Royally funny ‘Gypsy King’ keeps you laughing long after the show
March 23, 2010
Jose J. Gonzales, as Prince Dijon (center), and the ensemble, enact a scene in the Village Theatre world premiere production of ‘The Gypsy King,’ by Emmy Award-winner Randy Rogel. By Jay Koh / Village Theatre
If laughter is the best medicine, get to a performance of “The Gypsy King” at Village Theatre, because the doctor is in.
You won’t experience the occasional chuckle or snicker. You’ll howl with sidesplitting, belly-aching raucous laughter.
This musical starts with a rousing opening. (Who would laugh at a blind joke? You will.) It continues with sumptuous costumes in luscious colors. Then, there’s the amazing set design. (Seriously, is there anything they can’t pull off on this small stage?)
Then, there’s the delightful but pure evil Sergei laying out a plot so outrageous, well, you’ll have to see for yourself. Read more
Program makes theater membership affordable
May 19, 2009
As a young professional, it can be hard to savor the finer things in life when your budget is a shoestring, but Village Theatre can help you combat the lack of art in your life with a sweet deal. Read more
Village Theatre announces its 30th anniversary season
April 13, 2009
Village Theatre announced its 2009-10 Mainstage schedule, its 30th anniversary season. It boasts a collection of shows never before produced for the Village Theatre Mainstage.
Village Theatre presents world premiere of ‘Stunt Girl’
March 16, 2009
Bellevue native relishes role of pioneering reporter Nellie Bly
When Sarah Chalfy was offered the starring role of Nellie Bly in Village Theatre’s world premiere of the new musical “Stunt Girl,” she was a little incredulous.
Sarah Chalfy stars as Nellie Bly in the Village Theatre production of ‘Stunt Girl.’By John Pai/ Village theatre
See, the Bellevue native recalled memories of Issaquah’s theater scene from 15 years ago, before the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre was built.
“I thought, how can someone with a little, tiny theater afford to fly me from New York,” said Chalfy, who lives in New York City. “But I said, ‘OK. Why not?’”
Having met the musical’s writers in New York, Chalfy is glad she was recruited for the lead. Read more
Writer debuts original play in return to stage
January 12, 2009
-
Actors give a reading of ‘The Gypsy King’ at the Village Originals Annual Festival of New Musicals in August 2008. By Sam Freeman
In the 1980s, there seemingly wasn’t a regional theater Randy Rogel hadn’t worked at, including the Seattle Repertoire Theatre, The Empty Space, 5th Avenue and the Seattle Children’s Theatre.
But as the theater veteran currently pays the bills writing songs for the likes of Steven Spielberg-animated projects, he realized there was one theater he longed to be a part of — Issaquah’s Village Theatre. There are even old acquaintances he shared the stage with in the ’80s who now roam the halls of Village Theatre, including Executive Producer Rob Hunt and Artistic Director Steve Thomkins.
The Emmy and Peabody award-winning writer believes he’s got the perfect project — “The Gypsy King” — to bring to Village Theatre’s Originals program, where unfinished works are brought to further work out the kinks.
“‘Gypsy King’ is less like ‘Rent’ and ‘Miss Saigon’ than it’s more like the old school productions of ‘Guys and Dolls’ and ‘The Music Man,’” Rogel explained. Read more
