Tina, The Tina Turner Musical is an important piece of art. Not only does it celebrate the legacy of an iconic black woman, but it peels back the layers and insidious nature of domestic abuse that forces the audience to perhaps confront their own demons and experiences. This is art- it is elevated beyond a simple jukebox musical and transcends into a reflection on the human condition.

The musical numbers are pop perfection, mimicking the beats, lyrical composition, and style of our most infamous divas. Everything about Six just works. There is iconic choreography, ear-piercing vocals (complete with the stylistic melisma we know and love), and fierce costuming. There is not a single joke, moment of reverence, or belting high note that feels misplaced.

A brilliant, powerful opus commenting on the nature and context of our digital age, Dear Evan Hansen is so much more than a limited commentary on mental health and suicide. This remarkable show touches on a plethora of contemporary topics inducing family dynamics, communication, social media, and the journey of self-discovery.

Moulin Rouge is one of the rare shows that surpasses the source material. The frenetic, manic, and bizarre energy of the film translates well on stage. From the opening moment of the show, a palpable energy becomes the connective tissue of the entire show.

Based on Alanis Morrissette’s groundbreaking album, Jagged Little Pill is mesmerizing, evocative, and jaw-dropping. The show tackles a magnitude of weighty issues including sexual assault, consent, opioid addiction, relationship issues, identify exploration, and race. This show is current, refreshing, and palpably uncomfortable. Art should be uncomfortable and evoke emotions. That is the essence of true art.

Sometimes, the second shot is better. Having seen Hamilton during its original tour I liked the show but did not love it. This time, however, I was enthralled. There is so much nuance, modernism, charm, and creativity in this show that it is impossible to notice all the details in one viewing.

The plot is simple. In the immediate aftermath of September 11th, 60,000 passengers are stranded in a small town of 7,000 people, as all air traffic had been halted in response to the devastating terrorist attacks. The show depicts how that initial culture of fear, distrust and unease transforms into a soaring musical celebrating truth, commonality, and gratitude. The true power of what can happen as individual come together in the aftermath of chaotic, heart wrenching tragedy.

Hadestown is one of the most rousing, well-paced, and engaging shows I have ever seen. It has easily ascended into the highest echelon of all-time great Broadway performances.

Afterwords is a very strong musical. It tells the story of two separate deaths, and how, through a series of flashbacks, those deaths share a common, fait accompli progression. These interwoven stories provide many unexpected reveals, plot twists, and moments of dramatic tension. It’s a stunning exploration of grief and loss that is sure to resonate with audience members.

Beautiful: The Carole King music is simply outstanding. Admittedly, as a millennial, I have only been familiar with King’s most famous works. In fact, my first exposure to King’s music was via the official theme song from Gilmore Girls (AKA You’ve Got A Friend). Going into this show with limited expectations and background knowledge made for a thrilling and visceral experience.

Overall, The Band’s Visit falls somewhere in the middle of memorable Broadway productions. It is certainly not a show stopping musical intended to produce a feeling of euphoria in its audience. Instead, this sleepy and intimate production does have a certain charm, that will appeal to many, and much needed cultural diversity. But something was missing.

“So, you agree? You think Mean Girls is really good?’

Mean Girls from Broadway at the Paramount has hit Seattle with force! Perhaps it has been the paucity of musical theatre, or perhaps it is the fact that this show is just that good, but I thoroughly enjoyed this rousing rendition of the iconic movie.

After 19 long months, live theatre is back! Broadway at the Paramount began their 2021-2022 season with a bang, ushering in the thrilling Jesus Christ Superstar as their season premiere.

Having never actually seen the movie Frozen, I didn’t know what to expect walking into the premiere performance of Frozen, the musical, at the Paramount Theatre. Would the show be a tepid adaptation, ala the musical production of The Little Mermaid, or would it be a soaring production reminiscent of Wicked? Given how omnipresent ‘Let It Go” was when the movie premiered, it is surprising that I knew very little about the plot. As a gay, it was my duty to be familiar with the soaring rendition of the song performed by Idina Menzel, but as a single, children man, I had very little interested in watching the film. The benefits of not having any children, I suppose. Overall, the show landed somewhere in the middle between The Little Mermaid and Wicked.

In an era of musical that are remakes of movies, and musicals that are geared towards a millennial audience, it can be a bit of a risk to produce a touring revival of a classic piece of Broadway history. While it may be a gamble, it is a gamble that is well executed in the current touring production of Fiddler On The Roof, currently playing at the Paramount Theatre.

What makes Miss Saigon so riveting is how modern it feels. iN an era of our society, rife with social unrest and political calamity, Miss Siagnon feels like a harsh and brutal look at the dark side of the world, ala The Handmaid's Tale. It is dark,triggering, and everything that modern theater should be. It may not be a show that every audience member will like, but it is undoubtedly important.

