Monday
Big Theater In Seattle: Why They Might Still Sell Out
On Wednesday February 11th, the Paramount Theater will begin hosting its 2009 season of Broadway Across America. Broadway Across America makes Broadway theater accessible to many people who might not normally have the chance to fly out and see a show in New York. And while there is much to be said for “the Broadway Experience” of New York—not to mention the stars—there is also something to be said for being able to enjoy famous works in your own city. I talked to Josh LaBelle, executive director of the Seattle Theater Group, and Jim Sheeley, the Vice President of the Northwest Region for Broadway Across America, to find out a little more about bringing theater experiences to Seattle.
I learned that Seattle has been a stop for Broadway Across America for the past twenty years. When asked if he thinks this is because Seattle has a strong theater culture Sheeley asserts that, “Seattle has a great theater culture. I can’t think of any other cities outside of Chicago and New York that have repertory theaters of such size and quality.” Broadway Across America supplements this regional theater with big shows that might not otherwise come to Seattle. This season begins with The Lion King and continues to bring in classics and newer works until the end of the year. LaBelle points out that it’s a rare opportunity “to see shows like The Lion King and Wicked in the same year.” Part of the reason the Broadway Across America shows continue to do so well is that they can offer big, well-known productions, but also because they tailor their line-up to each city’s personality. “We try to look at each market individually to see what shows fit the culture and community that we are in. There are differences between each city and we try to reflect that,” Sheeley explains. “For example, we brought Spring Awakening to Seattle and Portland, but not to Salt Lake City or Orange County. Sometimes it takes a little longer for the public to be ready for it—it has to be established a little longer in the public consciousness. We try to listen to people in each place and respect that, but we also want to make a case for challenging theater.”
 |
 |
All entries filed under Architecture
2 responses - Posted 08.27.08
August 24th 2008 was a red letter day in the Eastern Fraser Valley, BC, Canada. The first new-build hospital for more than thirty years, the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre (ARHCC), opened its doors. As the old MSA hospital (built over fifty years ago and showing its every year) ...continue
2 responses - Posted 02.20.08
Prefab, or pre-fabricated, homes are the current rage with everyone from modernists to environmentalists. The basic idea behind prefab houses are that they are built in a factory or manufacturing site and then assembled wherever the structure is to be located. Although embraced by modernists, prefab is nothing new and ...continue
1 response - Posted 11.27.07
The National Museum of Singapore has a dome. This contains many panels of stained glass. These panels have been erected since the building was constructed in 1849. In restoration works, these glass panels were detached, cleaned and restored. Age, weather and gravity caused deterioration and these were repaired by ...continue
no responses - Posted 11.20.07
The Gateway of India is in Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. As its name suggests, it is a Gateway that tourists must visit. It is an arch like building that looks like a hollow house. It is made of basalt and concrete. Due to the evolution of land ...continue
no responses - Posted 11.04.07
Let Feng Shui bring you barrows of luck and money. Feng Shui are Chinese words for Wind and Water. It is the practice of using spatial arrangements to accomplish harmony in the environment and thus bring you good health, wealth and happiness. Feng Shui needs co-operation from architecture design, interior ...continue
1 response - Posted 10.15.07
These photographs show a public walkway in-between a building that makes pewter wares and a row of shop houses. This street, named River Valley Road, is in Singapore, a small island state in Southeast Asia. The pewter factory, The "Royal Selangor", needs a covered space to organize mass participation activities. ...continue
4 responses - Posted 10.12.07
This year's coveted Stirling architecture prize was won by the Museum of Modern Literature at Marbach am Neckar in Germany. The Stirling prize, awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects in association with the Architects' Journal, is now in it's 12th year and remains one of the most ...continue
ArtCulture is brought to you by a multitude of international writers and artists, sharing their expertise and insights into the world of art, culture, and design. Learn more.
Want to contribute? Contact us!