tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87204952112908107852024-03-12T20:19:41.764-07:00Eclectic Arts MediaA Personal Media Outlet For A Global Audience.Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.comBlogger902125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-1126157575682810072024-02-27T18:41:00.000-08:002024-02-28T18:52:28.741-08:00Seattle Opera X: THE LIFE & TIMES OF MALCOLM X February 24 through March 9, 2024 Opening Night Review<b><span style="font-size: large;">X: THE LIFE & TIMES OF MALCOLM X</span><br /><a href="https://www.seattleopera.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Seattle Opera</span></a><br />Music by Anthony Davis<br />Libretto by Thulani Davis<br />Story by Christopher Davis<br />Directed by Robert O’Hara<br /><br />McCaw Hall<br />Seattle, WA<br /><i>February 24, 2024 7:30pm</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ujiZ8sW_p7OZY3srA_9nCYFd6LJruSQbFviU4h2lssiy24FPcyxFmxHrvI_K-iHA6lXNSXd6JmneG8JxuajW8QOaSSu1mgdvXGHrZ-epLiT9wE7y84QdpI08fpwe9Mmpl2KAadNSH-RSKafENFjCL17MGhto7xJaWxV70s4SisrI8-rN5btwy5wCPp5x/s5184/240220_MalcolmX_DR2_Newton_3986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ujiZ8sW_p7OZY3srA_9nCYFd6LJruSQbFviU4h2lssiy24FPcyxFmxHrvI_K-iHA6lXNSXd6JmneG8JxuajW8QOaSSu1mgdvXGHrZ-epLiT9wE7y84QdpI08fpwe9Mmpl2KAadNSH-RSKafENFjCL17MGhto7xJaWxV70s4SisrI8-rN5btwy5wCPp5x/w640-h426/240220_MalcolmX_DR2_Newton_3986.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Kenneth Kellogg (Malcolm X) in "X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X" at Seattle Opera. Credit: Philip Newton)</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br />The latest production at the Seattle Opera is the seasonal contemporary offering "X: The Life & Times of Malcolm X". A packed opening night on Saturday evening made for an electric atmosphere inside McCaw Hall.<br /><br /><br />The Seattle Opera has really been following their charge from 2020 and beyond by incorporating stories and talent from people of color. I will always commend any institution that walks the proverbial walk. And the Seattle Opera has been doing this in spades. Major respect.<br /><br /><br />If I judge the opera purely as an opera, blocking out the social and cultural significance, I was left torn after the performance. <br /><br /><br />The strengths were the performers, the staging, and the lighting design. All were superb and they really created a polished environment for the story to unfold about Malcolm X. The voices were spectacular and they were definitely a highlight for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeVeiJb5r3KtOO0yOb0ojKrpm0_uIxtPgn-IUXumj4n-f9FkmB7p9pARJZ01SpGRJ652sq2hLnHiXFhYoQIYRn7zDyEGViOYZgickA1xZ6ENysYEDiZVaCIbT32wKnUNhwGK19H42u7MbnxEapqzc4HJcNuvs0A7C-drFG17zsjjRjrxdgj2mzSghfT-u/s5081/240220_MalcolmX_DR2_Newton_3918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3387" data-original-width="5081" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeVeiJb5r3KtOO0yOb0ojKrpm0_uIxtPgn-IUXumj4n-f9FkmB7p9pARJZ01SpGRJ652sq2hLnHiXFhYoQIYRn7zDyEGViOYZgickA1xZ6ENysYEDiZVaCIbT32wKnUNhwGK19H42u7MbnxEapqzc4HJcNuvs0A7C-drFG17zsjjRjrxdgj2mzSghfT-u/w640-h426/240220_MalcolmX_DR2_Newton_3918.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Kenneth Kellogg (Malcolm X, standing) with members of the Ensemble for "X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X" at Seattle Opera. Credit: Philip Newton)</span></i></div><div><br /><br />The areas of need for me included the music and most definitely the story. Before people grab their pitchforks or start hurling harsh comments my way via social media, let me explain my perspective. As a musician, I can absolutely appreciate what Anthony Davis created with the music. After all, he is an award winning and internationally respected musician. For someone like me that is not overly fond of the jazz genre, the foundation of the music for the opera was already shaky. Add in the constant use of suspensions and dissonant musicality and I found the music hard to swallow. I’m fully aware certain scenes required this uneasy aspect of the music to further the storyline but overall I just couldn’t help but think there were other ways to get the point across musically. <br /><br /><br />As for the story, if you went into the performance without knowing anything about Malcolm X’s life, you may have left not knowing much more about his life and times as the title suggests. I knew a few bullet points about his life but I was really lacking in his background. I found the story confusing and it seemed to jump around his timeline in a way that I really didn’t get a feel for who the man was by the end of the performance. Keep in mind again that the performances on stage were mesmerizing so I really wanted to enjoy the story to further that appreciation but it just didn’t happen for me.<br /><br /><br />As I have stated in basically any review I’ve ever done for any artistic area, a simple litmus test for me is would I see an event again. In the case of “X: The Life & Times of Malcolm X” the overly simple answer would unfortunately be a soft no.<br /><br /><br />I’m sure many will disagree with my review and that’s more than fine. Do me a favor and please check out an upcoming performance and then let me know your thoughts. <br /><br /><br /><b>"X: The Life & Times of Malcolm X" has performances on March 1, 3, 6, & 9th. Purchase tickets: <a href="https://www.seattleopera.org/performances-events/x-the-life-and-times-of-malcolm-x/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">HERE!</span></a></b><br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SNJPcDCm36Nul3_w2LPGA3Dkuu2TrQwtuKlifHcf9bZDZcf_r-61fdQ2zq6h0V_DsWmbWxCXmYlaskLi8NfMlO64vZegehu5OGAax7AC5N-Z7BNRLseWa4-1BhbRZOUIWPA8xBbCBgjUavCl_rHf2ImP1imiz1d5S-7sG_DBgTVgHh7NuCSBkxkIz6aY/s5000/20240221_malcolm-x_night-01_sunnymartini_63689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3335" data-original-width="5000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SNJPcDCm36Nul3_w2LPGA3Dkuu2TrQwtuKlifHcf9bZDZcf_r-61fdQ2zq6h0V_DsWmbWxCXmYlaskLi8NfMlO64vZegehu5OGAax7AC5N-Z7BNRLseWa4-1BhbRZOUIWPA8xBbCBgjUavCl_rHf2ImP1imiz1d5S-7sG_DBgTVgHh7NuCSBkxkIz6aY/w640-h426/20240221_malcolm-x_night-01_sunnymartini_63689.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Joshua Conyers (Reginald) and Kenneth Kellogg (Malcolm X) with members of the Ensemble in "X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X" at Seattle Opera. Projection design by Yee Eun Nam. Credit: Sunny Martini)</span></i></div><div><br /><br /></div></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-73623250393023843402024-02-21T12:26:00.000-08:002024-02-22T12:33:56.441-08:00ORDINARY ANGELS Film Review In Theaters on February 23rd, 2024<b><span style="font-size: large;">ORDINARY ANGELS<br /></span><br /><a href="https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lionsgate</span></a><br />Reviewed: 2/21/2024<br />Rating: 5 / 5</b><div><br /></div><div><br /><b><i>IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE on February 23, 2024</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNILz2CaxysN9PA24WpNKBu8vPTHlEXdkiZihDBGwotb1Ibu9dp2MVa1nAHGjGeSorGQ55YhUhfxnaF_vVWkmB5yk7vSiKUJ5Sflnmuax-dv62yVAVC9dWas91SmRL8GboVVG2ZNvLaVThAdEdFtVl_TyznTjKE_qTGI4s7eniUl6kdawVloQOMCCgL6E/s3000/OrdinaryAngels_2000x3000.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNILz2CaxysN9PA24WpNKBu8vPTHlEXdkiZihDBGwotb1Ibu9dp2MVa1nAHGjGeSorGQ55YhUhfxnaF_vVWkmB5yk7vSiKUJ5Sflnmuax-dv62yVAVC9dWas91SmRL8GboVVG2ZNvLaVThAdEdFtVl_TyznTjKE_qTGI4s7eniUl6kdawVloQOMCCgL6E/w426-h640/OrdinaryAngels_2000x3000.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Lionsgate)</i></div><br /><br />The new film, “Ordinary Angels” is coming to theaters this Friday the 23rd and let me tell you it’s worth making the trek to your nearest cinema.<br /><br /><br />On the surface it may seem like a typical feel-good drama about overcoming odds based on a true story. Where the film distances itself from the pack is in the approach to the source material. The characters (especially Hillary Swank’s Sharon) are extremely relatable. They are not overly polished humans for the sake of selling a story but people with real flaws. Yet, through it all, they find a way to save a life.<br /><br /><br />I don’t want to give away any plot points (I typically don't in any of my reviews) as it would ruin the story. I would just say that if you’ve ever been in the position where you felt the world was coming down on you and there was no way to fix it, you’ll relate to this film.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceXq_03XjBy7RYqTlL7TUa4X4d0r6xflDwJZoZ_PbRysz2RNNxQS37oLOzd-XUa66eCCIQWdkVbCing0POscjXXO0c7v2NumrME9kojyu_g2eh8Txe9ooSYN_pgXk0t9v38A_nTJjSF5O85wKhyphenhyphengaSdNuDIA4Ger3fDVffTj93gQlBgW3Fa2DrHeUW2Yc/s3000/ORDANGEL_Unit_220427_00767RC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceXq_03XjBy7RYqTlL7TUa4X4d0r6xflDwJZoZ_PbRysz2RNNxQS37oLOzd-XUa66eCCIQWdkVbCing0POscjXXO0c7v2NumrME9kojyu_g2eh8Txe9ooSYN_pgXk0t9v38A_nTJjSF5O85wKhyphenhyphengaSdNuDIA4Ger3fDVffTj93gQlBgW3Fa2DrHeUW2Yc/w640-h426/ORDANGEL_Unit_220427_00767RC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Hilary Swank as “Sharon Stevens” in the drama ORDINARY ANGELS, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.) </i></div><br /><br />It is a drama and it does have melodramatic moments (tissue material) but it balances those moments out with a narrative that will have you feeling satisfied by the time the credits roll. <br /><br /><br />“Ordinary Angels” is highly recommended.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sNv-HpcGe0I" width="320" youtube-src-id="sNv-HpcGe0I"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL TRAILER</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><br />Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-24505775754786043752024-02-15T13:01:00.000-08:002024-02-16T13:03:43.620-08:00LAND OF BAD Film Review February 15, 2024<b><span style="font-size: large;">LAND OF BAD</span><br /><br />The Avenue<br />Reviewed: 2/15/2024<br /><br />Rating: 4 / 5 <br /><br /><br /><i>Exclusively In Theaters February 16, 2024.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpxb1bJgid5dO2FL5KlmDA5OsxneXW6mm7e00tVoLCnG20OTZHpxiVutBJt2MIOgYYBVShaQG8g9RtW-1ECLx0t6z2414gUGjYGFaTfHmus_OKy9W3ON4epLyiKnNrdRTOkijY5LNR-VZpPRWoHg-BR2kKe6EpwoV7jIYoRMIJ7sIf1fhGtO96UcnIWoX/s1033/unnamed%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpxb1bJgid5dO2FL5KlmDA5OsxneXW6mm7e00tVoLCnG20OTZHpxiVutBJt2MIOgYYBVShaQG8g9RtW-1ECLx0t6z2414gUGjYGFaTfHmus_OKy9W3ON4epLyiKnNrdRTOkijY5LNR-VZpPRWoHg-BR2kKe6EpwoV7jIYoRMIJ7sIf1fhGtO96UcnIWoX/w434-h640/unnamed%20(4).jpg" width="434" /></a></div><br /></b><br /><br />The new film “Land Of Bad” is an operative action film much more akin to modern day than yesteryear. The film drops the viewer into the action and for the most part it doesn’t really let up. The fight scenes are creative yet realistic which is a hard combination to pull off. <br /><br /><br />There are names and faces I’m sure many audience members will recognize including Russell Crowe, Liam Hemsworth, and Luke Hemsworth, to name a few. <br /><br /><br />The film is shot well and I found it very entertaining. It will look even better on the big screen which is the only place to see it starting on Friday February 16th.<br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dKcHOR-V1G4" width="320" youtube-src-id="dKcHOR-V1G4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL TRAILER</b></div><br />Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-14533768311280100762024-02-15T12:52:00.000-08:002024-02-16T12:55:17.630-08:00LIGHTS OUT Film Review February 15, 2024<b><span style="font-size: large;">LIGHTS OUT</span><br /><br />Quiver Distribution<br />Reviewed: 2/15/2024<br /><br />Rating: 3.5 / 5 <br /><br /><br /><i>In Theaters, On Digital, and On Demand on February 16th, 2024.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv50cslCUrJWzyx9Yhpf16ljpAn62oHQqhfrS6j3VrRmIc96iTtMoVLTnKvO4rta5Geqt10ov35SdBQM4QUuQY_yiQL6vo1Ny6Gau9x1FA0vnKSWiU13cghT6bIl-XK4kWARKK44r-WaK-MJWleYsCoGrm1YwDpVp2GWOTRq9IKjB5ZPCpJVGfvhoQr2q/s2311/unnamed%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2311" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv50cslCUrJWzyx9Yhpf16ljpAn62oHQqhfrS6j3VrRmIc96iTtMoVLTnKvO4rta5Geqt10ov35SdBQM4QUuQY_yiQL6vo1Ny6Gau9x1FA0vnKSWiU13cghT6bIl-XK4kWARKK44r-WaK-MJWleYsCoGrm1YwDpVp2GWOTRq9IKjB5ZPCpJVGfvhoQr2q/w444-h640/unnamed%20(2).jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br /></b><br /><br />The new film “Lights Out” is a throwback to the video store days of action films. Frank Grillo stars as a former military man now a homeless nomad trying to find his way in the world. He is befriended by an ex-con that sees his fighting skills in a bar brawl and talks him into making some money in the world of underground fighting.