It is crazy to believe that Whim W’Him is now entering its 10th season as one of the elite contemporary dance companies in the world. Over the past decade, Whim W’Him has developed brilliant pieces of conceptual art that evokes intellectual and emotional responsiveness. With its 10th season premiere (and the 5th iteration of the Choreographic Shindig), Whim W’Him continues to top itself.

If you are ready for a bombastic, lively, colorful and adult-themed music, disguised as a children’s production, then Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is he musical for you. The stage adaptation of the famous novel and nostalgic film puts a modernized, stylistic twist on a beloved relic of American pop culture.

The show itself is quite ambitious. The book is stuffed with large, show stopping ballads; songs with such dramatic volca range that most known divas would struggle to sing. The set design is glitzzy and colorful, and the choreography is both intimate and bombastic.

The current production of West Side Story is one of those success stories. The sleek and stylish production, the 5th Ave Theatre manages to breathe new life into a tried-and-true Broadway standard. In collaboration with Spectrum Dance Theatre, this production of West Side Story feels incredibly polished and memorably emotional.

Overall, Marie Dancing Still has many elements in play that could make it Tony Award winning musical. The book needs to be cleaned up, some plotlines need to be dropped, and some of the meatier vocal roles should be cast with actors who have unstoppable vocal range. One of the exciting elements of this show is that it is so raw and capable- it is the epitome of the creativity and brilliance of the genre of musical theatre.

The 2019/2020 Broadway at The Paramount season brings another year of extraordinary entertainment to The Paramount Theatre, with a schedule full of classic, familiar titles and brand-new shows including hit musicals direct from Broadway

While Rock Of Ages is sure to turn off some theater purists, it is a widely accessible show for the masses. It is indelibly clever for the 5th Avenue to expand its repertoire beyond its typical slate of classical musical theatre productions. Doing so sparks universal interest in the theatre and allows the covert artform to become more widely accessible. It is a brilliant addition to the impressive history of the beloved theatre.

Dear Evan Hansen is one of the most compelling musicals to have been produced in a long time. Visually, the show relies heavily on audio-visual elements designed to replicate the bombastic experiences of ever-changing social media newsfeeds. It is one of the many reasons why Dear Evan Hansen works when it should not. It is an immensely relatable, contemporary, and intimate experience designed to create an emotional connection to every single audience member.

Transcendent art is a collective narrative that informs, illuminates and elevates critical thinking. True art is meant to illuminate the fractures within the human condition, evoking an emotional response that is intended to induce connection. Well into its 9th season, Whim W’Him continues to demonstrate why it is one of the most innovative provocative contemporary dance companies around with 3 x 3.

The persistence of “Twilight bad” in modern pop culture speaks less to the actual quality of Stephanie Meyer’s books, and more to a normalized hatred of women and the media they like. Shaming young girls for liking something marketed directly to them remains an ugly reality about how we produce and consume media. If it’s not Twilight, it’s One Direction. Or Pretty Little Liars. Or Nicholas Sparks novels. No piece of media is above critique. But some media is more easily skewered than others. I could give you a 700+ page seminar on why I dislike Nicholas Sparks, but what point would it serve?

The Lion King is a triumphant collective of dazzling choreography, innovative set design, and impressive vocal prowess. Twenty years after it’s original Broadway debut, The Lion King continues to demonstrate exactly why it is one of the most popular musicals in the world. It’s a swirling combination of memorable moments from the hit film, as well as showstopping moments that channel classic Broadway.

2018 is something of a breaking point for American society. More than ever, American citizens are torn politically, as issues of racism, sexual harassment, homophobia and xenophobia permeate the national consciousness. It is a time of great anxiety and alienation. Come From Away is a powerful reminder of what can happen when the commonalities of humanity can be embraced and celebrated.

Some of the best moments of the show occur when The Noteworthy Life Of Howard Barnes makes fun of many other beloved American Musicals. Many musical numbers reference The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Fiddler On The Roof, Wicked, Hamilton, The Wizard Of Oz, Mean Girls, and many other iconic productions. This clever show is at its best when it pokes fun at the cliches found in musical theater, while blending those cliches together and in unexpected way.

Cirque Du Soleil is truly a one-of-a-kind spectacular. After 41 iterations of the pulsating circus arts showcase, Cirque Du Soleil is back with a brand new show, entitled Volta. The energetic new show is a high-octane blend integration of boundary pushing circus arts with high-intensity street sport stylings. It is an interesting, unique and mesmerizing concoction that helps to push a dangerous excitement through the entire show. Undertones of a thumping drag-like show, serves to give Volta additional layers of depth and intrigue.

