Announcing Annex’s 31st Season!

Annex Theatre announces its 31st Season in 2018. Join us as we unveil cultures, environments, and galaxies with a roster of amazing new and familiar artists. Scroll down to learn more and then grab a ticket to the Season Announcement Party on September 9!

 Graphic Design by Corinne Magin

ROW YR BOAT (ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED)

written by Wesley K. Andrews, directed by Catherine Blake Smith
dramaturgy by L. Nicol Cabe
Winter Mainstage: February 9—March 3 Thur-Sat at 7:30 pm

The buddy system required by Row Yr Boat LLC means more than just friendship—to fight terrorists, Rose must get married. Row Yr Boat (Achievement Unlocked) is a dark, surrealist romantic comedy about drones, video games, unreality and magic, set against the backdrop of the War on Terror. Rose T. O’Brien, an eccentric late-20s gamer with massive confidence issues and a deep competitive streak, goes looking for employment in the virtual reality sector at a major industry conference in Vegas. There, Rose is recruited as a sensor for Row Yr Boat LLC, a company with an unprecedented condition for employment: Rose must be married within the year or lose everything. The condition isn’t unreasonable; it’s for her mental health.

SAFE SPACE

written by Kyleigh Archer, directed by Kyleigh Archer & Jen Moon
Winter Off-Night: February 13—February 28 Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm

Due to budget cuts in medicaid, a group therapy is ending prematurely, but these girls have some unfinished business with each other. To celebrate their two years together they host a no-holds-bar ‘Safe Space’ slumber party and it quickly becomes evident the therapy is ending at pivotal moments in each of these girls’ lives. Even for one night they cannot stop the outside forces that shape who they are: opioids, eating disorders, slut shaming, and an inadequate foster system.These girls try to work together to shoulder the burden of living in a world where suddenly, there are no “safe spaces”.

SILHOUETTE

a new musical by Scotto Moore
Spring Mainstage: April 27—May 19 Thur-Sat at 7:30 pm

Silhouette is a science-fiction musical sung by ten voices, exploring the collision of magic and technology on a faraway world. An astronaut crash-lands on a seemingly backwards planet, only to realize the natives are capable of practicing strange forms of magic. But as the astronaut is nursed back to health by the natives, rescuers from her star fleet arrive and threaten to decimate society on this world. Can the astronaut bridge the gap between the hard science & technology of her own people, and the inexplicable magic wielded on the planet? When the astronaut is forcibly taken back to her people, the magic that follows her onto her ship brings chaos and havoc to her tightly controlled home.

CREWMATES

written by Sameer Arshad directed by Shahbaz Khan
Spring Off-Night: May 1—May 16 Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm

Islamic supernatural folklore meets American millennial realities in a thought-provoking comedy about dating while Muslim. A sensitive American-Muslim man from a conservative family starts a romance with an inspiring atheist Asian-American woman who was adopted by liberal white parents. The two of them navigate their cultural differences with good cheer and their relationship grows lovingly, peppered with comedic moments of awkwardness. But the invasive supernatural world just cannot handle all this fluffy saccharine goodness. Agendas play out against each other as djinn and angel alike struggle to accept the ever-changing narrative of human sexuality and morality, with everything coming together in a crashing realization that even the Heavens are not immune to the power of the human condition.

THE GREAT INCONVENIENCE

written by Holly Arsenault, directed by Erin Kraft
Summer Mainstage: July 27—August 18 Thur-Sat at 7:30 pm

A true story you’ve never heard about the catastrophic cruelty of deportation and the supernatural awesomeness of love. In 1755, a pregnant young woman and her family evade deportation by hiding in the deep woods of a remote island, where they survive for nine years. 250 years later, a pair of lovers, separated by war, attempts to reunite against the backdrop of a second deportation. Part historical drama, part futuristic dystopiana, and part romantic comedy, The Great Inconvenience is a mostly-imagined-but-partly-true love story about enemies and secrets and power and faith and survival.

ROVERS!

written by Natalie J. Copeland, directed by Emily Harvey
music by Aaron Joshua Shay

Summer Off-Night: July 31—August 15 Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm

Welcome to Camp Dusty Tread, the friendliest place on Mars! You’re a Mars rover, and you’ve just landed on the red planet! Settle in for a cold night at Camp Dusty Tread, where you’ll learn what it takes to live and work on Mars from your head counselors, Spirit and Opportunity. These interplanetary geologists will warm you with tall tales, camp songs, and cautionary tips for the novice Mars explorer. Rovers and landers of all ages and scientific payloads are welcome to this interactive orientation!

ANANSI AND THE HALFLING

written by Madison Jade Jones, directed by Brandon J. Simmons
Fall Mainstage: October 26—November 17 Thur-Sat at 7:30 pm

Anansi and the Halfling is a mystical journey of discovered identity, ancient truth, and incredible fun told through the lens of a young black woman desperate to find herself.  African storytelling has many forms. Ancient wisdoms were passed down through song, dance and (often comical) metaphorical re-tellings. Anansi and the Halfling strives to bring those storytelling mediums to light in a modern way through the experiences of a young, black millennial. As the story snakes through a college classroom, a mystical story realm, and the home of the gods themselves, puppetry, drumming, and movement are as crucial to the storytelling as the words themselves are. Our heroine strives to learn that in order to know where you’re going, you have to know where you came from. . . even when the past is painful.

