The classic by Ayn Rand will unfold as you sit in the courtroom and listen as all the dirty little secrets are exposed.
“Spoon River Anthology”: Feb. 22-29. The New York Times called this a “brooding and loving” American poem brought to life as several ghosts from a cemetery reveal their stories. Using musical interludes, the ghosts of young lovers, preachers, teachers and the poor Jew who ended up in the wrong cemetery take their turns to tell the secrets that have followed them to their graves. These are funny and serious slices of life blended with folk ballads.
“Private Eyes”: May 2-19. Also runs June 6-Aug. 15 at Everett Theatre. The audience helps play detective in this comic relationship thriller about love, lust and deception. The plot focuses on Matthew’s wife, Lisa, who is having an affair with Adrian, a British theater director. Or is she? Maybe that’s just part of a play being rehearsed. Or perhaps Matthew needs to believe that so he has something to report to his therapist. And what about Cory, the mysterious woman who seems to shadow the others. Or does she?
Village Theatre
Village Theatre has promised that its 2007-08 season will be one of drama, comedy and two new musicals, which is a first for Village. Executive producer Robb Hunt called the season a “milestone.” Village Theatre productions are staged at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. For more information, go to www.villagetheatre.org or call 425-257-8600.
The theater schedule is:
“Million Dollar Quartet”: Nov. 2-18. On Dec. 4, 1956, at Sun Studios in Memphis, a twist of fate brought Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash together for an impromptu recording session that included chart-topping rock ‘n’ roll and gospel classics of the ’50s.
“The King and I”: Jan. 11-27. Anna, an English school teacher, is commissioned to teach the king of Siam’s many children and, though the cultures initially clash, Anna and the king realize that people aren’t always who them seem. The show delivers such musical classics as “Getting to Know you,” “Something Wonderful,” and “Shall We Dance?”
“Barefoot in the Park”: March 7-23. Touted as one of Neil Simon’s best comedies, this 1963 play is about young Manhattan newlyweds Paul Bratter, a conservative up-and-coming lawyer, and Corrie, his vivacious free-spirited wife, who both come to realize that life is no day at the beach, no walk in the park, as they tend to the humdrum matters of marriage after their honeymoon.
“Little Women”: May 2-18. This all new musical version of Louisa May Alcott’s novel brings the tale of the March family to life and to music as Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth grow from girls into women, guided by their mother, Marmee.
“Aida”: July 11-17. Based on Giuseppe Verdi’s classic opera and fused with contemporary sounds borrowed from reggae, Motown, gospel and international beats of Africa, India and the Middle East, Elton John and Tim Rice’s pop-rock production turns this tale into a musical event.
Pied Piper
Pied Piper is the part of Village Theatre dedicated to bringing the arts to life for young people while also supporting the school experience by bringing educational performances to students, teachers and families. Pied Piper public performances are at Everett Performing Arts Center and Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave., Everett.
The new Pied Piper public performance schedule is:
Katie Couric’s “The Brand New Kid”: Nov. 4, Everett Civic Auditorium. For grades K-4. This is adapted from the book by Katie Couric and begins on the first day of second grade. Lazlo is the new kid in school and he doesn’t look or speak quite like the others. Classmate Ellie McSnelly spends an afternoon with him playing soccer and eating strudel and, in the end, they teach their peers a valuable lesson about being yourself.
“The Elves &the Shoemaker”: Dec. 9, Everett Performing Arts Center. Preschool through third grade. This is a Brothers Grimm tale about kindness and giving and two elves who arrive at a small village in the Black Forest to find a shoemaker who clearly needs help. The elves find ways to make the shoemaker’s holiday a lot happier.
Kevin Locke Trio, “Spirit of Music and Dance”: Feb. 2, Everett Performing Arts Center. All ages. American Indian musician and hoop dancer Kevin Locke is a virtuoso on the indigenous Northern Plains flute and a master of traditional storytelling. His shows include humor, historical and cultural narratives and audience participation.
“If You Give a Pig a Party”: April 13, Everett Performing Arts Center. Preschool through third grade. Most of those in the under 4 set can tell you what happens when you give a pig a party. This popular Laura Numeroff book was made to be a musical because there’s a pig who loves to party. This carnival of music and comedy mixes puppets, bicycles, bumper cars, pillow fights, ballet, and, of course, ice cream.
