Dance 

Summer Performance – Olympic Ballet Theatre

Aug. 3, 7 p.m.

Edmonds Center for the Arts
410 4th Ave. N.
Edmonds
$24 – $40

Olympic Ballet Theatre opens its 2019-2020 season with a Summer Performance on Saturday, Aug. 3.

Under the artistic direction of Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, the evening begins with Olympic Ballet Theatre’s premier of Don Quixote, Act I. Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to a score by Ludwig Minkus, the work premiered in 1869 in Russia. Undergoing several revisions over the past century, it continues to be a tour de force requiring a company of many skilled dancers. This classic, well-loved Spanish tale is a timely romantic comedy told through dance.

Next, Olympic Ballet’s company dancer Alberto Gaspar presents a new work, choreographed by Karen Herr and Alberto Gaspar. Transfigurations is a thought-provoking piece in modern ballet style. Gaspar intends to explore the inner processes of the mind and the development of the ego, the balance of processing the world outside and our inner self. Describing the inspiration behind his ballet, Gaspar says, “The objective of studying this emotional process is to observe this paradigm and emotional process, getting closer to observing reality and seeing things the way they truly are.“

And lastly, Summersteps, a work featuring more than 50 Olympic Ballet School students in conjunction with Olympic Ballet School’s month-long summer intensive in July. Karen Herr, who’s teaching and choreographing career spans 25 years, choreographed and instructed the work. Summersteps focuses on how steps are vital to both the dancer-in-training and humanity as a whole. Herr explains, “Using rhythmic drive and nuanced refrains, Summersteps weaves together steps to explore themes of progression and community…we celebrate these vital components of the study of ballet.”

The diversity of this mixed program showcases Olympic Ballet Theatre’s extensive repertoire and Olympic Ballet School’s success as young dancers perform alongside internationally acclaimed guest artists in this community arts experience.

For Summer Performance tickets  visit: www.olympicballet.org/obthome/tickets.

Movies

13th Annual Edmonds Outdoor Movie Nite – A Wrinkle in Time (PG)

Friday, Aug. 2, 9 p.m.

Frances Anderson Playfield
700 Main St.
Edmonds
Free

The City of Edmonds Parks and Recreation Department is featuring A Wrinkle in Time as its second Friday of the 13th annual Edmonds Outdoor Movie Nite.

The 2018 Disney film, directed by Ava DuVernay, is an adaptation of the 1962 Madeleine L’Engles’ novel. The film stars Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling as Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit and Mrs. Who, respectively. Chris Pine plays the missing scientist father, Dr. Alexander Murry. His daughter and son, Meg and Charles Murry, are played by Storm Reid and Deric McCabe, who enlist the help of their friend, Calvin O’Keefe (played by Levi Miller) to help them in their quest. The story occurs after the disappearance of Meg Murry’s scientist father when Who, Which & Whatsit send Meg, Charles, and their friend Calvin to space in order to find him.

Vendors will be present for the evening on the Frances Anderson Playfield. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. The film is set to begin at dusk (about 9 p.m.), with closed captioning provided.

The Lion King [PG]

Until Aug. 8
See listing for details and time

Edmonds Theater
415 Main St.
Edmonds
$9 general (13-61), $8 seniors (62+), & $7 matinee/child

This is a live-action remake of the 1994 Disney feature-length animated musical film of the same name. The Lion King is proving a tremendous success for Disney, with more than a billion dollars in global ticket sales, so far. It includes many beloved songs from the score; the refrains of “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” will stay with you for days.

The plot: After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery. The film is directed by Jon Favreau and stars John Kani, Seth Rogen and Donald Glover.

Learn more at theedmondstheater.com/home.php

Remember to check out the Edmonds Theater’s Summer Family Movies, Tuesdays at 11 a.m. until Sept. 2: www.facebook.com/events/2261910690544668/?event_time_id=2261910710544666 

Theater

Summer Shorts

Aug. 2 – 11
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m.

Phoenix Theatre
9673 Firdale Ave.
Edmonds
$15 general admission

Phoenix Theatre hosts the first two weekends of Summer Shorts, a collection of 10-minute comedic plays. In collaboration with the Tim Noah Thumbnail Theatre in Snohomish, the work features many favorite local actors and well-known directors starting this Friday, Aug. 2 — with two weekends in Edmonds followed by two in Snohomish. All tickets only $15 at www.tptedmonds.org/tickets.html.

Summer Concert Series

The Edmonds Arts Commission Summer Concert series continues this week with City Park Summer Concerts on Sunday afternoons and Hazel Miller Summer Concerts on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday evenings through Aug. 25. Calendar at www.edmondswa.gov/summer-concerts.html.

In City Park
Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band

Sunday, Aug.4, 3 – 4 p.m.

Edmonds City Park
600 3rd Ave. N.
Edmonds
Free

The unique marching band that does not march also has a sedentary majorette. The band repertoire includes all the greatest hits of band music, including classics by John Philip Sousa, Henry Fillmore and others.  Learn more at sedentarysousa.com.

In Hazel Miller Plaza
Imagination Band

Tuesday, Aug.6, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Hazel Miller Plaza
5th Avenue South and Maple Street
Edmonds
Free

Perfect for the youngsters, the Imagination Band features puppetry, a variety of musical instruments, live guitar, ukulele, flute, singing and dancing.

In Hazel Miller Plaza

Santa Poco Country Band

Thursday, Aug. 8, 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Hazel Miller Plaza
5th Avenue South and Maple Street
Edmonds
Free

Comprised of songwriter and pedal steel player Pat McHenry, guitarist Kevin Redlich, drummer Bruce Weitz, bassist Jordan Binkiewicz and frontman Andy Shofner, Santa Poco released its first album this year on the heels of its first two singles, “The Way It Goes” and “Captain Jack’s.”

— By Royce Napolitino

Royce Napolitino actively pursues his passion for live performance. Easily entertained, he is always ready to offer a round of applause or a hearty laugh. Royce finds joy in the expression of art, and you may find him singing, acting or supporting other performing groups in Edmonds and around the Sound.