Valerie Curtis-Newton

Chase D. Anderson October 19, 2023October 22, 2023 Andrew Lee Creech, Dedra D. Woods, Jonelle Jordan, Seattle, Taproot Theatre, The Hansberry Project, Tim Gouran, Valerie Curtis-Newton, Yusef Seevers

Freedom Is Calling (Out of Dodge)

The world premiere of a Seattle playwright’s latest is among the best plays of the year. Last Drive to Dodge runs at Taproot Theatre through 10/21.

REVIEW THEATRE

Chase D. Anderson September 13, 2019September 16, 2019 Adam Fontana, Allyson Lee Brown, Ayo Tushinde, Charles Leggett, Christine Pilar, Eisa Davis, Intiman Theatre, Jennifer Zeyl, Matt Starritt, Reginald Andre Jackson, Robert J. Aguilar, The Hansberry Project, Valerie Curtis-Newton

‘Bulrusher’ Takes Its Time, to Welcome Effect

The “slow theatre” at work in ‘Bulrusher’ matches the pace of the town. But the play’s resonant themes, along with strong acting and design work, make for a gripping show even as it strolls along. It runs through September 14.

INTERVIEW THEATRE

Chase D. Anderson August 5, 2019March 19, 2023 Danny Haengil Larsen, Eastside, Hart Island, interview, Jerry Dixon, Michelle Elliott, Valerie Curtis-Newton, Village Originals, Village Theatre

5 Questions with Musical Theatre Writers Michelle Elliott & Danny Haengil Larsen

The annual Village Originals Festival of New Musicals takes place in Issaquah this weekend. Few theatre-makers know the Festival better than Michelle Elliott and Danny Haengil Larsen, who have shown new works there four times. NWT talked with the duo about their latest work, ‘Hart Island’, which showed at the 2017 Festival and returned to Village for a developmental production earlier this year.

INTERVIEW THEATRE

Chase D. Anderson May 19, 2019March 19, 2023 interview, Seattle Rep, The Hansberry Project, Valerie Curtis-Newton

5 Questions with Director Valerie Curtis-Newton

Award-winning theatre-maker Valerie Curtis-Newton is the director of the currently running, critically acclaimed production of ‘Nina Simone: Four Women’ at Seattle Repertory Theatre. Curtis-Newton talked with NWTheatre about her vision in staging the piece, and artist-activism more generally.

REVIEW THEATRE

Chase D. Anderson May 11, 2019June 3, 2019 Seattle Rep, Valerie Curtis-Newton

In ‘Nina Simone: Four Women’, Past & Present Told Through Songs of Protest

Seattle’s best talent takes stage in this non-traditional “play with music,” on now through June 2 at Seattle Rep. From previews through its second week, this reviewer has seen the production three times; and something new gave me chills in each visit. It’s a unique look back at a performer and an era among the most influential in history — and a powerful look at the present, too.