PEGGY, THE PLUMBER WHO SAVED THE GALAXY

written by Marcus Gorman and Jacob Farley, directed by L. Nicol Cabe
Fall Off-Night: October 30—November 14 Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm

A science-fiction comedy adventure about a plumber, an AWOL pilot, and a galaxy in crisis. The year is 3732. Peggy—a Plumbing Specialist First Class at the prestigious Universe University—unexpectedly finds herself trapped in a galactic conflict between worlds. As she and an AWOL female military pilot named Rogen bounce across the far reaches and strange planets of the galaxy looking to stay alive, they become key in the means to achieve peace and save the day.

H.P. Lovecraft: Stand-Up Comedian!

Written by Scotto Moore
Directed by K. Brian Neel

April 28 – May 13
Tues-Wed at 8 pm
$10 gen | $5 stu

Instead of expressing his terrifying vision of malevolent, eldritch gods via horror stories in the early twentieth century, H.P. (“Howie” to his friends) Lovecraft expresses his terrifying vision in the present day via stand-up comedy. But an ancient evil stirs beneath the sea— can Howie pull off one last sold-out gig before the human race is destroyed?

Instead of expressing his terrifying vision of malevolent, eldritch gods via horror stories in the early twentieth century, H.P. (“Howie” to his friends) Lovecraft expresses his terrifying vision in the present day via stand-up comedy. But an ancient evil stirs beneath the sea— can Howie pull off one last sold-out gig before the human race is destroyed?

Press Photo: Andy Buffelen, Scotto Moore, Erin Ison; photo by Ian Johnston

CAST
Scotto Moore Howie Lovecraft
Erin Ison Sonia Greene
Andy Buffelen Gus
Tim Moore Narrator
DESIGN TEAM
Set/Props Zane Exactly
Lighting Designer Gwyn Skone
Costume Designer Michael Notestine
Sound Designer Kyle Thompson
PRODUCTION TEAM
Stage Manager Katie McKellar
Poster Designer Peter Hon
Photographer Ian Johnston
Technical Director Emily Sershon
Production Manager Katie McKellar

Balconies

Written & Directed
by Scotto Moore

August 1-30
Thurs-Sat at 8pm | Mon, Aug 11 industry night
All Thurs PWYC
$20 general/$18 advance tickets
$12 senior, military, TPS / $5 student

The creators of the hit mobile game “Sparkle Dungeon 5: Assassins Of Glitter” are celebrating their latest success with a wild costume party for artists, agitators and hackers. But in the condo next door, a Senate campaign fundraiser is coming to town, attracting politicos, CEOs and media celebrities. As the two events spill out onto neighboring balconies, can an unlikely romance succeed in the midst of steadily increasing mayhem? A screwball comedy from the playwright of “Duel of the Linguist Mages” and “A Mouse Who Knows Me.”

“The setup indicates a Noël Coward–style farce for the 21st century, and that’s what we get as a parade of oddballs from either side of the cultural divide fight, flirt, and baffle each other… ‘Balconies’ has an enthusiastic, I’ve-got-a-barn-let’s-put-on-a-show kind of feel, with the pleasure of watching a band whose members aren’t exactly masters of their instruments but are consistently entertaining. Special mentions go to Jason Sharp for his unctuously graceful performance as Lonso, and Mike Gilson for his marvelous deadpan as the senator’s head of security, Brick.” – The Stranger

“You should go. It’s complicated–and hugely entertaining, dealing with competing parties, cults, video game devs, revenge, and more… ‘Balconies’ gets under the skin of Seattle and pokes all the raw nerves. Required viewing for all start-ups, all indie devs. Required viewing for cult members. Big laughs, big payoffs… Go see it.” – Wonder and Risk

“Moore has a gift for setting up a great joke, then riffing on it; and by its conclusion, the farce finally delivers on its promise. At its best moments, Moore’s work reminds you of Joss Whedon’s ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ or ‘The Avengers’: He juggles an array of characters while still driving the plot forward and giving everyone a moment to shine. Having strong actors in key roles certainly helps. Katherine Karaus is warm and winning as Annalise, the condo owner whose mother’s political ambitions may be her undoing.” – Seattle Weekly

“If gaming is your thing and you can’t wait for Comicon, you’ll find much to like in this hip new play… Just as ‘Book of Mormon’ does a number on the Mormon Church, this play makes fun of the Scientologists… it also has something to say about politicos and the unseemly collaborations they sometimes make all in the effort to be reelected… It’s a funny play studded with clever lines…” – Arts Stage-Seattle Rage

“”This is smart and funny theater and a great choice for summer fun. The description of Sparkle Dungeon makes me long for someone to really create the game…” – Miryam Gordon

