Burien Little Theatre has teamed up with local business The Jungle Gym to offer a “Kids Night Out” on Friday, March 5th so parents can easily attend a performance of “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.”

“Midsummer” is Arne Zaslove’s 1950s Rock ‘n’ Roll adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which continues at BLT through Sunday, March 21st (read our previous coverage here).

According to a press release:

Want a night at the theater and can’t find a babysitter? Problem solved! The Jungle Gym has teamed up with Burien Little Theatre to offer a “Kids Night Out” in conjunction with the theater’s performance of A Midsummer’s Night Dream on Friday, March 5.

On March 5 before the show drop the kids off for 3 hours of free play, games, snacks and a movie! The Jungle Gym is located at 191 S.W. 152nd Alley, Burien, WA 98166 and the cost is $25 per child from 7:45-11:00 p.m. This place is full of fun and exciting things for kids ages 3 and up to do, like the zip line, tumble track trampoline with pit, beams, bars and much more!  Reservations are required, and kids must be potty-trained to attend.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is set in a gymnasium at Athens High School on graduation day 1957, and in a neighboring forest. A group of magical fairies intervene and meddle with the lives of two young couples for whom “the course of true love never did run smooth.” A live band and rockin’ tunes make this a treat for all ages!

Show dates & times:

• Feb. 26 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday
• Feb. 27 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• Feb. 28 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee
• March 5 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday
• March 6 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• March 7 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee
• March 12 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday
• March 13 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• March 14 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee
• March 19 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday
• March 20 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• March 21 at 2:00 p.m.  Sunday Matinee

For $25 per child parents get a three-hour break so they can have a date night to see a great, funny play – to reserve a space at The Jungle Gym on the evening of March 5, call 206-248-3547.

For tickets to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream, go to wwww.burienlittletheatre.com or call (206) 242-5180.

by Ralph Nichols

This week’s action by the King County Council that moves Burien’s planned park-and-ride transit center parking garage closer to reality also improves the possibility that the city may get a 10-screen cinema complex in Town Square.

The proposed multiplex, which would be located on the southwest corner of SW 150th St. and 4th Ave. SW, where the old city hall is located, would require the evening and weekend parking available at the 500-stall garage to be a viable attraction in Burien’s Town Square.

The transit center garage will be built on the northeast corner of SW 150th St. and 4th Ave. SW, across the intersection from the potential theater site. Additional theater parking would be available in the city’s municipal parking lot on SW 150th St. between 6th and 8th Ave. SW.

Los Angeles-based Galaxy Theater Group, whose 100-plus properties include a cinema and food court in Gig Harbor, would build and operate the cinema complex through an arrangement with Urban Partners, the private developer of Town Square.

Urban Partners proposed to the Burien City Council last fall that a multiplex theater, instead of a planned second condominium/retail complex, be built on the vacant Town Square parcel where the Burien/Interim Art Space was located.

The depressed housing and lending markets made it unlikely that a new condominium project could get started within the time frame required by their agreement with the city, principals of Urban Partners told council members.

Following this initial presentation to the City Council, Urban Partners, at the request of Galaxy Theater Group, recommended that the cinema complex be proposed instead for the Town Square parcel currently occupied by the old city hall to be closer to the transit parking garage.

And Galaxy has submitted to the city a preliminary building design configured to the shape of this parcel. It includes 10 screens, a food court – and a separate stage that community groups like Burien Little Theater could use for live productions.

Several council members expressed a strong interest in a stage for live public performances when Galaxy made its initial presentation to the city.

The proposed cinema complex, however, is far from a done deal. There is some concern among council members about building it instead of multi-family housing, as the original Town Square agreement called for, and about the long-term potential for success of such a theater in Burien.

Galaxy Theater Group says a cinema complex in Burien would be supported by a market area west of Interstate 5 from south Seattle to Federal Way with a population of 400,000.

City staff will have to review the proposed design and the City Council then must consider the Urban Partners-Galaxy Theater Group plan – which could include retail and office space – and approve it as an acceptable development alternative for Town Square before a cinema complex can become a reality there.

Should the City Council give a green light to the proposed cinema complex in the next few months, it could be built while the transit center parking garage is also under construction, with both opening at about the same time.

Meanwhile, one thing does seem certain, according to Dick Loman, Burien’s Economic Development Manager:

“We’re damn fortunate here to have this interest in continued development of downtown Burien as a major urban center. It’s exciting.”

Burien Little Theatre’s classic, 50s-themed rockin’ version of Arne Zaslove’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” continues at the Burien Community Center this weekend, with shows Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm.

Tickets are $7-$20 online (click here to order) and $17-$20 at the box office, with the $10 student ticket price in effect until the end of the month.

The show runs through Sunday, March 21st.

If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s a video promo that shows off the production – check out the costumes, slicked back hair and big sideburns:

Read our previous coverage here.

On Thursday morning (Feb. 4th), workers from Seattle-based Western Neon installed a brand spankin’ new neon sign at the soon-to-be-opened Tin Theater in Olde Burien.

Proprietor Dan House was there, along with many of his staff, watching as two workers carefully unloaded the sign from a flatbed truck, hitched it to a crane and hoisted it up into position.

House says that the sign will likely be lit up late this afternoon, so if you’re near the area you might want to drop by and check it out – it’s a classic, new “old looking” neon sign based on the shape and style of the old Burien Beauty Salon sign.

The Tin Theater is still under construction in the spot formerly occupied by the Dan the Sausageman retail store behind what is now The Tin Cellars, with plush chairs and a big screen and assorted audiovisual stuff on order and a projected opening in about two months. Stay tuned to The B-Town Blog for full details.

And if you’re wondering where the classic red “Dan the Sausageman” neon sign has gone, House reassures us that it’s packed away safely in storage.

Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer was on the scene and he took these pics:

Click to View Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow

Burien’s Hi-Liners will be holding auditions for their upcoming production of “High School Musical 2” on Jan. 25th, 29th and 30th, and they’re looking for talent.

And for the first time ever, they’ll be featuring a student band as well.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Auditions for “High School Musical 2” including for a student band

WHEN: Monday Jan. 25 ~ 4-8pm; Friday Jan. 29 ~ 4-6pm; Saturday Jan. 30 ~ 3-7pm

WHERE: Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, located at 15003 14th Ave SW.

INFO:  High School Musical 2 On Stage! synopsis: What time is it? Summer time! School’s out—and the Wildcats  are back for an all new adventure. Join Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and the rest of the East High gang as they dive into the enchanted world of Lava Springs Country Club and put their talent to the ultimate test!

Click HERE to sign up to audition.

Do you play an instrument?  We need Drums, Electric Bass, Guitar, Keyboard, Trumpet, Trombone and Sax for our band!  You’ll receive training from our music director and play for every performance of High School Musical 2!

Sign up for a band audition HERE.

NOTE: All auditioners are asked to be available for Callbacks. If you are not available, please inform the directors at your audition.

COST: Tuition for this production is $350.00, which includes a T-Shirt and DVD of the show. For information regarding payment plans and other forms of financial assistance please contact The Hi-Liners at 206-617-2152.

DATES: Performance dates and times will be:

• Saturday April 24 ~ 7:30pm
• Sunday April 25~ 1:30pm
• Friday April 30~ 7:30pm
• Saturday May 1~ 7:30pm
• Sunday May 2~ 1:30pm

All performances will be held at the Renton Carco Theater, located at 1717 SE Maple Valley Highway in Renton.

Tickets will go on sale in February.

Sign up here: http://www.hi-liners.org/mainstage/audform.html

Burien Little Theatre is holding open auditions this Monday, Jan. 18th for its upcoming readings of “Dinner with Friends,” a bittersweet comedy about marriage, fidelity, infidelity and friendship written by Donald Margulies.

Male and female actors are sought who can play characters in their early 40s, but keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to be these ages to read the roles.

The time commitment is minimal as three to four rehearsals are planned, and there will three public readings.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Open auditions for Burien Little Theatre’s “Dinner with Friends” readings

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 18th, from 7pm to 10pm

WHERE: Burien Little Theatre, located at the Burien Community Center, located at the intersection of SW 146th St. and 4th Ave SW in Burien

CONTACT: Maggie Larrick, Marketing – email: maggielarrick@earthlink.net; phone: 206-246-0088

INFO: From a press release:

Auditions for readings of Dinner with Friends at Burien Little Theatre

Burien Little Theatre invites actors to audition for readings of “Dinner with Friends,” a bittersweet comedy about marriage, fidelity, infidelity and friendship written by Donald Margulies. Male and female actors are sought who can play characters in their early 40s. You don’t have to be these ages to read the roles. The time commitment is minimal as three to four rehearsals are planned, and there will three public readings.

The readings will be at Burien Little Theatre: Saturdays Feb. 20 and March 6 and 20 at 2 p.m., which are the second, fourth and sixth Saturdays of Burien Little Theatre’s winter production of Arne Zaslove’s 1950s rock & roll musical version of the comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Auditions will consist of cold reading from the script Monday, Jan. 18th, from 7pm to 10pm.

Make audition appointment or just show up. For appointment, contact readings@burienlittletheatre.com or call 206-242-5180.

Please also bring resume and headshot if available.

Auditions will be in the conference room at the Burien Community Center, located at the intersection of S.W. 146th St. and 4th Ave. S.W. in Burien. For directions, go to www.burienlittletheatre.com.

Character List:

• Karen – Early 40s. Married to Gabe
• Gabe – Early 40s. Married to Karen
• Beth – Early 40s. Married to Tom
• Tom – Early 40s. Married to Beth

Our good friend Dan “The Sausageman” House has opened his new “Tin Cellars” wine, gift shop and bar.

His new “Tin Theater” is scheduled to open in mid-January or February, with the classic “Wizard of Oz” slated for the big premiere (stay tuned to the BTB for more details soon).

Here are the details for the Tin Cellars opening:

WHAT: Grand Opening of “Tin Cellars”

WHEN: Doors open Thursday, Nov. 12th at 11am; be sure to stop in, say hi to Chirlee and check out the place, as Dan is re-utilizing even more historic artifacts from the historic old Tin Shop that used to be in this location, making this another altar of sorts to the historic old Burien business which originally opened in 1930. Be sure to admire the old wooden sign above the new bar, circa 1940; here’s photographic proof:

WHERE: Tin Cellars is next to The Tin Room Bar at 923 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien.

INFO: From their press release, which also includes updates on the “Tin Theater”:

Tin Cellars Is Opening!

We are proud and excited to announce the opening of Tin Cellars Thursday, November 12th!

Many of you have questions about Tin Cellars, the Tin Theater and Dan the Sausageman. Hopefully this will answer a few of them.

What is Tin Cellars?
Tin Cellars will be a wine shop featuring Dan the Sausageman sausages, assorted cheeses and Dan’s gift packs during the holidays. Hours of operation will be from 11 AM to 5 PM Monday thru Saturday with extended hours this Thursday for our Grand Opening Celebration. After Thanksgiving we will be open 7 days a week from 11 AM to 5 PM.

When will the Tin Theater open?
We are hoping for late January or early February.

What movies will you play?
Classics, foreign films and second run movies. We are hoping to hear from you on what movies you would like to see.

Can the theater be used for private parties?
Yes, you can book the entire theater as well as Tin Cellars, bring your favorite movie or DVD’s of family photos and enjoy your own theater for a night. Tin Cellars is available immediately for private parties so please call ASAP if this is something you would like as the days are already starting to be booked.

