TeenTix Blog by TeenTix

A review of Bluenose at Seattle Children’s TheatreBy Abbie BWhat started out as a promising story of an endearing crew of red-nosed pirates and their encounter with a blue-nosed girl quickly became a rather mediocre performance. The biggest problems were the lack of a structured plot and clever humor. Although the majority of the audience members were still learning their ABC’s, even they got tired of the repeated physical humor. While the kids giggled at some bathroom jokes about underwear and poop, any other laughs were sparse, and the audience, even the adults, wasn’t entertained enough to sit still and keep quiet for more than 3 minutes at a time. This happened most often during the unbalanced serious portions of the plot, which dragged on without any comic relief for much too long.Also, Bluenose tried very hard to add a moral to the story, but even the simple message about prejudice against people who are different than you was underdeveloped. As we were walking out of the theatre, it took my mother and me a few minutes to understand the message, after the confusing twist of Bluenose’s own prejudice in the final scene. We were both disappointed in this show, as our prior Seattle Children’s Theatre visits resulted in laughs and line-quoting. This visit to Bluenose ended with a confused discussion. When I asked her opinion on a certain portion of the show she chuckled, “Oh, I took a little nap during that part! I was just so bored!”On a positive note, the children all seemed to be happy by the end and wanted to stay for the ever-popular question session, which is always a good sign. Also, the 4 actors were great, with lively performances and well rehearsed dancing, juggling, and even trampoline jumping. Furthermore, the set, costumes, and props were all fantastic and the sound effects coincided perfectly with all the actions, meaning the show was obviously well-rehearsed. Although Bluenose was lacking in many areas, the professionalism and actor’s performances were noteworthy.Bluenose plays at Seattle Children's Theatre through December 14thfor tickets and information, visit http://www.sct.org/or call the box office at 206.441.3322