<br /><br /><br />When you choose to watch a film like this, you want one thing - fighting. The rest is not nearly as important as the fighting action in the ring.street.etc. The fight scenes are done well. I only wish there were more of them. The storyline and subplots are generic and cumbersome but the film is entertaining on the whole.<br /><br /><br />“Lights Out” will be your cup of tea if you remember walking the aisles of the video store looking for an action film that you hadn’t seen yet.<br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n-FE7AGU2YA" width="320" youtube-src-id="n-FE7AGU2YA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL TRAILER</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><br /></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-18030784429558329112024-02-09T12:28:00.000-08:002024-02-16T12:45:15.244-08:00OUT OF DARKNESS Film Review February 9, 2024<b><span style="font-size: large;">OUT OF DARKNESS</span><br /><br />Bleeker Street<br />Reviewed: 2/8/2024<br /><br />Rating: 3 / 5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_D0fVZyoVz1u3dPPGWfuTuMLGhKmcS_Gc9bdZv_EyO1-veO43tdoHXe7AZDmgtlY2eldvs-61-cMB6Gdcq0BJ9ALVb3sS_YanQcLEVVpEKuhCP-QJRcgQ4HeucobkQKVQ-dhkYR5nsqSpS50GXoSLnTFWGax_-H_tz6EAD-iGSlnpL-yQUX0L70jd8tv/s1037/unnamed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_D0fVZyoVz1u3dPPGWfuTuMLGhKmcS_Gc9bdZv_EyO1-veO43tdoHXe7AZDmgtlY2eldvs-61-cMB6Gdcq0BJ9ALVb3sS_YanQcLEVVpEKuhCP-QJRcgQ4HeucobkQKVQ-dhkYR5nsqSpS50GXoSLnTFWGax_-H_tz6EAD-iGSlnpL-yQUX0L70jd8tv/w432-h640/unnamed.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Bleeker Street)</div><br /><br /><br />The new film from director Andrew Cummings (making his directorial debut) is called “Out Of Darkness”. It is a very different film in that it explores mankind from long ago using a language called TOLA (The Origin Language). <br /><br /><br />The group of characters must live and survive many hardships during a time period from 45,000 years ago. <br /><br /><br />The overall feel of the film is interesting but the story is rather bleak. In some instances that can be a good characteristic for a movie. For “Out Of Darkness” it is both yes and no. I like the tone that it adds that the characters are constantly swimming upstream. But by the end of the film, you as the viewer feel tired. At least I did.<br /><br /><br />“Out Of Darkness” is an interesting film but not something I would jump up and down about.<br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sU_SQo1wbos" width="320" youtube-src-id="sU_SQo1wbos"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL TRAILER</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-50831020329153862432024-02-08T13:36:00.000-08:002024-02-09T13:43:52.163-08:00RESTORE POINT Film Review February 8, 2024<b><span style="font-size: large;">RESTORE POINT</span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.xyzfilms.com/" target="_blank">XYZ Films</a><br />Reviewed: 2/8/2024<br />Rating: 4 / 5 <br /><br /><i>Available on VOD on February 8th, 2024.</i></b><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4-qsuGJ9rmbiRR-49Ab6atFVX3cdmvYhE2Zav55JqoQiWTEtewIBbhYnuEbgDLQSLNHI6petjFxFDh2simj8rfiOTkypIf9F9uub7nUtykSIpi7x63X1p0bchaPJms_l5JcMIeyCYi4FK9Km5U_LXkZHMf0e4sQR4rgXt5Ytu8IacfCJA3yjEYJb6y2Y/s4200/RS-poster-vertical-300dpi-big.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4200" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4-qsuGJ9rmbiRR-49Ab6atFVX3cdmvYhE2Zav55JqoQiWTEtewIBbhYnuEbgDLQSLNHI6petjFxFDh2simj8rfiOTkypIf9F9uub7nUtykSIpi7x63X1p0bchaPJms_l5JcMIeyCYi4FK9Km5U_LXkZHMf0e4sQR4rgXt5Ytu8IacfCJA3yjEYJb6y2Y/w458-h640/RS-poster-vertical-300dpi-big.jpg" width="458" /></a></div></b><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br />The new film from the Czech Republic, “Restore Point” explores a science fiction world where victims of a violent crime can be brought back to life. The brain is “backed up” every two days in order to do so. It may seem like a strange idea or perhaps a much needed one if you’ve suffered a loss of someone to a violent crime (I have myself) so be forewarned the film may be triggering to some audience members.<br /><br /><br />When it comes to film genres, I tend to steer away from science fiction films unless they have a decent sized budget or bigger. Low budget sci fi movies rarely work for me. With “Restore Point”, there is no need to question the budget as the visuals are stunning. The film is also shot beautifully which makes everything about the film work better than most.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNHbH06hrASkTLhOLl4D7vjZ9Hfm3KsPhV28739tPl9d4Fj97mhW-RNbtv61lxckP7jSNmV5NrEFCuT-GTeSmyowNxTiokggcUtwsW-X48i7txcskXyg9vmCj3_wbiapFix6UfKGjmRuPFrol81S-iWjvQhC2c6yw8yNl5kGyVgiyPWvIZrmwZv6izmCM/s1920/RP_02263812_T.tif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNHbH06hrASkTLhOLl4D7vjZ9Hfm3KsPhV28739tPl9d4Fj97mhW-RNbtv61lxckP7jSNmV5NrEFCuT-GTeSmyowNxTiokggcUtwsW-X48i7txcskXyg9vmCj3_wbiapFix6UfKGjmRuPFrol81S-iWjvQhC2c6yw8yNl5kGyVgiyPWvIZrmwZv6izmCM/w640-h360/RP_02263812_T.tif" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">("Restore Point" from XYZ Films)</span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><div><br /><br />The story is solid but I found it a bit all over the place at times. This could just be me and trying to follow a science fiction tale. The performances were solid throughout which kept me engaged right through to the very end.<br /><br /><br />“Restore Point” is worth your time to seek out. <br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nsnAiS56nXc" width="320" youtube-src-id="nsnAiS56nXc"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL TRAILER</b></div></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-75626136523393098142024-02-07T18:12:00.000-08:002024-02-07T18:12:15.682-08:00Premere Blue Cross BROADWAY AT THE PARAMOUNT 2024 - 2025 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">PREMERA BLUE CROSS BROADWAY AT THE PARAMOUNT AND</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">SEATTLE THEATRE GROUP TODAY ANNOUNCE</span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A REMARKABLE 2024 – 2025 SEASON</span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGovgZJBBuFY0uHZzn9BQfCY9NHzrVgJPhv-U2BnXcpCb7_PasxQYSrTXAdJrQLcfZfbiDQJoIBYzUhfGmCIRl2u-9qBshtM0_FQGD7S8oOrnDPH3q6ekRkb-7ujtqZO6dbpaxMOAdmgtgJep5zAE9p69tM22vXwNdQXeMoJEKXHqwjTj2G4w-v1zGBXVr/s7043/BACK%20TO%20FUTURE%208-Casey-Likes-and-the-Cast-of-BTTF-Photo-by-Matthew-Murphy-and-Evan-Zimmerman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4698" data-original-width="7043" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGovgZJBBuFY0uHZzn9BQfCY9NHzrVgJPhv-U2BnXcpCb7_PasxQYSrTXAdJrQLcfZfbiDQJoIBYzUhfGmCIRl2u-9qBshtM0_FQGD7S8oOrnDPH3q6ekRkb-7ujtqZO6dbpaxMOAdmgtgJep5zAE9p69tM22vXwNdQXeMoJEKXHqwjTj2G4w-v1zGBXVr/w640-h426/BACK%20TO%20FUTURE%208-Casey-Likes-and-the-Cast-of-BTTF-Photo-by-Matthew-Murphy-and-Evan-Zimmerman.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(BACK TO FUTURE - Casey-Likes-and-the-Cast-of-BTTF-Photo-by-Matthew-Murphy-and-Evan-Zimmerman.)</span></i></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <br /><div style="text-align: center;">Featuring –</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">PETER PAN ~ FUNNY GIRL ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two Weeks of BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Best Musical Tony Award® Winner KIMBERLY AKIMBO ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ LIFE OF PI ~ & JULIET</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And Season Specials ~ WICKED ~ HAMILTON ~ SIX ~ RIVERDANCE ~ MAMMA MIA!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Subscription Renewals Begin February 7, 2024</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://seattle.broadway.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">https://seattle.broadway.com/</span></a><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0xOndwBrp8Y6k6YDzx8juJAWvEfqARREldtty-OD1MdRaMkH06S7I2NZwHI7_O2PXna6dzq7dm0Jm3f2aY_Zmm0qNE1T7VK6qKY9hdjsL0xfXJVWWU1QFmmC46XXN4Yir0bmb8lIdo3MdR4otdjtsZMQnZtX1tRMYucXU9uwKBMk7zFtlae_pacMPT4B/s5435/&%20Juliet%20Lorna%20Courtney,%20Betsy%20Wolfe,%20Justin%20David%20Sullivan%20and%20Melanie%20La%20Barrie%20in%20&%20Juliet%200739%20-%20Photo%20Credit%20Matthew%20Murphy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3623" data-original-width="5435" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0xOndwBrp8Y6k6YDzx8juJAWvEfqARREldtty-OD1MdRaMkH06S7I2NZwHI7_O2PXna6dzq7dm0Jm3f2aY_Zmm0qNE1T7VK6qKY9hdjsL0xfXJVWWU1QFmmC46XXN4Yir0bmb8lIdo3MdR4otdjtsZMQnZtX1tRMYucXU9uwKBMk7zFtlae_pacMPT4B/w640-h426/&%20Juliet%20Lorna%20Courtney,%20Betsy%20Wolfe,%20Justin%20David%20Sullivan%20and%20Melanie%20La%20Barrie%20in%20&%20Juliet%200739%20-%20Photo%20Credit%20Matthew%20Murphy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(& Juliet Lorna Courtney, Betsy Wolfe, Justin David Sullivan and Melanie La Barrie in & Juliet 0739 - Photo Credit Matthew Murphy.)</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The season takes off with a new adaptation of a beloved classic, PETER PAN, where a little fairy dust and a few happy thoughts make for a magical journey never to forget.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fall ushers in a sensational Broadway revival, the triumphant tale of FUNNY GIRL, a young, determined Fanny Brice who dreams of life on the stage, and despite the doubters, became one of the most beloved stars in history.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next up is the first Season Special, back by popular demand, with a four-week return engagement, is WICKED, the thrilling story of two unlikely friends who change each other for good.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great Scott! You can’t miss the highly anticipated engagement of BACK TO THE FUTURE, coming in December. The stage adaptation of the classic cinematic favorite is the 2022 Olivier Award-winner for Best New Musical, and when Back to the Future hits 88mph, it’ll change musical theater history forever.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The new year starts with the 2023 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical KIMBERLY AKIMBO, a touchingly funny story about a teen girl uniquely navigating growing up and growing old (in no particular order).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Coming back to Seattle for a four-week return is HAMILTON, a revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Spring arrives and brings LIFE OF PI, an awe-inspiring story of a young man surviving on a lifeboat with four unlikely companions told with jaw-dropping visuals, world class puppetry and exquisite stagecraft.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Right on its heels is another fan celebrated sensation, SIX the inspired musical featuring the six wives of Henry VIII as they remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power, coming back to Seattle after its successful 2023 premiere.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Following that musical feast is a short return of the incomparable classic Riverdance 30 - The New Generation coming for a weekend only in late Spring.