Why is there another bar in the Tin Cellars?
This will be the bar to service the movie theater when it opens. Also it will handle the overflow for the Tin Room allowing our guests to enjoy a new atmosphere, a drink and an appetizer while waiting for a table. You just might find it so comfortable and such a different experience from the Tin Room that you may just want to stick around.

Is the Tin Cellars open now?
Yes, it is open to handle whenever the Tin Room needs more space and it is available for private parties.

Thank you so much for your patience and we hope this is going to be a great new addition to the neighborhood. See you at the movies!

This month Kelley, Nikki and Kristin M are celebrating anniversaries working with the Tin Room. Kelley and Nikki will celebrate 5 years with the Tin room and Kristin M has been with us for 4 years. Chef Daniel and Rigo both have birthdays this month as well.

And, last but not least, the Tin Room will be celebrating it’s 5th birthday this month!!! Join us on Saturday, November 21st for an all out party where we will be giving away gifts and having an all-around great time. Thank you Burien for 5 great years! We’re looking forward to celebrating with you!

by Ralph Nichols

A 10-screen cinema complex at Burien Town Square would be more than just a cluster of movie auditoriums, Burien City Council members were told Monday night (Nov. 2).

It would become a “social icon” for the community,” predicted Frank Rimkus, president and CEO of Los Angeles-based Galaxy Theatres, who hopes his firm can team with Urban Partners, the private developer of the Town Square project, to bring a multi-screen cinema complex to Burien.

And it could draw an estimated 400,000 movie-goers to downtown Burien annually, Rimkus said. “That would do a lot for retail and restaurants.”

He based this on a general demographic overview, which includes an area-wide population of 130,000 who would be served by the cinema complex – and who would rather stay near home than drive to the movies in neighboring cities.

As a social icon, a cinema complex would relive the prominence held by movie theatres in cities until the mid-20th century,” Rimkus continued. It would include multiple-sized auditoriums comfortable seating, quality food service, on-site parking – and state-of-the-art electronics and digital projection and sound systems.

Councilmembers generally seemed receptive – with some reservations – to the concept during an initial presentation of a plan to build a cinema complex with some retail space during the next phase of Town Square development.

“This community from day one (as a city) wanted an entertainment center,” said  retiring City Councilwoman Sally Nelson, who has served on the council since incorporation in 1993. “We have an entertainment gap in the city, in the area.”

Urban Partners current agreement with the city calls for construction of a second condominium-retail complex north of the existing building, which opened in June. But since then, sales of only five condos have closed and no retail space has been leased.

“This has been quite a year,” Paul Keller, managing principal of Urban Partners, told the council before introducing Rimkus. “We obviously have been greatly impacted by the economy and downturns in capital markets.”

Later, Keller added, “Urban Partners is very, very excited about this opportunity … Don’t give up on downtown redevelopment,” he implored the lawmakers. “Don’t give up on Burien real estate. Don’t give up on Urban Partners.”

Mayor Joan McGilton replied, “We don’t give up. We don’t see a lot of the (economic) downturn in Burien with the new businesses that are coming in.”

Keller said development, if approved by the council, would take an estimated 24 to 30 months to complete.

“We believe this is a legitimate opportunity to put a first-class theater here and make it an economic success,” Rimkus said.

Galaxy Theatres is rated in the top 10 percent in the industry by the National Theatre Association. The company, which has 177 screens in the western United States, already has a presence in the Puget Sound region with cinema complexes in Federal Way, Tacoma, Lacey and Gig Harbor. Its website is galaxytheatres.com.

A Galaxy Theatres development at Town Square would be similar to the cinema complex in the Uptown project in Gig Harbor, he said.

Councilwoman Kathy Keene said, “This is an amazing project. I know that residents are looking for something like this.” She said it “would be a great addition to the city.”

Could one of the auditoriums be available for use by Burien Little Theatre, local dance studios and other performing arts groups that need a space with fewer than 300 seats? asked Councilwoman Rose Clark.

Keller said Urban Partners was already aware of this interest by the council and is exploring its feasibility.

Councilman Gordon Shaw said he is “skeptical” because Urban Partners needs “to consider the impact on a change of  plans (for Town Square) as well as the impact of moving ahead … there needs to be balance.”

UPDATE 10/21/09: We have added one new business (Bratz, a German cafe) and one re-opening (Skippers) to this story, which we hope will continue to develop…

by Ralph Nichols

It may not be a boom. But even as the recession continues to buffet Highline communities, businesses are discovering – and returning to – Burien.

“We have a trickle of new businesses coming in here,” Burien Economic Development Manager Dick Loman told The B-Town Blog recently. “We’re gradually filling up our vacant (commercial) spaces, and it’s happening in the worst economic climate in decades.

“You’d think it would be very quiet, but it’s not,” he said. “It’s very amazing and we’re very fortunate to have this happening.”

NEW BUSINESSES:

• Grand Central Bakery, with popular stores in Pioneer Square and on Eastlake Avenue in Seattle, has announced plans to expand its business by moving into the vacant retail space at 626 SW 152nd St., next to Sylvan Learning Center.
  

  Bratz, a German food store, should open on 6th SW before the end of November.

• And Redfish Grill, already doing a successful business in Tacoma, is going to open a second dining spot in the building recently occupied by The Keg on SW 148th St. at the entrance to the Safeway shopping center.
• Bratz, a German-style fast food cafe, has its signage in place in a spot on 6th SW, just across the street from Sal’s Deli. We spoke with co-owner Robert Lang, who says that the store should open in “two to four weeks” and foodwise to expect “German beer, the world’s best sausages, schnitzels, red cabbage, pretzels, potato salad and more.” Robert and his brother John are both from Germany, and they have one other location in Seattle’s U-District.

BUSINESS RE-OPENINGS:

• Remaining in Burien, after closing its doors when displaced by the third-runway flight path north of Sea-Tac International Airport, is Filiberto’s Cucina Italiana. This popular Italian restaurant, long a local favorite, is moving downtown and will reopen at 653 SW. 152nd St (next to Key Bank).
• Already back in business with new owners is Wizards Casino at 15739 Ambaum Blvd. SW, next to the Hi-Line Lanes bowling alley. The return of Wizards was especially good news for the city – it’s one of Burien’s 10 largest employers.
• Skipper’s Seafood & Chowder, located at the corner of Ambaum Blvd. and SW 148th, has also re-opened.
• In the meantime, Car Pros of Tacoma continues to indicate it will reopen Burien Nissan at Five Corners as soon as their business plan is finalized and approved.

Why this interest? “It starts with the availability of property … on a reasonable-cost basis,” according to Loman, together with marketing studies that indicate these businesses will do well.

Burien has “a reputation of being friendly and a cool place to be … these are destination-type businesses that draw from a much larger area than just Burien. It’s location, location, location.”

As these businesses locate or relocate in Burien, another is expressing interest in coming here – and being the anchor of the phase two development in Town Square.

• Loman identified the company that wants to develop a 10-screen cinema complex in Town Square as Galaxy Theaters, headquartered in Los Angeles.
• Galaxy Theatres runs 10 different “first-run” movie complexes in four states, including three in Washington – Monroe, Tacoma and Gig Harbor.
• Here’s a blurb from their website:

Galaxy Theatres, LLC is a fully integrated movie theatre company.

Privately owned, it is ranked by size in the top 10% of its industry, according to the National Theatre Association and currently has theatres in California, Nevada, Texas and Washington.

Formed in 1998, its focus is to develop and operate a portfolio of high impact, state-of-the-art movie entertainment theatres in selected markets of the western United States.

Galaxy Theatres’ award winning business philosophy of “More than just a Theatre” incorporates the best in movie entertainment with the Company’s philosophy of active community service.

“Being socially entrepreneurial builds strong bonds and goodwill in the communities we serve”, according to Frank Rimkus, the Company’s CEO.

• Representatives of both Galaxy and Urban Partners, the private developer of Town Square, will appear before the Burien City Council at the Nov. 2 meeting to discuss their proposal.

No, this list didn’t come from Letterman, as he was “too busy with an assistant”…but here are the Top 10 Reasons to see “Psycho Beach Party” at Burien Little Theatre this weekend:

10. Everyone deserves a little Escape this time of year.

9. Everyone cool is doing it.

8. Plenty of free parking.

7. Talk amongst yourselves. I’ll give you a topic. Psycho Beach Party, it’s neither Psycho, nor a Beach, nor a Party. Discuss.

6. The lighter side of mental health awareness!

5. Girls in Bikinis.

4. See what everyone is talking about!

3. Because “Wicked” already closed.

2. It’s better live theater!

And the #1 reason to see “Psycho Beach Party” at Burien Little Theatre this weekend:

1. They can’t have the Party without You!

Here are the showtimes for this weekend – and remember, you can purchase tickets easily online by clicking here:

• Friday, Oct. 9th – 8pm
• Saturday, Oct. 10th – 8pm [BONUS at 2pm FREE presentation of “Two Wheels North” in conjunction with Book-It Repertory Theater and Highline Historical Society]
• Sunday, Oct. 11th – 2pm Matinee

More info, as well as other showtimes, are available here.

by Ralph Nichols

Burien could get a cinema complex at Town Square after all.

And, city Economic Development Director Dick Loman said Friday (Oct. 2nd), if a new proposal becomes reality, it will fill an entertainment gap in downtown Burien.

When the planning of Town Square was underway several years ago, both city officials and Urban Partners, the project’s private developer, anticipated that a multi-screen cinema would be part of it.

In the end, however, no deal with a movie-theater chain was reached and development of Town Square proceeded without one.

Now the city has received a “very preliminary” proposal for a 10-screen cinema complex that would be built as part of the next phase of Town Square, according to Loman.

City Manager Mike Martin added, “This is a serious proposal and we’re treating it that way. We view this as a potentially important development.”

Loman noted that Urban Partners’ current agreement with the city specifies that Phase II of the private development, which is planned for this site, is to be similar to the Phase I condominium-and-retail complex at the corner of SW 152nd and 6th Ave. SW that opened in June.

This means that a neighboring multi-storied complex, also with condos built above street-level retail space, would be immediately north of the Phase I development – which remains largely unoccupied.

Yet, Loman said, the housing market, including sales of condos, remains sluggish and shows no sign of rebounding soon. And Urban Partners is obligated by its agreement with the city to begin development of Phase II no later than two years after the certification (in July) of Phase I.

With the emergence of the proposal for a cinema complex as part of Phase II – should Burien lawmakers eventually agree to changing their agreement and give it a green light – both Urban Partners and the city could realize a positive solution to the current economic-development dilemma.

Loman said the movie-theater chain, which has not been identified at this point, wants to build a 10-screen cinema as the major development as part of Town Square’s Phase II. It would also include retail space, but no housing.

“We are studying this proposal very carefully, and we have asked Urban Partners and [the theater chain] for additional information,” he added. “We’re very pleased this opportunity is coming our way.”

Martin said, “This deal is in its infancy with more details to follow. There is a lot of work to be done. Obviously the council has made no decision yet.”

No determination has been made for what the third and final phase of Town Square development – at the corner of SW 152nd St. and 4th Ave. SW where the old city hall building is located – will include.

If built, the cinema complex would be located south of SW 150th Street, between 5th Place SW and 6th Ave. SW, in the vacant parcel currently occupied by the Burien Interim Art Space, which is slated to be cleared by Dec. 31st of this year.

