Just What the Rep Needed

Seattle Rep's season got off to a bad start last year, with a production of The Three Musketeers that closed early due to poor sales. But they're finishing the season on a high note--Carrie Fisher's visiting production of her one-woman biographical show, Wishful Drinking, just got extended for five more performances. That's the third show this season they've extended due to popularity (including boom last fall and Betrayal last month). And that's the sort of news we like to hear amidst the reports of budget cuts and charitable giving declines at our regional theatres. Wishful Drinking has been extended through May 9, with Wed.-Sat. performances at 7:30 and a Saturday matinee at 2. Tix $25-$75.

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

By Jeremy in Arts & Events on April 14, 2009 5:00 PM

Comments [rss]

bilco

Please - extending this celebrity circle-jerk is a good thing?

There is nothing creative in this piece, and our performance was laden with lay-it-on-thick pandering to the gay members of the audience, as if this was some secretive 1962 night club.

Suggested rule for running jokes - after 6 references, it aint' funny no matter what. If it was only mildly amusing the 2nd time, you'd be wise to stop at 3.

If you walked into the theater knowing nothing about Fisher (and I'll admit I wasn't too far from this), there was zero to get you engaged. Oh, you were in a popular film 30 years ago? I guess that's why I care about you.

Ooh, you parents were celebs (did anyone consider Eddie Fisher an actual talent? [Reynolds maybe, but definitely B-list]). Fascinating! I bet it was just wacky growing up with them. Do tell more.. On second thought, don't.

Jeremy

A good thing? Artistically, no...but then again neither is Kevin Kling in my opinion, and they keep trotting him out. But financially? If it sells, it sells, and three extended shows in a season is not too bad. The last thing they needed was a flop. And as for Fisher's piece, like Kling (who earned my loathing with his show last year), it's good for what it is. I agree, it comes off as gay schlock, and some parts were funnier than others. It is definitely a throwback to nightclub acts, but people do seem to enjoy it, and while I can go on and on about how I wish companies like the Rep would take more artistic risks, they're always going to have to find some sort of balance, and given the choice between Carrie Fisher and her well-selling gay camp or another tired threadbare production of You Can't Take It With You, yeah, I'd choose Fisher anyday.

bilco

Fair enough on all counts, Jeremy. I shouldn't begrudge them the chance to fill the house and earn some much needed bux. To me Kling is funnier, but you are clearly correct that we're not talking about anything more than paying the bills for either of them.

Here's to next season, which seems to have some potential.

And for the record, I believe the title of the show was Can't Take It. Maybe that's just how I felt about it.