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have the time of your life with MAMMA MIA! as the last Season Special makes a long-awaited return to Seattle. It is the story told through the timeless hits of ABBA that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally, the season closes with & JULIET, an extraordinary show direct from Broadway, imagining what life would have been if Juliet ditched her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The 2024/2025 Premera Blue Cross Broadway at The Paramount Season schedule is as follows:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>PETER PAN</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>August 21 – 25, 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>FUNNY GIRL</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>September 24 – 29, 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>WICKED (Season Special) *</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>November 6 – December 1, 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>BACK TO THE FUTURE</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>December 10 – 22, 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>KIMBERLY AKIMBO</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>January 7 – 12, 2025</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>HAMILTON (Season Special) *</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>February 4 – March 2, 2025</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>LIFE OF PI</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>April 15 – 20, 2025</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>SIX (Season Special) *</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>May 6 – 11, 2025</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Riverdance 30 - The New Generation (Season Special) *</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>May 30 – June 1, 2025</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>MAMMA MIA! (Season Special) *</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>June 10 – 15, 2025</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEW-KLh6kUcVUPcRY2sg-VT6DjvsCXG3rP0C9DRMWHEhYgJxWaPC0wzSjl1IReta1aT7i8r-QSkuo6yR0kvvfB513NXYafdgq2To2Xzbo3s-FYC9L9P5X6FQheWCNHEwTsV0AcOzQvQdLJLrs0A1ev_35BX1oywHYSuoEY1r4YFWxzAOBphS2HPRij5oZ/s5076/WICKED%20Olivia%20Valli%20as%20Elphaba%20in%20the%20National%20Tour%20of%20WICKED,%20photo%20by%20Joan%20Marcus%20-%200130r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3384" data-original-width="5076" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEW-KLh6kUcVUPcRY2sg-VT6DjvsCXG3rP0C9DRMWHEhYgJxWaPC0wzSjl1IReta1aT7i8r-QSkuo6yR0kvvfB513NXYafdgq2To2Xzbo3s-FYC9L9P5X6FQheWCNHEwTsV0AcOzQvQdLJLrs0A1ev_35BX1oywHYSuoEY1r4YFWxzAOBphS2HPRij5oZ/w640-h426/WICKED%20Olivia%20Valli%20as%20Elphaba%20in%20the%20National%20Tour%20of%20WICKED,%20photo%20by%20Joan%20Marcus%20-%200130r.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(WICKED Olivia Valli as Elphaba in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus)</span></i></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-49113412344997757892024-02-07T17:48:00.000-08:002024-02-07T17:48:15.405-08:00Kent Stowell's SWAN LAKE Pacific Northwest Ballet February 2- 11 Review <b><span style="font-size: large;">Kent Stowell’s Swan Lake</span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pnb.org/" target="_blank">Pacific Northwest Ballet</a><br />McCaw Hall<br />Seattle, WA<br /><br /><i>Review: Saturday 2/3/24 7:30 pm Performance</i></b><div><b><br /></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbfytZIhnEY1OYvdOieQR11FOIJL4zuivfZJt9GmoIIhlwoeNfiTZV4pb0BigO1P7sbRWh7TDydzKrbwS_Yt_nmr7yTOAkBk3oWmHTB8ZooELmVL9FSQbq6pNxJcnF-ex_fDjsSmRfowsdvHxGDTQ-uOPq8GdoI4tDh6wAUTmRfkrERCpwka4Z5QLwhkF/s3300/SLDress24%200386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2449" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbfytZIhnEY1OYvdOieQR11FOIJL4zuivfZJt9GmoIIhlwoeNfiTZV4pb0BigO1P7sbRWh7TDydzKrbwS_Yt_nmr7yTOAkBk3oWmHTB8ZooELmVL9FSQbq6pNxJcnF-ex_fDjsSmRfowsdvHxGDTQ-uOPq8GdoI4tDh6wAUTmRfkrERCpwka4Z5QLwhkF/w474-h640/SLDress24%200386.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Angelica Generosa and Jonathan Batista in Kent Stowell’s Swan Lake. PNB presents Swan Lake onstage at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall February 2 – 11, 2024 (and streaming for digital subscribers February 15 – 19.) For tickets and information, contact the PNB Box Office, 206.441.2424 or PNB.org. Photo © Angela Sterling.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />The return of Swan Lake to the PNB was somewhat surprising when I saw it on the list for the 23/24 season. It had just been performed in April of 2022 but it’s a known crowd pleaser and I was interested in seeing how it came across a second time. Having been absent from McCaw Hall since early November, I was looking forward to the performance on Saturday evening.<br /><br /><br />Angelica Generosa (Odette/Odile) was one of the dancers that I enjoyed when she was a soloist. When she was deservedly promoted to principal dancer, I honestly think I hadn’t seen her dance since the promotion. So, when I saw the casting, I was extra hyped to see her performance. Jonathan Batista (Prince Siegfried) had already impressed me in other productions with his passionate, full of personality, dancing. The pairing was of great interest to me prior to the performance.<br /><br /><br />Act I was long. I think it actually felt long as the performance looked under rehearsed. I don’t consider myself a ballet scholar by any means but I feel if I notice things that look, well, sloppy, then that’s a rather bad sign for the more trained ballet eye. There were parts that were solid such as Kuu Sakuragi as the Jester. His performance was a standout whenever he was on stage. But, some of the other parts were in need of some more rehearsal time in my humble opinion.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZO3kVyp9vxr8oaOdtmjsfyjkbGlnhMHD_NMKFb1cguiLzUFI1Ggz0JWAQ8GSWD2l3yhHkB9leX39dND1ku8O9vvJBiNBvX9pv6iDyKeooOYSRyliB_GRJQPtCzKzDLjyUilOp9Pt3sOhKhlfnLPqy_BYv9608F5PHHZgrGRDP8EgrOaZHxNRWafFrYpr/s3300/SLDress24%200942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2373" data-original-width="3300" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZO3kVyp9vxr8oaOdtmjsfyjkbGlnhMHD_NMKFb1cguiLzUFI1Ggz0JWAQ8GSWD2l3yhHkB9leX39dND1ku8O9vvJBiNBvX9pv6iDyKeooOYSRyliB_GRJQPtCzKzDLjyUilOp9Pt3sOhKhlfnLPqy_BYv9608F5PHHZgrGRDP8EgrOaZHxNRWafFrYpr/w640-h460/SLDress24%200942.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Angelica Generosa and Jonathan Batista in Kent Stowell’s Swan Lake. PNB presents Swan Lake onstage at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall February 2 – 11, 2024 (and streaming for digital subscribers February 15 – 19.) For tickets and information, contact the PNB Box Office, 206.441.2424 or PNB.org. Photo © Angela Sterling.)</span></div><div><br /><br /><br />Act II and Act III were where things really took off in the right direction. Angelica was masterful in her dancing throughout her scenes on stage. She danced with confidence and joy, a really wonderful combination that translated to the stage. When she partnered with Jonathan, they seamlessly wowed the audience with their artistry and command of the choreography. Having said that, there were times when Jonathan’s dancing overshadowed Angelica’s. If a smidge more of her personality came through, it would have evened the score. But, that’s a minor, minor quibble. <br /><br /><br />The dance of the little swans was of course brilliant for the veteran patron and the newcomer. It received a loud round of applause at its conclusion and rightfully so. It was executed with grace and precision. A visual ballet treat.<br /><br /><br />Act IV brings the storyline home, the tragedy, and the eventual multiple curtain calls. The Saturday audience was definitely vocal in their appreciation of the performance and that only added to the atmosphere inside McCaw Hall.<br /><br /><br />Overall, the performance was wonderful to watch and now this is the second full length classical ballet I’ve seen more than once by the Pacific Northwest Ballet. I’m starting to feel like an old timer, even though I’m not. <br /><br /><br />Recommended! <br /><br /><br /><b>Performances run through Sunday February 11th. Tickets are available: <a href="https://www.pnb.org/season/swan-lake/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">HERE!</span></a></b><br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank">Social Media Links Here</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwssuvR2hBEASW_YyqfMXKBkCWmUaq4x9JHqn58Tu4BEQTCMzP6okehnUMysAhW1reduiKmyGcOIhBTC4azNSR_DYHIk4lWe3l__LDypwey-F4ZB0VqP3AsGFi_43l6nbvu-SHkoFp02CIrFyvVihN5QfmQ4fOXow9ZRfTt6Ccl55NQDBoww92cObKInp/s3300/SLDress24%200462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1724" data-original-width="3300" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwssuvR2hBEASW_YyqfMXKBkCWmUaq4x9JHqn58Tu4BEQTCMzP6okehnUMysAhW1reduiKmyGcOIhBTC4azNSR_DYHIk4lWe3l__LDypwey-F4ZB0VqP3AsGFi_43l6nbvu-SHkoFp02CIrFyvVihN5QfmQ4fOXow9ZRfTt6Ccl55NQDBoww92cObKInp/w640-h334/SLDress24%200462.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">(Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers and PNB School students in Kent Stowell’s Swan Lake. PNB presents Swan Lake onstage at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall February 2 – 11, 2024 (and streaming for digital subscribers February 15 – 19.) For tickets and information, contact the PNB Box Office, 206.441.2424 or PNB.org. Photo © Angela Sterling.)</div></span><div><br /></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-49134667730888548442024-02-05T12:41:00.000-08:002024-02-16T12:44:53.917-08:00MONOLITH Film Review February 5, 2024<b><span style="font-size: large;">MONOLITH</span><br /><br />Well Go USA<br />Reviewed: 2/5/2024<br /><br />Rating: 3.5 / 5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><i>In theaters and on digital February 16, 2024.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV708-t70d8ymE7rVgQyyEp9xAqNdhPcsWhIXI_EBvCcM-iPbUcneRz8p2jUOVviaAsDPNJ0RxaeRX-exuGJ3QvMSoDrmV6wxPdL1MGrMcHFb12qGhoG9ZV6uvMEDU764UDxTWj3OYmSxgJR4sNwT2TAy-2WET4gZkYZhrlc5PfJJoIwd5cmcfCAKoXV-x/s1030/unnamed%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV708-t70d8ymE7rVgQyyEp9xAqNdhPcsWhIXI_EBvCcM-iPbUcneRz8p2jUOVviaAsDPNJ0RxaeRX-exuGJ3QvMSoDrmV6wxPdL1MGrMcHFb12qGhoG9ZV6uvMEDU764UDxTWj3OYmSxgJR4sNwT2TAy-2WET4gZkYZhrlc5PfJJoIwd5cmcfCAKoXV-x/w434-h640/unnamed%20(1).jpg" width="434" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Well Go USA)</div><br /><br /><br />The new film “Monolith” from Well Go USA is a great character study. Lily Sullivan plays the lead character who is a podcaster that stumbles upon a mystery. Initially skeptical, the more she investigates the mystery, the more wrapped up in it she becomes.<br /><br /><br />I’m being vague about the plot as I feel it would tarnish a viewer's experience with the film. Lily Sullivan is the best part about this film. Her acting skills really shine and this role shows she can handle a lead dramatic role in the future (if she doesn’t have one under her belt already). <br /><br /><br />The finale left me confused and I rarely appreciate that feeling as a viewer. But, I’ll leave that up to all of you to figure out after you’ve seen the movie.<br /><br /><br />“Monolith” is worth a viewing for Lily Sullivan’s performance alone.<br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kwuJ4fs2-Fg" width="320" youtube-src-id="kwuJ4fs2-Fg"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL TRAILER</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-34254663787997101372024-01-31T16:23:00.000-08:002024-02-02T16:31:28.783-08:00THE BOOK OF WILL Taproot Theatre Company January 24th through February 24th, 2024 Review<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE BOOK OF WILL</span><br />By Lauren Gunderson<br />Directed by: Karen Lund<br /><a href="https://taproottheatre.org/" target="_blank">Taproot Theatre Company</a><br />Seattle, WA<br /><br /><i>Review: Saturday 1/27/24 - 7:30pm Performance</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH9-HZOPVe-xjrnVYufHRNT54yTtrwfPsBb7OWui_JWbLN4N6KNXtc_6ncRpPeT4LWuVliyX8e9fqrrbCmKR7e9W83_uHKhRMvk1BmWRzbhdSTOK0ePK6Xq-e_9jmYOHdhZi6ZqGtX-GDfwxEudZpK01fXLt-zPi3cEXXMzx6V8qrp-4oSzDf6VLbT3fe/s2560/Taproot_Book-of-Will_Prod_Photos-163-scaled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH9-HZOPVe-xjrnVYufHRNT54yTtrwfPsBb7OWui_JWbLN4N6KNXtc_6ncRpPeT4LWuVliyX8e9fqrrbCmKR7e9W83_uHKhRMvk1BmWRzbhdSTOK0ePK6Xq-e_9jmYOHdhZi6ZqGtX-GDfwxEudZpK01fXLt-zPi3cEXXMzx6V8qrp-4oSzDf6VLbT3fe/w640-h426/Taproot_Book-of-Will_Prod_Photos-163-scaled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Reginald André Jackson and Eric Jensen in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br />The new season at Taproot Theatre Company kicked off in grand style with The Book Of Will by Lauren Gunderson. The play tells the story of friends that attempt to publish a book of plays by William Shakespeare. Of course there are bumps along the way to achieving this goal but that just adds to the drama of the storyline.<br /><br /><br />I’ve been reviewing shows at Taproot Theatre since 2018 (and surrounding theatres as well) so it’s always a treat to see familiar names in the cast credits. While it’s easy to say that the cast had no weak points, this cast truly raised the bar. If an actor previously was great in a role, they were challenged to keep up with the other actors that were great in this production, if that makes any sense. So the once good actors could have fallen to ok, great to good, and so on. <br /><br /><br />In other words the acting was fantastic.