A review of The Wizard of Ozat Seattle Children's Theatreby Jonathan H. Age 15I have to say, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this show. I have very much enjoyed many shows at the Seattle Children’s Theatre before, but to have a show as well known as “The Wizard of Oz” play itself out on their stage only makes me want to compare it to the well known movie. I know from past experiences that SCT has been known to adapt stories for their own benefit. Would they try to change it to make it new and original? Would it be completely like the movie, and if it were, would it fail in comparison? I thought of such things before the lights came up on the stage in a sold-out house, and my questions were soon answered. In fact, the play is very much like the original movie, with only slight changes to the scenes. For the most part, it stays close to the movie’s roots, and thankfully, it makes itself out to be independently a great show.For those of you who may not know the plot, (if you haven’t seen the original movie, I would definitely recommend you check it out) it begins with Dorothy Gale, a young girl growing on a small farm in Kansas with her aunt, uncle, friendly farmhands, and her little dog Toto. She often dreams of a magical land somewhere over the rainbow, and once her farm is struck by a large twister, she eventually makes it to this magical place called Oz. There she meets a town of munchkins and a kind witch who points her to the Wizard of Oz so she can find her way home. She is assisted by some new friends she meets along the way, namely Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion. But of course, there is an evil witch who will stop at nothing to get the magical ruby slippers which Dorothy wields.The acting in this show, while not incredible, is in fact very good and enjoyable. Each actor gives their character a little something that separates them from the original character, while still staying relatively the same. And this can be tough, especially when you have a cast of 18, in which most of the ensemble members play three or four different parts. Even some of the leads have double parts, which is intentional to the story. But of course, the one who holds it together is Kasey Nusbrick as Dorothy (whom you may know as Gabriella from “High School Musical” at SCT last season). She does a wonderful job at keeping that child-like wonder Judy Garland brought in the film. She may not be Judy, but she does an admirable job of being unique and not trying to imitate her. While her singing in “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is good, she doesn’t make it as memorable above the rest in the show. I think this is actually good though, because she could have overdone it and made it seem annoying.As for her trio of friends, the Scarecrow (Auston James), the Tin Man (Matt Wolfe), and the Lion (Todd Jefferson Moore), all play their parts well enough. In may opinion, and I think this could be the fault of the script, but I almost felt like there wasn’t much character to each of these parts, besides the facts that they each have their own wants, movements and actions. But these actors do a fine job in keeping the characters endearing enough to keep us interested in them. They also do well in the opening and closing scenes as farmhands, in which they hint at the character they each resemble in Oz. I do think Moore does a noticeably funnier job as the Lion, although he is given more to work with than the others.Some other stand-outs in the cast include Peter Crook as the Fortune Teller at the beginning and as the Wizard of Oz later in the story. He is effective in both of his small scenes, especially when he is revealed as a human, and not a giant talking head. John Patrick Lowrie as Uncle Henry and the Oz Doorkeeper is very good as well. And for delivering some of the biggest laughs of the night, I want to point out Don Darryl Rivera as the Mayor of Munchkinland. He was such a delight to watch, and he certainly enhanced the fun of that scene, which made it one of my favorites from the show, although it isn’t my favorite from the movie.There were some problems in the cast however. Sharva Maynard plays both Auntie Em and Glinda the Good Witch, and while I think she was completely believable as Auntie Em, she didn’t have much of a sweetness in her voice as Glinda. Her singing is good, but not as sweet and clear as expected. I would also like to point out Julie Briskman, who is noted to have played the White Witch in SCT’s “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” several years ago. This would lead me to assume that she would be perfect for the part as the Wicked Witch. Unfortunately, she doesn’t bring enough scariness to her part, although if she did play it like the Witch from the movie she would probably terrify some poor little children in the audience. Of course, the problem I could have had with her was that she wasn’t really green which ruins the effect of the character.Now I don’t think I realized this before, but this show is very heavy on special effects. After all there is a twister, a melting witch, a big talking head, a crystal ball in which we see faces appear, and many other things too numerous to mention. This show accomplishes all of these great feats. Most notable are the effects used in the twister scene, in which Dorothy is seen in her room while things like cows and witches and a man in a rowboat fly by. This was spectacular in the way it was presented, and it generated some big applause afterwards. The use of a screen in front and back helped with most of these effects. The way that they got the giant wizard face to react to the characters was spectacular as well. I also like the way that the actors made Dorothy’s dog Toto (as a puppet) come to life on stage. While it may not look real, it is very cute in the way that it is presented. Seeing all of these special effects live is one of the main reasons to want to see this.I found this show to be very fun and entertaining. The musical numbers are fun, such as the song by the Munchkins and the one in the Emerald City. The sets are very good and reminded me a lot of the movie, such as the way the Witch’s castle is designed to be creepy and gloomy like the film. The costumes are also very good, although not the best I could’ve seen for the Tin Man and Lion.My suggestion is if you liked the movie as I did, go see this show with your family. If you’re on the fence about it, go see it anyway. I’m sure this production will help you find an appreciation for the show. It runs through January 17, although I would recommend you see it soon, as it is a very magical show and great to see for the holiday season. The Wizard of Oz plays now through January 17, 2009 atSeattle Children's Theatrelocated at Seattle Centerwww.sct.org206.441.3322

Teen Tix Seeks New Members for its Teen Steering CommitteeAre you a regular use Teen Tix member? Do you have strong thoughts and opinions? Looking for a new volunteer opportunity? Want to rule the world?If so, then we want YOU!Teen Tix is recruiting new members for its Teen Steering Committee. The committee meets once a month to discuss all issues Teen Tix. Help us shape the future of the program, find ways to improve things, recruit new members, and generally keep it real.Special perks are involved, and your presence valued. Come join us!If interested, email [email protected] for more information.Teen Tix Seeks Freelance Reviewers!The Teen Reviewer Program exists to give young writers the chance to experience the world of art criticism and share their opinions with the larger arts community. The volunteer Teen Reviewer program is open to all current Teen Tix members.When there is an opportunity to review a show at a participating Teen Tix venue, Teen Tix will send out a volunteer notice to the pre-selected pool of teen reviewers.If you are selected to review a show, you will receive two free tickets to the designated performance.Then simply write your review, and we will post it on our blog and possibly our newsletter.If you are interested in becoming part of our pool of writers, email [email protected] for more information!

KTUB, Kirkland Teen Union Building, is sponsoring an Artist-In-Residence Program. The internship is a six month program that provides aspiring artists (ages 13 - 20) the opportunity to build a body of work, develop as individual artists, and make connections with artists in the community. Any youth who think they would benefit from this awesome opportunity are encoiuraged to apply! They can contact Mercedes at [email protected] for more detailed information and applications.Deadline to apply is December 6, 2008Check out ktub.org for more information on this opportunity.