Driven by the talented Olivier Wevers, Whim W’Him begins its 9th season with a quiet bang. After nearly a decade of lush creations, intricate choreography, and innovative storytelling, Whim W’Him has proven that it has mastered the art of contemporary dance.

At first, I thought that a musical based on such a dark piece of literature was an odd choice. How can a musical balance the heavy nature of the course material while still managing to entertain it audience. Despite a few stumbles, the Color Purple manages to find a delicate balance between politically necessary and consistently entertaining.

Whim W’Him has done it again!  Like any serialized television drama, Whim W’Him has once again found itself at an epic season finale. Over the past 8 years, Whim W’Him has grown from a promising upstart of innovative dancers to a masterful dance company that is successfully redefining the meaning of contemporary dance.

The show is indeed deliciously dark, campy and twisted. It’s a tightly paced show, moving swiftly. The show clocks in around 90 minutes, without an intermission. Despite featuring a plot revolving around high schoolers, the show is definitely not kid friendly. A great deal of the script includes profanity, overt sexuality, and drug references.

 ‘Complicated,’ my first EP, debuted in  2013. It was my first attempt at something in the states after several record deals overseas and started to get a lot of attention around the world, only to be halted very quickly 4 months later when I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.

In a world where whitewashed film characters are all too common and the diversity of the roles offered to black actors is limited, Black Panther goes above and beyond in showing the marketability and appeal of purposefully black heroes and villains and in meeting the demand for a storyline where blackness is unapologetically complete and celebrated. Perhaps this will be the beginning of the end of the myth that black films don’t sell.

Is Hamilton worth the hype? This is the question on every theater fan’s mind, as the popular Broadway tour sold out quickly after tickets were released.

Overall, Mamma Mia is an ambitious undertaking for the 5th Avenue Theatre. Undoubtedly, this gorgeous production is a Broadway caliber show; a show that runs full steam, on all cylinders, for the entire duration of the production.

Given that Whim W’Him is rapidly approaching a decade of existence, it is important that the company continues to push itself artistically. One of Whim W’Him’s strongest talents is the creation of works which produce an intellectual and emotional reaction within its audience. If Configurate is any indication, then Whim W’Him is absolutely moving in the right direction.

More than ever, The Book of Mormon is the musical that America needs. The show recently returned to the Paramount, as part of its national tour.  It is, by far, one of the best musicals ever produced. Everything about it is outstanding; the book, the lyrics, the script, the choreography and the casting.

Abuse and power have existed together since mankind first came into fruition.The pain felt by the sublimation of abuse is also a shared experience over which many individuals can bond. Transformative art also has the power to evoke deep emotion and empathetic experience; a healing narrative for abuse. Zac Miller has attempted to examine the explosive nature of abuse, on both a personal and societal level, through a raw journey of self-discovery in Volatile.

Volatile is a one-of-a-kind exposé into the lingering anguish and exceptional bravery buried deep inside Zac Miller. His emotional torment is laid bare for all to see in this collection of photographs, capturing how abuse has shaped his psyche.

What does fearless mean to you? It is an absence of fear? Or is is walking through fear with humility, courage and vulnerability? This is the very thesis that McCade Dolan discusses in his newly released book, Fearless.

Pat Constant is an actor based in New York who will be starring in The Sorceress at the The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene. Chris Heide, of Chosen, has the opportunity to talk to Pat about his role in the show, his budding career, and his experiences as an openly gay man.

Keeping in tradition with their annual holiday show, the 5th Avenue Theatre recently debuted their version of Irving Berlin's’ Holiday Inn. It is a lush, nostalgic, classic show that harkens back to the day’s of classic Broadway.

At the end of the day, one thing is immeasurably clear. The So You Think You Can Dance Tour is exactly what the world of modern dance needs. Its lively and emotional, thought provoking and moving. The tour accomplishes what art is meant to do; any audience member who watches this two hour extravaganza is sure to think, feel and react.

Houston’s vocals are often indistinguishable from perfection. It’s almost impossible to separate her stunning vocals from those songs. To create an entire musical around Houston’s biggest hits is an ambitious and fearless task. Although The Bodyguard musical is spot on homage to the 1992 film of the same name, at its heart, the show is really a tribute to the icon of Whitney Houston.

Newsies is a high-octane, well executed and expertly produced musical. Much like the 5th Avenue Theatre did with Ragtime, the Village Theatre has managed to produce an accessible musical that is timely and relevant. The best, most resonating art is that which can hold a mirror to the greatest inequities and injustices of society through its powerfully creative platform.

The characters deal with classism, fame, racism, poverty, xenophobia and injustice- all of which are hallmarks of Trump’s America. Is it possible for art to push for a greater change in societal inequities? Ragtime proves that art can and should always act as that agent of critique and change.