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq01-pfWCkhWEZlj3y3efjF8QejsSEJX99L8z_kBhM3Xucn4MPtwbl3eWFabNd2Lnzj2fCXSmtEjyj_AGXqQxihcSQPTE04RtBsbrAB_XVUvqjDrEcdo4LOxO8oBo41a0tY27w-5WSXjVkhtGKO1Ec7BCfdJOpm0pSm1ceuvgXePLQ4cHd_RcDnaxNYpMj/s2560/Taproot_Book-of-Will_Prod_Photos-152-scaled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2560" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq01-pfWCkhWEZlj3y3efjF8QejsSEJX99L8z_kBhM3Xucn4MPtwbl3eWFabNd2Lnzj2fCXSmtEjyj_AGXqQxihcSQPTE04RtBsbrAB_XVUvqjDrEcdo4LOxO8oBo41a0tY27w-5WSXjVkhtGKO1Ec7BCfdJOpm0pSm1ceuvgXePLQ4cHd_RcDnaxNYpMj/w640-h512/Taproot_Book-of-Will_Prod_Photos-152-scaled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Llysa Holland, Nikki Visel, Eric Jensen, and Reginald André Jackson in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.)</i></div><div><br /><br /><br />The beginning of Act II was particularly heartfelt with such emotion emanating from the stage that the world seemed to stop. These incredible scenes are why I and many others go to the theatre. The level of acting was masterful and it stayed with me days later.<br /><br /><br />The story will resonate with many as the quest to get the book published tested the resolve of the friends but they stayed the course and didn’t succumb to the trials and tribulations of such a daunting task.<br /><br /><br />The Book Of Will is a splendid start to what I hope is another stellar season from the Taproot Theatre Company. <br /><br /><br />Recommended! <br /><br /><br /><b>"The Book Of Will” runs through February 24th. Tickets are available:</b> <a href="https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2024/the-book-of-will/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">HERE!</span></b></a><br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /></div></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-87882661583022136962024-01-17T14:15:00.000-08:002024-01-17T14:15:48.308-08:00WANTED MAN Out on 1/19/24 REVIEW<b><span style="font-size: large;">WANTED MAN</span><br /><br />Quiver Distribution<br />Reviewed: 1/17/2024<br />Rating: 3.5 / 5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYLtU2dMjH3Ci4SlJHFEGh5Tr6WQ1lTWIpTRYtf93x66NsUj2h2PGntrXYOR3pvudZqKLh3gV7KG7XgNqSU53WtWCRs5x_7Y84YlB8YRT2Q2OVrkmifceqaeJujPrYXZNJw8ROTncWI70xnJ5GwuVzSCDtdFz6r7C3X9VfiuPWoVsdLc-XNc31-nyeU87/s2954/WantedMan_THEATICAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2954" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYLtU2dMjH3Ci4SlJHFEGh5Tr6WQ1lTWIpTRYtf93x66NsUj2h2PGntrXYOR3pvudZqKLh3gV7KG7XgNqSU53WtWCRs5x_7Y84YlB8YRT2Q2OVrkmifceqaeJujPrYXZNJw8ROTncWI70xnJ5GwuVzSCDtdFz6r7C3X9VfiuPWoVsdLc-XNc31-nyeU87/w434-h640/WantedMan_THEATICAL.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Quiver Distribution)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br />The new film, “Wanted Man” is directed, co-written, produced by and stars Dolph Lundgren. This is either a good thing or a bad thing depending on what type of films you like. I for one enjoy action films so it was a no brainer to check out this film from Dolph.<br /><br /><br />What you see is what you get (look at the trailer). An ode to 80’s action films with so-so dialogue (which is ok) and decent action sequences, the film delivers where it needs to most.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_iP2z3COCtwtdYUOP4p17S_02IYoznu30WDWstRMStdjJBdv4JgBNjt7ai5BxLJnxd7pSjrQCjapoNsqmZi1qjtJyhUHhIG36h2QZXEBj6K2pPlwzmxKlGZfeKxErZEoL6OIzeEOgVewoU9IiyuY9Z5IskyQsDV7ZyGzFrbxxS8bZ9_X0Tfma6Dxz_M1/s5858/WANTED%20MAN_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3952" data-original-width="5858" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_iP2z3COCtwtdYUOP4p17S_02IYoznu30WDWstRMStdjJBdv4JgBNjt7ai5BxLJnxd7pSjrQCjapoNsqmZi1qjtJyhUHhIG36h2QZXEBj6K2pPlwzmxKlGZfeKxErZEoL6OIzeEOgVewoU9IiyuY9Z5IskyQsDV7ZyGzFrbxxS8bZ9_X0Tfma6Dxz_M1/w640-h432/WANTED%20MAN_5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Dolph Lundgren as “Johansen”in the action thriller,WANTED MAN, a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.)</i></div><div><br /><br />While “Wanted Man” won’t win any originality awards, it is a good fun popcorn action flick. <br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uaz1D2oYzco" width="320" youtube-src-id="Uaz1D2oYzco"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL TRAILER</b></div><br /></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-75313622192178060702024-01-17T13:58:00.000-08:002024-01-17T13:59:12.626-08:00DOUBLE DOWN SOUTH In Theaters 1/19/24! REVIEW<b><span style="font-size: large;">DOUBLE DOWN SOUTH</span><br /><br />Level 33 Entertainment<br />Reviewed: 1/17/2024<br />Rating: 4 / 5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHGBCs9xAWT92SKqwyhXrfC2CVHohoVHPT6kigrr7x1GX8S_SN-Xx8rJdMrcL3OcCy7UtTTMIig6zFbXLReb4JRQa6vzOL4zU3_ZwBfqpHvORrWm5qpnlmarfGpsW1WPCSHG59HKjzb138tMSpCPTIS99irlEg_jxS_IV7BZ3w_y0EP7YbZ9nUXzRuf85/s461/DoubleDownSouth_Still5_LiliSimmons.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="461" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHGBCs9xAWT92SKqwyhXrfC2CVHohoVHPT6kigrr7x1GX8S_SN-Xx8rJdMrcL3OcCy7UtTTMIig6zFbXLReb4JRQa6vzOL4zU3_ZwBfqpHvORrWm5qpnlmarfGpsW1WPCSHG59HKjzb138tMSpCPTIS99irlEg_jxS_IV7BZ3w_y0EP7YbZ9nUXzRuf85/w640-h360/DoubleDownSouth_Still5_LiliSimmons.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Level 33 Entertainment)</i></div><i><br /></i><br />The new film, “Double Down South” is an interesting drama from writer/director Tom Schulman (“Dead Poets Society”).<br /><br /><br />Based in the dirty south, the film follows Diana (Lili Simmons) as she joins a house of pool tournaments. Under the guidance (if you can call it that) from Nick (Kim Coates), the two strive to hustle the best players out of their hard earned money.<br /><br /><br />The film is very much a drama with well written dialogue and solid performances from everyone in the cast. Accents stay in place and the pool action is entertaining. But, the film is a bit long. I think it could have been condensed down into something less than two hours. The ending is interesting and leaves the audience in discussion mode for sure.<br /><br /><br />Overall, “Double Down South” is a solid film - good but not great.<br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /><br /></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-54698309653581335422024-01-17T13:18:00.000-08:002024-01-17T13:18:49.219-08:00WHICH BRINGS ME TO YOU Only in theaters January 19th, 2024 REVIEW<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHICH BRINGS ME TO YOU</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Only In Theaters on January 19th, 2024</i></span></b><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Decal Releasing<br /></span>Reviewed: 1/17/2024<br />Rating: 3.5 / 5</b></div><div><b><br /></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihafCJTlysznYvOKYVEbA2fMIwwVp23OQB68DrCR5TvnPyrqCEpOI_Td9V_vbVr5rPeEOB1JnekTlAv7W5qFHi3pUufZNFLNhveeI4kvB5SCnLFfj1_1qDJxbJ2XNkVJfYnt_JVAUxmjw4wXUW2iwCVkbPqSBQ6_6o6gcKebv_qZbCoV8CImMEggn90kH9/s6075/WBMTY_THEATRICAL_27x40_150dpi_V3_BLEED_LR%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6075" data-original-width="4125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihafCJTlysznYvOKYVEbA2fMIwwVp23OQB68DrCR5TvnPyrqCEpOI_Td9V_vbVr5rPeEOB1JnekTlAv7W5qFHi3pUufZNFLNhveeI4kvB5SCnLFfj1_1qDJxbJ2XNkVJfYnt_JVAUxmjw4wXUW2iwCVkbPqSBQ6_6o6gcKebv_qZbCoV8CImMEggn90kH9/w434-h640/WBMTY_THEATRICAL_27x40_150dpi_V3_BLEED_LR%20(1).jpg" width="434" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(DECAL Releasing)</i></div><br /><b><br /></b><br />The new film, “Which Brings Me To You” is a romantic comedy scheduled to hit the theaters this Friday the 19th. <br /><br /><br />The film centers around two characters Jane and Will that meet at a mutual wedding. There is an encounter in a closet that doesn’t go well. The plot then basically follows the two around as they share past memories about relationships and such.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DIDOz187bIP4HulENFY1hcj6T8rYx60eoubkooydtiB0qW7xxgGM986A_l_9Wn5gFRRzRAGDp-yUQtXzIgxSEUD6AttPjIL9kARyBxAvB_YrgW8JD8WDrGADybQzw0II6oQCs0Lisu7D3TC7iYcQhV04ZFRYZ4pw1rCHEWm-qD4mx9b7hupaKToAW5Eo/s6960/WHICH%20BRINGS%20ME%20TO%20YOU_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DIDOz187bIP4HulENFY1hcj6T8rYx60eoubkooydtiB0qW7xxgGM986A_l_9Wn5gFRRzRAGDp-yUQtXzIgxSEUD6AttPjIL9kARyBxAvB_YrgW8JD8WDrGADybQzw0II6oQCs0Lisu7D3TC7iYcQhV04ZFRYZ4pw1rCHEWm-qD4mx9b7hupaKToAW5Eo/w640-h426/WHICH%20BRINGS%20ME%20TO%20YOU_3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lucy Hale as Jane in theromantic comedy, WHICH BRINGS ME TO YOU, a DECAL release. Photo courtesy of DECAL Releasing.)</i></div> <br /><br /><br />The movie is dialogue heavy with some witty writing at times. It’s shot well and there’s a definite quirkiness to the film that for the most part works.<br /><br /><br />However, it wasn’t anything special that would stand above the rest of films out this month. For the rom-com diehards. <br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IyJCO2f1yX0" width="320" youtube-src-id="IyJCO2f1yX0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL TRAILER</b></div></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-43658104325016319872024-01-11T10:43:00.000-08:002024-01-11T10:43:07.803-08:00THE POWER OF FILM TCM Documentary Series Eclectic Arts Media Review <b><span style="font-size: large;">THE POWER OF FILM</span><br /><br />TCM Original Documentary Series<br />Reviewed: 1/11/2024<br />Rating: 4 / 5</b><div><b><br /></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAW-Ch75uq2JdU4Z_hTSYMjqvqxnHrqFzPj-tX8GthrjDnZh0O7P9fuECnFTQh2_bDY6i2yN75fs-5wjrNspjtPm8thgZ5PlSE_CJNt1HbTYNqo6xYaU_T_x6H52nAUWl40v3S8lBXL2RzxdAVHtKgrzg1nrsK5YQ7qs2S3NhOPsePIZta_1gV4BTN66pQ/s1100/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1100" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAW-Ch75uq2JdU4Z_hTSYMjqvqxnHrqFzPj-tX8GthrjDnZh0O7P9fuECnFTQh2_bDY6i2yN75fs-5wjrNspjtPm8thgZ5PlSE_CJNt1HbTYNqo6xYaU_T_x6H52nAUWl40v3S8lBXL2RzxdAVHtKgrzg1nrsK5YQ7qs2S3NhOPsePIZta_1gV4BTN66pQ/w640-h362/unnamed.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(TCM)</div><br /><br />“The Power of Film” is a six episode series on Turner Classic Movies. New episodes air each Thursday (episode two airs tonight 1/11/24). Dr. Howard Suber tackles a theme with each episode such as Popular and Memorable (Ep 1) and Trapped (Ep 2). Dr. Suber is an expert in the field of film (UCLA professor emeritus, founding chair of UCLA’s Film and Television Producers Program, and one of the founders of the UCLA Film Archive) and his approach during the episodes is that of a collegiate professor, not surprisingly.<br /><br /><br />For the regular viewers of TCM this series will be a welcome addition to their cinephile knowledge bases. However, to the more mainstream film fan, the format may be a bit underwhelming. I personally was fine with it as Dr. Suber brings up many interesting points about film and each of us as human beings. The identity of self is a constant topic throughout the first two episodes. But, again, those who don’t want to study film per se, will probably find the series tedious at best.<br /><br /><br />I think a solid alternative title for the series would be Film For Thought as I was left thinking about what Dr. Suber taught me during the episodes. He covers many aspects I had never even considered. <br /><br /><br />For hardcore film fans.<br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-20961283052531842962023-12-15T17:45:00.000-08:002023-12-15T17:45:08.635-08:00MISS BENNET - CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY SecondStory Repertory Performances through December 23rd, 2023 Review<b><span style="font-size: large;">Miss Bennet: Christmas At Pemberley</span><br />Written by: Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon<br />Directed by Elizabeth Tanner<br /><a href="https://www.secondstoryrep.org/" target="_blank">SecondStory Repertory</a><br />Redmond, WA<br /><br /><i>December 14, 2023 8pm performance</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNdxsIFV08Y5LoNu7-RMfh52niwjsKccf5Q2siy9zwPSS-P5MdeV2FArM2euefG5xMlvldHopugWLugcLeT8i4HaWlbqUFwcG0Stqsb4cG32qHLyNW1gVNRYvZIbXkFR8ZXYafVWPyv7RGQI9N_7Zqr2z1OcGO4rumsVEMERaZ1NhKvnoiF14r4WzCMCA/s1400/SSR_pemberley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1400" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNdxsIFV08Y5LoNu7-RMfh52niwjsKccf5Q2siy9zwPSS-P5MdeV2FArM2euefG5xMlvldHopugWLugcLeT8i4HaWlbqUFwcG0Stqsb4cG32qHLyNW1gVNRYvZIbXkFR8ZXYafVWPyv7RGQI9N_7Zqr2z1OcGO4rumsVEMERaZ1NhKvnoiF14r4WzCMCA/w640-h370/SSR_pemberley.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></i><br />The holiday season is here and when I heard SecondStory Repertory was doing this wonderful play, I had to inquire about reviewing it.