A review of New Worksat Pacific Northwest BalletBy Kaitlin S.The sweat flew at Pacific Northwest Ballet’s New Works, which featured two world premier pieces, a Pacific Northwest Ballet premier, and a reproduction.M-Pulse, one of New Works’ world premiers, featured a tribal, percussion-heavy score by Christina Spinei and choreography by Kiyon Gaines. Gaines received his ballet education at the School of American Ballet. At the school, Gaines met Peter Boal, PNB’s Artistic Director. “It’s interesting that some people see movement when they hear music. I see colors,” said Gaines in an interview with Ballet Dance Magazine in 2006. The colors shined in the piece’s costumes and set, which resembled peacocks and leopards. So perhaps Gaines saw green, blue, and spots while choreographing.New York City Ballet dancer/choreographer Benjamin Millepied contributed the choreography for the world premier, 3 Movements. According to New York Guides, Millepied has gotten a great deal of inspiration from the work of choreographer Jerome Robbins. 3 Movements’ choreography resembles Robbins’ minimalist, modern style, but is still full of its own surprises.PNB premier, A Garden, was choreographed by Seattle native Mark Morris. Morris has proved to be a prolific choreographer and entrepreneur. In 1980, he formed The Mark Morris Dance Group, and has choreographed over 120 pieces. A Garden had a plain blue background, plain costumes, and was, on the whole, a rather predictable, cleanly done production.In One Flat Thing, fourteen dancers crawl, swing from, sit on, and gymnasticize around twenty metal tables. The tuneless music to which the piece is choreographed resembles the sounds one would hear at a construction site. William Foiursythe pushed the limits of what is typically considered ballet with One Flat Thing.Pacific Northwest Ballet has done 44 new works since 2005. “All of what we love about ballet is born of the opportunity to create and experiment.” said Peter Boal in the New Works’ director’s note.Only time will tell whether or not this “creation” and “experimentation” produces true classics. New Works plays at Pacific Northwest Ballet now thru Sunday November 16that McCaw Hall, Seattle Centervisit http://www.pnb.org/ for more infoBox Office: 206.441.3574

Review of Becky's New Carat ACT TheatreBy Michelle K.As soon as one enters ACT, the vibrancy of the venue and the whispering of the play-goers’ excited voices sends chills up the spine. Once sat into my seat by a friendly usher, I couldn’t help but notice some similarities between the stage set up and ancient amphitheatres. The circular construction of the stage, and the ever-rising seats served as a perfect auditorium for the actors. Speech was likely to be heard crystal clear, which it was the whole time sans clunky microphones. However beautiful and rousing the venue was, the true center of attention was “Becky”, or the talented actress Kimberly King. Assisted by loving husband, Joe (Charles Leggett), this team made a funny script hilarious with their unbearable realness and almost too nuanced affections of husband and wife. However, when Becky meets a wealthy new man (Walter- Michael Winters), her loving relationship falls into a bed of lies.The play consisted of not only dialogue, but pauses for the audience because the lines were laugh-out-loud funny. Steven Dietz, playwright of Becky’s New Car, infuses a sarcastic humor and faith in an amazing cast to bring to life an experience that seems not only Becky’s, but the audience’s watching. To further this experience, the play is conducted in a viewer-interactive manner: many of the actors talk to audience members sitting in front rows. Charles Leggett (Joe), in a particularly intense scene even screeched with utter amusement, “C’mon Becky, it’s not like all these people aren’t right here in front of us!” The fact that the cast acknowledged our existence made this play unique in a very one-on-one sense: we were a part of the play, our existence made it or broke it, and they knew it.The play was a wild ride throughout: love triangles, fiancés, and luxurious SUVs, “Becky’s” had it all. However humorous the script, the play involved a sense of seriousness with dabs of philosophy and “wisdom through experience” moments. In the play, Becky spoke to the audience of her recently deceased friend, “She would always say when a woman asked for a new car, she really wanted a new life.” And boy, did Becky drive away full speed ahead in that “car”. But, did she ever make a U-Turn? That’s for the audience to know, and you to find out!Becky's New Car plays now through November 16, 2008ACT Theatre700 Union Street, Seattle WA 98101206.292.7660http://www.acttheatre.org/

Hey Teens. . . .Do you have a special arts event coming up at your school, community group, or elsewhere?Want to let other teens know about it?If so, consider posting to the Teen Tix blog!You can enter information on your upcoming event, and have it seen by hundreds of avid readers and arts patrons.Announce your school play.Talk up your band's latest gig.Highlight a local art exhibition.Publish your latest short story.The list is endless. . . . .Contribute to the Teen Tix blog today!simply email: [email protected] to get login and password information, then go to http://www.teentix.blogspot.com/ to add your post.Done and done!Hope to see your events up here soon!!!!!!!!!!