The true star of this show, as it should be, is Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), who originated the role on Broadway. Jacobs processes impeccable humor, charm and charisma- all necessary attributes for the successful execution of his character. His impressive vocal ranged helped him to nail many technically difficult songs, with both precision and power.

Something Rotten has come to the 5th Avenue Theatre. Originally set to debut in 2015 before being ushered away to Broadway before its Seattle premiere, this bombastic and clever musical has finally had its hometown debut after a successful stint on Broadway that resulted in a whopping 10 Tony Award Nominations.

The entire series is fraught with emotion and some of the most nuanced, intricate and well executed choreography I have ever seen produced by Whim W’Him. With this creation, Whim W’Him has evolved to the level of iconic.

Dreamgirls is an amazingly polished feat of theatrical prowess. Recently debuting it’s run at the Village Theatre in Everett, Dreamgirls is a shockingly good piece of community theatre- likely the best production of the entire year.  It a swiftly moving, well executed show that deserves tremendous praise

Approaching Ecstasy is dark, sad, powerful, sexualized and evocative. It is not a show designed for children. It is a beautifully tragic tale of the universal motif that humans long and search for connection.

"Wonder Woman" is more than a coming-of-age story, it can be the beacon of hope that is exactly what audiences need right now, especially youth. It can be a crumbling time trying to find one's identity but maybe watching Diana go from a warrior to a hero in a dour World War I setting will ignite many to go out and fight injustice in our world.

His purpose is to show how changing values and moral norms were reflected in the homoerotic images that many straight and gay male artists were producing. Placing his text within the realm of the up-and-coming field of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) studies, Dr. Weinberg argues that the suggestive image of the male body has been burdened with sexual overtones throughout history, but it has carried different meanings in different eras

Electronic dance music is my passion. Whether it’s listening to it on the way to work, grinding out a new project on Ableton Live, or going to shows: EDM is my happy place. There is something about an exhilarating build up leading up to a filthy drop that vitalizes my inner chi.

It’s interesting looking at Hollywood as a political game like this, the way Joan feels entitled in some way because she plays the game, and yet they nominated an “outsider”

Feud, airing on FX, stars Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, respectively, and chronicles the notoriously bitter rivalry between the two Hollywood mega-stars as their age (oh lord, they were in their 50’s) forces them to work together in order to get a job. The result? The surprise smash hit “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane,” which, if you haven’t seen it, is worth stopping whatever you’re doing to watch. I’ll wait.

Gellar’s particular phrasing; the way she'd deliver lines in the characteristic, punchy, uniquely Buffy fashion; the way she would look at a foe or someone who just particularly pissed her off... I carried a lot of that into my adulthood. Sometimes I'll even catch myself and think "Damn, I felt like Buffy just now!"

You should always wear items that are going to make you comfortable & confident. Never wear what other people say you should wear. Just remember that black always works too. It’s a classic color.

These themes are especially topical, in light of Trump’s presidency. Homelessness, poverty, drug addiction and loss are omnipresent in our world today. RENT is a show for the misfits- those of us who seemingly do not with “mainstream” society.  Individuality is praised and personal struggle is acknowledged as a necessary part of life.

The Pajama Game is a sizzling, dazzling, classic Broadway musical, recently revived at the 5th Avenue Theater. It’s an archetypal American musical, focusing on a humorous plot revolving around labor and wage dispute during the height of the golden-age of American manufacturing. Given the current political climate, The Pajama Game manages to be both nostalgic and eerily topical.

Lemonade was an alarm, a wake up call to arms which signaled an impending avalanche of black feminism, the first of many intersectional movements to be born of the Trump era.

Fashion is what you make of it. Fashion is individualistic. Fashion is you.

Whim W’Him has once again solidified its reputation as the premiere Seattle contemporary dance company. In its latest iteration, Sensation, Whim W’Him presents three works that once again delve into a deep analysis of the human psyche. All three pieces are a clever study of crowd dynamics. As always, Whim W’Him presents a show that is deeply reflective of current events, tackling themes such as isolation, acceptance, and loss. 

Imaginative, dazzling and nostalgic. These are just a few ways to describe the national tour of Finding Neverland, now playing at the Paramount Theater. It’s a visually stunning tour-de-force that captures the essence of the lost child within. It purports a theme that surely resonate with the bulk of the audience; an audience filled with adults who are constantly enmeshed with the responsibilities of “adulting”.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is hands-down, the best show I’ve seen all year.  As a heavy consumer of musical theatre, I do not make this statement lightly. It is a bombastic and wonderfully produced musical that truly embodies the chaos and instability of the past year.

But how could my story and the Obscurus in Fantastic Beasts be relevant today? One word: Trump. We are about to enter an age where people will feel suppressed for not just being gay, but also being trans, Muslim, being black, being a woman. We may have gotten same-sex marriage, but Trump has threatened to take that right away. A right given to us by the Supreme Court, the most powerful office of the federal government.

