JANUARY 23 – MARCH 2, 2019
Previews: January 23 & 24 at 7:30 PM
Opening Night: January 25 at 8:00 PM
Pay What You Can: January 30 at 7:30 PM

SHOW TIMES
Wed/Thu: 7:30 PM
Fri/Sat: 8:00 PM
Sat Mat: 2:00 PM

Length: approx. 2 hours including one 15-minute intermission
Age Rec: 12+, children under 5 are never admitted

Download a PDF of this Between The Lines

P.S. Don’t forget: Subscribers get $7 off additional regularly priced single tickets to Jewell Mainstage productions!


PRODUCTION SPOTLIGHT: From the stage to the Director’s Chair with Marianne Savell

Marianne Savell has been a part of Taproot’s family for a long time. Subscribers most recently saw her as Mary Todd Lincoln in A Civil War Christmas in 2017. After co-directing Lady Windermere’s Fan in 2018, she’s taking charge of the comedy classic Arsenic and Old Lace in her long-awaited solo directorial debut on the Jewell Mainstage. We asked her what it’s like for her to move into the director’s chair for this production.

How did you originally become involved with Taproot and what other productions have you been involved in?
Marianne Savell (MS): I auditioned for the Road Company in 1990 by videotape! But my first experience with Taproot as an actor was in The Midnight Caller by Horton Foote. Scott Nolte directed me and I was really a part of the Taproot family from then on. I’ve mainly been an actor for Taproot but I’ve also written and taught for the Acting Studio as well as directed for the Christmas touring program.

What’s the transition like to move from actor to director in our space?
MS: I’ve been directing professionally for over 15 years, and have guest directed at many theatre companies. Directing for Taproot will be a fairly easy transition as I’ve observed the process many times and have excellent guidance from the leadership at Taproot.

Arsenic and Old Lace is a hugely popular show, what makes Taproot’s production stand out?
MS: First off, the space; a deep thrust with a balcony. Directing a comedy is all about the audience clearly seeing (and hearing) the story — and the funny. Making sure all three sides see each story and the comedic moments is a fabulous challenge. Second, the acting; this cast is as vibrant and multifaceted as one could hope for. And third, the design; we have a dream team of designers who are working harmoniously together to bring this beloved play to life.

What excites you about directing this show?
MS: The opportunity to present a cherished classic to Taproot’s loyal and loving audience. The challenge of the space. The actors I get to work with. Participating with the passion of the design team. And the play; I have such respect for comedies of this era. They’re sophisticated and witty and the acting style is quite special and fun.

Can you share any sources of inspiration that guided you in the production process?
MS: The strongest would be films of the 1930s and 40s. And Buster Keaton. His comedic brilliance continues to influence us all. I’ve only seen the film Arsenic and Old Lace once. After I got the gig, I wanted to see this beloved film that the audience adores simply to know what they hope for in the play. I’m a big Frank Capra and Cary Grant fan, so how I never saw this film is beyond me.

How are you going to make this show fit on the stage?
MS: Great question!!! I’ve been directing in the thrust stage configuration for quite a while, and frankly, I love it. It’s more work, or I should say different work than staging a play in a proscenium space. To get all the needed locations this play demands, we’ve made some big choices that I hope will pay off for the audience.

You’ve been part of the Taproot family for many years, what does that mean to you?
MS: Taproot is one of my artistic homes. I’ve been working at Taproot off and on since 1991. I was the original Juen Sanders in Smoke on the Mountain, and had the opportunity to perform in The Amish Project in the Isaac Studio, a play that has been very important in my artistic life.


ACTOR SPOTLIGHT: Where have I seen that actor before?

Family is important at Taproot Theatre. As subscribers, you’re part of the family too! And you’ve enjoyed performances by actors who return to Taproot again and again too, because, for them, it feels like home.

Here are just a few of the familiar faces you’ll see in Arsenic and Old Lace:

  1. One of Taproot Theatre’s co-founders, Pam Nolte has performed in innumerable Taproot shows, including 2013’s The Matchmaker as Dolly Levi.
  2. You’re probably still singing with joy after Kristen Natalia’s powerful performance in Crowns last year.
  3. No one left the theatre feeling blue after The Explorers Club in 2015, thanks in large part to Bill Johns’ hilarious hijinx as the drink-slinging Luigi.
  4. A veteran of dozens of Taproot productions, Kim Morris was recently seen as everyone’s favorite aunt in Lady Windermere’s Fan.
  5. Another actor with deep roots at Taproot Theatre is longtime favorite, Nolan Palmer, seen here in 1994’s The Voice of the Prairie.
  6. The ever-reliable Stephen Grenley was Sherlock Holmes’ trusty assistant Watson in both the 2010 and 2012 productions of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol.

