Village Theatre — Attraction in Issaquah

This is part of a series of theater reviews of productions put on by the Village Theater of Issaquah and Everett, Washington. If you live near either of the two venues, you will enjoy your experience when you attend a show. I spent the first 34 years of my life in the New York City area. Beginning in the mid-1950s, I started attending Broadway shows, on Broadway. When I moved to the Issaquah area in 1978, I was lucky to find the Village Theater, first in an old movie theater then in the state-of-the-art Francis J. Gaudette Theater. The Village Theater’s current 2024-25 season opened with a personal favorite of mine, CAMELOT. When my wife and I got married 57 years ago, we chose the song “If Ever I Would Leave You” as “our” wedding song. That is one of the featured songs from this musical. It is one of several memorable tunes that you will be singing or humming as you leave the theater. The other reason I love this show is the story of King Arthur about whom I have done some historical research. In fact, in October 2023, we got to see The Roundtable itself. It is located in Winchester England. The wood of the table has been carbon dated to the 12th Century. In the 16th Century, King Henry VIII repainted the table with a portrait of Arthur in the middle. The portrait, however, is that of Henry pretending to be Arthur. Part of my research. This version of CAMELOT has been edited down from three hours to a little over two hours without cutting any of the music. It focuses on the three main characters, Arthur, Lancelot and Guenevere, the prototypical love triangle. There is an intermission. The actors/singers are wonderful. Jessica Skerrit, who has a great voice, portrays Guenevere. She is the niece of iconic Seattle actor Tom Skerrit. We have seen her in a couple of other Village Theater productions over the last two decades. A marvelous talent. The other cast members are equally talented, many making their Village Theater debuts. There are only eight actors in the cast. The orchestra was very good as well. It was seated at the back of the set/stage instead of being in a “pit” below the front of the stage. My recommendation: DO NOT...

Having Village Theatre right here in Issaquah is something I truly cherish. It's become a significant part of my family's life, with my wife, our kids, and I attending numerous shows over the years. We've even had multiple season packages, immersing ourselves in the world of theatre more than I ever imagined.

Admittedly, I was never a fan of musicals. In fact, the first time I went, it was under a bit of protest, coaxed by my wife's enthusiasm. However, the quality and passion in each performance completely transformed my view. From reluctant attendee to an eager fan, I now find myself looking forward to our next theatre outing.

The shows at Village Theatre are consistently fantastic, showcasing a range of talent that's both impressive and inspiring. Each production is a reminder of the creativity and dedication that goes into live theatre, making every visit a memorable experience.

My only wish is for the theatre to expand its offerings by hosting musicians for intimate concerts. The venue's size and atmosphere would make for an incredible setting for live music, adding another layer to its already rich cultural contribution to our community.

All in all, I can't sing the praises of Village Theatre enough. It's a beacon of artistic excellence in Issaquah, offering experiences that entertain, challenge, and delight. Whether you're a theatre aficionado or someone who's never seen a musical in your life, I highly recommend checking out a show here. You might just become a fan,...

Iconic-A Theatrical Powerhouse Worthy of Broadway Acclaim

From the wide-eyed wonder of childhood to the more discerning gaze of adulthood, I have witnessed countless productions at this theater—each one reaffirming its place as the region’s artistic crown jewel. It is, without exaggeration, the local equivalent of Broadway: iconic, transformative, and consistently masterful.

This season commenced with resounding brilliance. Jersey Boys delivered electrifying energy and pitch-perfect nostalgia, while The Color Purple offered a soul-stirring triumph of storytelling and performance. Both were nothing short of extraordinary—proof that this theater continues to set the gold standard for live...