<br /><br /><br />I became a fan of another version some five years ago (having seen that show three times) so I was certainly looking forward to this interpretation on Thursday evening.<br /><br /><br />It did <i>not</i> disappoint.<br /><br /><br />For me the show rises or falls on the performances of Miss Bennet and Mr. de Bourgh. If they work well together, then the show will be a triumph. If they don’t, well, then not so much. In this case Sara Schweid and Josiah C. Miller worked incredibly well together. The nuances of the characters, their love of books, science and the like, and the awkward yet developing interest in one another came across in near perfect fashion. <br /><br /><br />The audience wants to see these characters get together by the end of the show. And the characters are not necessarily the easiest to like (they are designed that way). It just goes to show the talent and performances of Ms. Schweid and Mr. Miller could not be denied. <br /><br /><br />And let’s not forget about the strong cast of characters surrounding them. There was truly no weak link in the cast. None. They all had their moments to shine and shine they did. <br /><br /><br />The staging was just as memorable as the first show of the season (which I reviewed as well). I am thoroughly impressed with what the company does with their space. They utilize every inch of it to transport a room in Redmond Town Center into a completely different and dramatic world. <br /><br /><br />With all of the local theatre companies staging their holiday best productions, do not sleep on this show. It is a top notch production with a cast that brings every aspect of the Jane Austen world to brilliant holiday life. <br /><br /><br />Recommended!<br /><br /><br />There are five more performances of Miss Bennet - Christmas At Pemberley starting this Saturday 12/16 and concluding on Saturday 12/23. Don’t miss out. <i>Tickets are available: </i> <a href="https://www.secondstoryrep.org/product-page/miss-bennet-christmas-at-pemberley" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">HERE!</span></b></a><br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br /><i>Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: </i> <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-83429599783404207132023-12-08T11:09:00.000-08:002023-12-08T11:58:30.717-08:00MJ THE MUSICAL Broadway At The Paramount Seattle, WA 12/7/23 through 12/17/23<b><span style="font-size: large;">MJ THE MUSICAL</span><br />Book by: Lynn Nottage<br />Director and Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon<br /><br />Premera Blue Cross <a href="https://seattle.broadway.com/" target="_blank">Broadway At The Paramount</a><br />Seattle, WA<br /><br /><i>Review: Thursday December 7th, 2023</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTfhXDbZNoXyAl0_74o2xvaC39VsDwGXAyFC2IBy8VvdYrZjI-n8_99JFQKobcWMRlL_6n4a4iI47fAwt6bmotXvgFzgJBbtR-gcHNLj7CDsAh35veVOvLa9UfhVnxqt90m_8AkS9FWOo5zzfjay5uQSWCZol-x5SjhMp6M38lP1o-OuUOXbfuAhStqBD/s6162/04.%20Roman%20Banks%20as%20'MJ'%20and%20the%20cast%20of%20the%20MJ%20First%20National%20Tour.%20Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy,%20MurphyMade.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4110" data-original-width="6162" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTfhXDbZNoXyAl0_74o2xvaC39VsDwGXAyFC2IBy8VvdYrZjI-n8_99JFQKobcWMRlL_6n4a4iI47fAwt6bmotXvgFzgJBbtR-gcHNLj7CDsAh35veVOvLa9UfhVnxqt90m_8AkS9FWOo5zzfjay5uQSWCZol-x5SjhMp6M38lP1o-OuUOXbfuAhStqBD/w640-h426/04.%20Roman%20Banks%20as%20'MJ'%20and%20the%20cast%20of%20the%20MJ%20First%20National%20Tour.%20Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy,%20MurphyMade.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Roman Banks as 'MJ'and the cast of the MJ First National Tour. Photo by Matthew Murphy.)</span></i></div><br /><br />When an icon like Michael Jackson is the focus of a musical, it is almost impossible to include all of the monumental moments in his legendary career. But, “MJ the Musical” does its very best to not leave anything out.<br /><br /><br />Now, when one thinks of the gloved one, two things should come to mind: music and moves. As interesting as his life story is, the audience wants to hear the tunes they are familiar with and the dance moves to match. This show delivers both in spades.<br /><br /><br />From his Jackson 5 days to his storied solo career, the creative team found a way to tell many facets of his story with the solid foundation being rehearsals for the early 90’s “Dangerous” world tour. The musical jumps around throughout his timeline but as I mentioned earlier - it’s quite secondary to hearing the music and watching the choreography come to life.<br /><br /><br />There were moments at the performance where the musical really felt like an awards show performance or even a live concert. From young Michael to the “Dangerous” era Michael, the cast was just nailing every song and every move.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvWotyGMOTqtBBpaNCX6yMAvYiACm0WTbPzpfbv2k5WoR0mD9Mjj20cGnQif8iHUmOGHtXKrsShLM4tFUC7otl_LN-LMj7v_U_P8_o3XzjBTpnlLoLDZ9RFjkdeEfR4LbiY3x2qP4crKiZcMocZ1gVbwcWv9taUCcS2W9Zg5I-JExGbVuDRbay3iNCnVx/s7905/06.%20Roman%20Banks%20as%20'MJ'%20and%20the%20cast%20of%20the%20MJ%20First%20National%20Tour.%20Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy,%20MurphyMade.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5273" data-original-width="7905" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvWotyGMOTqtBBpaNCX6yMAvYiACm0WTbPzpfbv2k5WoR0mD9Mjj20cGnQif8iHUmOGHtXKrsShLM4tFUC7otl_LN-LMj7v_U_P8_o3XzjBTpnlLoLDZ9RFjkdeEfR4LbiY3x2qP4crKiZcMocZ1gVbwcWv9taUCcS2W9Zg5I-JExGbVuDRbay3iNCnVx/w640-h426/06.%20Roman%20Banks%20as%20'MJ'%20and%20the%20cast%20of%20the%20MJ%20First%20National%20Tour.%20Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy,%20MurphyMade.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Roman Banks as 'MJ'and the cast of the MJ First National Tour. Photo by Matthew Murphy.)</span></i></div><div><br /><br />I liked the fact that the musical also made mention of the allegations in Michael’s life. It’s a part of his legacy that will forever taint his icon status so it needed to be mentioned in my opinion (not guilty verdict or not). They easily could have glossed over this part of his life but they didn’t. <br /><br /><br />And kudos to the band on stage and in the pit. Holy moly! As a musician myself, I was floored by how tight they were and they were an integral reason why “MJ the Musical” worked so well.<br /><br /><br />As the actual King of Pop entertained millions around the world, “MJ the Musical” also entertains at the highest level. Don’t stop ‘til you … go see this show!<br /><br /><br />Highly recommended!<br /><br /><br /><i>“MJ the Musical” runs through Sunday December 17th. </i><b> Tickets are available:</b> <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/3007828?venueId=122980&brand=paramountseattle" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">HERE!</span></b></a><br /><br /><br />Happy Holidays,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Side note: To my fellow media member(s) who insist on fidgeting in their seat(s), please refrain from doing so. If any part of your body touches the seat/row in front of you, chances are those guests can feel it. To be so un-self aware is really astonishing to me (even after a few stares in your direction). You know who you are and I kindly ask that you find a way to sit still or at the very least - refrain from kicking the row in front of you every time you cross and uncross your legs. You did it at a show last week and you did it again last night - several times. I expect more common courtesy from anyone claiming to call themsevles media. Thank you very much. </i></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-84629084352986601102023-12-06T17:44:00.000-08:002023-12-10T17:51:04.307-08:00A CHRISTMAS CAROL ACT Contemporary Theatre November 24 - December 24, 2023 Review<b><span style="font-size: large;">A CHRISTMAS CAROL</span><br /><br />Written by Charles Dickens<br />Adapted by Gregory Falls<br />Music by Adam Stern<br />Directed by R. Hamilton Wright<br /><br /><a href="https://acttheatre.org/" target="_blank">ACT Contemporary Theatre</a><br />Seattle, WA<br /><br /><i>December 3, 2022 Matinee Performance</i></b><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrT3vo4_PH6W9dGVDBD8TEBr4oR_RB5kaLARSZVIuRyWO5TB-6O3xgj5FTbQ4aOwNAHa3wC-1bE974rBlvrBUUvbZ-IrYsvDNmOS-h2hp5g23_Dv0WrQq63CtFkrk_2l-c1ebWogL7Nw1qOQH7QyHLTl75JvxTEE18mYNEiRTn5a8Ak9lGenARPGdPsnwz/s1200/ACC-banner-1200x375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrT3vo4_PH6W9dGVDBD8TEBr4oR_RB5kaLARSZVIuRyWO5TB-6O3xgj5FTbQ4aOwNAHa3wC-1bE974rBlvrBUUvbZ-IrYsvDNmOS-h2hp5g23_Dv0WrQq63CtFkrk_2l-c1ebWogL7Nw1qOQH7QyHLTl75JvxTEE18mYNEiRTn5a8Ak9lGenARPGdPsnwz/w640-h200/ACC-banner-1200x375.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></i><br /><br />“A Christmas Carol” has been performed at the ACT for many, many years and for good reason - it’s quality entertainment,<br /><br /><br />This is only my second year of attending the show but it was just as satisfying as last year’s performance.<br /><br /><br />I liked the subtle differences in this year's interpretation (such as the lines matching the casting actors' appearance for example). The high quality of performance was on display throughout the show and for ninety minutes Seattle disappeared and the world of Scrooge engulfed the patrons Sunday afternoon.<br /><br /><br />Like last year, the special effects for the spirits really worked well. It is very much the book or one of the many film adaptations that come to life in front of your very eyes. It is spooky, jovial, and heartfelt. <br /><br /><br />The cast was superb and there really wasn’t one thing that I found lacking. Impressive stuff, really.<br /><br /><br />“A Christmas Carol” is the perfect holiday treat for anyone looking to welcome in the 2023 holiday season.<br /><br /><br />Recommended!<br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /><br /><i>“A Christmas Carol” runs through December 24th. Purchase tickets: <a href="https://acttheatre.org/a-christmas-carol-2023/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">HERE!</span></b></a></i><br /></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-11727993035830431692023-12-05T15:18:00.000-08:002023-12-06T15:24:56.919-08:00GEORGIANA & KITTY: Christmas At Pemberley Taproot Theatre November 22 through December 30th, 2023 Review<b><span style="font-size: large;">GEORGIANA & KITTY - Christmas At Pemberley</span><br />Written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon<br />Directed by: Karen Lund<br /><a href="https://taproottheatre.org/" target="_blank">Taproot Theatre Company</a><br />Seattle, WA<br /><br /><i>Review: Tuesday 11/28/23 - 2pm Performance</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuZ0iqM51cSUAyt0buOZtG6IHcm_jgYXgyJe31MHmoTUy1AqeWCmrJl1sx31HuKoA4lCF27dkSn0vCAwmwQoMaobjNNi8xOF7TXT8iuOYN7AL2vx2eVWEDjPUnTnxGd_GEYwbs8TOc2wamSl-i4zpySwYkAgP01dbRK21e8Ik3iRtUtMeutg8FRm04UmM/s2560/taproot-georgiana-kitty-21nov23-859-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2560" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuZ0iqM51cSUAyt0buOZtG6IHcm_jgYXgyJe31MHmoTUy1AqeWCmrJl1sx31HuKoA4lCF27dkSn0vCAwmwQoMaobjNNi8xOF7TXT8iuOYN7AL2vx2eVWEDjPUnTnxGd_GEYwbs8TOc2wamSl-i4zpySwYkAgP01dbRK21e8Ik3iRtUtMeutg8FRm04UmM/w640-h512/taproot-georgiana-kitty-21nov23-859-scaled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Claire Marx with Melanie Hampton, Kelly Karcher, Shanna Allman, and Annie Yim in Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Photo by Robert Wade Photography.)</span></i></div><br /><br />The holiday season has arrived for 2023 which means every theatre and arts company in the greater Seattle area (and then some) are rolling out their holiday productions. Taproot Theatre is offering up the third and final installment of the Christmas At Pemberley series - this time focusing on Georgiana and Kitty.<br /><br /><br />The beauty of this series is that Taproot Theatre has managed to cast some of the very same actors in their respective roles, many in all three shows from 2018, 2022, and now 2023. The continuity that brings cannot be overstated. <br /><br /><br />The strength of this third installment is not only the casting but that the story is really an ensemble piece. Last year's show focused too much on one character in my humble opinion and this installment harkens back to the ensemble feel of the first show.