Emily is the queen, Paris is a beast and Rory is just awful.

Overall, the show is good. Many of the highlights are direct recreations of moments from the film. Those signature moments play out without much alteration. Numbers such as “Kiss The Girl” and “Under the Sea” are bright, technicolor explosions, filled with tight choreography and flashy set pieces.  They are crowd pleasing moments, as evidences by the rapturous applause following each song. 

By Benjamin J. Anderson

I’m done watching comic book superhero movies. I can’t take another sequel of another adaption of another comic book. I don’t want to watch Robert Downey Jr. be a handsome Tony Stark for the seventh time. I don’t want to see Chris Hemsworth tuck his golden locks behind his ear before defeating evil yet again. And I can live without a third Spider-Man reboot in 15 years.

I want all of my work to be accessible to my family. I never want my family to be ashamed of something I’ve done. I am a father and that always influences my professional choices. I often ask myself, will my kids benefit from this?

By Chris Heide

After a long and nearly fatal battle with alcoholism and addiction, lead singer Derek Whibley is ready for his return to the spotlight. It’s been 5 years since Sum 41 released a new album and this tour marks something of a resurgence for the band.

By Elson Feris

Gaga is always careful in threading a clear message through her music. With Joanne it seems that this record is for all of us. For the kid with their paw up in undying support at her show. For the gym bunny hitting their next mile. For the stay at mom with her hair in a bun and wine glass in her hand. Joanne is eclectic, while remaining nostalgic, and is the perfect comeback to solidify Gaga's legacy.

By Casey Allen

While the majority of the attention Hollywood has paid to WWII has been focused primarily on the European theatre Mel Gibson’s latest directorial effort Hacksaw Ridge centers around the less-remembered Pacific campaign. The film is based on the true story of Army Medic then-Private First Class Desmond Doss, a Seventh-Day Adventist born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia.  Doss, the son of an abusive alcoholic father and WWI veteran, entered the Army as a conscientious objector shortly after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

By Zac Miller

I’m passionate about music’s ability to influence my mood and vice versa. Whether I’m in the studio shooting and editing or starring in my own music video on the way to class, I’m jamming. Bass so loud I can feel the beat. I have a playlist for every season and I’m always amazed how a song can bring me back to that beer pong tournament my freshman year, to my first heartbreak, to endless summer nights. So as I anticipate the new music this fall into winter let’s take a look at the soundtrack of my summer.

By Casey Allen
Being a combat veteran of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, "War Dogs" tells a very different side of a story I know well. The film is based on the true story of two childhood friends who used the War on Terror as an opportunity to line their own pockets selling weapons and various other accessories of modern warfare to the United States government. 

By RJ Huggins
I’m not trying to convince anybody that rap music is the best thing since sliced bread. To me, it’s played a huge roll in keeping me going in this twisted world. I’m able to take the good things out of it, despite the profanity and negativity that is does heavily promote. My hope is to see more positivity come from hip-hop because it does influence so many people in society, and I believe it is happening. 

By Casey Allen

PART V

OF VENGEANCE: THE FULL CIRCLE OF RETRIBUTION

By Charlotte Hollingsworth
Rarely does a movie live up to its previews. But, due the raunchy, graphic, and violent content in Sausage Party (directed by Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon), the majority of the funniest parts could never have been included in previews. The number of expletives alone seems almost mystical, and even with a big Red Band on a trailer, you can’t get away with showing that much decap

By Casey Allen

PART IV

OF REALIZATION: DEFIANCE AND THE SEARCH FOR SOVEREIGNTY

By Casey Allen

PART III

OF OBJECTION: THE FINE LINE BETWEEN AUTHORITY AND FALSE ADVERTISING

By Casey Allen
Since this is the first review I've done for Chosen I wanted to make sure the film was something special--and indeed it was. Having recently lost my closest uncle and godfather to ALS this film had an especially profound impact on me, and I'm honored to share my thoughts with our readers.

By Chris Heide
The sprawling event once again covered three days. Arguably, the most notable act of CHBP was ODESZA. The group performed Saturday on the mainstage, to an audience that was packed into the street like sailors on a ship. 

By Casey Allen
PART II
OF LIES AND MEN: THE GREAT MISCONCEPTION OF THE SERPENT

By Chris Heide
A Gentleman’s Guide To Love & Murder truly restores the faith in a nearly lost art form- the zany musical comedy. It’s must see live theatre. 

By Jordan Heide
Dust settles beneath my eyes,
Inflaming the tender skin that loathes my discerning mind.
I cringe, I shudder - but I do not cry,
For tears intensify the pain that resides.

