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Dave Ross, Jennifer Hague, Nathan Rodda, Parker Albin, and John Brookes in "Utopia, Limited", presented by the Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society at Seattle Rep.
RECOMMENDED Pretty Girls @ Seattle Center House/TPS Theatre 4. Despite its low budget and all the attendant challenges faced by small fringe theatres, Marked Women Productions have pulled off a winning show with Pretty Girls. Inspired by the work of Naomi Wolf, the company has produced an ambitious and challenging original script that comes to life onstage on the strength of the company's innovating approach to staging. It features several strong performances, as well, particularly Opal Peachey and local teenage up-and-comer Megan Schutzer. (Fri., Sat. & Sun., 8 p.m. Seattle Center House, Fourth Floor; tix $8-$10.)
OPENINGS
The Elephant Man @ Strawberry Theatre Workshop. The good people at Strawshop are delivering a wallop of a play with their production of Bernard Pomerance's classic The Elephant Man, featuring a stunning cast including David Pichette (one of our favorites), M.J. Sieber (of New Century Theatre), and Alexandra Tavares (whose work in Leni, Heartbreak House, and blahblahblahBANG! we've already praised, amongst others). The cast alone is enough to make this required viewing. (1524 Harvard Ave. Fri. & Sat., 8:30 p.m. $10-$54.36.)
Othello @ Intiman. "We blame the New York Times for some of the letdown; they told us to expect one of the "most sensitively directed, eloquently designed and impeccably acted productions of a Shakespeare tragedy that the city has seen in years." Wow, we thought, even better than Transformers 2! And in fairness, Arin Arbus's direction has more wins than losses--though in one too many scenes, people just stood there until their line." [Read our review.] (Fri. 8, Sat. 2 & 8, Sun. 2 & 7:30. Tix $10/$42-$54.)
Utopia, Ltd. @ Seattle Rep. The Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society present one of the last operettas by the legendary duo with a limited run at Seattle Rep. The show centers on the tomfoolery that ensues when a king turns his South Seas paradise into a limited liability corporation. A broad and witty satire, it's one of the less produced pieces by the masters. (Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m. Tix $12-$32.)
ALSO PLAYING
Tres Tristes Tigres @ Freehold Theatre. Trinidad Martinez founded Magpai Production Group in Hamburg, Germany in 1998, but has made Seattle home for the last several years. She was one of the dancers in Pat Graney's much talked about House of Mind last December, and is now presenting three solo pieces developed with company members. (Fri. 8 p.m., through July 18. 2222 Second Ave., Suite 200; tix $15.)
Orange Flower Water @ ACT. "Orange Flower Water is the second play by hot local theatre group New Century Theatre Company (the first was last December's much-lauded The Adding Machine). With two shows under their belts, a pattern is emerging: For the second time, the company has worked wonders with an inherently weak script, on the strength of innovative design and powerhouse performances. There is a glaring difference, though. Whereas Elmer Rice's 1929 play aimed for the moon by tackling a host of complex issues, Craig Wright's Orange Flower Water aims far lower and still comes up wanting, and manages to be offensive in the process. We can wholeheartedly recommend this production for showcasing four brilliant actors, but the choice of play is extremely disappointing." [Read our review.] (700 Union St. Fri. 8, Sun. 7. Tix $25.)
CLOSING
the break/s @ ACT. Marc Bamuthi Joseph is a poet, theatre artist, and educator who's produced a hip hop influenced solo performance piece that's generating buzz all over town. (700 Union St. Fri. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 & 7:30 p.m. Tix $40-$55.)
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