Don't miss out!Only 2 weeks left!The Three MusketeersSeattle Repertory TheatreNOW through Nov. 9thwww.seattlerep.orgPictured: Montana von Fliss as Sabine and Ryan Shams as AramisI’m sitting in my dressing room at the Seattle Rep after a student matinee performance that had, in my opinion, our best audience ever! Let me back up and tell you that I’m Montana von Fliss and I work for Teen Tix, but I’m also a professional actor and I’m thrilled to have a part in The Three Musketeers, which is playing right now at Seattle Repertory Theatre. I play Sabine, D’Artagnan’s feisty sword fighting 17 year old sister, who tags along for the adventure. She’s not in the original novel but has been added as a sort of 5th Musketeer. (D’Artagnan is generally considered the 4th Musketeer so Sabine is, as I prefer to call her, the 5th Beatle – or "Totally Awesome," as I also like to call her.)The show has tons of sword fighting and swashbuckling and spectacle. It’s sort of an Indiana Jones in olden times. Pure fun. And today we found our perfect audience: people between the ages 13-18. This morning teenagers from all over this fine state packed the Rep’s huge 850-seat auditorium for our student matinee and laughed and hollered and cheered for the good guys and hissed at the bad guys. It was live theatre with a live wire audience and it was brilliant!So if you’re 13-18 years old, please don’t miss this show. Please come and laugh loudly and boo and hiss and ooh and aah, just like the audiences in the good old bawdy days at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Use your Teen Tix pass and get a $5 ticket to The Three Musketeers before it closes on November 9th – don’t wait!

All for one,MontanaTeen Tix Duchess

JasminWe will be getting a group for Saturday morning runs from RRS if you are still interested.I'll get your e-mail from Dana if I don't get a response from this. Hope Acrobatics (Circus classes!) is off to a good start.Also, think about Wed. interval workouts at Nathan Hale. They will keep you in shape!-Richard [email protected]

Hey! I book free monthly shows at The Vera Project called Veracity. They are on the second Wednesday of every month! If you know a band that will play for free, just emerging, or just want to have a fun small show, please have them email [email protected]!Please come to the next show!!! :]

Do I read the Teen Tix Blog?Why yes.I do in fact.Enjoy all the posts. I like hearing more extensive reviews of the shows going on... not just the little blurb that a company will write about themselves.

Some of the comments are quite lengthy, and as a college student, I can't keep up with all the reading on top of my school stuff! Maybe a paragraph tops on a review, then if there's like an interview, then that can be longer... Make sense to anyone else? Keep bloggin!!!

Sound Off! 2009Battle of the Underage BandsCall For EntriesFor the eighth year EMP/SFM is hosting Sound Off!, the Northwest's largest underage battle of the bands competition. A launching pad for musical careers, Sound Off! has enjoyed hosting many young up-and-coming bands over the years including Schoolyard Heroes, Idiot Pilot, Mon Frere, The Lonely H, Dyme Def, Capitol Basement, The LonelyForest, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head and New Faces. If you’re age 21 or under and play rock, hip-hop, electronic, pop, or any other kind ofmusic, this is your chance to join the ranks of these luminary groups and perform at EMP/SFM.The live concerts for the next Sound Off! will take place Saturday nights February 14, 21, 28 and March 7, 2009. The competition culminates in a Sky Church show that will pit the winners from each semifinal night in a duel for a number of great prizes including a performance at Bumbershoot 2009.Applications are due by Monday November 10, 2008. To enter SoundOff!, download and print out the application available at empsfm.org/soundoff. Complete the application and send it, along with a non-returnable CD of original music, to:EMP/SFMAttn: Sound Off! 330 6th Ave N #200 Seattle, WA 98109More information at: www.empsfm.org/soundoffIMPORTANT NOTE: All participants must be 21 years of age or under.