By Christopher Heide
Assassins is a sleek, majestic, bombastic show, executed by the 5th Ave Theatre and ACT Theatre. It’s an imaginative retelling of the handful of assassins who have attempted to or have succeeded in killing an American president.  It’s a show with an inventive take on history and a drastic departure form the typical fare normally seen in musical theatre. This is not the typical, boy-meets-girl type of show.  It is peppered with adult language and rife with dark motifs and themes. This Steven Sondheim creation was gifted with numerous Tony Awards when it finally hit Broadway last decade.

By Christopher Heide
Seattle’s premiere contemporary ballet company has done it again. Since its inception 6 years ago, Whim W’Him has grown into a pinnacle of artistic achievement within its short lifespan. Artistic Director, Olivier Wevers, has become synonymous with creative ingenuity. Every one of his repertoires has shown a clarity of vision and a commitment to creative, unique movement. Whim W’Him’s latest showcase, INSPIRED, is quite possibly its most cohesive presentation yet.

By Christopher Heide
The Book of Mormon is, hands down, one of the best musicals I’ve ever seen. It’s a fresh, invigorating, modern show unlike most of the other productions to come out of Broadway. Written by the creators of South Park, Trey Parker & Matt Stone, The Book of Mormon is modern, offensive and downright hilarious. It’s a production filled with infectious songs, adult humor and wonderfully loveable characters. In other words, this show is musical theatre gold.

What if? How would my life be different if I had made a different choice in my past? These are the kind of deep, introspective questions at the center of If/Then, the new hit musical taking Broadway by storm. If/Then is urgent, breathtaking and deeply personal in its thematic choices.

By Christopher Heide
Two magic-themed musicals debuted this week within Seattle’s rich performing arts culture. Pippin, which is on a limited one-week run at the Paramount and Matilda, which just began a three week engagement at the 5th Avenue Theatre, are both visually stimulating productions. However, the execution of the two shows marked a noticeable disparity. Whereas Pippin was a tightly executed performance, Matilda was marred by a lagging story and technical difficulties.

By Christopher Heide
Jasper in Deadland is an ambitious, yet middling production that recently debuted at the 5th Avenue Theatre.  This contemporary spin on the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice has some entertaining moments, but the overall energy and drama of the production falls flat.

By Christopher Heide
“Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” Wicked is a dazzling story that takes great efforts to fully answer that very adult question.

By Christopher Heide and Francois Nikbakht
Perfume Genius’ performance at The Paramount last Tuesday night stole the show. By set’s end, I found myself longing to be a part of front man Mike Hadreas’ enigmatic world of art, sexuality and self-discovery. Highlighted by strong and emotional vocal expression, and eerie, bone-chilling instrumentation, the band’s performance took the audience into the heart and soul of a growing artist and human being.

By Christopher Heide
Broadway hit, Mamma Mia!, has returned to Seattle for a limited one week engagement. Surreal, colorful and tightly-paced, this show is a masterclass in true showmanship and musicality. When a musical is made into a feature film, the movie often roots in popular culture as the main iteration of that production. It’s difficult to think of Mamma Mia! without thinking about Meryl Streep's performance in the 2008 film. Thankfully, this high-energy rendition easily stands on it’s own.

By Christopher Heide
A classic musical meets modernity in the 5th Avenue Theatre's current rendition of Rogers and Hammerstein's Carousel. Fresh and exciting, this vibrant retelling is infused with a tempestuous and crackling energy, that purposefully captivates it's audience. In its 4th collaboration with Spectrum Dance Theater, this 5th avenue is edgy, modern and visually compelling. It is an interesting juxtaposition of a classic, beloved story and brilliant, contemporary choreography.

By Christopher Heide
The So You Think You Can Dance tour took Seattle by storm Thursday night, in a sleek, stylish, sexy extravaganza of dance. It was a two hour non-stop tour-de-force, that featured all of the Top Ten dancers. A palpable energy filled the theater for the entire duration of the show. Given the lengthy nature of this tour, which has been ongoing since October, it was impressive to see the dancers perform with such honest energy and genuine emotion. At this point in the tour, the show is a well oiled machine. The dancers often emoted the same excitable energy they did when they first appeared on the show early in Season 11.

By Christopher Heide
Chosen Magazine had the opportunity to interview Casey Askew and Jessica Richens, two finalists from the 11th season of So You Think You Can Dance. The tour hits Seattle this week; check out the interview!

By Christopher Heide
Cirque du Soleil wins again, living up to its reputation with its overly infectious iteration of Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities, a chic, steam-punk infused experience. How does Cirque du Soleil manage to top itself with every new show? By raising the stakes with its gravity defying acts, constantly igniting a nervous energy from it audience.