Burien Little Theatre’s latest production, “Psycho Beach Party,” opens this Friday night Oct. 2nd at 8pm at the Burien Community Center, and below are photos taken of a recent rehearsal to give you an idea of what to expect (just be sure to mentally add costumes, great music and a professional production):

Click to View Burien Little Theatre’s Photo Slideshow

“Psycho Beach Party” is described as:

“Gidget” meets “The Three Faces of Eve” in this 1987 comic send-up of those 1960s beach party movies.

Chicklet, a perky Malibu teenager, joins a group of beach bums to learn to surf.

Unfortunately, she has multiple personalities, including that of a sinister vamp out to conquer the world.

Welcome to Malibu Beach 1962 style on the set of Psycho Beach Party, the first play in Burien Little Theatre’s 2009-2010 “escape” themed season. Psycho Beach Party, written by Charles Busch, is a 1987 spoof of those popular and campy 1960s beach party movies. Busch’s send-up blends ”Gidget” with “The Three Faces of Eve” through the story of Chicklet, a perky Malibu teenager, who joins a group of beach bums to learn to surf. Unfortunately, Chicklet has multiple personalities, including that of a sinister vamp out to conquer the world. Watch out, the surf’s up!

Psycho Beach Party will run at BLT from Oct. 2 through Nov. 1. Tickets at the box office are $17 to$20, except on Seven Buck Sunday Oct. 4 when all tickets are just $7. Significant savings are available by buying online at www.burienlittletheatre.com. Shows are Fridays and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., except there will be no performance Oct. 16. As a special bonus, BLT will provide FREE readings on four Saturdays during the run. A full performance schedule is available at www.burienlittletheatre.com/page2.html.

The Story
Playing off the classic beach party theme – Psycho Beach Party features Chicklet, our heroine – a Gidget-like character who adores surfing and abandons her lifelong friend to take surfing lessons with the Great Kanaka, the king of the surf bums. But while she learns to surf odd things happen on the beach. People are knocked out and shaved, and not just their heads end up missing hair! Who wields the razor? And who is Ann Bowman, the seductive dominatrix? At the biggest party of the year, the luau, all is revealed. Join BLT and the fun-loving cast of Psycho Beach Party for bikinis, surfing and madcap mayhem.

The Author and Production
Charles Louis Busch, author of Psycho Beach Party, is an American actor, author, dramatist and female impersonator known for his many appearances on film and in off-Broadway productions. Busch was nominated for a Tony Award in 2001 for his play The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. Busch’s other awards include a Sundance Special Performance Award for Die, Mommie, Die, and in 2006 he won Honorable Mention at the Tribeca Film Festival for A Very Serious Person.

Psycho Beach Party was first performed in 1987, and featured the author in the title role of Chicklet. In 2000 the play was adapted for film by Robert Lee King, and featured Lauren Ambrose as Chicklet and Amy Adams in the role of Marvel Ann.

The Cast
Psycho Beach Party is directed by Zachariah Robinson, with Melissa Malloy as assistant director. The show features the comedic talents of:

• Adam Hegg (Yo Yo)
• Miranda Sita (Dee Dee)
• John Mallory (Nicky)
• Greg Brandell (Provoloney)
• Jon-Erik Hegstad (Start Cat)
• Kris Hamberg (Chicklet)
• Rhys Henley (Kanaka)
• Emily Elkins (Berdine)
• Jackie Greybill (Marvel Ann)
• Anna Richardson (Mrs. Forrest)
• Alex Novotny (Bettina Barnes)

BONUS – Special Performances:
During the run of Psycho Beach Party, Burien Little Theatre is proud to present three free Saturday afternoon readings of The Undescended, a new work by Christopher Bailey. This haunting psychological tale is full of twists and turns. Please join us at 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays to enjoy this unique opportunity: Oct. 3, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. There will be question-and-answer sessions with the author after the readings.

On Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m., Burien Little Theatre, in association with Book-It Repertory Theater and the Highline Historical Society will also host a free performance of the world-premiere adaptation of the book Two Wheels North, by Evelyn McDaniel Gibb. The story has been adapted for the stage and directed by Annie Lareau. Two Wheels North is a timely true tale of two young men and the cycling trek of a lifetime: it’s 1909 and roads are rough as they make their way from their home in Santa Rosa, Calif., to Seattle for the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition. A prize awaits, but the real reward is the adventure!

About Burien Little Theatre:
Theater has been a tradition in Burien since 1955. Incorporated in 1980, the Burien Little Theatre (BLT) has been a leading producer of quality live theater serving residents of the Seattle and south Puget Sound areas. As the company grows in exciting new directions right along with the City of Burien, Burien Little Theatre’s Mission is “to be an entertainment leader by producing intriguing professional shows. Our audience will be treated to productions of the highest artistic integrity, which excite, engage and involve both the local and expanding theatrical communities in the Puget Sound region.”

BLT is a nonprofit 501c3 entity and operates on revenue from ticket sales, donations, grants, sponsorships and volunteers.

To reserve tickets, email your reservation to tickets@burienlittletheatre.com, call BLT at (206) 242-5180, or purchase them online here. More ticket info available online here, including discounts on group purchase.

You can also “Play With Your Food” (dinner and a show) – for just $35.00 per person you get a fantastic two-course dinner that includes several choices for an entree and either salad or dessert at the Mark Restaurant and Bar and you get a ticket to that night’s performance! (You save on the price of dinner and on the ticket! Double the savings and enjoy a night out. You deserve it!) See BLT’s Play With Your Food web page for full details.

Burien Little Theatre has scheduled show dates and times for their upcoming comedy “Psycho Beach Party,” which has been described as:

“Gidget” meets “The Three Faces of Eve” in this 1987 comic send-up of those 1960s beach party movies.

Chicklet, a perky Malibu teenager, joins a group of beach bums to learn to surf.

Unfortunately, she has multiple personalities, including that of a sinister vamp out to conquer the world.

Here are the show dates and times:

• October 2 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• October 3 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – BONUS at 2:00 p.m a free reading of “The Undescended.”
• October 4 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee – Seven Dollar Sunday
• October 9 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• October 10 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – BONUS at 2:00 p.m. a free presentation of “Two Wheels North” in conjunction with Book-It Repertory Theater and Highline Historical Society
• October 11 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• October 16 at 8:00 p.m. Friday – NO SHOW TONIGHT
• October 17 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday
• October 18 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• October 23 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• October 24 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – BONUS at 2:00 p.m a free reading of “The Undescended.”
• October 25 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• October 30 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• October 31 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – BONUS at 2:00 p.m a free reading of “The Undescended.”
• November 1 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

Advance ticket prices:

• General Senior/Student
  • First weekend: $16.00 /  $13.00
  • Middle Weekends: $18.00 / $15.00
  • Last Weekend: $20.00 / $17.00
• TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE:
  • All shows: $20.00 / $17.00
• NEW THIS SEASON: $7 SUNDAY – The first Sunday Matinee of every run is just $7.00!!!

To reserve tickets, email your reservation to tickets@burienlittletheatre.com, call BLT at (206) 242-5180, or purchase them online here. More ticket info available online here, including discounts on group purchase.

You can also “Play With Your Food” (dinner and a show) – for just $35.00 per person you get a fantastic two-course dinner that includes several choices for an entree and either salad or dessert at the Mark Restaurant and Bar and you get a ticket to that night’s performance! (You save on the price of dinner and on the ticket! Double the savings and enjoy a night out. You deserve it!) See BLT’s Play With Your Food web page for full details.

Burien Little Theatre is seeking adult actors to play characters ranging from age 2 to 49 (including some cross-dressers) to audition for the musical comedy “Christmas with the Crawfords” on Monday, Aug. 24th and Tuesday, Aug. 25th.

Auditions will be:

• Monday, Aug. 24 from 7pm to 10pm
• Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 7pm 10pm
• Callbacks are Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 7:30pm to 10:30pm

“Christmas with the Crawfords,” was created by Richard Winchester and written by Mark Sargent.

SYNOPSIS:

Featuring Hollywood’s most famous dysfunctional family, this musical comedy pays tribute to and parodies Tinseltown’s “Golden Age.” To revive her ailing career, Joan Crawford arranges a live radio broadcast in her home on Christmas Eve, 1944, but uninvited celebrity guests hog the spotlight to sing their holiday favorites. A surprise hit since 1992.

SCHEDULE:

• Performances will be at Burien Little Theatre in Burien weekends from Nov. 27 to Dec. 20, 2009.
• Rehearsals begin Sunday, Oct. 18.

Stage director is Steve Cooper and music director Ann Sager.

PAY:

• $100 stipend provided.

AUDITION DETAILS:

• For auditioning, please prepare two short contrasting songs (serious/comedy; ballad/patter) and a short comic monologue under two minutes long. Accompanist will be provided.
• Please also bring headshot and resume.
• Actors invited to callbacks will do cold readings from the script and working with music from the show.
• Please make an audition appointment: audition@burienlittletheatre.com or call Burien Little Theatre at 206-242-5180.

LOCATION:

• Auditions and callback will be in Studio 2 at the Burien Community Center, located at the intersection of S.W. 146th St. and 4th Ave. S.W. in Burien. For directions, go to www.burienlittletheatre.com.

CHARACTERS (*Note: Traditionally, many of these are cross-dressing roles, particularly Joan Crawford, but we are open to either gender):

• Joan Crawford – Traditionally, a gender-bending role, but we are open to either gender, age 39, famous movie star, desperate to revive her ailing career
• Christina Crawford – Female role, age 5 (but played by an adult), Joan’s daughter, actress and author, who became best known for writing “Mommie Dearest,” an expose of alleged child abuse by Joan Crawford
• Christopher Crawford – Male role, Joan’s son, age 2 (but played by an adult)
• Shirley Temple – Female role, age 16, famous movie star, she’s a sugar-coated tough cookie
• Jane Crawford – Female role, age 36, Joan’s “sister,” actually a younger version of Baby Jane as played by Bette Davis in “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”
• Andrews Sisters – famous singing trio who also appeared in several films
• Laverne – Female role, age 33
• Maxene – Female role, age 28
• Patty – Female role, age 26
• Hedda Hopper – Female role, age 59, film actress and famous Hollywood gossip columnist
• Judy Garland – Female role, age 22, famous movie star and singer
• Gloria Swanson – Female role, age 45, famous movie star on the downside of her career
• Hattie McDaniel – Female role, age 49, African-American signer and film actress, best known for her role as Mammie in the film “Gone with the Wind”
• Carmen Miranda – Female role, age 35, Portuguese-born Brazilian samba singer and famous star of stage and screen
• Ethel Merman – Female role, age 36, famous stage actress

And while we’re not in charge of these auditions, we’d recommend NOT bringing any wire hangers…ever!

by Gina Bourdage

Wizards, Witches, Demons, a Princess and a King. Lies, deceit, greed, ignorance and kidnapping…yes “The Last Magician” has it all. An important story which begs each viewer to consider in their own terms the potential consequences of the impact they have on situations they may have been too naïve to realize, begging the question:

What would you give up if you could save the world?

Taking a deep subject matter, adding a twist of humor with pop musical numbers interjected gives light to subject matter that could otherwise be taken as mundane.

The Breeders Theater’s production at TM Sell’s play at E.B. Foote Winery has found a way to reach out through a not only entertaining but skilled cast to tell a story of what is being called an “environmental parable about sacrifice and responsibility.”

