Fall in Seattle: Theater is in the air

Suzanne Bouchard as Elizabeth Tudor and Anne Allgood as Mary Stuart, in Mary Stuart by Friedrich Schiller, in a new version by Peter Oswald, at ACT. Photo: Chris Bennion

There has been plenty of theater news dominating the headlines as of late - and much of it has focused on the fate of Intiman Theatre. In fact, our own headline last week, The Show Must Go On, details the recent moves by Intiman to shore up its 2012 season.

While Intiman forges ahead and looks to next year, other theaters are getting ready to hit the boards with their season openers this month. In a sure sign that the fall has arrived, two Seattle theater houses open their 2011 season within days of each other.

First out of the gate is Act Theatre.

ACT holds nothing back with its opener giving us the story of two dueling queens, Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I, in the modern adaptation of Mary Stuart. This production, directed by Victor Pappas, promises espionage, attempted assassinations, and prison breaks…sounds like a fun night out.

Mary Stuart will bring her thrills, passion, politics and ensuing power plays to the stages of ACT Theatre beginning September 9.

If you are looking for a production that packs as much punch - yet on a smaller stage - then you’ll want to stop by for Washington Ensemble Theater’s (WET) opener MilkMilk Lemonade. WET is known for staging some of the most imaginative and visually-rich shows, all within the confines of a small black box theater.

This time out, WET has christened its 2011 season as HOMEGROWN, “For Seattle, By Seattle.” Cornish grad Joshua Conkel penned MilkMilk Lemonade which has its Seattle premiere at WET on September 16.

And if you’re the type who really likes to plan ahead, the Seattle Rep has just announced it season opener for the fall of…2012.

The Rep is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year so there’s undoubtedly a bit of excitement in the air over at the theater (deservedly so). Although a date has not been set, look for their 2012 season to kick off sometime next fall with writer Cheryl L. West’s new play with music, Pullman Porter Blues commissioned exclusively by the Rep.

No matter your taste in live theater - come this time of year, Seattle definitely has you covered.