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxalBdNoTXZGP0C-aEU34nIUR2HJRgrzwwcZW2Z-W5hD2NzyoZokvZpkAhowbTjZD5a_aGumCD9uAI_5R-9sSVj_CNLwNDb_G6WsjCJjLuF8IPKr3kV5-iSJSEu3baRl2m2C3LzZseY4mzFZUrUyYYkRy3lI6y7akuC0Oe0X8NpWz5N_qPGURrpdr_W6tc/s2560/taproot-georgiana-kitty-21nov23-440-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1709" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxalBdNoTXZGP0C-aEU34nIUR2HJRgrzwwcZW2Z-W5hD2NzyoZokvZpkAhowbTjZD5a_aGumCD9uAI_5R-9sSVj_CNLwNDb_G6WsjCJjLuF8IPKr3kV5-iSJSEu3baRl2m2C3LzZseY4mzFZUrUyYYkRy3lI6y7akuC0Oe0X8NpWz5N_qPGURrpdr_W6tc/w428-h640/taproot-georgiana-kitty-21nov23-440-scaled.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Claire Marx and Ays Garcia in Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Photo by Robert Wade Photography.)</span></i></div><div><br /><br />One doesn’t need to be familiar with the other two shows to appreciate and enjoy Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas At Pemberley but it does add something extra if you have seen the other shows.<br /><br /><br />There are moments in the production where the drama is so high that you can hear a pin drop as the silence is deafening. This is truly the mark of fantastic acting and direction as well. <br /><br /><br />Taproot Theatre has produced an amazing final show for the 2023 season. Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas At Pemberley is one holiday show you won’t want to miss.<br /><br /><br /><i>Highly recommended! <br /></i><br /><br />“Georgiana & Kitty - Christmas At Pemberley” runs through December 30th. Tickets are available: <a href="https://taproottheatre.org/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">HERE!</span></b></a><br /><br /><br />Happy Holidays!<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-71609135482570839952023-12-04T17:23:00.000-08:002023-12-10T17:35:50.543-08:00IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS November 25th through December 24th, 2023 The 5th Avenue Theatre Review<b><span style="font-size: large;">Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS </span><br />Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin<br />Book by David Ives and Paul Blake<br />Directed by James A. Rocco and David Armstrong<br /><br /><a href="https://www.5thavenue.org/" target="_blank">The 5th Avenue Theatre</a><br />Seattle, WA<br /><br /><i>December 1, 2023 Evening Performance - Media Night</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZFNe2W6kTklZtU_l5oA8F4foWjhxSwW0x9QG7X7sjkfGACO315ooXeZL5ThtNQN-y87GqbBZgHf4AUQhorQLRRaP8p9Y-14IXFcKvHHygQ1hh7znF1MrO8y3iiNXq3rP6FcEWxGgtes8PUvfgLQxmtxNNxhvE4qv229OYkUyPjHbhs-OYnVlrPI9W7uI/s1200/mkitaoka_2422_edited.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZFNe2W6kTklZtU_l5oA8F4foWjhxSwW0x9QG7X7sjkfGACO315ooXeZL5ThtNQN-y87GqbBZgHf4AUQhorQLRRaP8p9Y-14IXFcKvHHygQ1hh7znF1MrO8y3iiNXq3rP6FcEWxGgtes8PUvfgLQxmtxNNxhvE4qv229OYkUyPjHbhs-OYnVlrPI9W7uI/w640-h426/mkitaoka_2422_edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Ashley Day and Gia Pellegrini in The 5th Avenue Theatre's production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka)</span></i></div><br /><br />The 2023 holiday season is here and The 5th Avenue Theatre‘s production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a perfect show for one and all.<br /><br /><br />With a true ensemble of talent, the entertaining musical evokes the spirit of the much loved film while keeping it fresh for modern audiences. That’s not to say that it's been updated but the spirit of the production touches on both the past and the present.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIu4xGueE8TCciR-GKPv-lB0tNH9EA6lZEEl6_9hhoxAJAF3Gxztz-7jkqn3GinTD4gpdG1T4MZLncg6CXg37nLUN0emuJm0bUPnCOY0LJxOiytHLJjC4v1oQAqpX-nY84Mt5pm-vQdqliaMz_7faIgzV1EkVUYguetKCWJheXAlKX8AhA30liEWc4yCd/s1200/mkitaoka_2588_edited.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1200" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIu4xGueE8TCciR-GKPv-lB0tNH9EA6lZEEl6_9hhoxAJAF3Gxztz-7jkqn3GinTD4gpdG1T4MZLncg6CXg37nLUN0emuJm0bUPnCOY0LJxOiytHLJjC4v1oQAqpX-nY84Mt5pm-vQdqliaMz_7faIgzV1EkVUYguetKCWJheXAlKX8AhA30liEWc4yCd/w640-h382/mkitaoka_2588_edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Ashley Day and company in The 5th Avenue Theatre's production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>When you're an artist honing your craft, your dream is to be on a stage performing a number where you are doing it all: singing, dancing, acting, with multiple performers. This show has so many wonderful dance sequences that it must have been one heck of a time for the talent to learn and rehearse each and every number. But they all pulled it off like the professionals that they are.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifghwYnBt3GZ5FT7Pyup5ewhSYINwGpiXBZY3HwKGd1uWH75NCvEGnCYv6nmTPLcfSjUTfnQnJrvGPGDTtv2YvgDIj-tIavN_ZaB6jf2XixgYeCyb4LX94uMJDF_heCVZNpQFXPXIAvkQVbjtYyPjjluxZtHKNEUUBydC3HhqQVoOpPRVHxk7gT0rnXjC7/s1200/mkitaoka_5752_edited.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1200" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifghwYnBt3GZ5FT7Pyup5ewhSYINwGpiXBZY3HwKGd1uWH75NCvEGnCYv6nmTPLcfSjUTfnQnJrvGPGDTtv2YvgDIj-tIavN_ZaB6jf2XixgYeCyb4LX94uMJDF_heCVZNpQFXPXIAvkQVbjtYyPjjluxZtHKNEUUBydC3HhqQVoOpPRVHxk7gT0rnXjC7/w640-h382/mkitaoka_5752_edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(The cast of The 5th Avenue Theatre's production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka)</span></i></div><div><br /><br />"Irving Berlin’s White Christmas" works on every level. It will thoroughly entertain you, it will bring you warm holiday fuzzies, and you’ll want to tell all of your family and friends about it.<br /><br /><br />Highly recommended!<br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /><br /><br />"Irving Berlin’s White Christmas" runs through December 24th. Purchase tickets: <a href="https://www.5thavenue.org/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">HERE!</span></b></a><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Side Note: No gracias to the fellow media member that kept crossing and uncrossing his fidgety legs behind me/us - knocking the row of seats in front of him throughout the performance. I might expect this from a selfish patron but certainly not a media member. Please do better as you’re making us all look bad. Thank you in advance.</span></i><br /></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-30870034456545324992023-11-25T17:18:00.000-08:002023-11-26T17:24:30.982-08:00FAILURE TO PROTECT Film Review 11/25/23<b><span style="font-size: large;">FAILURE TO PROTECT</span><br /><br />Reviewed: 11/25/2023<br />Rating: 4.5 / 5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XW9ct8_XskrL9hI9anyCFXfj9Ny0yQnIQILQzGhVl0Iil8p7MXRcxPhhAn7w1xOA5tNtFTdNj1PkbSl2K_wPD0LC0HAr0gTyEpJZ75MIu5kzp9nJwRp3X0A2GpMO9E0BPoQI6JlnZQjASdenfUT2Ic0zNNYtB9bfzJALodZZ7qmagERL29sHofzNJuwK/s715/image001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XW9ct8_XskrL9hI9anyCFXfj9Ny0yQnIQILQzGhVl0Iil8p7MXRcxPhhAn7w1xOA5tNtFTdNj1PkbSl2K_wPD0LC0HAr0gTyEpJZ75MIu5kzp9nJwRp3X0A2GpMO9E0BPoQI6JlnZQjASdenfUT2Ic0zNNYtB9bfzJALodZZ7qmagERL29sHofzNJuwK/w430-h640/image001.png" width="430" /></a></div><br /><br />The new documentary film, “Failure To Protect” focuses on the (broken) child welfare system. As someone that has worked with many agencies that supported children, this topic hit close to home in many respects.<br /><br /><br />Typically when folks think of child protective services, they think of some form of abuse that’s occurred and the legal ramifications that follow. This film does an extraordinary job of showing all the facets of what happens when a family tries to get their child back from CPS.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE7wbSgPJAgc8Dz0nXwgfdReAb0j-aeaVdFp5f0IDYMFmTajnoOkUhK-NQ902C4YEq4EHADnxmDQalUS51R8Mt4m1AKdINKRsiWYYkNNEGjgsTaXJfHl5oyIkkY9psACYf23TAvxqaP74rtonAJxdtIEzBHlCA5ARfgCXJ_JcQuRxqVoGGH_PX7cO3LLP/s2113/FTP_Image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="2113" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE7wbSgPJAgc8Dz0nXwgfdReAb0j-aeaVdFp5f0IDYMFmTajnoOkUhK-NQ902C4YEq4EHADnxmDQalUS51R8Mt4m1AKdINKRsiWYYkNNEGjgsTaXJfHl5oyIkkY9psACYf23TAvxqaP74rtonAJxdtIEzBHlCA5ARfgCXJ_JcQuRxqVoGGH_PX7cO3LLP/w640-h358/FTP_Image_3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br />The systematic issues are covered in great detail showing the analytics behind race and socioeconomic status and the correlation with CPS cases. In other words, the number of low income and people of color that are involved with the system are skewed much higher than other groups.<br /><br /><br />If you have a background, even a background on the sidelines, of working with young people, “Failure To Protect” will be triggering for sure. For those that don’t, you’ll find an eye opening documentary about a subject that is rarely presented in such a factual yet engaging way. <br /><br /><br />Recommended. <br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/be4xBwjNXzM" width="320" youtube-src-id="be4xBwjNXzM"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>TRAILER</i></b></div><br /><div><br /></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-61424719497383280732023-11-07T18:26:00.006-08:002023-11-08T20:02:26.123-08:00PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET Love & Loss November 3rd through November 12th, 2023<b><span style="font-size: large;">LOVE & LOSS</span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pnb.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pacific Northwest Ballet</span></a><br />McCaw Hall<br />Seattle, WA<br /><br /><i>Review: Saturday 11/4/23 7:30 pm Performance</i></b><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oDgjgGoKoJm4fc5VExN59GCi2pedjh_A3-9uuauo17dAbk9dUy2303zBI2inmhP29eQBfAgDLNNqDekdI39RQF4Ia4_T2f56d_vk0viuY-7bYKLNG47_DnOAnX_OXm146DGrN479RB2L5WW-Djm4FMCT7yqwzZQICgg3xfbwwB-eFgHRNq7G0ci6MONm/s3300/LoveLoss%200476.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2593" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oDgjgGoKoJm4fc5VExN59GCi2pedjh_A3-9uuauo17dAbk9dUy2303zBI2inmhP29eQBfAgDLNNqDekdI39RQF4Ia4_T2f56d_vk0viuY-7bYKLNG47_DnOAnX_OXm146DGrN479RB2L5WW-Djm4FMCT7yqwzZQICgg3xfbwwB-eFgHRNq7G0ci6MONm/w502-h640/LoveLoss%200476.jpg" width="502" /></a></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers James Kirby Rogers and Elizabeth Murphy in the world premiere of Dani Rowe’s The Window. PNB presents The Window on a triple-bill with works by Donald Byrd and Alexei Ratmansky, onstage at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall November 3 – 12, 2023 (and streaming November 16 – 20.) For tickets and information, contact the PNB Box Office, 206.441.2424 or PNB.org. Photo © Angela Sterling.)</i></span></div><br /><br />The second rep this season for the Pacific Northwest Ballet presented two familiar pieces and one world premiere.<br /><br /><br />Wartime Elegy by Alexei Ratmansky is a piece that this time came across as divided (perhaps on purpose considering the story being told). I found parts of the piece moving but repetitive while other parts were clearly choreographed to be more lighthearted in approach. Life as we once knew it in a war torn country.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA35LEfN6QcUlupjoeuqP0C3wUxyLaPf6GvOiXfi5OPRPPCR98ocyYKcs8ywfbiUPG6DW0HVxQslshb3oyutYQMoDCDiAtwdJTRlox0HDxe01aZELnf9J8E-U0XHS8GvEQCLaztlhDdxw93v99TRkQH76tbEt0M-kiIcRiPzSYTPbNbc1xh6ZwUY18FDi/s3300/LoveLoss%200071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="3300" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA35LEfN6QcUlupjoeuqP0C3wUxyLaPf6GvOiXfi5OPRPPCR98ocyYKcs8ywfbiUPG6DW0HVxQslshb3oyutYQMoDCDiAtwdJTRlox0HDxe01aZELnf9J8E-U0XHS8GvEQCLaztlhDdxw93v99TRkQH76tbEt0M-kiIcRiPzSYTPbNbc1xh6ZwUY18FDi/w640-h452/LoveLoss%200071.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers in Alexei Ratmansky’s Wartime Elegy. PNB presents Wartime Elegy on a triple-bill with works by Donald Byrd and Danielle Rowe, onstage at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall November 3 – 12, 2023 (and streaming November 16 – 20.) For tickets and information, contact the PNB Box Office, 206.441.2424 or PNB.org. Photo © Angela Sterling.)</span></i></div> <br /><br /><br />The absolute standout for this reviewer was The Window by Dani Rowe. With Leta Biasucci as The Watcher, her dancing was so crisp and tight, mixed with the trademark Leta Biasucci personality which Seattle has come to love, there was no stopping this piece. Divided into five chapters, everything about this piece worked. The cinematic quality of the lighting design to the exquisite choreography, The Window gave the audience a glimpse into the soul of an artist in their brightest and their darkest moments. Superb!