Each cast member brings a quite unique perspective to the characters, including local references…they were actually able to seamlessly improv a Mariners score update for those of us who missed the game attending the matinee. The King, a strong and noble man (played by The B-Town Blog’s Photog Michael Brunk), the “silly” wizard (J Howard Boyd), a loveable yet wise centerpiece, even demons both friendly and intimidatingly strong to fight for a cause.

The cast also features:

• Adrienne Grieco
• Eric Hartley
• Steve Scheide
• Nathan Hicks
• Laura Smith
• Brenan Grant
• Doug Knoop
• Kelly Johnson
• Pamela Mohn

The show is directed and choreographed by Teresa Widner, with music by Nancy Warren and costumes by Melissa Sell.

If you’re of legal age, accompanying the performance you will receive six wine tastings courtesy E.B. Foote, along with hors d’oeuvres, all for $20.

Please note that there is a special discounted price of just $15 for the Wed., July 22nd and Thurs., July 23rd shows!

The setting for the play is in the charming, working (which means the temp is cool) wine cellar and performed in the round for the audience.

Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7pm. Sunday shows start at 2pm and the doors open at 1:30pm.

E.B. Foote Winery is located at 127-B SW 153rd Street in downtown Burien.

Tickets are available at the winery, 206-242-3852 and at Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Drive, Des Moines 206-824-9462.

For more information please visit www.breederstheater.com.

Here’s a Photo Slideshow of the cast in action:

Click to View Slideshow

For the third year in a row, Burien Arts is sponsoring two free Shakespeare in the Park performances at Dottie Harper Park – “King John” on Saturday, July 25th and “The Comedy of Errors” on Saturday, August 1st.

Both performances will begin at 7pm.

GreenStage, the Puget Sound’s premier outdoor Shakespeare company, will be performing the plays at Dottie Harper Parks’ “bowl,” and all are welcome to bring a blanket, picnic dinner and enjoy the shows for no charge! GreenStage has been performing in regional parks for 21 years, and Burien Arts says they’re “thrilled to be able to bring such a notable theatre company to our local audience!”

The July 25th performance of “King John” offers the opportunity to see this rarely produced play in an intimate, exciting atmosphere.  In “King John,” the 13th Century has just begun and the English crown is being contested – both France and Austria are threatening war. Disagreement is at the core of a story filled with political intrigue, assassination plots, unfortunate accidents and the never-ending conflict between England and France. Combining the ruthlessness of Richard III, the antics and moral uncertainty of Hamlet and the raw familial relationships of King Lear, you may find yourself in the world of a play that seems strangely familiar.

On August 1, GreenStage returns to give Burien residents the opportunity to relish in the distressing events of a life that is not yours with “The Comedy of Errors.” Forget what you know and delight in what you see! With two pairs of identical twins wandering around the same town, misunderstandings and confusion are the order of the day. Antipholus of Syracuse travels to a foreign land to find himself well known, while Antipholus of Ephesus becomes a stranger in his own home. Shakespeare’s idealized adaptation of a farce by Plautus is a dizzying comedy classic that anyone can lose themselves within. With a gender swapped cast, this production invites you to go with what you know, trust in what you see, and believe in whatever you wish!

Burien Arts is a local non-profit with a more than forty-year history and a commitment to bring innovative and creative arts programming to local residents. In addition to sponsoring the Shakespeare in the Park performances, Burien Arts also runs the Burien Art Gallery, produces the Highline Vintage Jazz Festival and partners with other civic and non-profit organizations to ensure the arts thrive in our community.

Dottie Harper Park is located at SW 146th and 4th Ave, and all performances will take place in the park’s “bowl.” Parking is readily available in the old Burien Library parking lot.

For more information about these performances, or about Burien Arts, please contact Erin Williamson at Burien Arts, or visit their website at www.burienarts.org.

Have you ever acted? Have you ever dressed in drag? Are you psycho? Love the beach? Like to party?

Well then, you’d better get yourself down to Burien Little Theatre’s open auditions for the over-the-top gender-bending comedy “Psycho Beach Party” on Monday, July 27th and Tuesday, July 28th!

BLT is seeking actors to play characters ranging in age from 15 to 45 for this Charles Busch comedy.

Here are the details:

SYNOPSIS:

“Psycho Beach Party” is an over-the-top, gender-bending spoof of the beach party movies of the ‘60s. Get down with this sexy, multiple-personality, coming-of-age comedy. Chicklet, a perky Malibu teenager, joins a group of beach bums to learn to surf. The hilarity ensues when her multiple personalities wash up to the surface, including “Anne Bowman,” a sinister vamp out to conquer the world.

Performances will be at Burien Little Theatre in Burien from Oct. 2nd through Nov. 1st, 2009.

AUDITION SCHEDULE:

• Monday, July 27th from 7pm to 10pm
• Tuesday, July 28th from 7pm to 10pm
• Callbacks are Wednesday, July 29th from 7 to 10 p.m.
• Rehearsals begin on Sunday, Aug. 23rd.

SALARY:

• $100 stipend provided

REQUIREMENTS:

• For auditioning, please prepare a comic monologue.
• Callbacks will consist of cold readings from the script.
• Please also bring resume and headshot.
• Please make an audition appointment: audition@burienlittletheatre.com or call Burien Little Theatre at 206-242-5180.
• Auditions will be in Studio 1 and callbacks in Room 4 at the Burien Community Center, located at the intersection of S.W. 146th St. and 4th Ave. S.W. in Burien. For directions, go to www.burienlittletheatre.com.

CHARACTER LIST:

• Yo-Yo — Male role, age range late teens to early 20s: Handsome male surfer who has a thing for hair stylings and food. Best friends with Provoloney.
• Dee Dee —Female role, age range late teens to early 20s: Sexy chick in a bikini.
• Nicky – Male role, age range late teens to early 20s: Handsome male surfer.
• Provoloney – Male role, age range late teens to early 20s: Scrappy little surfer. Friends with Yo-Yo.
• Star Cat – Male role, age range early 20s: Handsomest of the male surfers. Dropped out of college to stick with his true calling, being a beach bum.
• Chicklet – Traditionally a gender-bending male role, but we’re open to either gender, character is age 15: Perky high school girl determined to learn to surf even though it’s a male-only sport. Also has multiple personalities–including a dominatrix who plans to take over the world, a black grocery store clerk and a psychiatrist—triggered every time she sees the color red.
• Kanaka – Male, age range early to mid 20s: Macho Big Kahuna of the surfers.
• Berdine – Female, age 15: Hopelessly nerdy, but spunky. Chicklet’s best friend.
• Marvel Ann – Female, age range 15 to 16: Gorgeous high school vamp. It’s all about what men can do for her.
• Mrs. Forrest – Female, age range 32 to 45: Spitting image of Joan Crawford. Chicklet’s mother. Harshly protective, controlling of Chicklet.
• Bettina Barnes – Female, age range mid-20s to 35: Incredibly glamorous movie star. Hiding out at the beach after running away from the set of her latest cheesy sexploitation film. Plans to head to New York to study “serious” acting with Lee Strasberg.

So come on all you talented yet psycho gender-bending partyin’ B-Town Blog Readers – get your stuff together and go audition! Maybe if you get the part we’ll even let you write a first-hand experience blog about it…

In a B-Town Blog exclusive, we’ve just learned from longtime Burien business owner Dan House, proprietor of both The Tin Room Bar and Dan the Sausageman, that he’ll be building a brand new combination movie theater/bar at 923 SW 152nd, in the space where his retail business was located.

The new theater/bar, to be called The Tin Theater, will not only show movies in an intimate setting, it will allow 34 moviegoers to eat and drink at their seats, similar in concept to McMenamins, a combo theater/bar with numerous locations in Portland.

Here’s a scan of the plans, exclusive to The B-Town Blog (click on the image below to see a larger size):

Below is a Q & A interview with Dan, who proudly became a father of a baby girl Monday July 6th, and he’s looking for name suggestions (see below):

Q: Why are you building “The Tin Theater”?

A: The same reason why we built the Tin Room, I think Burien needs it badly.

Q: How did you come up with this idea?

A: There is a bar owner in Portland that has done this for awhile and I always like the idea, they are the McMenamin bars, they have about five theaters.

Q: What kind of films will you be showing?

A: We will be showing all kinds of Movies, we may have James Bond week (Martini and a movie), Clint Eastwood week, etc. and I would like to have the Burien Film Festival, maybe have the Highline School District or local people enter short movies.

Q: What will you show as the the first film?

A: First movie I am leaning towards is The Wizard of Oz, for the Tin Man.

Q: What will make your theater different from others?

A: The Tin Theatre will be small and intimate, not a monster “get lost in the parking lot” multiplex. You will be able to eat and drink in our lounge-type setting. We are thinking the theater may be for rent so you can invite 45 of your favorite friends to view your best movie or see a screening of your wedding, vacation, graduation etc., or for sporting events, with this you will be able to have your own server/bartender.

Q: What will happen with the Dan the Sausageman shop?

A: In front of the Theater will be a new Dan the Sausageman/Tin Cellars focusing on our wines, sausages and cheese but it will also be the area to hang out and mingle with Chirlee (my mother) and wait for the movie to start.

We will be taking our internet business off site to make room for the Movie Theatre, and we are looking for a location in Burien with warehouse space that we can build our gift boxes from and ship out; we have been around for 21 years and have no plans of stopping.

We just had a baby girl today at 4:04, we need a name, got any ideas?

Please post your baby name ideas (or thoughts on The Tin Theater) in the Comments below and we’ll make sure Dan gets ‘em (our suggestions: a name that can be shortened to “Tin” like Tindal, Tingley, Tinnea, Tinney, Tinsley, etc.).

Burien Little Theatre’s Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwrights Festival continues this weekend, and here are some photos shot by Adam Sanders:

Click to View Slideshow

This weekend’s performances include “Famous Last Words” a one-act play written by Michael Wallace AND “Man Defeats Nature” a full-length play written by Christopher Bailey:

• Friday, May 15th at 8:00 p.m.
  
• Saturday, May 16th at 8:00 p.m. – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Freight” and “Days of Future Passed”
• Sunday, May 17th at 2:00 p.m. Matinee

All tickets for BOTH shows are just $10 with half of the ticket price going to Burien’s Hospitality House.

“Hospitality House needs the help, and you need a night out…”

Purchase tickets here.

Burien’s Hi-Liners will be holding auditions for their musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie” on June 5th, 6th and 7th, and they’re looking for talent.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Auditions for “Thoroughly Modern Millie”

WHEN: June 5th at 4pm, June 6th at 12:30pm and June 7th from 12:30pm to 4:30pm

WHERE: Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, located at 15003 14th Ave SW (map below)

INFO: “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is a high-spirited musical romp that has all of New York dancing the Charleston. It’s the zany new 1920’s musical that has taken Broadway by storm! Taking place in New York City in 1922, Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life for herself. It’s a New York full of intrigue and jazz – a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever. Based on the popular movie, the stage version of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” includes a full score of new songs and bright dance numbers.

NOTE: All auditioners are asked to be available for Callbacks. If you are not available, please inform the directors at your audition.

COST: Tuition for this production is $350.00, which includes a T-Shirt and DVD of the show. For information regarding payment plans and other forms of financial assistance please contact The Hi-Liners at 206-617-2152.

