Artfully Edmonds: ‘Into the Woods’ heats up Driftwood’s summer stock stage

The Driftwood Players Summer Teen Troupe presents the thrilling musical, "Into the Woods" over the next four days (Thursday evening - Sunday evening). Two separate casts of "All-Star" thespians will present this thrilling tale of choices and consequences.
The Driftwood Players Summer Teen Troupe presents the musical “Into the Woods” over the next four days (Thursday- Sunday evening). Two separate casts of “All-Star” thespians will present this thrilling tale of choices and consequences.

And so the tale begins, “Once upon a time. . .”

Once upon a time

In a far-off kingdom

There lay a small village

At the edge of the woods…

Into the Woods, one of the summer’s most anticipated theatre highlights, will be unveiled this Thursday evening on the stage of the Driftwood Players in a full celebratory program that begins at 7:00 p.m. with presentation of this season’s scholarships.

Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.

Into the Woods
Wade James Theatre
950 Main St.
Thursday through Sunday evening only!

Use Driftwood’s on-line box office for tickets!

Driftwood Summer Teen Troupe will be presenting six productions of Into the Woods between Thursday’s curtain and the Sunday evening performance.

Into the Woods is a Grimm’s Brothers-inspired set of tales intertwined with stories by Charles Perrault. Staging takes place in the thickest, darkest tangle of the deep-set woods – a mystical place where spells and magic are not only commonplace, but expected.

The musical weaves hope, anticipation and dread into the age-old warning, “Be careful what you wish for.” It follows the life of a baker and his wife who wish to have a child; plus Cinderella whose wish is to attend the King’s Festival, and Jack (and the Beanstalk) who wishes his cow would just give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the couple sets off on a journey to break the curse and along the way meet breathtaking characters that dazzle with color and energy.

Remember Disney’s 2014 version of Into the Woods, seen here on YouTube https://youtu.be/L6Yz5BRMGIQ?

It was inspired by the 1989 theatre production by Stephen Sondheim (with book by James Lapine) and brings to life many of the characters from “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Rapunzel” as well as other time-honored fairy tale characters.

So, yes, my pretties, the witch, the curse and a cauldron are included in the Driftwood Players production as well.

Disney’s version of Into the Woods hit the silver screen in 2014 and now everyone is wondering which Edmonds’ summer thespian has been granted the roles that Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and James Corden played. The Big Bad Wolf, the Witch, the Baker’s Wife and the Baker – plus a parade of characters that will dazzle on Driftwood’s stage – are about to dance and dart across the boards of the Wade James Theatre.

Two casts will perform the local production, according to the playbill; the “Castle cast” and the “Palace cast”.

The Big Bad Wolf and The Witch rehearse for the summer hit, "Into the Woods". Long-time music educator, Mark Press can be seen (L) checking a young musicians score during the rehearsal.
The Big Bad Wolf and The Witch rehearse for the summer hit, “Into the Woods.” Long-time music educator Mark Press can be seen in the mirror’s reflection (L) checking a young musician’s score during the rehearsal. (Photo credit: Sulfiati Magnuson)

A ton of work went into rehearsals and preparation for the Driftwood Summer Teen Troupe production, and a special shout-out goes to theatre mentors Marianni Magnuson (director) and Nancy and Mark Press (musical directors) for their tireless dedication to bringing a new generation of actors to the stage.

Of Teen Troupe, Mark Press says, “Each member of the troupe is an All-Star thespian from their particular school. We have summer stock students from such King County and Snohomish County high schools as Blanchett; Bellevue High School, and King’s High School – as well as several other Eastside schools; Everett High School is represented and several of our Teen Troupe actors attend Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish, Washington during the academic year.” Edmonds School District is represented on stage by students from Meadowdale High School, Edmonds Heights K-12 and Mountlake Terrace High School.  Mark Press informs My Edmonds News that Edmonds-Woodway and Shorecrest High Schools are represented by the pit musicians.

You can follow news of the troupe’s achievements at their Facebook page. There you will see photos of the pit orchestra being directed by Press, who leads the musicians through a mesmerizing score.

You’ll want a full set of tickets that includes everyone in your family – don’t leave anyone out. Tickets are available at the Driftwood Players on-line ticket link or by calling 425-774-9600. Sell-out alert, so grab your set of tickets now!

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Driftwood Theatre Summer Camp

Your little ones may be inspired after seeing the results of the hard work put in by the Into the Woods cast and crew. If so, do the click! click! on Driftwood’s summer camp link.

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This week’s events

Edmonds Wine Walk 2016 is this weekend. Stop by Cole Gallery (107 5th Ave.) to get your tickets.
Edmonds Wine Walk 2016 is this weekend. Stop by Cole Gallery (107 5th Ave.) to get your tickets.

Cole Gallery
107 5th Ave. S.
Wine Walk Ticket Outlet 

Art Walk Edmonds (AWE) steals the downtown scene on Thursday, July 21 beginning in the afternoon; and then on Saturday, July 23 Wine Walk Edmonds lends sophistication to your gallery stroll. Edmonds artist receptions and wine shots are sure to entice you into leaving the flower beds and yard work behind.