By Christopher Heide
Whim W'Him has once again created a brilliant new repertoire, highlighting their continued push towards becoming an iconic contemporary company. Threefold explores the complexities of various relationships, as presented in three distinct pieces from Olivier Wevers and two guest choreographers. Each artist has created a piece that provides a unique view of difficult relationships. The styles and rhythm of each number greatly varies, but each fits brilliantly into the thematic vision Wevers has opted to create.

By Christopher Heide
"You’ll shoot your eye out!" That iconic line from the now classic holiday movie, A Christmas Story, is brought to life in this nostalgic, energetic stage production. Little Ralphie’s quest for a Red Rider BB Gun returns to the stage it was created on 4 years ago. A Christmas Story is a feel-good production, apropos for audience members of all ages.

By Christopher Heide
Kinky Boots is a infectious, emotional, high energy production. A contemporary, polished masterclass in musical theater, Kinky Boots presents an incredibly enjoyable artistic endeavor complete with a poignant, resonating theme. It is by far the best production to come to Seattle in years. The 5th Avenue Theatre should be applauded for securing such a well-oiled production for the opening of its theatrical season.

By Christopher Heide
Classic vaudeville meets contemporary stand-up in The Vaudevillians, one of the most progressive shows to hit the Seattle Repertory stage in years. Starring Jinkx Monsoon (Jerick Hoffer) and Major Scales (Richard Andriessen), the show is an uber witty vaudeville act that originated in Seattle a couple of years ago. For those who don’t already know, Monsoon is the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5. She has used her relative stardom to make The Vaudevillians an actual, sold-out hit on Broadway. This raunchy romp is definitely not positioned for the eyes of children.

By Christopher Heide
Chosen Magazine recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ricky Schroeder, a cast member of the upcoming tour of Broadway sensation, Kinky Boots. Schroeder is a member of the Kinky Boots ensemble, making this production his biggest break yet. His previous body work includes an Off Broadway production of Naked Boys Singing and a regional production of Footloose.

By Christopher Heide
Engaging. Dynamic. Colorful. Frantic. These are just a few of the words that can be used to describe The Village Theatre’s current rendition of In the Heights. According to the press release, “Set in a community where everyone knows your business, things are about to shake-up as romances bloom, dreams are challenged, and one winning lottery ticket threatens to change everything. Nominated for 13 Tony awards, winner of the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, and nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, In The Heights is a fun and fresh hip-hop musical with an infectious salsa beat.”

By Christopher Heide
A Chorus Line is one “singular sensation”, sure to mesmerize, enthrall and entertain its audience. One of the longest running Broadway musicals of all time, the 5th Avenue Theatre has chosen to revive this classic production as its season-opening show. Set to a brisk pace, and lacking an intermission, A Chorus Line provides a non-stop ride, filled with exciting, timeless choreography and powerhouse vocal performances.

By Christopher Heide
Chosen Magazine recently had the opportunity to sit down with up-and-coming Seattle based pop-artist VELO (AKA Victor Cruz).

By Christopher Heide
You can’t stop the beat! In 2002, Hairspray was the first world premiere musical to leave the 5th Avenue Theatre and head for Broadway. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical and launched the Theatre’s unprecedented track record for sending new works to New York. Now 10 seasons later, the 5th collaborates with one of the world’s largest and most respected choruses, the Seattle Men’s Chorus. Together bring this special concert presentation of Hairspray, with all its glorious, irreverent, John Waters-inspired wackiness, back to the 5th Avenue stage for six very special performances.

By Christopher Heide
Chosen Magazine had the opportunity to interview upcoming recording artist Garrett Whitney. A brash, sincere and sober musician, Whitney recently launched his debut album entitled "The New Age Outlaw." A deft mix of progressive country sounds and deeply personal lyrics, Whitney is a rising star to watch.

By Christopher Heide
“I remember promising my mother that I would go to school everyday, if it meant that I was able to stay in Mexico," said 16 year old Mexican-American, Guillermo Romano, as he tearfully recalled his final moments as a native resident of Mexico City. Romano was only five years old when family prepared to legally moved to the United States, so that his parents could attend American universities. Little did young Romano realize, his proud heritage would be a source of ridicule and disapproval for the next few years of his life. “In retrospect” commented Romano. “I faced a lot of racism and stereotyping as I grew up, but I just didn’t realize it until I was older."

By Christopher Heide
ALL THAT JAZZ! Issaquah Village Theatre has done it again. A spectacularly bright triumph, its current rendition of Chicago is a gleaming, Broadway-worthy production. High production values, crisp choreography, a frenetic pace and brilliant comedic timing are all markers of this soaring rendition. 

By Christopher Heide
Olivier Wevers has once again proven to be a creative savant, most recently showcased in Whim W’Him’s beautifully evocative Third Degree. Transcending the limitations of classical ballet, Wevers, the Artistic Director, successfully manages to combine haunting advanced technique and contemporary, edgy themes. Third Degree, which is composed of four mini-ballets, is yet another outstanding triumph in Whim W’Him’s lengthy repertoire of iconic performances.