DATES: Performance dates and times will be:

• September 12 – 7:30pm Carco Theatre
• September 13 – 1:30pm Carco Theatre
• September 19 – 7:30pm PAC
• September 20 – 1:30pm PAC
• September 26 – 7:30pm PAC
• September 27 – 1:30pm PAC

Sign up here: http://www.hi-liners.org/future/audform.html

View Larger Map

ChoralSounds Northwest’s “Fascinating Rhythms” will play at the Highline Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 16th at 8pm, and Sunday May 17th at 2pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: ChoralSounds Northwest’s “Fascinating Rhythms”

WHEN: Saturday May 16th at 8pm and Sunday, May 17th at 2pm

WHERE: Highline Performing Arts Center, located at 401 South 152nd next to Highline High School

COST: Ticket prices range from FREE to $25; NWAA is pleased to offer a FREE ticket to all of their concerts for anyone age 17 and younger, when accompanied by a paid adult.

To order tickets, click here.

For more information about the FREE Youth Ticket program, click here

INFO: Conducted by David Spring, this show features the legendary songbook of George & Ira Gershwin in a spring concert to remember. Rhapsody In Blue, Summertime, The Man I Love, I Got Rhythm, Someone to Watch Over Me…these songs are just a part of ChoralSounds Northwest’s stellar salute to these legends of American music.

In the second half of the program, each of the ensembles of the NWAA family will take the stage with other classic American songs to help celebrate our Silver Anniversary.

From the chamber music artistry of Cantaré Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Mark Adrian to the budding talents of our youngest singers in KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest, conducted by Paula Hawkins, this is a wonderful opportunity to sample all our best as we begin the next 25 years of enriching, entertaining & educating our community.

Support the arts and our community!

8 Brand New Plays 
by Washington State Playwrights 
to Benefit Hospitality House

Burien Little Theatre presents the
 Winners of the Bill & Peggy Hunt Playwright Festival

In this economic climate with nonprofits losing funding, and people looking for affordable and accessible entertainment, Burien Little Theater has just the ticket with 16 opportunities to enjoy local talent while benefiting several local nonprofit organizations. The Bill & Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival, opening May 1st, offers 4 weekends of plays and readings featuring award-winning entries by Washington State writers. Fifty percent of the very affordable ticket price — all staged performances $10 — benefit local women’s shelter Hospitality House. Burien Little Theater’s Festival, sponsored by the City of Burien and the Mark Restaurant & Bar, will also be accepting donations of food for local food banks.

The Festival is staging a total of four shows: two one-act and two full-length plays. Each performance will feature two plays, a one-act and a full-length. From May 1 – May 10 the plays staged include First Place winners The Reprieve (one-act) and If Spiders Made Honey (full-length). From May 15 – May 24 audiences will be treated to Famous Last Words (one-act) and Man Defeats Nature (full-length). In addition, readings of the Honorable Mention winners will be held on Saturday afternoons at 2 pm.

The Bill & Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival will run at the Little Theatre from May 1 – May 24 (opening night is May 1). After each play the audience is invited to discuss the show with the actors and, when available, the playwright. These talk-backs provide playwrights with fresh ideas, valuable comments, and honest audience response. Tickets are $10, and the Saturday play readings are free with donations requested. A performance schedule including dates, times and shows is available at www.burienlittletheatre.com or call the ticket office at 206-242-5180.

ABOUT THE BILL AND PEGGY HUNT PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL:
The mission of the Bill & Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival is to encourage, promote and showcase previously unproduced theatre works written by Washington state residents, and stage the winning plays at Burien Little Theatre.

The Festival was named to honor Bill and Peggy Hunt’s dedicated service to community-based theater and their devotion to and involvement with Burien Little Theatre. Peggy Hunt joined Burien’s theater organization in 1960 with a leading role in the play Harvey. Over the next 35 years both Bill and Peggy appeared in and directed plays, designed and built sets, served on the Board of Directors, and were involved in some aspect of every theater project. Since Burien Little Theatre officially launched the Bill & Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival in 1999, the company has continued to successfully produce the Festival. This year Burien Little Theatre chose 8 playwrights to be honored with awards including First Place, Second Place, and Honorable Mentions in One-Act and Full-Length categories.

Show Info May 1 – May 10:
The First Place Award-winning plays will be performed the first two weekends of the Festival, May 1 – 10. The Reprieve, recipient of the First Place Award in the One-Act Plays category was written by Judith A. Jacobs and is a poignant comedy about sisterly relations and what happens when the family peacemaker, after a brush with cancer, starts speaking her mind. The play is directed by Melissa Malloy and features the acting talents of Lee Ryan, Petra Huntington, and Kirsten McCory.

If Spiders Made Honey, recipient of the First Place Award in the Full-Length Plays category, was written by Dave Tucker and addresses issues of connection in a modern society. With her brother Derek dying of cancer, Camille is searching for Joanie Huneycutt, an internet icon who has inspired Derek with a blog about her own bout with cancer. Fortunately, Camille’s job takes her to Joanie’s hometown, to meet the next winner of a literary award. As Camille’s professional and personal lives collide, things turn out to be different than they seem, raising some poignant questions about the value of our own contributions to society. Directed by Holly Rose, the cast includes Loren Walton, Julie Smith, Brittany Henderson, Stephen Scheide, Jerusha Warner, Dan Gomez, and Jackie Graybill.

The plays that received Honorable Mention awards in the festival will be read aloud by actors Saturday afternoon beginning at 2 pm. The readings are free and each reading includes both a one-act and a full-length play. The plays featured on May 2 include Penny Loves Butchie Hartog, recipient of an Honorable Mention award in the One-Act Plays category written by Ann Teplick, which will be read by Anna Richardson. The play details how obsession with fire and a boy named Butchie Hartog lands a 16-year-old girl in juvenile detention. Sinking Bass Turds, recipient of an Honorable Mention award in the Full-Length Plays category was written by Russell Weeks. This award winner tells the story of a blind writer, Ar Carey, who is out to expose Wall Street greed and corruption under the guise of writing a biography about one of its rising stars. Sinking Bass Turds will be read by actors Clyde Hill, Anna Richardson, Kate Carlson, John Ruppeck, and Grace Reamer.

Show Info May 15 – May 23:
Starting May 15, Famous Last Words, recipient of the Second Place Award in the One-Act Plays category will be performed. Famous Last Words, written by Michael Wallace, is a sharp-witted drama of two teenagers who are brought together in a graveyard by school bullies where things are not as they appear. Directed by Don MacEllis, the play features Elise Baleto and Jeffrey Myre for the May 15-17 performances and Samantha Hill with Kevin Schilling during the May 22-24 run.

Man Defeats Nature, recipient of the Second Place Award in the Full-Length Plays category, was written by Christopher Bailey and will be directed by Zachariah Robinson. Featuring the acting talents of Russ Kay, Geni Hawkins, Peter Li and Emily Elkins, the play opens on the one-year anniversary of a mountain’s eruption and tells the poignant story of a father who still searches daily for his son, missing in the explosion, and clashes with other family members who want to move on.

The plays that received Honorable Mention awards in the festival will be read aloud by actors Saturday afternoon beginning at 2 pm. The plays featured on May 16 include Freight, recipient of an Honorable Mention in the One-Act Plays category written by Freddie Brinster, and will be read by Anna Denton, Robert Stephens, and Doug Cottrill. Freight tells the story of a strong, crusty captain of an old freighter desperately trying to hold onto her 43 year old son who just as desperately needs to leave in order to “grow up.” The Days of Future Passed, recipient of an Honorable Mention Award in the Full-Length Plays category and written by Sean Walbeck, is the story of a Bellingham Star Trek club that comes up with a cockeyed scheme to attract new members by installing a statue at the local museum. The reading will feature Grace Reamer, John Flynn, Doug Cottrill, Kate Carlson, Anna Richardson, John Ruppeck, James “Tuck” Tucker, and Jeri Hein.

ABOUT HOSPITALITY HOUSE:
The mission of Hospitality House is to help women find home, health and hope. Hospitality House is a 9-bed homeless shelter for South King County women and has been operating for the past 8 years at the Lake Burien Presbyterian Church under the sponsorship of 12 local churches. During the performance run of Burien Little Theatre’s Bill & Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival, 50% of the ticket sales will go to Hospitality House.

COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT LOCAL FOOD BANKS:
YOU CAN HELP THE COMMUNITY! Burien Little Theatre will hold a food drive during the entire performance run to benefit the White Center Foodbank and the Highline Area Foodbank. You can help when you come to the performances by bringing in nonperishable food items such as: tuna fish, cereal, canned soups, condensed milk, canned meats, pastas, and peanut butter.

ABOUT BURIEN LITTLE THEATRE:
Community-based theater has been a tradition in Burien since 1955. Incorporated in 1980, The Burien Little Theater (BLT) has been a leading producer of quality live theater serving residents of the Seattle and south Puget Sound areas. Burien Little Theater’s Mission is to make every audience member’s experience at BLT a welcoming, lively and fun escape from the everyday world, beginning the moment they walk in the door, by providing high-quality, accessible and exciting theater. 
BLT is a nonprofit 501c3 entity and operates on revenue from ticket sales, donations, grants, sponsorships, and volunteers.

Schedule for the Bill & Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival:

• May 1 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday – Opening Night 
May 2 at 8:00 p.m.  Saturday
• May 3 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee
• May 2 at 2:00 p.m. Complimentary Play Reading
• May 8 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday
• May 9 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• May 10 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee
• May 9 at 2:00 p.m. Complimentary Play Reading.
• May 15 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday
• May 16 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• May 17 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee
• May 16 at 2:00 p.m. Complimentary Play Reading
• May 22 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday
• May 23 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• May 24 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee
• May 16 at 2:00 p.m. Complimentary Play Reading

Burien Little Theater is located at the Burien Community Center Building at 425 SW 144th Street in 
Burien; 
(206) 242-5180. The Community Center is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of 4th Avenue Southwest and Southwest 146th Street in Burien (map below).

Ticket Prices & Packages:

• General admission: $10.
• Senior and student admission: $10.
• 50% of all tickets sold will benefit Hospitality House
• Play Readings (held on Saturdays at 2 p.m.) are no charge, although donations are appreciated.
• Dinner and a Show Package: This package includes a two-course meal at Mark Restaurant & Bar plus a ticket to the show; cost is $30 per person.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
Show tickets may be purchased safely and securely online here on via phone at 206-242-5180.

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Burien Little Theatre has released its May schedule, which will include readings from winners of the Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival.

BLT will also feature “Recession Pricing” for all of May, with tickets priced at just $10.

You can buy tickets safely and securely online here:

You can also email tickets@burienlittletheatre.com or call (206) 242-5180.

As for the playwright fest:

Experience wonderful brand-new works written by up-and coming playwrights from Washington state and never produced anywhere else.  Come see the winners of the 2009 playwrights festival!

The festival is graciously sponsored by the City of Burien.

Half of all ticket sales for the Playwrights Festival go to Hospitality House to help homeless women.  (Sorry, this means NO Five Buck Friday during the Festival.)

There are four shows, two one-act plays and two full length plays in the festival.  One one-act play and one full-length play will be performed together.  Two shows for the first two weekends and then the other two shows for the last two weekends.  Don’t miss out!  Come twice and see ALL the winners! – The shows are recommended for audiences age 15 and older due to occasional language.