Plus, there is simply no better way to show off “An Edmonds Kind of” hospitality to summer visitors and out-of-town guests than a stroll of downtown gallery spaces.

For this month’s Wine Walk Edmonds, 12 well-regarded boutique Washington wineries will be featured. Join in this great community event, which is well on its way to becoming one more time-honored Edmonds arts tradition.

Cole Gallery anchors both Art Walk Edmonds and Saturday’s Wine Walk Edmonds. Your $25 ticket to Wine Walk Edmonds gets you 10, one-ounce wine samples; starting with Chandler’s Reach, the label that Denise Cole, owner of the gallery is making available for her wine walk guests.

Tickets to this prestigious benefit are limited, so click here and you’ll be well on your way to a Saturday afternoon of downtown Edmonds fun!

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Edmonds talent Nick Baker opens for well-known musician A.J. Croce at Triple Door next week.
Edmonds talent Nick Baker opens for well-known musician A.J. Croce at Triple Door next week.

Wednesday, July 27
6 p.m. ~ Dinner and a show

Nick Baker Opens for A.J. Croce
   Triple Door
   216 Union St. ~ Seattle

Edmonds musician Nick Baker has been into music almost from the moment he was born. A singer and keyboard player who plays many Edmonds events and travels the Puget Sound region for the sake of music, is naturally gifted with perfect pitch and almost instant recall. Nick began writing original music in 2000 and in 2014 authored his first book (Turtle, available at Edmonds Bookshop.)

Nick will be opening for A. J. Croce, multi-instrumentalist roots-rock artist on Wednesday, July 27 at Seattle’s Triple Door.

Nick Baker Music Affiliations

United by Music North America (UBMNA) has been a significant part of Nick’s musical experiences. In April 2016, UBMNA invited Nick to be a part of its 10-day tour in The Netherlands, performing six sold-out benefit gala concerts in South Holland. He has also performed at many of the more popular festivals in the Pacific Northwest, including the Waterfront Blues Festival on the 4th of July.

UBMNA Producing Director Amanda Gresham says of Nick, “I am continually impressed with Nick’s phenomenal ability to be an intricate part of the UBMNA Family, showing leadership skills, sharing compliments and including everyone as equals and the unique talent to learn new music immediately and compose in the moment for a tune he is hearing simultaneously.”

A.J. Croce

Croce is known for his boogie-woogie piano-playing reminiscent of Dr. John. He has recorded eight studio albums for both major and indie labels in 23 years as a professional artist and musician. Croce has shared the stage with many notable artists including James Brown, Willie Nelson and Bela Fleck; co-written songs with greats like Leon Russell; and been produced by legends like the late Allen Toussaint. A.J. has also appeared on many television shows including Good Morning America and The Tonight Show.

Willie Nelson says of Croce, “A.J. Croce has wisdom beyond his years. With his music, he represents his generation with a profound sense of honesty in his lyrics and quality in his delivery. The future of entertainment is safe in his hands!”

My Edmonds News and Artfully Edmonds encourages a little out-of-town time for this event. The Triple Door ticket line is 206-838-4333; the online ticket link is here.

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Edmonds Center for the Arts has a full-out Bash planned for the community. Always over-the-top in their talent selections, the ECA team has invited Estrada and the Seattle Steel
Edmonds Center for the Arts has a full-out bash planned for the community. Always over-the-top in their talent selections, the ECA team has invited Oriana Estrada and the Seattle Women’s Steel Pan Project.

Free!
Saturday, July 30
3 p.m.
Highlights of ECA’s 
10th Anniversary Birthday Bash
Edmonds Center for the Arts
Outdoor Stage
410 4th Ave. N. 

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Seattle Women’s Steel Pan Project

3 p.m.

As part of the Edmonds Center for the Arts Tenth Anniversary Birthday Bash, the Seattle Women’s Steel Pan Project has been invited to perform on the ECA Outdoor Stage.

Led by Oriana Estrada, the Seattle Women’s Steel Pan Project (SWSPP) both gives women and girls the opportunity to learn how to play and perform Caribbean steel drums, and is also dedicated to creating a space for women and girls in music through arts education.

Featured in a YouTube video, SWSPP provides a medley of Caribbean tunes; click on this link to see what a musical feast the ECA has in store for the community at their Bash.

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"Illuminated Forest" an interim arts project that now lights up the 4th Avenue Arts Corridor will receive its formal dedication at the ECA Bash.
“Illuminated Forest” an interim arts project that now lights up the 4th Avenue Arts Corridor will receive its formal dedication at the ECA Bash.

Official Dedication “Luminous Forest”

6:30 p.m.

Dedication of the 4th Ave Interim Art Installation, “Luminous Forest,” by artist Iole Alessandrini, will be part of the Edmonds Center for the Arts Tenth Anniversary Birthday Bash on Saturday July 30 at 6:25 p.m. at the Outdoor Stage. The celebration is a free, all-ages event from 3-9 p.m. with live entertainment. “Luminous Forest” is a City of Edmonds Arts Commission project in partnership with Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation.