Hey Teen Tix Pass holders!Seattle Children's Theatre has made a special offer just for you.Come out to see Night of the Living Dead on Saturday October 25th at 10:30, 5:30 or 8pm, and receive half off the regular ticket price. Just show your Teen Tix pass.This show is not eligible for $5 Teen Tix, so if you want to catch the show and save money, head on out to the theatre Saturday.Its a terrifyingly good show. . . .check it out!!!!

occasionally!

A review of Still Life, at SIFF CinemaBy Michelle K, age 17Still Life, a story of a reuniting pair, brings curiosity to the travels of a man in an otherwise banal position. Residing in China, the main character, Han Sanming, returns to his decimated city after a massive flood took place along the Yangtze River. He is on a quest to relocate his wife (Missy Ma); they became departed after the flood took place. In this same plotline, we become acquainted with Han’s wife and follow a similar search for her husband. In a turn of events, the past lovers are placed in each other’s presence and must make peace with their current situations.Jia Zhangke, the producer of this film, holds a distinct style. He has made sure to present the film in a purely chronological order, and illustrates the life of each character in a way that is only impressive in its reality. Zhangke assures a strict hold on his aspect of Chinese culture through film for the viewer with constant pans of countryside and a journey that is never narrated, and continually authentic in its presentation. Wherever the film takes you, it feels as if you have a view of the adventure first-hand; you are sitting on a boat with villagers and witnessing them laugh with children, you can smell the aroma of noodles cooking on the stove.This film proves to be a masterpiece not for its edgy technologic features or heart thumping adventure, but for its true symbiosis with life as we know it. It purveys a deeper meaning than a simple for search for kin, but rather the meaning of hope and desire to do so. The true love that binds people together, no matter the circumstance, become apparent in this feature and is proven with the characters’ persistence in pursuing this instinctual need.Still Life is no longer playing at SIFF Cinema, but check out their website for their latest features, including a week long series centered on the theme of Halloween.www.siff.net

YES, of course - I love it! Always interesting and useful.

Review of the Three Musketeers at Seattle Repertory TheatreBy Nur L.Sword-fights are always fun to watch when they aren't real, but The Three Musketeers masterfully choreographed battles were absolutely epic. The skill with which these fights were staged speaks to the prowess of actors and the directors. Everything went right for this play; and the actors' skills at playing warriors were matched with the gravitas with which they performed their lines. I was hooked from the beginning.We're immediately thrust into the action as father and son parry each other's blows, practicing their fencing skills. D'Artagnan, we find out, is leaving his country life for the city. Andrew William Smith plays the part of a hick desperate to make it in with the Musketeers to the letter. He is equal parts charming, naive, and rough around the edges. And D'Artagnan must take his feisty younger sister, played by Montana von Fliss, along with him, much to his chagrin. He is on a quest to give the musketeers' coach his father's letter, in the hopes of being allowed to join their ranks, but sure enough, the letter is taken from him by the Siren-like Milady (Cheyenne Casebier.) That's when the adventure really starts.D'Artagnan is so unassumingly a country-boy that he manages to get himself challenged to a duel by the three charismatic members of the musketeers Athos, Porthos and Aramis (played by Hans Altwies, Jeffrey M. Bender, and Ryan Shams respectively) on the same day of his date with love-interest, Constance (Jennifer Sue Johnson. The play seamlessly mixes humor and action, creating a riveting display. But for all D'Artagnan's charms, this play belonged to the inimitable Cardinal Richelieu.Richelieu, played by Jim Abele, is every inch the conniving advisor. The dynamic between his subtly slimy, sneering, contemptuous persona and King Louis' (Alban Dennis) jovial buffoon slyly pokes fun at French history while keeping audiences totally engrossed.This play is a must-see. It dips a toe into the larger historical issues, but it is pure entertainment. I was gripped from start to finish, and I always wanted more.The Three Musketeers plays at Seattle Rep Theatre now thru November 15, 2008http://www.seattlerep.org/155 mercer Street, Seattle WA 98109Box Office: 206.443.2222

I do read this blog, as much as possible. As a young adult, teentix is a great way for me to keep in the know about whats happening in Seattle's art community. Thanks for the great writing and often new ideas!

I read it, great writers although i dont always have the time like i used to