SPECIAL – SPECIAL – SPECIAL – Every Saturday there will be a FREE reading of the honorable mention plays! (we will pass the hat)!  Starts at 2 pm!  See details below:

“The Reprieve” a one-act play written by Judith A. Jacobs AND “If Spiders Made Honey” a full-length play written by Dave Tucker:

• May 1 at 8:00 p.m. Friday – MAY DAY!
• May 2 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds”
• May 3 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• May 8 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• May 9 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds”
• May 10 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

“Famous Last Words” a one-act play written by Michael Wallace AND “Man Defeats Nature” a full-length play written by Christopher Bailey:

• May 15 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• May 16 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Freight” and “Days of Future Passed”
• May 17 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• May 22 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• May 23 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Freight” and “Days of Future Passed”
• May 24 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

A few things to note:

• The play readings are free to the public.
• Tickets for the productions are just $10 with one half of the ticket price ($5) being donated to Hospitality House.
• BLT is conducting a food drive for local food banks, so please bring non-perishable food stuff.
• There is a “play with your food” option (dinner and a show) at the Mark Restaurant and Bar – a two course meal and a ticket for just $30.00 per person. Call the Mark at (206) 241-6275.
• If you brought food for the food drive and bought a ticket, you could enjoy live entertainment and feel self-righteous from all of the good you are doing for the community!

Burien’s Hi-Liners are getting ready for spring’s growing season by planting a hilarious man-eating plant on stage in the classic “Little Shop of Horrors,” which begins Friday March 20th at the Renton Carco Theater.

Here are the details:

WHAT: The Hi-Liners production of “Little Shop of Horrors”

WHEN:

Friday, March 20 – 7:30pm
Saturday, March 21 – 7:30pm
Sunday March 22 – 1:30pm
Friday, March 27 – 7:30pm
Saturday, March 28 – 7:30pm
Sunday, March 29 – 1:30pm

WHERE: The Renton Carco Theater, located at 1717 SE Maple Valley Hwy in Renton (map below)

INFO: A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II” grows into an ill- tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination!

One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a house-hold name, thanks to a highly successful film version and a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who redefined the animated musical film with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, “Beauty And The Beast” and “Aladdin.” Charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, “Little Shop Of Horrors” never fails to entertain.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a story that includes unusual characters, such as a man-eating plant from outer space and a sadistic dentist. The language is mild, and all mature subject matter is dealt with in a humorous, cartoonish manner.

This show is suitable for most audiences and involves cast members as young as 9.

Parental discretion is advised for children under 12.

Please reference the 1986 Frank Oz film of the same name for more insight.

TICKETS:

• Adults: $18.00
• Students/Seniors: $15
• Children 12 and under: $12
• Ask us about our group discounts! Call 206-617-2152.

Click HERE to purchase tickets.

For more information, please visit the Hi-Liners website.

Want a taste of this classic? Check out this clip from the 1986 film featuring Steve Martin:

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At the February 2009 Board of Directors Meeting, the Burien Little Theatre (BLT) took a major step toward its reorganization and sustainability by announcing some big changes.

To meet the organization’s stated goals, President and Vice President of the Board of Trustees Maggie Larrick and Eric Dickman stepped down from the BLT board at its February meeting. Following these resignations, Trustees Steve Cooper and P. Diane Major were elected Interim President and Vice President, respectively, of the Burien Little Theatre Board of Trustees.

Burien Little Theatre and the Capacity Partnership
Over the past 12 months, BLT through a Capacity Partnership grant, worked with Liz Heath from The Nonprofit Center to create recommendations and action items intended to strengthen the organization. Burien Little Theatre was selected to participate in this program by the city of Burien, because of the essential nature of services BLT provides and the commitment by the city to its focus on sustainable arts. The result of this work was the Burien Little Theatre Capacity Project Report, which was presented to the Board of Trustees at the January 2009 meeting. Among the recommendations was a goal “to establish a clear governance group that focuses on the key leadership areas of planning, budgeting, policy setting, financial and program oversight, fundraising and board development.”

The Managing Director and Artistic Director have been charged by the Board to oversee the daily operations and the productions of the theater, fulfilling BLT’s mission of Better, Live Theatre™. By separating the day-to-day operations of the theater from its governance, Burien Little Theatre will be structured to operate in a manner conducive to its continuing growth.

The Board of Trustees will now focus on structural and sustainability issues facing Burien Little Theatre. The Board faces many challenges including the possibility of BLT losing its home stage of over 29 years when a new community center is built. Currently the plans for the new Burien Community Center do not include a space adequate for theatrical productions. Another major focus for the Board is the recruitment of new board members to fill the vacancies created by this change and to ensure the sustainability of this unique and historic organization.

About Burien Little Theatre
Community-based theater has been a tradition in Burien since 1955. Incorporated in 1980, Burien Little Theatre (BLT) has been a leading producer of quality live theater serving residents of the Seattle and south Puget Sound areas. Burien’s Little Theatre Mission is to make every audience member’s experience at BLT a welcoming, lively and fun escape from the everyday world, beginning the moment they walk in the door, by providing high-quality, accessible and exciting theater. 
BLT is a non-profit 501c3 entity and operates on revenue from ticket sales, donations and volunteers.

Burien Little Theatre’s next production is The Lady’s Not for Burning – a hilarious romantic comedy about unexpected love and a small 14th-century town in an uproar over a reluctant bride, a falsely accused witch, and a soldier determined to be hanged. Painfully tender and deliciously funny, this modern comedy – sponsored by KUOW and BTB Advertiser The Mark Restaurant & Bar – was written by English playwright Christopher Fry.

The play tells the story of a discharged soldier, Thomas Mendip, who wants to be hanged, but has committed no crime so he confesses to any; and an accused witch, Jennet Jourdemayne, whose alleged crimes are ludicrous, but the Mayor and town are determined to believe Jennet a witch regardless. Hilarity ensues as events and circumstances turn inside out, ending happily for all.

The Lady’s Not for Burning will run at Burien Little Theatre from 
Feb. 13 – March 8 (opening night is Friday, Feb. 13th). Tickets are $5-$18. 
A performance schedule including dates, times and ticket prices is available at www.burienlittletheatre.com or call the ticket office at 
206-242-5180. You can also buy tickets directly online by clicking here.

The play, although set in the Middle Ages, was based on World War I veterans returning back home. In a 2002 interview, Fry describes his play as a comment, told in a comedic voice, about a hypocritical post-war society that has no use for its veterans, marries for money, overlooks crimes when expedient and condemns a girl who lives alone and dabbles in science. Fortunately for the audience this perspective is delivered through Christopher Fry’s witty language ending on a note of hope and love.

COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT LOCAL FOOD BANKS
Burien Little Theatre and the City of Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department in partnership with the White Center Food Bank and the Highline Area Food Bank will hold a food drive during the performance run. You can help when you come to the performances by bringing in nonperishable food items such as:

• Tuna fish
• Cereal
• Canned soups
• Condensed milk
• Canned meats
• Pastas
• Peanut butter

Donations will also be accepted on non-performance days at the main Parks office located in the Community Center.

THE CAST
The Lady’s Not for Burning is directed by Ken Holmes and features the talents of:

• Mike Albert (Thomas Mendip)
• Anna Richardson (Jennet Jourdemayne)
• Thomas Maier (Richard)
• Emily Elkins Cochran (Alizon Eliot)
• John Ruppeck (Mayor Hebble Tyson)
• Don Samman (Edward Tappercoom)
• Eli Simons (Humphrey Devize)
• Brooks Farr (Nicholas Devize)
• Laurie Winogrand (Margaret Devize)
• Mike Andrew (the Chaplain)
• Mark McQuinn (Matthew Skipps)

ABOUT BURIEN LITTLE THEATRE
Community-based theater has been a tradition in Burien since 1955. Incorporated in 1980, The Burien Little Theatre (BLT) has been a leading producer of quality live theater serving residents of the Seattle and south Puget Sound areas. Burien Little Theatre’s Mission is to make every audience member’s experience at BLT a welcoming, lively and fun escape from the everyday world, beginning the moment they walk in the door, by providing high-quality, accessible and exciting theater. 
BLT is a nonprofit 501c3 entity and operates on revenue from ticket sales, donations, grants, and volunteers.

SCHEDULE FOR “THE LADY’S NOT FOR BURNING”

• Feb. 13 at 8:00 p.m. Friday – Opening Night
• Feb. 14 at 8:00 p.m Saturday
• Feb. 15 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• Feb. 20 at 8:00 p.m. Friday - $5 Buck Friday
• Feb. 21 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday
• Feb. 22 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• Feb. 27 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• Feb. 28 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday
• March 1 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• March 6 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• March 7 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday
• March 8 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

THEATRE LOCATION
The Theater at the Burien Community Center Building 425 SW 144th Street
 Burien, WA 98166-1545
 (206) 242-5180

The Community Center is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of 4th Avenue Southwest and Southwest 146th Street in Burien (see map below, or get directions at www.burienlittletheatre.com)

TICKET PRICES & PACKAGES

• General admission: $18 Fridays and Saturdays, $15 Sundays.
• Senior and student admission: $15
• Five Buck Friday February 20: All seats $5, with audience members welcome to donate more.
• Discounts available for pre-booked groups of 10 or more; call or visit the website for additional information.
• Dinner and a Show Package: This package includes a two-course meal at Mark Restaurant & Bar plus a ticket to the show; cost is $35 per person.
• Buy tickets directly online by clicking here.

PURCHASE TICKETS
Show tickets can be purchased directly online by clicking here, or by calling 206-242-5180.

View Larger Map

Harald (Steve Scheide) dances with Ingrid (Adrienne Grieco) in Prairie Heart, which opens at E.B. Foote Winery Friday, Jan. 16th.

Ingrid (Adrienne Grieco) and Anders (Eric Hartley) dance in Prairie Heart.

Prairie Heart Director Alan Wilkie.

BTB Advertiser “Prairie Heart,” an original musical comedy by area Playwright TM Sell, opens Friday night, Jan. 16th at Burien’s E.B. Foote Winery, with doors opening at 6:30pm and the show starting at 7pm.

Tickets are just $20 per person and include wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and the play.

The winery will be chilly so dress warmly and casually.

Tickets are available at E.B. Foote Winery and at Corky Cellars, located at 22511 Marine View Drive, Des Moines; phone: 206-824-9462. Visit the winery or call for tickets, 206-242-3852 or check out breederstheater.com.

Tickets can also be ordered online at E.B. Foote’s “Current Releases” page here, and Sherrill will call you to confirm a date and other details (credit cards accepted with a $5 fee per ticket OR your credit card can guarantee the tickets, and you can pay at the door with cash or check.)

Burien Little Theatre is now accepting submissions of unproduced, unpublished scripts for the 2009 Bill and Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival.

Winning scripts will be staged in May 2009 as part of the 2008-2009 Burien Little Theatre season. In addition to being produced, winning plays will also receive monetary prizes.

The submission deadline for all scripts is December 31, 2008. To qualify for the Festival all submissions must follow Playwrights Submission Guidelines detailed below and on the Burien Little Theatre website:

www.burienlittletheatre.com

ABOUT THE BILL AND PEGGY HUNT PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL
The mission of the Bill and Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival is to encourage, promote and showcase previously unproduced theatre works written by Washington state residents, and stage the winning plays at Burien Little Theatre.

The Festival was named to honor Bill and Peggy Hunt’s dedicated service to community-based theater and their devotion to and involvement with Burien Little Theatre. Peggy Hunt joined Burien’s community theater organization in 1960 with a leading role in the play Harvey. Over the next 35 years both Bill and Peggy appeared in and directed plays, designed and built sets, served on the Board of Directors, and were involved in some aspect of every theater project.