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Free!
Friday, July 29
9 p.m. or dusk

Outdoor Movies
Frances Anderson Center Playfield
700 Main St.

Featured attractionDespicable Me

The City of Edmonds Parks and Recreation Department has some merry minion madness planned for you and the kids next week.

This is a hilarious movie that will change your mind about the messy flowerbeds and parched lawn. Artfully Edmonds can’t promise a full moon the night of the movie; but you’re going to have a great time all the same watching how “Gru” protects his secret hideout while planning the perfect heist.

Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and watch Despicable Me on a fun, giant inflatable screen.

The movie begins at dusk. Refreshments are available for sale. For information call 425-771-0230.

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Port of Edmonds logo

 

Strolling the Edmonds waterfront is a pastime enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors to Edmonds every summer. Now, add artists-in-action and jazz from SeaJazz and you have the makings of a wonderful Sunday afternoon.

 

Sunday, July 31
1-3 p.m. 
Art at The Port
Artist Demonstrations

April Richardson, who is well known for her specialty of printmaking on an etching press, is joined by Tina Marohn, Angela Bandurka and Jennifer de Mello e Souza at “Art at The Port,” coming up next week. You may have had an opportunity to see Bandurka’s work at her recent Cole Gallery show. Marohn’s stained glass creations are attracting attention and de Mello e Souza will be chatting with waterfront strollers about her vivid watercolor work.

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Edmonds Arts Commission’s “On the Fence” temporary art program.
Edmonds Arts Commission’s “On the Fence” temporary art program is one more way the city encourages participation in the arts of its younger residents.

Did you know that students from Edmonds-Woodway High School (EWHS) collaborated on a mural currently on display at the Frances Anderson Center Playfield, as part of the “On the Fence” temporary art installation program?

The mural, titled “Help Finish the Puzzle,” is of a salmon making the upstream journey through Edmonds. On each side of the mural are puzzle pieces depicting the various factors that affect salmon runs in Edmonds.

“The hope of the students is to educate the passersby on the positive impact a community can have on migrating salmon,” says student Rondi Nordal, who developed the installation’s concept along with other members of the Students Saving Salmon Club.

Mural and puzzle piece artists include Shelly Raivo, Hannah Noh, Lily Herbert, and members of the Edmonds-Woodway High School drawing and painting class under the guidance of instructor Tanya Johnson.

The mural is on display through Thursday, Sept. 15.

“On the Fence” is a program of the Edmonds Arts Commission. For more information about the public art spaces in Edmonds go to this website www.edmondswa.gov/opportunities-contests-applications.html

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"Parrott" by Sarah Andrews whose photography reflects her world travels. Courtesy of Rev. Phil Assink.
“Parrott” by Sarah Andrews, whose photography reflects her world travels. Courtesy of Rev. Phil Assink.

Local Artist displays her world-view photography
Faith Community Church
10220 – 238 St. SW

The photography of Sarah Andrews, a self-taught photographer who has carried her lens around the world gathering images is on display at through August at Faith Community Church.

Sarah’s wanderlust began when she did her student teaching in the Dominican Republic. The photos on display come from her travels in China, Borneo, Vietnam, Peru and Mexico. Her photos range from pictures of animals in the jungle of Borneo to people on the streets of Peru. Sarah’s goal in her photography is to take people into the nooks and crannies of other places giving them a peek into another world.

The church gallery is open Sunday mornings. During the week, guests may contact the office to make an appointment to view Andrews work by calling 206-542-8883.

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Artist Liz Tran has been invited to show at the inaugural exhibition of Laura Zeck's new Pioneer Square gallery.
Artist Liz Tran has been invited to show at the inaugural exhibition of Laura Zeck’s new Pioneer Square gallery.

ZINC Contemporary owner is such a pioneer!

Moving up in the world of art hasn’t been difficult for innovative local artist and businesswoman Laura Zeck, who expands her contemporary art reach to Seattle’s Pioneer Square next month.

Zeck hopes the 
link between her Edmonds 3rd Avenue South gallery space and new Pioneer Square location will attract even more
 contemporary artists to downtown Edmonds by rotating shows between the two spaces.

“Upon notice that the former PUNCH space (119 Prefontaine Pl. S.) was ours,” said Zeck, “I immediately contacted Liz Tran, Lydia Bassis and Kate Sweeney for the inaugural show. I wanted each artist to have a wall on which to create a work beyond the scale of his or her typical practice – something huge and transformative. I love the work of each of these women: Tran for her approach to color, Bassis for her ability to juxtapose the intimate with the graphic, and Sweeney for her sculptural — yet 2D — investigation of science as it rolls back on itself.

The show is titled “Verge” and it is no coincidence that this word is slightly infused with a sense of mania.”

Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?

– By Emily Hill

14 Emily-2015

Emily Hill is the author of two novels and a short story collection. Emily is retired from a career in public information and news media relations. If you would like your event listed, or featured, in Artfully Edmonds, Emily invites you to contact her here.

 

 

 

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