PRESS PHOTOS

CAST
Andy Buffelen Whisper
Evelyn DeHais Sophie
Zane Exactly Morning Bell/Tad
Mike Gilson Brick/Mayor
Arika Gloud Monica/Jordon
Laura Hanson Violet
Drew Highlands Cameron
Justin Ison Gridstation
Katherine Karaus Annalise
Tadd Morgan Cody
Pilar O’Connell Gabby/Emily
Jason Sharp Lonso
Jessica Stepka Cordelia/Cynthia
Raymond Williams DJ Luscious/Chief
CREW
Playwright/Director Scotto Moore
Stage Manager Maureen Webb
Light Designer Carolina Johnson
Set & Prop Designer Robin Macartney
Sound Designer Kyle Thompson
Costume Designer Cami Funk
Graphic Designer Evelyn DeHais
Featured Music Fog People (Rachel Jackson &
Michael Hayes)
Production Manager Katie McKellar
Technical Director Ian Johnston

The Half Brothers Brand Old-Time Variety Show

Songs by The Half Brothers
Additional text by Keri Healey
Directed by Scotto Moore

Fri-Sat at 11pm, Aug 9-30
$10 general / $5 student
PWYC Industry Night: Monday, Aug 19 at 8pm

Neo-bluegrass trio The Half Brothers (Rick Miller, John Ackermann, and David Nixon) step through the black-and-white TV screen into an era of lively music and helpful cooking hints, when corporate sponsorship promised shiny perfection. Troy Mink takes over the kitchen as Grandma Half, while Tim Moore lends his mellifluous baritone to friendly announcements of Half Brothers Brand products that could help you more than you know — or want. Guitar, mandolin, banjo, and golden three-part harmonies help the medicine go down. Drink up. It’s good for you. The television says so.

“The Half Brothers have written clever songs and the accompanying comedy bits written by Keri Healey are equally sharp and sassy. The performances are top notch with Tim Moore as the smooth talking announcer (and, mean harmonica player) and Troy Mink doing his usual outstanding job as one of his patented flustered/exasperated Southern grannies….Even if you’re not a huge fan of bluegrass music, the funny charms of ‘The Half Brothers Brand Old-Time Variety Show’ and the expert performances by all involved, make for a highly recommended night of music and comedy. It’s one of those shows where you’ll find yourself clapping along to the tunes, with a big, dumb grin on your face because you’re having a helluva good time.” — Seattle Gay Scene

“Sharp, mournful, Chaplin-esque comedy…” — The Stranger

Press photos

CAST
Rick Miller, John Ackermann, and David Nixon The Half Brothers
Tim Moore Tommy
Troy Mink Grandma Half

CREW
Songwriters The Half Brothers
Additional Text Keri Healey
Director Scotto Moore
Stage Manager Alex Wren
Production Manager Catherine Blake Smith
Light Designer Carolina Johnson
Prop Designer Robin Macartney
Costume Designer Samantha Armitage
Scenic Painter Susannah Anderson

Star Crossed, and other tales from a devious universe

Written by Scotto Moore
Directed by Ian Johnston, Katherine Karaus, Jen Moon, Catherine Blake Smith, and Scotto Moore

April 30 – May 22
Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 8pm
$10 general / $5 student, TPS, senior, military

Star Crossed, and other tales from a devious universe is an evening of tasty, bite-sized science fiction and fantasy from the playwright of Duel of the Linguist Mages and A Mouse Who Knows Me. The plays include:

STAR CROSSED
Directed by Scotto Moore
Featuring: LaChrista Borgers, Daniel Christensen, Melissa Fenwick, Erin Ison, Mark Rud, Gina Marie Russell, Stephen R. Scheide, Jake Ynzunza
A collection of four interlocking short plays about an immortal astronaut crossing time and space to reunite with the woman she loves.

SENDING A MESSAGE
Directed by Catherine Blake Smith
Featuring: Daniel Christensen, Sascha Streckel
A man builds a time machine to go back in time and murder Judy Garland before she can sing “Over The Rainbow.”

LEAVING THE NEST
Directed by Jen Moon
Featuring: Katie Driscoll, Gina Marie Russell, Stephen R. Scheide, Jake Ynzunza
When teenage demon Lilith falls in love with an angel, her parents Satan and Ashtaroth are faced with a parenting challenge.

THAT DOESN’T SOUND RIGHT AT ALL
Directed by Ian Johnston
Featuring: Daniel Christensen, Gina Marie Russell, Sascha Streckel
Elvis wins 15 minutes back on Earth in a poker game in Hell, and spends his limited time trying to connect with the love of his life.

COMING TO A CONCLUSION
Directed by Katherine Karaus
Featuring: Katie Driscoll, Melissa Fenwick, Mark Rud, Stephen R. Scheide, Jake Ynzunza
A group of neighbors is caught off guard when one of them orders a machine off the internet that produces instant and continuous orgasms.

PRODUCTION TEAM
Katie McKellar Production Manager
Andy Buffelen Stage Manager
Jordan Sell Lighting Designer
Kyle Thompson Sound Designer
Rachel Hunter-Merrill Assistant Stage Manager