ELDERBERRY WINE-MAKING RECIPE – 1 GALLON BATCH

Source: wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus

RECIPE 1

4 1/2 cups Elderberries
12 cups water
5 3/4 cups sugar
1 lemon, juice only
3 campden tablets
1 teaspoon pectic enzyme
1 teaspoon yeast nutrients
1 package wine yeast

RECIPE 2

4 1/2 cups Elderberries
12 cups water
10 cups raisins
3 campden tablets
1 teaspoon pectic enzyme
1 teaspoon yeast nutrients
1 package wine yeast
Note: there is no sugar added to Recipe 2.

Taproot Theatre Company does not recommend adding any STRONGER ingredients!

RECIPE 1
Wash berries. Remove stalks. Crush and place in the primary fermenter. Dissolve campden tablets in 2 cups hot water. Add to primary fermenter. Stir in lemon juice and pectic enzyme. Leave overnight.

Add 10 cups water and yeast. Let sit 3 days, stirring daily. Make sure fruit stays submerged.

On day 4, strain out the fruit. Add sugar and nutrients. Put into the secondary fermenter and attach airlock. Finish as for dry wine or sweet wine below.

RECIPE 2
Chop raisins. Put into primary fermenter with 10 cups of cold water. Dissolve campden tablets in 2 cups of hot water. Add to primary fermenter. Let sit overnight.

On day 2, add yeast. Stir vigorously each day for 2 weeks.

On day 15, was elderberries and remove stems. Put berries into an oven-proof container (not metal). Put it in an oven at 250 F for 15 minutes, or until juice runs. Strain the juice from the skins. Strain the raisins from the wine. Add the cooled elderberry juice (should be at least 2 1/4 cups juice). Add pectic enzyme. Stir. Siphon into the secondary fermenter and attach airlock. Finish as for dry wine or sweet wine below.

FINISHING
For a dry wine, rack in three weeks and return to a secondary fermenter. Rack again in three months, and every three months until 1-year-old. Bottle.

For a sweet wine, rack at three weeks. Add 1/2 cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup wine. Stir gently, and place back into the secondary fermenter. Repeat the process every six weeks until fermentation does not restart with the addition of sugar. Rack every three months until one year old. Bottle.

NOTE
Recipe 1 is ready to drink in about 3 months and only continues to improve for about 2 years.

Recipe 2 is best if you can refrain from drinking it for a year from the date it was started.

winemakersdepot.com/Elderberry-Wine-Recipe-W76.aspx


COMING TO THE JEWELL MAINSTAGE THEATRE

We Will Not Be Silent
by David Meyers
Directed by Scott Nolte

Twenty-one-year-old Sophie Scholl is a college student, anti-Nazi activist and, along with her brother, a member of The White Rose resistance. Charged with treason and held in a German prison, Sophie is forced to play a psychological game of cat and mouse as she fights for her life and soul with a Nazi interrogator. This emotionally charged story testifies to the courage required to live out your values.

AGE REC: 15+, for scenes of intense interrogation

Tickets are on sale now! 2019 Subscribers get a $7 when purchasing additional single tickets by calling the Box Office at 206.781.9707. Visit taproottheatre.org/we-will-not-be-silent for additional show details and performance dates.

Amy Helms as Sophie Scholl

Jonathan Stutzman as Kurt Grunwald

Ben Wippel as Hans Scholl

Groups save 15% or more when you purchase 8 or more tickets to any other performance. Click here for more →


2019 JEWELL MAINSTAGE SEASON: FAMILY TIES


Arsenic and Old Lace

by Joseph Kesselring
January 23 – March 2, 2019

The Brewsters are an eccentric bunch: Mortimer’s a theatre critic, his brother thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt and Aunts Abby and Martha are the most gracious killers. When Mortimer casually proposes to the pastor’s daughter he unwittingly opens the lid on buried family secrets. As strangers and cops keep calling, the Brewsters will go to hilarious lengths to protect the skeletons in the cellar.

We Will Not Be Silent
by David Meyers
March 20 – April 27, 2019

Twenty-one-year-old Sophie Scholl is a college student, anti-Nazi activist and, along with her brother, a member of The White Rose resistance. Charged with treason and held in a German prison, Sophie is forced to play a psychological game of cat and mouse as she fights for her life and soul with a Nazi interrogator. This emotionally charged story testifies to the courage required to live out your values.