“Henry &Mudge”: May 18, Everett Civic Auditorium. Preschool through third grade. Cynthia Rylant’s best-selling children’s books about a lonesome boy and his 180-pound drooling canine set the stage for a new musical. Henry discovers that having a pet is a big responsibility because they need food and walks and lots of love and play time. When Henry’s best friend Annie pays a visit, even those without dogs will recognize the jealousy in this story as the two friends compete for Mudge’s love and attention.
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts
This season, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts presents five entertaining, and thought-provoking plays that will be directed by a lineup of new and returning directors. WICA will also provide other entertainment features throughout the season including the movie and music double-feature series, a family series and other special events. All mainstage performances are at WICA, 565 Camano Ave., Langley, on Whidbey Island. For WICA’s full schedule, go to www.wicaonline.com; for tickets, call 800-638-7631 or 360-221-8268.
The season lineup is:
“Wait Until Dark”: Oct. 12-27. Con-man Roar, and two ex-convicts, Mike and Carlino, are about to meet their match. They have been trying to find and have traced a mysterious doll to the Greenwich Village apartment of Sam Hendrix and his blind wife, Susy. Sam had been persuaded by a strange woman to take the doll across the Canadian border, but then the strange woman winds up murdered. The con-man and the convicts deceive Susy into believing that the police have implicated Sam in the woman’s death and the doll, which she believes is the key to his innocence, is evidence. She refuses to reveal its location and, with the help of a young neighbor, figures out she is the victim of a bizarre charade.
“This Child”: Nov. 30-Dec. 15. Author Tim Rarick takes on the task of trying to learn about his mother, who kept secret her life as a child growing up in the 1920s in Spokane. Rarick finds an elderly nun who was among the sisters and young teachers at Our Lady of Lourdes School, which Rarick’s mom attended. With the nun’s help, Rarick receives a four-paragraph account of a special event in the life of the little girl who was to become Rarick’s mother.
“The Murder Room”: Feb. 8-23. Commander Adam Dalgliesh is already acquainted with the Dupayne, a museum dedicated to the interwar years, with a room dedicated to the notorious murders of that time The Murder Room. When the commander is called to look into the killing of one of the family trustees, he discovers that the victim was seeking to close the museum against the wishes of other trustees and the staff. However, it becomes clear that the murderer has been inspired by the real-life crimes from The Murder Room. And the murderer is preparing to kill again.
“The Enchanted April”: April 11-26. Adapted by Matthew Barber from Elizabeth von Arnim’s 1922 novel, “The Enchanted April” is the story of four disillusioned strangers who plan an escape from the gloom of their lives and the rain of England to the warmth and sunshine of an Italian villa.
“The Good Doctor”: June 6-21. An interesting partnership: Anton Chekhov and Neil Simon. But recall that the two wrote comedic sketches when both were in their 20s: Chekhov devoting his energies to sketches and one-act farces for the stage and Simon writing television sketches for Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows” and episodes for a Phil Silvers’ sitcom. Given that, it does make some sense that Simon would write “The Good Doctor,” a work of 11 sketches based on the early comedic work of Chekhov.
Whidbey Playhouse
Whidbey Playhouse has planned a powerhouse of a new season with two classic musicals, a thrilling drama, some comedy and something for the kids. All season shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays at the playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. For tickets, call 360-679-2237 or check the Web site at www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.
The lineup is:
“A Chorus Line”: Sept. 14-Oct. 6. In the end, four boys and four girls will make it. They’ve got the job. They’re in a new Broadway production. They made the cut. This is a musical about those who make it and those who don’t.
“12 Angry Men”: Oct. 12-20. The trial is over. It’s time to deliberate the fate of a young man accused of murdering his father. His fate is in the hands of a 12-man jury who must be unanimous in their decision. Eleven jurors believe the prosecutor’s case. One man has reasonable doubt.
“Honk”: Nov. 30-Dec. 22. This is a musical for all ages about Ugly, whose odd looks make him an outcast. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry Cat, Ugly must find his way home. And he finds more than that: his true inner beauty and his ultimate destination.