<br /><br /><br />The rep finished with Love & Loss by Donald Byrd. This piece was divided into four movements, some of which worked for me, while others were lacking at times. I felt the piece overall was just too long. If it had been condensed into say three movements or four movements that were shorter, the flow of the storytelling may have worked better for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYav9iQ0IsMMTV__ixtD9y1eCBRctqnZ8L_Q85Jir5GGgDLhs987IaCI2mgaTvcia8RK0QCViwmYV5DqW4Q6rI_GVlRL4Axsyn3SIUs-n7vN8_zcbzfOfGPY3-2IIsR2uLhz3wintDHOlewbei1ul1nuv3_apttZWMNVyNXEWL9sURZ6N8JlrBWzf3gZO_/s3300/LoveLoss%200939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3300" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYav9iQ0IsMMTV__ixtD9y1eCBRctqnZ8L_Q85Jir5GGgDLhs987IaCI2mgaTvcia8RK0QCViwmYV5DqW4Q6rI_GVlRL4Axsyn3SIUs-n7vN8_zcbzfOfGPY3-2IIsR2uLhz3wintDHOlewbei1ul1nuv3_apttZWMNVyNXEWL9sURZ6N8JlrBWzf3gZO_/w640-h426/LoveLoss%200939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers in Donald Byrd’s Love and Loss. PNB presents Love and Loss on a triple-bill with works by Alexei Ratmansky and Danielle Rowe, onstage at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall November 3 – 12, 2023 (and streaming November 16 – 20.) For tickets and information, contact the PNB Box Office, 206.441.2424 or PNB.org. Photo © Angela Sterling.)</span></i> </div><br /><br />Overall, Rep 2 was a mixed bill of previously seen pieces with one stellar piece in The Window. Let me know what your thoughts are after you’ve seen a performance. <br /><br /><br />“Love & Loss” runs through November 12th. Purchase tickets here: <a href="https://www.pnb.org/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">TICKETS!</span></b></a><br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-66723386436337547942023-10-17T17:51:00.021-07:002023-10-18T18:18:08.664-07:00HANDEL ALCINA Seattle Opera October 14th through October 28th, 2023 Review<b><span style="font-size: large;">ALCINA</span><br /><a href="https://www.seattleopera.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Seattle Opera</span></a><br />Music by George Frideric Handel<br />Libretto adapted from an earlier libretto by Antonio Fanzaglia<br /><br />McCaw Hall<br />Seattle, WA</b><div><b><br /><i>October 14,, 2023 7:30pm (opening night)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5P_1EfkF-3EIwxwC14u8SZt-TJWXCdhgL2cTqea8HOwc6IO-aZc-wWoVj7_ULGPSk82QubKPjV7g8hee6wE5jW-3BoHwM8Rh4_kjX027b_t6V4zhZbJi8mYuNr0nJrzXVGtc3thUKRLw3ddSFgs8zN9yEVcwg5FDNX71HOz7IVHbNsVaCb0AMJAfIPV_/s4500/20231012_night02-alcina_seattleopera_sunnymartini_34237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3001" data-original-width="4500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5P_1EfkF-3EIwxwC14u8SZt-TJWXCdhgL2cTqea8HOwc6IO-aZc-wWoVj7_ULGPSk82QubKPjV7g8hee6wE5jW-3BoHwM8Rh4_kjX027b_t6V4zhZbJi8mYuNr0nJrzXVGtc3thUKRLw3ddSFgs8zN9yEVcwg5FDNX71HOz7IVHbNsVaCb0AMJAfIPV_/w640-h426/20231012_night02-alcina_seattleopera_sunnymartini_34237.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">((From left: Randall Scotting (Ruggiero), and Ginger Costa-Jackson (Bradamante) in "Alcina" at Seattle Opera. © Sunny Martini))</span></i></div><br /><br />The latest production at the Seattle Opera is Handel’s Alcina. This is the first time this opera has been performed here in Seattle. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Ginger Costa-Jackson earlier this month so I got a sneak peak about the show’s plot and some of the other aspects that typically I wouldn’t know going into the performance.<br /><br /><br />I’m not going to lie that in some ways, past operas have been confusing to me. I may understand the gist of what is going on but the underlying themes are probably going right over my head. With Alcina, I found the story intriguing and somewhat easy to follow (this is a compliment). <br /><br /><br />What absolutely stood out were the performances. This particular cast really worked well together. The singing, acting, and conveying emotion to the audience - all of it was breathtaking. I’ve said in the past that there was no weak link in a cast but those words couldn’t be more true with<i> this </i>particular cast. They were outstanding!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VHN4h3R6Y7eRJ9nuh3YE10MwqYh3zGpRFV-w2qZ-IIZPUhPJA_HOw9SwRfYjNUuSqW5wt1HWPzNAgbOdZ1N43tBrKjWUhBMe69SdiYbHzbUK-9NuzMpc0cSFUzHAjk2FICmEbgLdAgQsjKDAe8sKqr_m7jcXfFfIYET-I2G689fsE8VN1Y_xwRinUlms/s3847/230910_Alcina_DR1_Newton_3669.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2564" data-original-width="3847" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VHN4h3R6Y7eRJ9nuh3YE10MwqYh3zGpRFV-w2qZ-IIZPUhPJA_HOw9SwRfYjNUuSqW5wt1HWPzNAgbOdZ1N43tBrKjWUhBMe69SdiYbHzbUK-9NuzMpc0cSFUzHAjk2FICmEbgLdAgQsjKDAe8sKqr_m7jcXfFfIYET-I2G689fsE8VN1Y_xwRinUlms/w640-h426/230910_Alcina_DR1_Newton_3669.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(From left: Vanessa Goikoetxea (Alcina) and Randall Scotting (Ruggiero) in "Alcina" at Seattle Opera. © Philip Newton.)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I’m biased and I fully own that but Ginger Costa-Jackson wrapped her voice around her arias like no one else could. The duality of her character was also stunning to watch unfold. I sort of wish the gender reveal would have also included her mane of hair being fully exposed but that would have been hard to then “undo” later in the opera.<br /><br /><br />Vanessa Goikoetxea as Alcina was charismatic and alluring just as the character should be. Her arias in the second act in particular were incredibly emotive and moved me more than I thought was humanly possible.<br /><br /><br />Each of the cast had arias to sing - and they were chock full of notes from Handel. I mean it was ridiculous how many notes each of them had to memorize and perform but they all pulled it off like the professionals they are. Arias galore!<br /><br /><br />With such awe inspiring performances, I really wished the staging would have been there to match. It just wasn’t. The choice was to go simple, like, really simple. Whether this was a nod to the earlier aspect of this opera (compared to how opera later developed) or some other reason, it was really noticeable. At intermission, this was the number one thing/gripe I heard from other patrons (was about the minimal staging).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmlo4-935E-RIuGU66v35c6wiG3fV5I1kLpLy_MB4PKlDVBDEAGmc4CqJazXsmg9C4M7v2wEz_HtAZJEPddzr-_9wvcRPBhGcaRmX7mSVKw3tXkMp6z92J8bFrPPqpgJRd6TkEboLFVbfYpir7C5MgoRlw3Hj1eVf6wvY5hH_KUMQm8uEqvnW2G2o0qNx/s4032/230910_Alcina_DR2_Newton_8641.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2688" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmlo4-935E-RIuGU66v35c6wiG3fV5I1kLpLy_MB4PKlDVBDEAGmc4CqJazXsmg9C4M7v2wEz_HtAZJEPddzr-_9wvcRPBhGcaRmX7mSVKw3tXkMp6z92J8bFrPPqpgJRd6TkEboLFVbfYpir7C5MgoRlw3Hj1eVf6wvY5hH_KUMQm8uEqvnW2G2o0qNx/w426-h640/230910_Alcina_DR2_Newton_8641.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Clockwise, from left: Nina Yoshida Nelsen (Melissa), Vanessa Goikoetxea (Alcina), and John Marzano (Oronte), and Ginger Costa-Jackson (Bradamante) in "Alcina" at Seattle Opera. © Philip Newton)</span></i> </div><br /><br />I would add that the lighting design was also following the staging - simple. I wanted more dramatic lighting at times. Perhaps that’s just me but I think the lighting could have added even more depth to the story and the performances.<br /><br /><br />Overall, Alcina was a mesmerizing opera - performance wise. However, the way it was presented was too simple for my tastes. Again, this may have been intentional and perhaps others may even applaud this approach but if the presentation had matched the performances, the Seattle Opera would have had a home run.<br /><br /><br />Check out an upcoming performance and let me know your thoughts.<br /><br /><br /><b>Alcina has performances on 10/20, 10/22, 10/25, and 10/28. Tickets available: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">HERE!</span></a><br /></b><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ldo9pyxi_Vs" width="320" youtube-src-id="ldo9pyxi_Vs"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Ginger Costa-Jackson In Person Interview!</span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><div><br /></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-23915243863202792432023-10-06T11:49:00.016-07:002023-10-18T18:18:26.029-07:00The Other One Returns To Seattle! BABYMETAL and Dethklok - The BABYKlok Tour 2023 - Seattle, WA 10/4/23<b><span style="font-size: large;">BABYKLOK TOUR 2023</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">BABYMETAL<br />Dethklok</span><br />w/Jason Richardson<br /><br />Seattle, WA<br />WaMu Theater (sold out show)<br />October 4, 2023</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbwgGa86mQj-fmVekOM8dXDP3jwXugWgbf-E1ooRCcn9P9tXgAPzQS_gxBrlnJdUxVqr2EjenQi2JLU7zxAvOdO2c9z6amZnybmyJAHqaL-0O51UNkAzrPlkVEpk_U0ln97Hs7hZrWbaVNekQ8YSSLhEdil4lgrqQDhU0uBOL37x4dunHQTHqoTeHnt_q/s5814/eZy%20Watermark_05-10-2023_11-56-00-7470AM%20(2).jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbwgGa86mQj-fmVekOM8dXDP3jwXugWgbf-E1ooRCcn9P9tXgAPzQS_gxBrlnJdUxVqr2EjenQi2JLU7zxAvOdO2c9z6amZnybmyJAHqaL-0O51UNkAzrPlkVEpk_U0ln97Hs7hZrWbaVNekQ8YSSLhEdil4lgrqQDhU0uBOL37x4dunHQTHqoTeHnt_q/w640-h404/eZy%20Watermark_05-10-2023_11-56-00-7470AM%20(2).jpg" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2023)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Every now and then a touring bill gets put together that makes absolute sense. In the case of BABYMETAL and Dethklok, fans of one are highly likely to be fans of the other. The sold out shows on this tour are a testament to this fact. Fans wanted to see this tour!<br /><br /><br />Seattle jumped into the fray early as one of the first shows on the announced tour to sell out. There’s nothing like a sold out show. The buzz in the air is always that much more so which then translates to the artists on the stage and back to the audience, etc, etc, etc.<br /><br /><br />The co-headlining tour meant each of the headliners performed for roughly one hour each, with Dethklok up first and BABYMETAL finishing off the night.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DwvhRKycaW3Xcf_r0TGMwBXVw7G9IiHX8zXKq8vfXzEJAsLaJg6_NZfITj4-cBDtVwxgw9QO-5n6DTI10fU2tAp0zxFz9wOHm_hhQhu7TQctSgk9Bua7ET-rObGeEIqbuC7-qeZE8VqVS1H9a994TWeIlek3wbpPEXal-vvkW41Q2T6amz7y4oP_mw0H/s686/hq720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="686" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DwvhRKycaW3Xcf_r0TGMwBXVw7G9IiHX8zXKq8vfXzEJAsLaJg6_NZfITj4-cBDtVwxgw9QO-5n6DTI10fU2tAp0zxFz9wOHm_hhQhu7TQctSgk9Bua7ET-rObGeEIqbuC7-qeZE8VqVS1H9a994TWeIlek3wbpPEXal-vvkW41Q2T6amz7y4oP_mw0H/w640-h360/hq720.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I’ve heard of the Metalocalypse show (on Adult Swim) for quite some time now. From the college students I used to work with to other gamer/convention/music nerd types in my circle, I honestly haven’t looked into the show that much but I do know how much some fans love it. The fictional melodic death metal band Dethklok took to the stage after a video introduction. Once the band blasted into their opening number, the show became like a live action version of the animated show. <br /><br /><br />Animated clips were aired while the band played basically in silhouette. The focus fell on the music and not on the band as a visual element. The focus then fell on the video screen above well respected metal drummer Gene Hoglan. The four piece ripped through their hour long set with the greatest of ease. At times exiting the stage while a video interlude played (usually for laughs) and then hastily returning to kick into the next number. <br /><br /><br />If you’re familiar with the genre, then you know what you’re getting. Heavy, fast, with a dose of melody, and vocals that are basically unintelligible unless you’re reading a lyric sheet along with hearing the songs. The band was tight and was clearly not a gimmick. They had the Seattle crowd all riled up and ready for the next artist.