Tag Archives: Reviews

Ketchup. Catsup? Catch-up.

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So, it’s been a while. Those awkward moments when you attempt to re-establish a rapport after months away from a colleague, you know, the person you had that ‘finish-each-other’s-jokes’ vibe with; you know those moments. I hate those moments. I’m going to bullet-point this update just to get through with it, and then we can carry on like we used to back in ’13 (or maybe ’12).

Joseph Coors and executives re-shape the world- with dance.

Watt?!?. Village Originals Developmental Production. Photo by Sam Freeman. Property of Village Theatre.

– August, 2013 – “WATT?!?” was a big, vulgar, funny, provocative success during Village Theatre’s Festival of New Musicals. We got great receptions from our audiences, provoked lively discussion, and came a way learning a little something . . . about ourselves. (The more you know!) Last December, I was even privileged to re-unite with my “WATT?!?” cast-mates (you know who you are), band (ditto), musical director (Aaron Jodoin) and composer (the ever-awesome Brendan Milburn) to record the premiere cast album at Seattle’s famed Studio X (some minor bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, R.E.M.,  and Soundgarden recorded some marginally significant albums there.)

– September, 2013 – Vacation. Mexico, baby.

– September, 2013 – Rehearsals for  . . .

MuchAdoPoster-225x300

– October, 2013 – Much Ado About Nothing at Seattle Shakespeare Company. Really, there’s far too much for me to say about my experience in this show. I was given the opportunity to play one of the roles that got me interested in Shakespeare, and in Theatre. I was acting opposite a fantastic Beatrice, and with a tremendous cast of familiar and new faces. I was working with a director I for whom I have tremendous respect and with a company that has been one of my artistic homes. It was a dream job, and my hope is that I did justice to the role, and allowed the audience to enjoy what is one of my favorite plays. I haven’t read them (another post for another time), but I’ve attached some links to some of the notices we received from local reviewers:

Seattle Times- Seattle Shakespeare stages a jazzy, ’50s-set ‘Much Ado’

Seattle Weekly- Opening Nights: Much Ado About Nothing

Heed The Hedonist- Two Plays Worth Seeing End November 17th

Arts Stage- Seattle Rage- “Much Ado About Nothing” presented by Seattle Shakespeare Company       

Seattle Gay News- Love wins out – Seattle Shakespeare Co. jazzes up a romantic comedy classic

Jim Gall as Don Pedro, Matt Shimkus as Benedick, and Jay Myers as Claudio in Seattle Shakespeare Company's 2013 production of "Much Ado About Nothing"

Jim Gall as Don Pedro, Matt Shimkus as Benedick, and Jay Myers as Claudio in Seattle Shakespeare Company’s 2013 production of “Much Ado About Nothing”

Matt Shimkus as Benedick in Seattle Shakespeare Company’s 2013 production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Photo by John Ulman.

Matt Shimkus as Benedick in Seattle Shakespeare Company’s 2013 production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Photo by John Ulman.

Jennifer Lee Taylor as Beatrice and Matt Shimkus as Benedick in Seattle Shakespeare Company’s 2013 production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Photo by John Ulman.

Jennifer Lee Taylor as Beatrice and Matt Shimkus as Benedick in Seattle Shakespeare Company’s 2013 production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Photo by John Ulman.

So, there you have it! The latest news (a mere few months old)!

There is more to come, very soon!

And this time, I really mean it.

Jeeves? Fetch my Blog, will you?

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Taproot Jeeves in Bloom BannerHappy New Year! Yes, yes, I know it’s been too long since I last posted, and for that, I’m truly sorry. For those of you seeking news about my theatrical exploits, wait no longer: here’s the dish:

I’m in a fully sold-out comedy on the boards of Taproot Theatre in the beautiful Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle. I defy you to purchase tickets. Can’t be done. They’re all sold. Unless you want a standing room ticket (those with arthritic knees/hips need not apply.)

Adapted from the famous “Jeeves and Wooster” stories of British humorist P.G. Wodehouse, Margaret Raether’s “Jeeves in Bloom” follows the hapless Bertie Wooster and his ‘gentleman’s gentleman’ Jeeves (portrayed by, well, me) and their misadventures in the gardens of an English country manor.

Some reviews, for your perusal:

The Seattle Times: ‘Jeeves in Bloom’ a valentine to Wodehouse fans.

Seattle PI: Jeeves Definitely Blooms

Examiner.com: Taproot Lightens up Winter Gloom

Edgeseattle.com: Jeeves in Bloom

To have a show sell out is a real privilege, and I have truly enjoyed bringing our version of Sir Wodehouse and Mrs. Raether’s ‘Jeeves and Wooster’ to the Seattle community.

There are projects on the horizon. Stay tuned (or, maybe check back in a couple weeks) for more!

Praise and Thanks-giving

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The sunset over the last 2012 Wooden O performance of “Twelfth Night” at Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island. (Courtesy John Bradshaw Photography!)

Wooden O “Twelfth Night” 2012 is no more.

It has come to an end again. Another closing, another show. And I must say that it’s been a great one. I’ve truly loved this summer’s production of “Twelfth Night” with Wooden O. It was my second ‘rodeo’ with the traveling crew, and an experience that for me was truly fulfilling.

We received a nice notice from the Seattle Times, and served up some hot, free, al fresco comedy to thousands of Seattle-area theatre-goers.

Much of what makes a production great for a performer is what the audience doesn’t get to see (or at least, outdoors, they don’t see much of it). The backstage life of an actor: I was blessed in particular, with a fantastic group of artists in the cast of “Twelfth Night”. Old friends and new. Coming to work was something to which I looked forward. Given my commute, I can say that’s an achievement of some note, and I already know that I’m going to miss this show, and this cast, desperately. The chance to clown together for fantastic audiences, take risks physically and emotionally in performance, and enjoy the outdoors during the best of our Northwest weather has been a privilege and a pleasure.

“Freud’s Last Session” Extends it’s Run!

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Hello out there! It’s Opening Weekend for Major League Baseball (Let’s Go, Mariners!), it’s Good Friday on the Liturgical Calendar (Let’s Go, Church!). Hope of all kinds springs eternal, and I have news!

I’m very pleased to report that due to high ticket demand, “Freud’s Last Session” at Taproot Theatre will be extending it’s run of performances through April 28!

Freud's Last Session Exteded

If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a great play, and has had a terrific reception by Seattle audiences. I’m playing CS Lewis and it has been an absolute pleasure to bring this story and this character to life on the stage.

Here are a few reviews:

“Opening Nights: Freud’s Last Session” – Seattle Weekly

“Freud’s Last Session” – Arts Stage – Seattle Rage

“A Psychoanalysis of Theology” – Heed The Hedonist

“Sigmund Freud and CS Lewis Walk Into a Bar” – Unlikely Places

For tickets and information about the show, you can visit the Taproot Theatre website by clicking the ‘poster’ above!

I’ll see you after the show.