“Cooking with Gus”: Feb. 1-23. Cooking shows are all the rage and food columnist Gussie Richardson gets her own claim to fame when she’s offered her own daily network television show. But Gussie’s stage fright makes her knees shake like Jell-O. And there’s lots more cooking in the kitchen besides gourmet meals, such as Walter’s hidden agendas and Carmen’s psychic “cures.” This comedy promises to stir up a stew of hijinks.
“Social Security”: April 4-26. In this comedy, the widow Sophie has two adult daughters. Barbara and her husband are successful art gallery owners living in Manhattan. Trudy and her husband Martin live on Long Island and care for Sophie. A crisis befalls Trudy, so mama must move to Manhattan. Once there, Sophie swoons over a 98-year-old painter, proving to her family that you are never too old to fall in love.
“Guys and Dolls”: June 6-28. The timeless classic has created legends of its cast in the genre of musical theater. They will come alive again when Whidbey Playhouse closes out its season with this romantic comedy. Mission doll Sarah Brown, charmer and high-roller Sky Masterson, the addled Adelaide and Nathan Detroit, Mr. Floating Crap Game, will all come together in a happy ending with the backdrop of Frank Loesser’s brassy and immortal score.
Dance
Everett Dance Theatre
Everett Dance Theatre brings together students of all ages to learn and perform in a professional, family environment. Once they’ve learned, they perform. And their big number each year is “The Nutcracker.”
Everett Dance Theatre is planning to perform “The Nutcracker” this year from Dec. 3 to Dec. 9, but exact show times and venues have not been announced. For more information, call 425-348-5955 or go to the Web site at www.everettdancetheatre.com. Everett Dance Theatre is located at Village Square Mall, 7207 Evergreen Way, Suite K, Everett.
Northwest Ballet
Northwest Ballet will open its 2007-08 season with six performances of the “The Nutcracker” followed by performances of “Aladdin.” Skagit County performances are at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. For more information, go to www.northwestballet.org. For tickets, call 360-416-7734 or go online at www.mcintyrehall.org.
“The Nutcracker”: Dec. 14-16. Music by P. Tchaikovsky and story by E.T.A Hoffman, and staged by choreographer John Bishop, this is a Christmas holiday masterpiece ideal for the whole family. The world of drama and enchantment unfolds as a young girl named Clara discovers a magical nutcracker on her voyage to the Kingdom of Sweets with her Nutcracker Prince. The scenery is elaborate and the costumes are beautiful as more than 100 dancers take part in such dances as “The Dance of the Snowflakes,” “Waltz of the Flowers” and “Grand Pas de Deux.”
“Aladdin”: May 9-11. Aladdin is a Cinderella story in reverse in which a penniless young man wishes to meet a princess. He is befriended by a genie who then grants his wish and the boy sets his love story in motion.
Music
Cascade Symphony Orchestra
The symphony presents its 46th season with a program of masterpieces of classical literature and virtuoso soloists with music director Michael Miropolsky at the podium.
All performances are at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds, unless otherwise noted. For more information, go to www.cascadesymphony.org or call 425-776-4938.
“Scheherazade”: Oct. 22. With cellist Joshua Roman, this concert features a Dvorak cello concerto and “Scheherazade” by Rimsky-Korsakov.
“Genius”: Nov. 19. The Cascade Chamber Orchestra performs with Laura DeLuca on clarinet for Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto in A major.”
“Great German Romantic”: Jan. 14. With percussionist Matt Kocmieroski performing Prokofiev, Brahms and Milhaud’s “Concerto for Marimba &Vibraphone.”
“Tubby the Tuba”: Feb. 2. This concert for children will include selections from Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite” and the piece “Tubby, the Tuba” with Dave Brewer on tuba and Dave Dolacky narrating.
“The Bolt”: March 3. With violinist Cordula Merks, the performance includes Mendelssohn, Brahms’ “Violin Concerto” and Shostakovich’s Ballet Suite No. 5 from “The Bolt.”
Ensemble Concert: April 13 at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St., Edmonds and April 18 at Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church, 8109 224th St. SW, Edmonds. Program to be announced.
“Great Russian Romantic”: April 28. Murl Sanders on accordion playing “Concerto No. 1 for Accordion.”
Everett Chorale
Everett Chorale celebrates its 42nd year. Music director Lee Mathews leads the Chorale in performances often featuring outstanding vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles. Performances are at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. The new season schedule was not available prior to publication. For more information, go to www.everettchorale.org.