Originally from Canada, Bill and Peggy were familiar with Canadian play competitions and were instrumental in igniting this idea locally. The first staged competitions were theatrical, for play production, not writing, with entries from the greater Seattle area; this competition was held as part of Burien’s Arts Festival in the early 1970s. Later, Peggy suggested establishing a playwriting competition with the winning shows to be produced by Burien Little Theatre. Since officially launching in 1999, Burien Little Theatre has successfully been sponsoring the Bill and Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival, celebrating and producing the works of Washington state playwrights.

PLAYWRIGHTS SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

1. Open to any person residing in the state of Washington.
2. Previously produced plays are not eligible. Staged readings are not considered productions.
3. The Festival provides a workshop environment for basic production, so excessive production requirements may result in disqualification. Legal clearance of materials not in the public domain is the full responsibility of the playwright.
4. Submit two copies of the script. Bind entries securely, and include character list, time, setting, and number of scenes. Entries must be post-marked by December 31, 2008.
5. Judging will be blind. Do not show your name, address, or any identifying information on any page or on the cover of your script. A completed, signed copy of the entry form must be attached with a paper clip to each play submitted. Contact info@burienlittletheatre.com or call 206-242-5180 for an entry form.
6. All submissions must be in a standard professional play format. Format guidelines can be obtained from Samuel French or found at http://www.vcu.edu/artweb/playwriting/format.html. Failure to comply will result in rejection from competition.
7. The Festival is designed to be a collaborative process involving the playwright, directors, and performers—facilitating a transition of each work from page to stage. As such, playwrights are encouraged to be involved in the production and rehearsal of their scripts. Selected playwrights will be encouraged to attend a production meeting with the director and producer, at least one rehearsal and all performances.
8. Playwrights are invited to participate in discussions with the audience, following each performance.
9. Submissions will not be returned.
10. Burien Little Theatre will not be responsible for any loss or damage to entries.
11. Winners will be announced February 15, 2009. Plays will be staged in May 2009.

ABOUT BURIEN LITTLE THEATRE
Community-based theater has been a tradition in Burien since 1955. Incorporated in 1980, Burien Little Theatre (BLT) has been a leading producer of quality live theater, serving residents of the Seattle and south Puget Sound areas. Burien Little Theatre’s Mission is to make every audience member’s experience at BLT a welcoming, lively and fun escape from the everyday world, beginning the moment they walk in the door, by providing high-quality, accessible and exciting theater. 
BLT is a non-profit 501c3 entity and operates on revenue from ticket sales, donations and volunteers.

“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” is currently playing at Burien Little Theatre through Dec. 21st, and you can purchase tickets directly online here.

To read a behind-the-scenes story (complete with videos) from one of the cast members, click here.

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, an irreverent yet deeply moving take on the Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, starts this Friday, Nov. 28th at Burien Little Theatre and plays through Sunday Dec. 21st.

There will be a special appearance by The Dickens Carolers in the lobby before Friday’s opening curtain call.

Tickets are $5-$18, and can be purchased easily, safely and securely online here or by calling 206-242-5180.

Written by award winning playwright and actor Tom Mula, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol tells the story of Jacob Marley’s heroic behind-the-scenes efforts to save Scrooge’s soul—and redeem his own.

SYNOPSIS:
“Scrooge? I have to redeem old Scrooge? The one man I knew who was worse than I was? Impossible!”

So begins the real story behind the traditional Dickens’ version. The play opens seven years after Marley’s death on Christmas Eve and he is in Hell. Jacob Marley finds himself burdened with the chains of his miserly existence on Earth as Scrooge’s business partner. An imp, Bogle, offers Marley a contract that could release him from his suffering and Marley signs without reading it. Only then does Jacob Marley discover that his only way out of Hell is to change Scrooge’s heart.

THE AUTHOR:
Tom Mula has been a Chicago actor, director, and playwright for more than 30 years. Mula’s novel Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol was published in 1995 by Adams Media and was a Chicago Tribune bestseller. The audio version was broadcast nationwide on NPR for six seasons; the play received the Cunningham Prize from the Goodman School of Drama at DePaul. The production premiered in 1998 at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre (directed by Steve Scott), was Jeff-nominated, and received an After Dark Award. Since then,Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol has been performed in hundreds of productions nationally and worldwide, including South Africa, Australia and now Burien! Currently Mr. Mula teaches in the Theatre Department at Columbia College as an Artist-in-Residence.

COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT LOCAL FOOD BANKS:
Burien Little Theatre and the City of Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department in partnership with the White Center Food Bank and the Highline Area Food Bank will hold a food drive during the entire 4-week performance run of Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol. You can help when you come to the performances by bringing in nonperishable food items such as:

• Tuna fish
• Cereal
• Canned soups
• Condensed milk
• Canned meats
• Pastas
• Peanut butter

Donations will also be accepted on non-performance days at the main Parks office located in the Community Center.

THE CAST:
Burien Little Theatre’s production of Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol is directed by M. Elizabeth Eller, a 1998 graduate of Highline High School.

The show features the acting talents of:

• Melissa Malloy
• John Mallory
• Steve Scheide
• Hannah Schnabel
• Eric Hamlin
• Allison Wooldridge

ABOUT BURIEN LITTLE THEATRE:
Community-based theater has been a tradition in Burien since 1955. Incorporated in 1980, The Burien Little Theatre (BLT) has been a leading producer of quality live theater serving residents of the Seattle and south Puget Sound areas. Burien Little Theatre’s Mission is to make every audience member’s experience a welcoming, lively and fun escape from the everyday world, beginning the moment they walk in the door, by providing high-quality, accessible and exciting theater.

BLT is a non-profit 501c3 entity and operates on revenue from ticket sales, donations and volunteers.

Schedule for Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol:

• November 28 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday – Open night treat – The Dickens Carolers will perform in the lobby before the show!
• November 29 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• November 30 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee

• December 5 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday – $5 Buck Friday – SOLD OUT!
• December 6 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• December 7 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee

• December 12 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday – LIKELY SOLD OUT!
• December 13 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• December 14 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee

• December 19 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday
• December 20 at 8:00 p.m.  Saturday
• December 21 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee

LOCATION:
Burien Little Theatre is located in the Burien Community Center Building, located at the northwest corner of 4th Avenue SW and SW 146th Street in Burien; address is 425 SW 144th Street (206-242-5180).

TICKET PRICES & PACKAGES:
General admission:

• $18 Fridays and Saturdays
• $15 Sundays
• Senior and student admission: $15
• Five Buck Friday December 5: All seats $5, with audience members welcome to donate more

Discounts available for pre-booked groups of 10 or more; call or visit the website for additional information.

Dinner and a Show Package: This package includes a two-course meal at THE Mark Restaurant & Bar plus a ticket to the show; cost is $35 per person.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE:
Show tickets may be purchased easily, safely and securely online here, or call 206-242-5180.

Yesterday we showed you exclusive video of Gov. Chris Gregoire, and today we’ve got more video of a politician in action – here’s the opening monologue from Congressman Jim McDermott’s stint as Guest Narrator at Sunday’s (Oct. 26) “The Rocky Horror Show” at (BTB Advertiser) Burien Little Theatre.

You may notice audience members shouting as he speaks – don’t worry, he’s not being heckled – Rocky is an interactive show where audience participation is encouraged (and the Congressman’s professional performance was unaffected by it):

There are only three performances left, so be sure to order your tickets online now!

• Fri. Oct. 31 at 10:00 p.m.  Friday – HALLOWEEN!
• Sat. Nov. 1 at 8:00 p.m.
• Sun. Nov. 2 at 2:00 p.m. – CLOSING SHOW!

This urgent update just in from BTB Advertiser Burien Little Theater:

Due to scheduling conflicts, Congressman Jim McDermott’s performance as the “Narrator” in the Burien Little Theatre’s production of “The Rocky Horror Show” has been moved to the Sunday, October 26th 2:00 pm production.

You can buy tickets online here.

Here are the remaining performances of “Rocky Horror”:

• Sat. Oct. 18 at 8:00 p.m.  – SOLD OUT! (Guest Narrator – Mr. Stephen Lamphear)
• Sun. Oct. 19 at 2:00 p.m. –  Sunday Matinee
• Fri. Oct. 24 at 10:00 p.m.
• Sat. Oct. 25 at 8:00 p.m. – Guest Narrator – State Representative Dave Upthegrove
• Sun. Oct. 26 at 2:00 p.m. – Guest Narrator – United States Congressmember Jim McDermott
• Fri. Oct. 31 at 10:00 p.m.  Friday – HALLOWEEN!
• Sat. Nov. 1 at 8:00 p.m.
• Sun. Nov. 2 at 2:00 p.m. – CLOSING SHOW!

Burien’s historic Bison Creek Pizza has been remodeled, and will re-open this Saturday as Bison Creek Pizza & Pub!

The grand re-opening starts at Noon and goes until 2am.

One reason we’re all over this is that we love the history of the place. The building that houses Bison Creek once served as the “Burien Theater” and showed movies from 1957 and continued until the 1970s when the now-gone Lewis and Clark Theaters were built. According to some sources, the theater was popular for its Saturday triple features of low-budget monster movies, Jerry Lewis double features and the classic Beach Party series.

After the projector lights faded for the last time, it became home to a very unique restaurant called “Big Bob’s Pipe Dream” which had a large 1918 Wurlitzer organ that was moved from Seattle’s Coliseum Theatre (now Banana Republic). The Coliseum was owned by the Bullitt family, who owned KING-TV (disclosure: the Publisher/Editor of the B-Town Blog got his first media “gig” at KING-TV’s “Almost Live!” in 1985, and was proud to say he worked there when an elderly Dorothy Bullitt still ran the place). The story goes that one day the Bullitt sisters decided to sell the pipe organ, and “Bob,” who was a TV technician for KING-TV, was interested. The sisters offered it to him, but he thought he couldn’t afford it. Their reply was, “Would a dollar be too much?”

So this KING-TV tech guy buys a big ol’ pipe organ for a buck from the Bullitt sisters and moves it to Burien! The pipe organ allegedly ended up being sold to a man in Oregon, who used parts to build another one.

And now, the former-movie-theater-turned-pipe-organ-joint-turned-pizza-joint is starting anew as a remodeled pizza-pub-joint.

Bison Creek will now have “pub hours” on both Friday and Saturday nights – starting this Sat. Oct. 11th from 10pm-2am (21 and older only), with live music!

The new owners are inviting everyone to come down for the grand re-opening this Saturday starting at Noon until 2am, so get down there, show your support and tell ‘em the B-Town Blog sent ya!

Bison Creek is located at 630 SW 153rd Street (map below).

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The Burien Coalition for the Arts is holding a special Showcase this Sunday, Oct. 5th, which will be a perfect way to Introduce Your Children to the Arts.

This FREE event features short performances by:

• Higline Community Band
• New City Dance Company
• KidSounds/YouthSounds Northwest
• The Hi-Liners
• ChoralSounds Northwest
• Northwest Symphony Orchestra

This is a great opportunity to sample some of the amazing and diverse arts available in Burien.

Performances begin at 2pm at the Highline Performing Arts Center, located next to Highline High at 401 S 152nd (map below).

The lobby opens at 1pm, so you can browse the displays by local arts groups and find out what events, classes and other activities they have coming up.

Oh, and while this is an all-ages event, you don’t have to be a kid to have fun!

