‘Storybook Nutcracker’ opens in Everett
Published 3:08 pm Thursday, November 29, 2007
“A Storybook Nutcracker”: What is regarded as Everett’s oldest production of “The Nutcracker” is this storybook version presented by a charming narrator. This traditional telling of the cherished tale continues this year.
Shows begin Thursday with performances continuing Dec. 7, 8 and 9 at Snohomish County PUD Auditorium in Everett.
“A Storybook Nutcracker,” produced by Everett Dance Theatre, was created especially for children. The simple occasional narration makes the story easy for children to follow and understand while watching Clara’s fantastical dreamlike journey unfold, the tree grow and snow fall. The story doesn’t leave out the antics of the Mouse King or the magic of dancing dolls. This production was first performed in 1985, and ever since, the audience has been included in the performance as guests in the Stahlbaum home and are greeted as friends by the characters in the show.
“In the Mood”: In the dark times of World War II there was still hope and resolve as the holidays approached, giving service men and women and their families the belief that peace would one day be obtained.
It is in that spirit that Sky Performing Arts presents the newest edition of their annual classic “In The Mood,” which begins tonight and runs through Dec. 9 at the Sky Valley Education Center in Monroe.
“In The Mood” recreates a USO-style show as it might have been performed overseas in front of the troops in World War II. The show features a big band playing the music of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey and other band leaders of that era. The show is written and directed by Terry Simon and features six vocalists singing through 28 hits from the ’30s and ’40s.
“Swingtime Canteen”: The new RiverBelle Dinner Theatre in Mount Vernon is presenting its premiere production of “Swingtime Canteen,” bringing back more swing songs of the spirited 1940s in a setting reminiscent of a USO show in London.
“Swingtime Canteen” opens tonight with shows every Friday and Saturday night through Jan. 26. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. sharp at RiverBelle Dinner Theatre in the Grainery Building in Mount Vernon.
The setting is a USO in London in 1944 where MGM star Marian Ames is joined by her all-girl musical revue direct from the Hollywood Canteen to do some good old American entertaining. “Swingtime Canteen” was inspired from films and personalities of the 1940s that helped define America’s consciousness during the war effort. The show brings the hits and nostalgia of the 1940s swing music to Mount Vernon on the brand new stage of The RiverBelle Dinner Theatre.
“Honk!”: This Whidbey Playhouse production features some special messages and some special performances by certain members of Naval Air Station Whidbey.
The show opens tonight and runs through Dec. 22.
“Honk!” is a contemporary and comic adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story of “The Ugly Duckling” and reminds us to accept and celebrate the differences in all of us.
NAS Whidbey cast members include Garrett Stahl, son of Todd A. Stahl, on deployment on the USS Enterprise. Garrett portrays Ugly’s brother, Billy. Michelle Hunter, wife of Jeffrey Hunter, is Penny Swan, the eventual love interest for Ugly. Mary K. Hallen works for the Navy in the Before and After School Age Care program. She is Maureen, a Moorhen, friend of Ugly’s mother, and Queenie, a very domesticated cat.
“Honk!” won the 2000 Olivier Award, the British equivalent of the Tony Award, for best new musical. It tells the story of Ugly, whose gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his journey, he discovers his true inner beauty and is also able to find acceptance.
“En L’air Dance”: This fifth anniversary show features Jennifer Lin, of Lake Stevens, who has performed in various theater and dance productions but has dedicated her life to teaching.
Performances of “En L’air Dance” are Saturday and Sunday at Carlson Theater at Bellevue Community College.
“En L’air” is unique in that it invites dancers from any studio and any region to participate, rather than adhering to one studio affiliation. This performance showcases a variety of short pieces from various choreographers with styles ranging from lyrical jazz to rhythm tap to urban hip-hop.
“En L’air,” in its fifth year, gives the proceeds from ticket sales to charities such as the Union Gospel Mission and Ashley House.
Lin used to think she would pursue a career in television but considered teaching as a career when a teacher from Lake Stevens Dance Academy approached her with a job offer.
“It was perfect timing,” Lin said. “I was majoring in dance and communication, and I wanted a job that fit with those interests. Dance teaching fit both.”
Lin attends the University of Washington and hopes to get her doctorate and then teach writing and dance classes.
Throughout her demanding schedule, Lin has remained active in the local dance community as a choreographer and performer. Some of her original works have been performed at the UW’s Meany Studio Theatre as well as at competitions around the Pacific Northwest. She has performed on several local stages, including The Paramount, Moore and Meydenbauer Center. Her acting credits include Disney, Apple Computer, Mattel, U.S. Army, McDonalds and others.
“American Idol at Black Nativity”: Karma Johnson, Sanjaya Malakar and Leah Vladowski are all alumni of the Total Experience Gospel Choir and all former contestants from American Idol.
They will join the cast of Black Nativity for 2 and 7:30 p.m. shows Sunday at Intiman Theatre in Seattle.
Johnson, from American Idol’s first season in 2002; Vladowski, who competed as Leah LaBelle in the 2004 season, and Malakar, a fan favorite in the 2007 season, will each sing a solo during the two performances of Intiman’s annual holiday production.
All three singers are alumni of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, founded and directed by Pastor Patrinell Wright. Wright has performed in “Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play,” as well as created the musical direction and arrangements, since its first production in 1998.
“Black Nativity” is a celebration of faith, expressed through performances of song, story and dance.
