Sideshow

written & directed by Jenna Bean Veatch

Tue-Wed at 8 pm, May 1-16
Preview: Mon, Apr 30, 8pm
$10 general / $5 student

Inspired by the tradition of the old-fashioned circus sideshow, this original dance-theater work by Jenna Bean Veatch features characters whose physical abnormalities bestow them with special powers. Rather than disabilities, they have super-abilities. Supported by a chorus of sideshow performers singing haunting Appalachian ballads, the work highlights the peculiar beauty that can be found only in the unusual and draws on the excitement that comes from catching a glimpse of otherworldliness. With displays that are at times odd and outrageously funny and at other times breathtakingly beautiful, Sideshow falls into the category of children’s art made for adults.

It’s whimsical yet somber, with a tingling strangeness. Blending dance, theater, music, and elements of puppetry, it toes the line between being magical and haunting, simple and fantastical.

Sideshow is simple, charming, sweet, and completely devoid of power ballads and schmaltz…. [Naomi] Russell’s…innocence and transparency cannot be resisted…[Wyllin] Daigle is a great stage presence….[Jenna Bean] Veatch’s own composition is a highlight of the show as are the folk songs wonderfully rendered by Francesca Mondelli and Jillian Vashro as the Conjoined Twins.” –The Sunbreak

“A tender and modest piece of work [for] people who enjoy Circus Contraption and other neo-vaudeville expressions of that soft spot between innocence and irony.” –The Stranger

“Sideshow is the kind of theatrical experience that reminds you why it’s worth it to live in a cool city. It’s willfully expressive, and silly, and full of joy…. Don’t miss this one. It’s really beautiful.” –Culturemob

CAST
Steven Gomez The Tree Man
Jenna Bean Veatch Daffodil, The Jaundiced Girl
Christine Longe The Ringmaster
Francesca Mondelli/Jillian Vashro The Conjoined Twins
Wylin Daigle The Bearded Lady
Naomi Russell The Hunchback
CREW
Creator/Director Jenna Bean Veatch
Stage Manager Blair Feehan
Production Manager Grant Knutson
Scenic Designer Devin Petersen
Lighting Designer Ian Johnston
Assistant Director Juliet Waller Pruzan

Cocktails at the Centre of the Earth

Written & directed by Simon Astor
Music direction by Meg van Huygen

Thu-Sat at 8 pm, Jan 26-Feb 25 (Thu PWYC)
$15 general / $10 TPS, senior, military / $5 student
PWYC Industry Night: Monday, Feb 6

In a world run on refined, harvested mummies, where blimps are accessed via pneumatic tube, surgically enhanced foxes lecture on inter-species marriage, and self-winding is the latest advancement in mechanical men, there lived a great many people, who desired a great many things.

Set among the steamcabs and airships of this alternate world is a comedy of manners, in which street urchins try to land rich lovers, bandaged terrorists attempt to overthrow the government, and socialites train seahorses to bring them martinis.

Join an unlikely group of drinking buddies as they share secrets, sonnets, and sloe gin, in watering holes that range from the sea to the sky to the center of the earth.

With musical numbers, arch dialogue, and a dash of anarchy, Cocktails at the Centre of the Earth is a steampunk extravaganza of words, wit and wonder!

CAST
Asa Bass Conrad
Carter Lee Churchfield Reynard Diggswell
Trevor Cushman Lansing
Kai Curtis Servant
Monica Finney Helena
Josh Hartvigson Rakehell
Todd Hull Daniel Engine
Katherine Karaus Patricia
Andrea Lauritsen Flame Girl #1
Jonah Martin Baxter / Maxwell / Dexter / Wuxtry / Windsor
John McKenna Col. Moutarde
Jen Nelson Gloriana/Constellation Girl
Erin O’Malley Paravion
Jennifer Pratt Gepetta Odenkirk
Laurel Ryan Roulette
Sailor St. Claire Burlesque/Flame Girl #2
James Weidman Bunny
Monica Wulzen Dovecote
CREW
Writer/Director Simon Astor
Musical Director Meg van Huygen
Bassoon Jono Green
Guitar Tyson Lynn
Costume Design Heather Bernadette
Set Design Todd Van Der Ark
Lighting Design Tess Malone
Stage Manager Murphy Stevens
Production Manager Grant Knutson

Press Photos are available here