May is National Arts Month, and while Olympia kicked off its big celebration with Arts Walk last month, the city’s theaters have released a whole bunch of new plays to kick off the Summer season. Many of these performances will debut this week, however if you cannot make it out for opening night, many of them will continue throughout the remainder of the month.
Unexpected Tenderness State Theater (202 4th Avenue East
Olympia, WA 98501) Runs from Thursday May 5th – Saturday May 28th:
It’s the 1950s, and Roddy Stern is growing up in a family that is dominated by his compulsively jealous father, who lurks outside his own house in hopes of catching his wife with other men. His father’s comedic suspicions and bursts of anger are at times ignored, and or tearfully forgiven by the mother, sister, and bickering grandparents, while Roddy takes the brunt of his father’s problems. On the surface, “Unexpected Tenderness” is a charming family comedy. But it is punctuated by a tragic complexity that is at times shocking, endearing and uplifting.
Rush Tickets cost $12 – $15 and are available at their ticket office 1/2 hour before curtain. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased online via their website: www.harlequinproductions.org or by calling their box office ahead of time at (360) 786-0151
Coppelia Washington Center for the Performing Arts (512 Washington Street SE Olympia, WA 98501) Runs from Friday May 6th – Sunday May 8th:
“Coppelia” is a charming ballet about a little doll that comes to life. It is sure to be a hit with adults and children alike. Performances are on May 6th at 7:30 PM, May 7th at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM and on May 8th at 2:00 PM.
Tickets cost between $18.50 – $28.50, plus the Washington Center’s $2.50 service fee. Information is also available at www.balletnorthwest.org.
Fame Capital Playhouse (612 E 4th Street Olympia, WA 98504) Runs from Thursday May 5ht – Saturday May 28th:
The hit motion picture Fame has made its way to the stage of the Capital Theater! Set in the early 1980s, the story follows a group of students attending New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts, as they commit themselves to four years of grueling artistic and academic work. The play explores many of the issues that confront young people today: prejudice, identity, self-worth, literacy, and perseverance.
Join the Theater as they celebrate their 25th anniversary of providing education in the art of musical theatre to the youth of our community with this reunion of past and present student performers.
Performances are on Wednesdays through Saturdays. Please check their website for specific performance dates and times: www.capitalplayhouse.com
Tickets cost between $33-$39 for adults and between $28-$34 seniors and youth.
Unexpected Tenderness
CREDIT: www.dance.owu.net
Coppelia
CREDIT: www.ballet.co.uk