Kim’s Convenience
by Ins Choi
May 15 – June 22, 2019

Enter Kim’s Convenience store and meets the Kims, a loving, if imperfect, Korean family making their way in Toronto. As they face an uncertain future Appa (dad), Umma (mom), their unmarried daughter Janet and disappointing son Jung learn to see each other in a new light. This hilarious and heartwarming story reminds us that family isn’t always convenient, but it might be the best deal out there.


Bright Star

Music, Book & Story by Steve Martin
Music, Lyrics & Story by Edie Brickell
July 10 – August 17, 2019

Under a serene North Carolina sunset, a simple summer romance blossoms into true love. When Alice and Jimmy Ray’s parents forbid their union, the young couple are propelled into a daring future. Inspired by a true story, this powerful tale of love and redemption will make your heart soar and your toes tap. Hold on, love is coming home.


Necessary Sacrifices

by Richard Hellesen
September 18 – October 26, 2019

Eavesdrop on history as abolitionist and Union recruiter Frederick Douglass challenges his president to act on the statement that “all men are created equal.” Glimpse into the hearts and souls of two brilliant Americans as their choices affect not only their sons, but the future of a nation. This battle of ideas is based on documented meetings, public speeches and personal writings.


COMING TO THE ISAAC STUDIO THEATRE

March 14 – April 6, 2019

Always… Patsy Cline
Created and Originally Directed by Ted Swindley
Directed by Karen Lund

Patsy Cline had a singular way of telling a story. Tune in as her songs and letters weave a big-hearted tale of love and loss told through her unlikely friendship with Texas housewife, Louise Seger. This musical tribute features Cayman Ilika and Kate Jaeger, two of Seattle’s finest voices, recreating the sound that captured the love of a nation with hits like “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces” and “Crazy.”

Cayman Ilika as Patsy Cline

Kate Jaeger as Louise Seger

Tickets are on sale now! Save $7 per ticket when you call the Box Office at 206.781.9707 to purchase tickets. Please note that Always… Patsy Cline will be performed in the Isaac Studio Theatre. Seating is General Admission, there are no reserved seats.


SUBSCRIBER REWARDS SPOTLIGHT: 2019 SUBSCRIBER REWARDS DISCOUNTS

American Dance InstituteNEW THIS YEAR!
8001 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
americandanceinstitute.com
Discount: $40 registration fee will be waived when you show your Subscriber Rewards Card at any of their three locations in Greenwood, Magnolia and Shoreline.

The Cookie Counter
7415 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
seattlecookiecounter.com
Discount: 2-for-1 single scoop when using your Subscriber Rewards Card.

Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery
8570 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, Wa 98103
flyingbike.coop
Discount: $1 off your first beer when you show your rewards card and a ticket stub from a recent show at Taproot Theatre!

Greenwood Vision
122 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103
greenwoodoptical.com
Discount: 10% off on glasses or contacts when you mention code TPG019

Hounds Tooth Public House
8551 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
houndstoothpublic.com
Discount: 10% off all purchases when using your Subscriber Rewards Card. Cannot combine with other discounts.

Ladywell’s Vitality Spa & Sauna
8538 1st Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98177
ladywellspa.com
Discount: 10% off entry when you present your Subscriber Rewards Card.

Luna Azul Latin CuisineNEW THIS YEAR!
8552 1/2 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
lunaazulseattle.com
Discount: 10% off when you use your Subscriber Rewards Card.

Luso Food and Wine
8218 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
lusoseattle.com | 206.694.3524
Discount: $1 off Portuguese Wine and small plates. $3 off large plates.
Luso Special: $5 off Happy Hour Food Menu, wine or beer from 3 PM – 6 PM, Wednesday to Saturday.

Modern Japanese Cuisine
6108 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
modern-seattle.com | 206.420.4088
Discount: 10% off of the total when you present your Subscriber Rewards Card.

The Olive and Grape
8516 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
theoliveandgrape.com | 206.724.0272
Discount: 10% discount off your bill when you present your Subscriber Rewards Card.

Seatown Veterinary Care
8542 1st Ave NW, Seattle, Wa 98117
seatownvet.com
Discount: Show your Subscriber Rewards Card and receive 10% off on all professional services (does not include lab work or prescriptions/OTC products).

Truffle QueenNEW THIS YEAR!
1524 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101
trufflequeen.com
Discount: $8 wine tasting and $5 pours (normally $10 each).