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXIW_zrc3BzA57qhM6ssSOVmH2nOT9qGoksWZZn9yQmC6AYSxM3X9yE23AntaxOhYAUmysLm34ycOJuyhKcQgoVSY5Obf8J2S7Qbw58s4xop8IdK6n9wEOSIJtfdbj6OueMsuB2rv85-SUPmPe3wue_UP1KtuPChe2sZwNCk1cHCm2m6abnrPRdA1gUJ0/s4977/eZy%20Watermark_05-10-2023_11-59-54-9170AM%20(2).jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXIW_zrc3BzA57qhM6ssSOVmH2nOT9qGoksWZZn9yQmC6AYSxM3X9yE23AntaxOhYAUmysLm34ycOJuyhKcQgoVSY5Obf8J2S7Qbw58s4xop8IdK6n9wEOSIJtfdbj6OueMsuB2rv85-SUPmPe3wue_UP1KtuPChe2sZwNCk1cHCm2m6abnrPRdA1gUJ0/w640-h480/eZy%20Watermark_05-10-2023_11-59-54-9170AM%20(2).jpg" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2023)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Kitsunes were ecstatic to find out that BABYMETAL was finally returning to Seattle after a four year absence (of course Covid was during that time as well). And this time they returned as an official three piece, just like the Yuimetal days. Momometal is the newest member, complimenting veterans Moametal and lead singer Su-metal. <br /><br /><br />The video intro played as the crowd grew anxious. The KAMI band launched into “BABYMETAL DEATH” or “BABYMETAL Desu”, and the roar erupted from the Fox God followers. Each member of BABYMETAL strolled toward the middle of the stage, each step in time with the music. Any fan knows that this song is an audience participation number and the Seattle fans were ready to yell out each letter as loudly as possible.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5m7vjmTAnW71322ngFHnnTzviMIKHvOXzANPUNVMWegdJDkAO5lJRleLVTMgMfDgPbIwRdxozQR4VtNvlcnROfpVA49L4jx6H4lRUQlmLbnoNP-LpwIHFT4EeBSLIDG_5La6iKHsyICr6esQdasNLAh1c5wbvLFnH_N3MHRGxfXIIKIS8pKTWFqzjsHV/s3910/eZy%20Watermark_05-10-2023_11-59-32-8400AM%20(2).jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5m7vjmTAnW71322ngFHnnTzviMIKHvOXzANPUNVMWegdJDkAO5lJRleLVTMgMfDgPbIwRdxozQR4VtNvlcnROfpVA49L4jx6H4lRUQlmLbnoNP-LpwIHFT4EeBSLIDG_5La6iKHsyICr6esQdasNLAh1c5wbvLFnH_N3MHRGxfXIIKIS8pKTWFqzjsHV/w438-h640/eZy%20Watermark_05-10-2023_11-59-32-8400AM%20(2).jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2023)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Without skipping a beat, they then launched into the song that broke them all over the world, “Gimme Chocolate”. The choreography for this tune is still fun to watch and it's as infectious as it ever was.<br /><br /><br />“Pa Pa Ya!!” sounded as strong as it did in 2019. It is definitely one of the tracks from the third album that stands up live every time it is played.<br /><br /><br />“Distortion” and “BxMxC” were followed up by a string of three new tunes from the latest album, “The Other One”. In the sixth song slot, Seattle got “Mirror Mirror”. Earlier stops on the tour they aired “MAYA” and “Believing”. The single “Monochrome” was followed up by the current single, “METAL!!” (featuring Tom Morello).<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdboKgfGqVPMqwXcbn1cR1PO2DKouVNNoV5qeqkieklhbiyxVFXIvyAJbupJSPiEyqoiHob8IDNqOODFZjoTpMnKj4wS_s9Bj6CMQl_kMC3FTvCboSR-GTwsGpy7AMzX8hLFNnbBJPKaU0LbI0WgU4RZXcmUjYJYWVuPTPBzxeja4roP-EXku_BFVFW5dH/s3344/eZy%20Watermark_05-10-2023_11-58-07-5860AM%20(2).JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdboKgfGqVPMqwXcbn1cR1PO2DKouVNNoV5qeqkieklhbiyxVFXIvyAJbupJSPiEyqoiHob8IDNqOODFZjoTpMnKj4wS_s9Bj6CMQl_kMC3FTvCboSR-GTwsGpy7AMzX8hLFNnbBJPKaU0LbI0WgU4RZXcmUjYJYWVuPTPBzxeja4roP-EXku_BFVFW5dH/w516-h640/eZy%20Watermark_05-10-2023_11-58-07-5860AM%20(2).JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2023)</i></div><br /><br />The show then went out on a high note with the triple threat attack of, “Megitsune”, “Headbangeeeeerrrr!!!!!”, and “Road of Resistance”.<br /><br /><br />BABYMETAL and the Kami band put on an entertaining show for all of the fans (some of whom traveled to see the show). BABYMETAL is in a unique position as they have broken free of any stereotypes of JRock, Jpop, etc. where the girls eventually retire, “graduate”, or equivalent. They are uniquely their own band in somewhat unchartered territory. Kobametal has developed BABYMETAL into a band that is its own entity in the music world and that’s exciting to see. What happens next? Only the Fox God knows!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItU98jcJMTJc6mlKxLU9zWhlUH-KmndLJ8uJXSSBjvoemL9WB-TGrOb7eK_Ft9VmlwdkfnzVCv4hMZUCnH1zDh28qJPSBOGo9l0UXLc2Uy6JxP3946P1rmdvfRs07TNyOQ2ELy8d-MWUAvTxzwM6I1VEnoL6IHzkoLdHmn3LrJFhL-ODKxqvYcyDKkAIg/s4000/eZy%20Watermark_05-10-2023_12-01-14-3610PM%20(2).JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItU98jcJMTJc6mlKxLU9zWhlUH-KmndLJ8uJXSSBjvoemL9WB-TGrOb7eK_Ft9VmlwdkfnzVCv4hMZUCnH1zDh28qJPSBOGo9l0UXLc2Uy6JxP3946P1rmdvfRs07TNyOQ2ELy8d-MWUAvTxzwM6I1VEnoL6IHzkoLdHmn3LrJFhL-ODKxqvYcyDKkAIg/w400-h640/eZy%20Watermark_05-10-2023_12-01-14-3610PM%20(2).JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2023)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />The show was opened by guitar shredmaster Jason Richardson (All That Remains). Jason performed an entertaining set of instrumental guitar tunes backed by his laptop. The guy was shredding all over the place with nice interludes of melody as well. He had a tough task opening for two revered acts but he not only pulled it off, but he made some fans that night as well. Well done!<br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://babymetal.com/mob/index.php?site=TO&ima=4628" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">BABYMETAL OFFICIAL SITE (Japanese and English)</span></i></b></a><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/metalocalypseofficial/" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Metalocalypse Official Facebook</span></i></b></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRichardsonGuitar" target="_blank"><i><b>Jason Richardson Official YouTube Channel</b></i></a><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-35628747790894886542023-10-02T14:03:00.000-07:002023-10-02T14:03:04.851-07:00LAST DRIVE TO DODGE Taproot Theatre September 20 - October 21, 2023 Review<b><span style="font-size: large;">Last Drive To Dodge</span><br />Written by Andrew Lee Creech<br />Directed by: Valerie Curtis-Newton<br /><a href="https://www.taproottheatre.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Taproot Theatre Company</span></a><br />Seattle, WA<br /><br /><i>Review: Friday 9/29/23 - 8pm Performance</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw5J3xF83TJBd3NzVRfd2hQqIM3MFHYb82l3G9R6747n-DYaRTNzv24c1PJZ8SFw-K5ADI1o1uvplsQzyOonz8JCfCmA7twxJB7zPCpemFMcvKkRkfGhIx0uCOlYVv17x_-lymUJrFwo3fzh4nydcZvW9aWr859xoQI9OFzUlXmtUF1xlYKLbE_4lP5wx/s1150/taproot-last-drive-archive-19sep23-323-768x1150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw5J3xF83TJBd3NzVRfd2hQqIM3MFHYb82l3G9R6747n-DYaRTNzv24c1PJZ8SFw-K5ADI1o1uvplsQzyOonz8JCfCmA7twxJB7zPCpemFMcvKkRkfGhIx0uCOlYVv17x_-lymUJrFwo3fzh4nydcZvW9aWr859xoQI9OFzUlXmtUF1xlYKLbE_4lP5wx/w428-h640/taproot-last-drive-archive-19sep23-323-768x1150.jpg" width="428" /></a></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Dedra D. Woods and Yusef Seevers in Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech at Taproot Theatre. Photos by Robert Wade Photography)</span></i></div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></b><br />Anytime a show can suck me in within ten minutes of the performance starting, I know I’m in for a real treat. “Last Drive to Dodge” at the Taproot Theatre did exactly that!<br /><br /><br />This show is a perfect example of when the varying elements of a production come together at equal strength and then create a unified vision of artistry that is so damn good, it really couldn’t be much better.<br /><br /><br />The actors put on a freaking <i>masterclass</i> in character study and performance. I was just dumbfounded by just how good each and every one of them was. I was lost in their world. I was vested in the characters. I predicted how it all would end and I was (happily) wrong about the ending. This show was just unbelievably fantastic.<br /><br /><br />I don’t even want to spend more time typing out a review. <i><u>Just go online and buy your tickets.</u></i> <b>Now!</b> It’s that good! Trust me on this one - you won’t be disappointed.<br /><br /><br />I’ve reviewed shows at Taproot Theatre since 2018 (not a long time but long enough) and “Last Drive To Dodge” has to be one of the best productions I’ve ever seen at the theatre. <br /><br /><br />It comes with my highest possible recommendation!<br /><br /><br /><b><i>“Last Drive To Dodge” runs through October 21st. Tickets are available:</i></b> <a href="https://www.taproottheatre.org/shows/2023/last-drive-to-dodge/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">HERE!</span></b></a><br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt59kzXk_3uvlJ5oMxDhrBGPda806nTzhx_gylfd8pUWke9pzIWWZeueQhxAp2PL5zEI5sb5VpqBS4rZoefOojMnaKwJkQ6qA5Td2a7b7D7AJIFAULAa1fIg5Dw6zBPHKhnGJcx9Nk1fouCbHSywktfZPGM5C9CwLg4fLJY0zt-EB8lDPgwqDkrfPw2JN/s2560/taproot-last-drive-archive-19sep23-271-full-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="2560" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt59kzXk_3uvlJ5oMxDhrBGPda806nTzhx_gylfd8pUWke9pzIWWZeueQhxAp2PL5zEI5sb5VpqBS4rZoefOojMnaKwJkQ6qA5Td2a7b7D7AJIFAULAa1fIg5Dw6zBPHKhnGJcx9Nk1fouCbHSywktfZPGM5C9CwLg4fLJY0zt-EB8lDPgwqDkrfPw2JN/w640-h458/taproot-last-drive-archive-19sep23-271-full-scaled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Jonelle Jordan and Tim Gouran in Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech at Taproot Theatre. Photos by Robert Wade Photography.)</span></i></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720495211290810785.post-67429667677209610202023-10-02T13:43:00.003-07:002023-10-02T13:43:51.892-07:00PASSENGERS Seattle Rep September 22 - October 15th, 2023 Review<b><span style="font-size: large;">PASSENGERS</span><br />From Contemporary Circus Collective The 7 Fingers<br />Directed, Written, and Choreographed by Shana Carroll<br /><br /><a href="https://www.seattlerep.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Seattle Rep</span></a><br />Seattle, WA<br /><br /><i>Opening Night Review: September 27th, 2023</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7KupDel_nTQoLPkbcjh1Juq4VnuVpVvnn5k0EWmu4VHd1jFRBsnuA2ZODsWvQWKmcYWn0MUv4ZKsHIbZkt1lNm4lZBEenw3PDtPtv0U_AaPz9iaAauVm_JLwm57XPztKtzi9OfudVq8lg4EN-bQCt_564SLvJJpuzikR-nt-amZ1onxVuqjfT8TG7msL/s5179/3%20%E2%80%93%20PA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5179" data-original-width="3457" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7KupDel_nTQoLPkbcjh1Juq4VnuVpVvnn5k0EWmu4VHd1jFRBsnuA2ZODsWvQWKmcYWn0MUv4ZKsHIbZkt1lNm4lZBEenw3PDtPtv0U_AaPz9iaAauVm_JLwm57XPztKtzi9OfudVq8lg4EN-bQCt_564SLvJJpuzikR-nt-amZ1onxVuqjfT8TG7msL/w428-h640/3%20%E2%80%93%20PA.jpg" width="428" /></a></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Nella Niva, Mandi Orozco, and the company of Passengers. Photo by Lucille Audoineau-Maire.</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></i><br />Instead of going through the details of this wonderful show, I am going to do my best to keep it short and sweet. <br /><br /><br /><b>“Passengers” is an amazing production!<br /></b><br /><br />Utilizing the scenario of passengers on a train and all that comes with that in life (good and bad), the performers created visually stunning and thrilling vignettes that left me dumbfounded at times Wednesday night.<br /><br /><br />The way the performers used their talents and their bodies to convey the various stories worked on so many levels. The ridiculous amount of upper body strength all of the performers had was just jaw dropping. <br /><br /><br />“Passengers” is a show that will entertain and inspire much thought at the same time. It comes with my highest recommendation. <i>Go see this show! <br /></i><br /><br /><b><i>“Passengers” runs through October 15th. Tickets are available: <a href="https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202324-season/passengers/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">HERE!</span></a></i></b><br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Mark Sugiyama<br />Eclectic Arts Media<br /><br />Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: <a href="https://eclecticartswa.blogspot.com/2020/06/connect-with-eclectic-arts.html" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Links Here</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyKd6akZkDvVvT339udlWb0J-MHhjiuBWUnnUduT4dgr4WMDrlIahzfCrYSJElSdfLH4u372Qugk_s-uwhY1yfJtjFlXrUGSSqKj0i3QIVR3NkL_PQb6mOY99SX4U5EgNLGSw4gghwukFo5GIHlLAnWgGekD8xldILTUjDu9dqUNdUq3-85L5kuZ48p9T/s5987/1%20-%20PA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3368" data-original-width="5987" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyKd6akZkDvVvT339udlWb0J-MHhjiuBWUnnUduT4dgr4WMDrlIahzfCrYSJElSdfLH4u372Qugk_s-uwhY1yfJtjFlXrUGSSqKj0i3QIVR3NkL_PQb6mOY99SX4U5EgNLGSw4gghwukFo5GIHlLAnWgGekD8xldILTUjDu9dqUNdUq3-85L5kuZ48p9T/w640-h360/1%20-%20PA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Andrew Sumner and the company of Passengers. Photo by Lucille Audoineau-Maire.</i></div><div><br /></div></div>Eclectic Artshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080926968224527381noreply@blogger.com0