Everett Symphony
The one word Everett Symphony executive director Jody Matthews likes to use to describe the symphony’s new season is exciting. And she’s probably right. To take a celestial journey or spend a romantic evening in Paris or have an excursion to Scandinavia would be exciting. So hop aboard.
For more information, call 425-258-1605 or go to www.everettsymphony.org. The concert lineup is:
“Opening Night October Romance”: Oct. 5, Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave., Everett. The guest artist for this romantic evening is violinist Angela Fuller who will join the orchestra in providing several warming pieces by Liszt, several violin concertos by Bruch and Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.”
“Brandenburg Concertos I-II-III”: Oct. 19, First Presbyterian Church, 2936 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. Everett Symphony Chamber Orchestra presents the first half of all six of the Brandenburg Concertos by Bach.
Northern Lights, “Uff Da”: Nov. 16, Everett Civic Auditorium. These popular classics from Scandinavia include lively music from Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.
“The Nutcracker”: Dec. 8-9, Everett Civic Auditorium. The symphony teams with Olympic Ballet to present this holiday classic.
“Messiah Sing-A-Long”: Dec. 16, First Presbyterian Church. The guest artists are you the audience for this seventh annual sing-a-long as First Presbyterian Church resonates with the sounds of Handel. Join the tradition or start one in your family.
“The Night Before New Year’s Eve”: Dec. 30. Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. Kick off the New Year with tasty hors d’oeuvres and chilled glasses of champagne at the pre-concert reception during the symphony’s 13th annual party with television personality Tony Ventrella as emcee. The symphony will play classic hits spanning the years from 1957 to 2007.
“An Evening in Paris”: Jan. 25, Everett Civic Auditorium. The symphony will create the excitement of an evening in Paris with “A Roman Carnival Overture” by Berlioz, “Requiem” by Faure and “Symphony No. 3” by Saint-Saens. The evening’s guest artist is the Everett Chorale.
“Brandenburg Concertos IV-V-VI”: Feb. 22, First Presbyterian Church. This is the second half of the Brandenburg Concerti. These Bach masterpieces are brought to life with the brilliant playing of violinist Fred Chu.
“German Masters”: March 14, Everett Civic Auditorium. Everett Symphony tells the story this way: Schumann was 23 years older than Brahms and they met in 1853. Brahms had an artistic kinship with Schumann, and a romantic passion for his wife, Clara. Clara in turn encouraged Brahms in his writing and provided subject matter for his musical passion. So these two composers are placed together for this concert as the audience hears three marvelous pieces: Brahms’ “Tragic Overture,” and “Concerto No. 2 for Piano,” and Schumann’s “Symphony No. 1.” Guest artist is Russian pianist Alexander Ardakov.
“A Tribute to Burt Bacharach”: April 18, Everett Civic Auditorium. Bacharach occupies a well-earned pedestal in American popular music. In the ’60s and ’70s, and with lyricist Hal David, Bacharach scored again and again with timeless tunes such as “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “I Say a Little Prayer for You” and “Alfie.” Guest singer is Nadine Shanti.
“Celestial Voyage”: May 30, Everett Civic Auditorium. This concert will take you out of this world as the orchestra combines the “Orb and Sceptre” (Coronation March) by Walton with the “Concerto for Tuba” by Vaughan Williams along with a “Concerto for Accordion” played by Murl Allen Sanders. The evening ends with “The Planets” by Holst.
Sno-King Community Chorale
Sno-King Community Chorale has been around since 2002, under the direction of Frank DeMiero, as a program of Edmonds Community College. The chorale’s mantra is to “sing with a smile on your face and love in your heart.” All performances are at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. For more information, go to www.sno-kingchorale.org. The season’s concert lineup is:
“Salute to America”: Nov. 8. A combined concert in conjunction with The Shoreline Community Band.
“Home for the Holidays”: Dec. 8. Traditional seasonal music plus “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”
“Concert for Children of All Ages”: Feb. 9.
“Musica Da Coro”: March 22. Featuring John Rutter’s “Requiem” with guest artist Walt Wagner.
“Pops Concert”: June 14. A concert version of the popular musical “West Side Story.”
“Third Annual Sno-King Community Chorale Pasta Feed”: June 7. This is the group’s annual fundraising event. The time and place are to be announced at a later date.
