WOODINVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE "The Thanksgiving Play" October 18 - November 17, 2024 Review
THE THANKSGIVING PLAY
By: Larissa FastHorse
Directed by: Jenny Cross
Woodinville Repertory Theatre
Woodinville, WA
Review: Saturday 10/26/24 - 7:30pm Performance
I have been fortunate to visit and review many of the local theatres in the greater Seattle area since 2018. While I’m not a newcomer I don’t consider myself a veteran theatre/arts reviewer, either. I suppose I’m somewhere in the middle when it comes to experience.
I’ve known about the Woodinville Repertory Theatre but I have never been able to attend a performance until this past weekend. It’s always fun and exciting to check out a theatre company that is new to me.
The Thanksgiving Play is by all accounts a very popular play in recent years, having been performed all over the country. This was my first time seeing any production of the show.
For those new to the theatre company like myself, the shows this season are in collaboration with DeLille Cellars/The Restaurant at DeLille Cellars, taking place above the restaurant in their large community space. It is billed as a dinner theatre as there is a three course dinner option which will place you at one of the front tables in front of the staging area. Of course you can also attend the show sans dinner and there were risers behind the dinner tables for those patrons to watch the show. Basically, not a bad seat in the house.
I tend to not go over plot points with any of my reviews as I would rather the reader attend a performance and take in the show as fresh as possible.
My impressions of the theatre company were positive. I thought all four actors were definitely solid throughout the play. Their timing and delivery were spot on. They were also lav mic’d up so the sound was clear throughout the space.
The behind the scenes folks created a great looking stage for the actors, including the technology pieces such as videos which were used throughout the performance.
As for the show itself, it didn’t work for me. I experienced something similar at another local theatre company recently where the product presented by the actors and the other creatives was commendable but the source material was lacking (for me at least). There was a time or two when I laughed a small laugh but overall the material just didn’t resonate with me.
The satirical aspect of the show was not lost on me. The dialogue that the play is based on points to just some of the absurdity that Native American and Indigenous people have heard (perhaps endured) over the centuries. By coupling that with modern dialogue that has taken a specific focus over the last ten years or so, the play creates what should be a laugh out loud satire. Again, it just didn’t resonate with me.
I did hear and see other patrons that seemed to enjoy the play. They were laughing out loud several times and definitely had smiles on their faces. So, I’m chalking this up to what works for others, doesn’t work for all.
Overall, I left the Woodinville Repertory Theatre with a positive impression. I liked all the aspects of what was presented, other than the source material of the play. I would definitely come back to see another show. However, if someone asked me about this particular play, I would have to respectfully say it didn’t resonate with me.
But, perhaps it will resonate with you. The only way to know is to check out a performance at the Woodinville Repertory Theatre.
”The Thanksgiving Play” is playing through November 17th. Tickets are available: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media Links and Email
By: Larissa FastHorse
Directed by: Jenny Cross
Woodinville Repertory Theatre
Woodinville, WA
Review: Saturday 10/26/24 - 7:30pm Performance
I have been fortunate to visit and review many of the local theatres in the greater Seattle area since 2018. While I’m not a newcomer I don’t consider myself a veteran theatre/arts reviewer, either. I suppose I’m somewhere in the middle when it comes to experience.
I’ve known about the Woodinville Repertory Theatre but I have never been able to attend a performance until this past weekend. It’s always fun and exciting to check out a theatre company that is new to me.
The Thanksgiving Play is by all accounts a very popular play in recent years, having been performed all over the country. This was my first time seeing any production of the show.
For those new to the theatre company like myself, the shows this season are in collaboration with DeLille Cellars/The Restaurant at DeLille Cellars, taking place above the restaurant in their large community space. It is billed as a dinner theatre as there is a three course dinner option which will place you at one of the front tables in front of the staging area. Of course you can also attend the show sans dinner and there were risers behind the dinner tables for those patrons to watch the show. Basically, not a bad seat in the house.
I tend to not go over plot points with any of my reviews as I would rather the reader attend a performance and take in the show as fresh as possible.
My impressions of the theatre company were positive. I thought all four actors were definitely solid throughout the play. Their timing and delivery were spot on. They were also lav mic’d up so the sound was clear throughout the space.
The behind the scenes folks created a great looking stage for the actors, including the technology pieces such as videos which were used throughout the performance.
As for the show itself, it didn’t work for me. I experienced something similar at another local theatre company recently where the product presented by the actors and the other creatives was commendable but the source material was lacking (for me at least). There was a time or two when I laughed a small laugh but overall the material just didn’t resonate with me.
The satirical aspect of the show was not lost on me. The dialogue that the play is based on points to just some of the absurdity that Native American and Indigenous people have heard (perhaps endured) over the centuries. By coupling that with modern dialogue that has taken a specific focus over the last ten years or so, the play creates what should be a laugh out loud satire. Again, it just didn’t resonate with me.
I did hear and see other patrons that seemed to enjoy the play. They were laughing out loud several times and definitely had smiles on their faces. So, I’m chalking this up to what works for others, doesn’t work for all.
Overall, I left the Woodinville Repertory Theatre with a positive impression. I liked all the aspects of what was presented, other than the source material of the play. I would definitely come back to see another show. However, if someone asked me about this particular play, I would have to respectfully say it didn’t resonate with me.
But, perhaps it will resonate with you. The only way to know is to check out a performance at the Woodinville Repertory Theatre.
”The Thanksgiving Play” is playing through November 17th. Tickets are available: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media Links and Email
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