Weekend entertainment ranges from vaudeville to a one-woman play to symphonic soloists
Viva vaudeville
Yes, it’s time once again for Lord Franzannian’s Royal Olympian Spectacular Vaudeville Show, an updated and oh-so-Olympia version of the entertainment popular a century ago. Lord Franzannian, also known as the multi-talented entertainment impresario Elizabeth Lord, all dressed up with a big belly and alarmingly red cheeks, hosts the show, a mix of comedy, music, storytelling, dance and — to quote the news release — “feats of amazement.” Past feats known to The Olympian include the unforgettable balancing of lawnmower on chin — as well as burlesque that caused jaws to drop. The show takes the stage at 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 13-15, as well as Oct. 20-22, at Wild Man Brewing Gastropub, 414 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. There are also two all-ages Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Oct. 15 and 22. Tickets are $15-$25 and $7 for youth tickets to the matinee, with no one turned away for lack of funds. Proceeds benefit the performers and the performing arts nonprofit BigShowCity.
Harlequin’s new ‘Thing’
Harlequin Productions’ latest, “Every Brilliant Thing,” is something different for the theater: The one-woman show, starring Olympia’s Eleise Moore, is a play, but it’s not fully scripted. “It … includes the audience in the conversation in a way that no other theater piece I have ever seen or worked on has done,” said director Aaron Lamb, the company’s artistic director. “Through this positive conversation, you’ll walk out from the theater happier, lighter and better prepared to handle the world.” Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13-14, plus Oct. 19-21 and 26-28; and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14-15, plus Oct. 21-22, 25 and 28 at the Minnaert Center for the Performing Arts at South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia. Tickets are $28-$43, with discounted rush tickets available a half hour before shows. For the three Saturday matinees, pay what you choose.
Symphony spotlights teen players
How excited is the Olympia Symphony Orchestra about the winners of its 2023 Young Artists Competition, Ava Pakiam and Chloe Song? The orchestra is not only featuring the twosome in its season opening concert, but also named the concert for them. “Pakiam Song” features Ava, an eighth-grader who is being home schooled, playing Barber’s Violin Concerto, and Chloe, a junior at Olympia High School, playing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Also on the program are Mason Bates’ “Mothership” and Stravinsky’s “Firebird.” The concert is at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE,Olympia. Tickets are $17.25-$84.75.
Freelance writer Molly Gilmore talks about what’s happening in arts and entertainment in Olympia and beyond with 95.3 KGY-FM’s Michael Stein from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays.
