Can't Miss It: Monday

SAVE THE THEATRE!: Brendan Kiley over at The Stranger wrote a much discussed piece a week or so ago called "Ten Things Theaters Need to Do Right Now to Save Themselves." And with the news that Seattle Rep had to cancel a week of their current show The Three Musketeers "due to the economic downturn of late" impacting their ticket sales (or so they claim), it seems rather apropos that Seattle Rep's hosting a discussion tonight with Kiley over what the theatre needs to do to save itself. Details are sketchy, but we've confirmed it's at Seattle Rep at 7:30.

7:30 // 155 Mercer Street // Cost: ?

FIVE AN HOUR: On the Boards's popular series 12 Minutes Max returns tonight with five local performance artists. We'd be particularly interested to see Darrah Blanton's dance quartet on a futuristic army of party girls, and Gin Hammond's solo work exploring political engagement. The night is curated by Paul Moore and Denee McCloud.

7 p.m. // 425 Queen Anne Ave. N. // $8

GUILTY LIBERALS: It's not that we're against it or anything, it's just that whenever we hear about projects that "give a voice to the voiceless," we think bleeding heart liberal crap. And we're a liberal. Still, I Live Here, a "paper documentary" that explores the effect of war in Chechnya, globalization in Mexico, AIDS in Malawi, and ethnic cleansing in Burma, does seem a cut above. One of our favorite authors, Chris Abani, contributed to it. That said, he won't be taking the stage tonight at Town Hall. Hottie actress Mia Kirshner will be.

7:30 p.m. // Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave. // $5

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jeremy in Arts & Events on October 27, 2008 11:30 AM

Comments [rss]

Troy Morris

let me apologize.

That's something that was bothering me when I saw the play because I overheard some (who broke the 4th suggestion) yammering on like an elitist group about the theater.

I think Kiley wrote a damn fine list. Especially the bar, especially the boos, especially the drop out of grad school.

The reason I like going to plays and being in them is because it's always new. Every night is a little different and fourth wall be damned, the audience is a part of every show.

I want to laugh and boo and be apart of the play. Long live the melo-drama.

Troy Morris

I enjoyed the Three Musketeers. It was far from groundbreaking or award winning, but it accomplished it's goal of entertaining.

I didn't think I would be amazed and certainly wouldn't be standing up to applaud at the end. But I happily handed over my $10 and got as much value out of it as I would have if I had seen a summer blockbuster. I got out of my little head and was entertained for two hours (give or take).

When did theater become something that was held to a higher degree than any other form of entertainment? There are reasons to have poor quality but enjoyable forms of movies, music, books and yes, theater.

Not everything bad can't be enjoyed. Not everything good can be enjoyed. Magnolia was a great movie, but I can't sit down to watch that without wanting to burn the dvd player. But I can plug in Bad Boys and enjoy my afternoon.

Please stop with the "I went to the theater" bullshit. I went in jeans a sweatshirt because I went to be entertained, not to feel enlightened.

bilco

You are forgiven, sir.

Just confused me as to whether there was a second "why theater sux" article that I'd missed.

Jeremy

My bad on the date--I was on vacation when it published, so I only saw it later. And yes--I totally agree. I was looking forward to Irwin's Godot.

bilco

Oh, and 'a week or so ago'? Try 20 days - essentially 3 weeks.

bilco

Here's a thought for the Rep -

The 3 Musks is one of the worst pieces of crap I've seen on any stage - ever. I'm a long-term theater goer (raised in NYC area), a former Rep donor, and absolutely fed up with them.

They put this piece of stinking cheese on stage and then cancel Bill Irwin's Godot and the Christopher Evan Welch piece. How clueless can they be?