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We were invited to one of the final dress rehearsals of Burien Little Theatre’s “Rocky Horror Show” Wed. night (the show opens Fri. Sept. 26 – buy your tickets online here or see the full schedule here), and we managed to surreptitiously smuggle our little videocam in and shoot some exclusive and sexy sneak peek footage of the fine actors and crew’s corset-filled, bustier-bustin’ musical comedy based on the cult film classic, which we present to you here:

Don’t forget that BLT will be featuring some very special celebrity Guest Narrators during certain performances, including:

• Sat. Oct. 4 at 8pm: Guest Narrator – State Senator Joe McDermott
• Fri. Oct. 10 at 8pm: Guest Narrator - State Representative Sharon Nelson
• Sat. Oct. 11 at 8pm: Guest Narrator – Burien City Councilmember Kathy Keene
• Sat. Oct. 18 at 8pm: Guest Narrator – Mr. Stephen Lamphear
• Sun. Oct. 19 at 2pm (Matinee): Guest Narrator – United States Congressmember Jim McDermott
• Sat. Oct. 25 at 8pm: Guest Narrator – State Representative Dave Upthegrove

JUST BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE HERE BEFORE
WE FORCE YOU TO DO A PELVIC THRUST!

The Hi-Liners fall production of “Peter Pan” left behind more than just “pixie dust” after the sold out closing matinee on Sunday, September 21, 2008.

Over 200 canned or boxed food items and $140.00 was collected for the Highline Area Food Bank in Burien. For a donation of non perishable food, patrons received a commemorative picture of themselves with “Peter Pan”.

“Usually we offer souvenir pictures with a MainStage show character for a small fee, as a fundraiser for our organization, “says Gerry Gilbert, President of The Hi-Liners. “Our Gala Fundraising Auction is coming up on October 4, 2008 and we decided to kick off our annual fundraising drive by giving first to our home community.”

For tickets and information regarding The Hi-Liners 4th Annual Gala Fundraising Auction with local celebrity and honorary chair Grant Goodeve, please visit www.hi-liners.org or call 206-617-2152.

Burien’s Hi-Liners are holding open auditions for their upcoming production of Disney’s “High School Musical” on Sat., Sept. 27th from 12:30-4pm at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church (map below).

From their press release:

Warm up your dance moves and start practicing those foul shots as The Hi-Liners DownStage Center presents Disney’s “High School Musical, On Stage!” 

From “Wildcat Cheer” to “We’re All in This Together” the cast of students, ages 7-18 will bring Disney Channel’s smash hit musical to life. 

Incorporating elements from “West Side Story”, “Romeo and Juliet” and “Grease”, this seventy minute one act edition has universal appeal and the timeless message that when we work together, good things happen! 

Auditions are September 27, 2008 from 12:30 – 4:00pm at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, 15003 14th Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166

Audition is open to children ages 7-18

No previous experience necessary! 

To schedule an audition or for more information about The Hi-Liners, please visit www.hi-liners.org or phone 206-617-2152.

Or click here to signup online to audition.

 DownStage Center is the Hi-Liners’ theatre education arm, presenting low tech, high quality performance opportunities, as well as workshops with introductory, intermediate and advanced-level instruction for students (pre-k through college). 

The Hi-Liners, South King County’s premier youth theatre, is dedicated to the advancement of fine arts opportunities through live, high-quality musical theatre for young people (ages 7 to 22.)

• Children ages 7-18 may audition.
• NO previous experience necessary!
• Performances will be held at The Renton Carco Theater, 1717 SE Maple Valley Hwy ~ Renton
• Seats will be reserved.
• All tickets are $10.
• Tickets will go on sale November 1st!
• Schedule of auditions/rehearsals/production:
  

Auditions	September 27	12:30-4:00pm
Callbacks	September 29	4:30-7:30pm
Mandatory Parent/Cast Meeting	Oct 13	6:30-7:30pm
Rehearsals Monday’s & Thursday’s	Oct 13-Dec 18	4:30-7:00pm
Rehearsals Saturday’s	Oct 18-Dec 20	12:30-3:30pm
Tech Week Rehearsals	January 5-8	Time TBA
Performances	January 9	7pm
Performances	January 10	3pm and 7pm
Performance	January 11	3p

To get you in the proper mindset, here’s the famous “audition scene” from the Disney movie:

More info at the Hi-Liners website.

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Burien Little Theatre has just announced that it’s holding auditions on Sept. 15th and 16th, from 7 to 10 pm, for the irreverent and moving “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol,” by Tom Mula.

Synopsis:

The “real” story behind Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” this zany tale follows Jacob Marley’s heroic behind-the-scenes efforts to save old Scrooge’s soul – and redeem his own. Set in London in Dickens’ time. Funny, but the stakes are high. The play is in the style of “story theater,” which means the actors speak both dialogue and narrative, usually performing the action as they describe it.

Here’s what the good folks at BLT sent us:

We are seeking male and female actors to play multiple roles ranging in age from children to elderly characters.

Open to all ethnicities.

Please make an audition appointment by sending an email to: pdianemajor@yahoo.com or call Burien Little Theatre at (206) 242-5180.

Come to auditions prepared to perform your best comedic monologue.

Please bring headshot and resume.

Callbacks will consist of cold readings from the script.

Auditions and callbacks will be at the Burien Community Center, located at the intersection of S.W. 146th St. and 4th Ave. S.W. in Burien. For directions, go to www.burienlittletheatre.com.

CAST of CHARACTERS:

• Actor 1 – Jacob Marley:  Male.  Middle-aged.  Awful; a sour, proud, lonely angry old man.
• Christmas Past:  The Artful Dodger.  Obnoxious.
• Christmas Present:  as in Dickens: God.
• A Boy: very young, very sad little Marley.
• Young Marley
• Actor 2 – Bogle:  A small demon.  Funny, mean, lots of energy, enjoys its work, bitchy and powerful when needed.
• A Little Girl
• Actor 3 – Scrooge:  As bad as they say.
• Young Scrooge
• A Damned Soul
• Actor 4 – Record Keeper:  Comfortable old Rumpole type, but a little scary sometimes.
• Fezziwig:  As in Dickens.
• A Damned Woman
• Fred:  Scrooges’ nephew.
• Cratchit:  A low-status office clerk.
• Dick Wilkins:  A bully.
• Marley’s father: A terrible man.
• The Shadow

Performances will be at Burien Little Theatre from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21, 2008.

Rehearsals begin Sunday, Oct. 5 with a two-week break.

Directed by Elizabeth Eller.

$100 stipend provided.

Tonight at 7pm, Burien Arts Association’s FREE Performing Arts Series presents Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” performed by Greenstage at Dottie Harper Park, located next to the Burien Library at SW 146th and 4th Ave SW (map below).

From the Greenstage website:

“If music be the food of love, play on!”

Shipwrecked in the land of Illyria, her brother lost at sea, Viola finds herself in the middle of a bizarre love triangle.

Employed by Duke Orsino, and disguised as a boy, she is sent on an embassy of love to Countess Olivia, who finds herself smitten by this intriguing messenger.

Love, mistaken identities, disguises, revenge, tomfoolery, sword fighting, passion, and music – sweet music, make Twelfth Night one of Shakespeare’s funniest and most complete comedies.

According to Erin Williamson, Executive Director of the Burien Arts Association, everyone is encouraged to “Bring a chair and a picnic dinner, and enjoy!”

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Burien’s own Hi-Liners will be staging (or should we say “flying”) their own production of “Peter Pan” starting Sept. 6th and running through Sept. 21st at The Performing Arts Center, located at 401 South 152nd Street.

First produced on Broadway with Mary Martin and Cyril Richard, and more recently a major hit starring Cathy Rigby, this is one of the world’s most celebrated musicals, and includes all the charm of Barrie’s Peter and Tinker Bell and the children, pirates and Indians of Never Never Land, embellished with show-stopping songs.

And it’s all produced locally!

RICH HISTORY, BRIGHT FUTURE

That’s exactly where The Hi-Liners have set their sights – their very bright future.

The Hi-Liners have come a long way since their early beginnings in 1966 in Burien. Mr. William A Moeller, a teacher in the Highline School District, founded a high school summer program he called “The Hi-Liners.” This group quickly evolved into a year ’round district-wide performance ensemble. The Hi-Liners performed extensively in the Western United States in the early 1970’s and received recognition in the prestigious New Yorker Magazine comparing them to other more nationally known groups such as “Up with People”.

In 1991 former members of the group were recruited by Mr. Moeller to do a series of reunion performances to celebrate the grand opening of the then new, state of the art Highline Performing Arts Center. These shows provided the catalyst for annual reunion shows and for the reorganization of The Hi-Liners into a private non-profit company.

In 1994 the new board of directors, many of whom were former Hi-Liners themselves, decided that the Hi-Liners was not about nostalgia but about providing opportunities for young people to experience theater combined with personal growth, just as they did.  The Hi-Liners came full circle, reviving the summer program and dedicating it to providing professional direction in developing a student’s talents in conjunction with the backdrop of quality sets, costumes and a live orchestra, thereby giving both the performers and the audience a genuine musical theater experience.

The audiences have grown each year as The Hi-Liners have matured the quality and complexity of the programs presented. They have taken on big productions such as West Side Story, The Sound of Music and Les Misérables, while developing “DownStage Center,” their high quality youth theatre education program.

Their programs and enrollment have experienced incredible increases in recent years, propelling them to the forefront of youth theatre in South King County.  Now they have set their sights on future development by taking flight with their biggest fall show ever, the high flying Broadway Musical “Peter Pan.”

A NEW DIRECTION

Under the direction of Kathleen Edwards, The Hi-Liners resident Artistic Director,  fifty young people from Seattle and all over South King County have come together to perform this timeless and enchanting tale of the boy who would not grow up.  From the first moment Peter Pan soars through the nursery window to the final battle with the comically fierce Captain Hook, the audience will delight in this fantasy adventure.

“We have pulled out all the stops for this show, “says Edwards.  “We are building sets, the kids are working harder than ever with our choreographer, Kristin Culp and musical director, R.J. Tancioco, and we hired Flying By Foy, the most respected flying company in the world, to “fly” Peter and the Darling children. This is the same company that flew Mary Martin’s “Peter Pan,” in the 1950’s and they “fly” people all over the world in major productions, touring companies and things like the opening ceremonies of the Olympics!

We wanted to celebrate the tradition of The Hi-Liners by taking on a classic like Peter Pan, yet add an element never attempted before in the Highline Performing Arts Center –we wanted to fly!  We want to see these kids soar, both in “Peter Pan” and in life!”

Gerry Gilbert, president of Hi-Liners, agrees.

“We have put together a fantastic show and hope that our many loyal patrons and those new to our productions enjoy this great theater opportunity right here in South King County!”

This Broadway style musical runs consecutive weekends from September 6-21, 2008, at the Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 South 152nd Street, Burien.  For information and online ticket purchases, please visit www.hi-liners.org or phone 206-617-2152.  Tickets are also available at the door with cash or check only.

The Hi-Liners, South King County’s premier youth theatre, is dedicated to the advancement of fine arts opportunities through live, high-quality musical theatre for young people (ages 7 to 22).

Here’s the schedule for the show:

Performances	Sept 6	7:30pm
	Sept 7	1:30pm
	Sept 9	8:00am-3:00pm (Student Shows)
	Sept 12	7:30pm
	Sept 13	7:30pm
	Sept 19	7:30pm
	Sept 20	7:30pm
	Sept 21	1:30pm

Buy tickets online here.

Hi-Liners website here.