Seattle Rep — Attraction in Seattle

Too cultural woke and insulting for my tastes. I will explain why, and for those with similar beliefs please take my information and make your decisions about visiting this venue accordingly.

I have enjoyed this theater in the past. They put on interesting plays in a venue that is not too large and not too small. Recently, a well intended friend purchased tickets for one of their plays. (Fannie: The music and life of Fannie Lou Hammer) I was reticent about this play, but in the spirit of friendship for the lady who invited me and a willingness to give the benefit of the doubt I attended a performance. (To a point...)

Upon entering the facility, all patrons pass by the signs I have added as an attachment. They are posted prominently. In essence the first part is virtue signaling and the last part is downright insulting. I had to immediately ask myself a few questions about this particular statement.

Why post something like this in the first place? Was the staff not like this before and now want people to be clear about their intent?

What do they consider socially just, especially in Seattle? Was the CHOP okay? Was the death of a 16 year old acceptable during the riots because it was socially just? Or do they draw the line at simpler things such as promoting the rampant censorship or cancel culture attacking our country.

The last part is particularly scary. If a patron does not share the same value the theater reserves the right to move them. Does that apply to Muslims, Christians, liberals, or conservatives who may have a different idea of socially just?

For the management of the theater who may read this I would pose this thought experiment. Take the phrase "It is our expectation that all staff, visitors, and patrons comply with this code of conduct..." and replace it with this. "It is our expectation that all staff, visitors, and patrons share our same skin color..." If you find that insulting then please take a moment to think about the message you want to, and are, sending.

Something as simple as "Unruly or unlawful behavior will be addressed by the management staff accordingly." is all the theater needs to say if they need to say anything at all. Everyone knows that unruly and unlawful behavior is addressed in places like this.

After being put on guard upon seeing this poster I was even more reticent about the play. At the beginning of the play the management made it clear that the theater itself commissioned the play. This was more virtue signaling and a warning of their intent to lecture. I made it about 10 minutes into the play and decided I did not want to spend the night hearing about how white people caused all the problems in the world. Perhaps this is why the theater was mostly empty, devoid of patrons.

So my friend and I left and headed to the Armory over by the Space Needle, and lo and behold there was a fantastic event celebrating black culture and music. It was free from judgement, had great music, interesting art on display (eg. Marvels Jean Grey as an elegant black woman) It was packed with people of all ethnic groups who laughed and enjoyed themselves. I will admit that Jack Daniels did sponsor the event, but I think that only helps my case. Give people a good drink, some good, music, some interesting art that arose from an organic movement in our society and we will all treat people fairly.

Art is a fickle mistress and one I believe this theater has betrayed. Movies like "Ray" , "Hidden Figures" or "Respect" and musicals like "Rent" or "Hamilton" crossed the boundaries with class and style, and not a single venue I went to had dared to post a sign like the one this...

I have never been. It was wonderful. Easy to find bus let's u off on 1st Ave and Mercer. Two blocks east on left. A live performance with these colorful and wonderful actors. Like a living story book come to life. Wonderful scenic sets and costumes. Longer than I knew glad for intermission. Be aware very tight seating will need aisle seat and additional seat for service animals. I had two seats luckily. Had to back him in and than down. Was very good clapping at end scared him but he learns new stuff quick. Gets very stuffy last hour of show and can set off allergies/coughing. I heard a few others coughing also. Took me more than 5 to 10 minutes to stop my coughing. Leaving theatre so as to not disturb others by coughing can cause u difficulty getting back in. Prior to intermission a few people came in and out my left exit ramp more than 3 times during show. They were very quiet and considerate about it. When I attempted to re enter usher stopped me on ramp would not let me reenter and said too disruptive due to light wanted me to go to left entrance and climb over 12 or more people. I could have sat there in the theatre and coughed for 5 or 10 minutes. I told my service dog to stay. Too disruptive to get him out and back in again and told her I needed to get back to him. I guess the 3 or 4 prior entrances and exits by other patrons had special status. I said unable to do that was disabled and she had to have a senior staff person come resolve the issue. He took me back in. Other than the usher problem it was a wonderful experience and I loved the show, the story line, the costumes and the very evocative way that they presented and acted out the meanings and emotions within the story. I would like very much to come again. However, I will be bringing cough drops etc if I come again. Thanks for the great...

I never would've known this place existed if my friend hadn't invited me to see The Second City comedy show in Seattle. I literally walk by this spot daily with my dog and had no idea how massive it is or that it hosts performances like this. The show was hilarious and for those that don't know The Second City is the group that's produced so many SNL comedians over the years.

Turns out, there are two theaters here for live shows, and my friend got our group seats dead center in the first two row, though the box seats higher up would be a great option as well, and would have saved us from being roasted by the comedians.

The venue has a couple of full bars (you can bring your drinks into the performance) and plenty of food during intermission, which was a nice surprise. There's also tons of comfy seating in the lobby area with board games and Jenga to enjoy before or after the show. The space is huge, clean, and really well maintained.

I'll definitely be back to check out more productions, but the only downside is the parking, it's challenging, especially if there's a Kraken game at Climate Pledge, plus the ballet, opera, and all the restaurants nearby. Ubering might be the...