“Edmonds Improv Extravaganza”: We don’t need no stinking script. Those are the marching orders of such improvisational groups as Jet City Improv, Dead Parrots Society, The Ministry of Exuberance and the Edmonds-based group (breakout).
These improv troupes and others will converge on The Phoenix Theatre starting tonight for the first “Edmonds Improv Extravaganza.”
Event organizers promise the best and the brightest improvisers from all over the Puget Sound area for this two-night, four-show event, said Jon Horton, the producer of (breakout), which is hosting the event.
Ten improv troupes will perform in 14 showcases of improv theater, as actors make it up on the spot from suggestions provided by the audience.
Some of the highlights of the extravaganza include a performance by (breakout), the resident improv group of the Phoenix Theatre, of their show “{girl meets boy}” in a new format.
The Dead Parrots Society from Western Washington University makes an appearance following a great showing in the northwest regionals of the Chicago College Improv festival.
KRAM, West Seattle’s independent improv group, debuts a new format to follow its show, “Crime Scene Improv.” For a full schedule go to breakoutimprov.com. “Edmonds Improv Extravaganza” opens at 8 tonight with shows at 8 and 10:30 p.m. today and Saturday at The Phoenix Theatre, 9673 Firdale Ave., Edmonds.
Full festival passes are $30 and include admission into all four shows. Tickets for individual shows are $10. Go to brownpapertickets.com or breakoutimprov.com. Advanced ticketing is strongly encouraged.
“Oklahoma:” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece brings us unforgetable characters we care about, like Curly, who pretends not to be in love with Laury; the dark Jud Fry; Ado Annie, who just can’t say no; and hardworking, no-nonsense Aunt Eller.
It also brings a string of memorable songs.
The King’s Players are bringing this show to Shoreline.
“Oklahoma” opens at 8 p.m. Saturday at Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, 15343 25th Ave. NE, Shoreline.
Shows are 2 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. March 26 and 27 and 2 p.m. March 28. Tickets are $15 to $20. Go to www.kingsplayerstheater.org.
“Paradise Lost”: Artistic director Kate Whoriskey launches her first season at Intiman Theatre with a Depression-era drama by Clifford Odets.
The production opens Intiman’s 2010 season.
The set is the home of Leo and Clara Gordon, a middle-class family in the early days of the Great Depression. For the Gordons, everything is at risk, though they remain hopeful.
“Paradise Lost” opens at 8 tonight at Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St., Seattle. Shows are at various times through April 25.
Tickets range from $25 to $61. Call 206-269-1900 or go to www.intiman.org.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Seattle Shakespeare Company has added two performances of its new touring production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to the company’s schedule of plays.
Director George Mount said he wanted audiences to have a chance to see what the company present at schools and other venues across the state.
One of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, the story involves two pairs of mixed-up lovers who find their way through the forest while the fairy queen’s heart is captured by an unlikely suitor who has been transformed into a donkey.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Sunday and 10:30 a.m. March 27 at Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle.
Tickets to Sunday’s performance are $20. Tickets to the special priced family matinee on March 27 are $15 per ticket for ages 11 and up and $2 for kids ages 5 to 10. Call 206-733-8222 or go to www.seattleshakespeare.org.
“Seattle Celebrates Bernstein”: A consortium of Puget Sound’s arts organizations have gotten together to put on “Seattle Celebrates Bernstein,” a regional arts festival.
Participating groups include musical ensembles, dance companies, film presenters, theater companies and educational institutions. The festival will focus on the genius of Leonard Bernstein — composer, writer, conductor, thinker, media personality and educator.
So far, the groups and events include:
Seattle Symphony will present “A Bernstein Young People’s Concert” with Seattle Symphony and Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestras performing side-by-side under Gerard Schwarz. Also, “Season Finale: A Bernstein Celebration” conducted by Gerard Schwarz will feature Misha Dichter and Seattle Symphony Chorale at Benaroya Hall.
The Seattle International Film Festival will screen a trilogy of Bernstein-scored movies: “On the Waterfront,” “On the Town” and “West Side Story.”
Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus will combine forces for “Glitter and Be Gay,” a concert of Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s collaborative and individual musical works at McCaw Hall.
Seattle Opera will present a panel discussion, “Collaborating With Bernstein,” featuring artists who worked directly with Bernstein.
Other events are also planned. To check for updates, along with a current calendar and a biography of Bernstein, go to seattlecelebratesbernstein.org.
“Seattle Celebrates Bernstein” officially begins at 7 p.m. Monday at The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle, with a free event in the theater’s Spotlight Night series that will serve as an introduction and preview of the upcoming festival.
For more information, go to www.5thavenue.org.
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.
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