By Christopher Heide
The Bravery, a group known for their seamless fusion of both the post-punk revival and new-wave styles, recently headlined a showcase at TheShowbox at the Market. In an effort to promote their new album, Stir the Blood, the preponderance of songs performed came from this decidedly dark, third studio effort. Judging by the crowd, however, you would have never known you were about to witness a borderline brilliant performance from a remarkably intelligent and layered group.

By Christopher Heide
In the wake of the immensely successful hit musical of 2012, First Date, The 5th Avenue Theatre and ACT – A Contemporary Theatre join forces on their third collaboration: the cult Broadway hit Grey Gardens. A fairy tale told in reverse, this poignant new musical is based on the fascinating 1970s documentary revealing the lives of Big Edie and Little Edie Beale, close relatives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

By Christopher Heide
Journalism professor Dan Williams describes how Lyndon State College in Vermont uses innovative disaster-simulation exercises to train journalism students. Pre-planned trauma reporting exercises are quickly becoming more popular in U.S. college journalism programs. Constructed to provide journalism students with “real-life” trauma scenarios in which they can practice their reporting skills, these programs can successfully train prospective journalists how to handle crisis situations in difficult, chaotic environments.

By Christopher Heide
Stolen money, passports, travel brochures and identical briefcases... Perfect ingredients for confusion and mayham. Two bank officials, Willy Nicholas and Peter Colton, unwittingly involve others in their efforts to retrieve a stolen loot and flee the country. Everyone involved is mistaken about everyone else's motives and loyalties, and doom and shame and prison stare them all in the face.

By Christopher Heide
Ever since its Broadway debut, RENT has mesmerized audiences with its vivid and empathetic depiction of the bohemian lifestyle. With graphic imagery of drug use, sexuality and violence, RENT has continuously managed to highlight issues that are currently still rampant throughout our society. While the iconic rock opera has become increasingly well-know, especially after its feature film debut in 2007, the current production by Second Story Repertory of Redmond manages to breathe renewed sense of individuality and naivete into its interpretation of a classic. Second Story Repertory injects a visceral urgency into an already youthful, resonant tale.

By Christopher Heide
Franz Kafka is perhaps best known for his bizarre, yet thought provoking stories detailing the plight of human mortality and revocation of personal identity. His stories often investigate themes of displacement and unease, as explored in the New Century Theatre’s production of Kafka’s The Trial.

By Christopher Heide
TRAILS is a visually splendid, lyrically beautiful and thematically resonating new musical currently playing at the Issaquah Village Theatre. A masterful production, it seamlessly blends contemporary themes of love, loss and the pursuit of the impossible into an empathetically entertaining tear-jerker that easily purports a bombastic, awe-inspiring journey. While featuring only six cast members, TRAILS feels like a large-scale musical that is instantly ready for Broadway. Impressively, it is a must see, original production for any fan of the true musical.

By Christopher Heide
The Bravery, a group known for their seamless fusion of both the post-punk revival and new-wave styles, recently headlined a showcase at The Showbox at the Market. In an effort to promote their new album, Stir the Blood, the preponderance of songs performed came from this decidedly dark, third studio effort. Judging by the crowd, however, you would have never known you were about to witness a borderline brilliant performance from a remarkably intelligent and layered group.

By Christopher Heide
The Pacific Northwest Ballet presented a master class marriage of modern and classical technique into the uniquely wonderful Contemporary 4 show. Comprised of four separate mini-ballets, the show was designed to merge innovative and groundbreaking choreography with elements of formal technique. The result was invigorating and a pure delight to experience.

By Christopher Heide
PNB’s production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" once again proved why the Seattle based company is one of the most elite in the country. Amongst lavish sets and decadent costumes, the dancers breathed a new life into Shakespeare’s classic tale of mischief, manipulation and magic. The entire ballet was an aesthetically astute marriage of technical talent and intuitive acting abilities.

By Christopher Heide
Olivier Wevers’ Whim W’Him ballet company is on the cusp of a modern ballet evolution. In only its second year of existence, Whim W’Him has garnered tremendous critical praise and notoriety. Thanks to the evocative and innovative mind of Wevers, Whim W’Him holds the potential to become of the most renowned companies in the entire world of dance.

By Christopher Heide
For its all-important season finale, the Pacific Northwest Ballet embarked on an immaculate return to original form in their first ever rendition of Giselle. As with all great season finales, Giselle managed to excite, enthrall and beautifully entertain its audience. This finale repertoire notably featured the final performances at PNB for several of its veteran players. Overall, Giselle was impeccable executed and the perfect ending to an already stellar season.