Intiman Theatre

I visited the Intiman Theatre to attend their annual theatre festival. This year’s production was Angels in America, and the production was absolutely stupendous. However, this is a review about the theatre, not the theatre company (although I cannot recommend them enough), so I mustn’t veer off course.
The theatre is located right next to the Space Needle in Seattle Centre, yet it feels like it’s tucked away in a little corner of the city. This gives you a quieter theatre-​going experience while being very easily accessible via cab or public transportation. There’s a nice outdoor area with a fountain, and the lobby has two levels. There’s a bar on the upper level that seemed popular, but I didn’t drink that evening. The actual interior of the theatre isn’t the largest you’ll see, but all the seats provide an unobstructed view of the stage. The play feels more like a private performance than a Broadway show just because of the intimacy the size provides.
The other thing I noticed and really appreciated was that the play drew people of many different demographics – age, gender, race, and sexual orientation were all pretty well-​distributed across the audience, and I’m sure the nature of the production helped in this regard. I can’t wait to come back for more performances in the future!

I’ve only been to the Intiman a few times over the past decade or so, and the plays have been hit or miss — but that’s what you get when you aren’t just showing big commercial theater imported from NY, or only showing «standards» that everyone knows and loves.
The theater itself has this wonderful outdoor courtyard that’s an enjoyable place to relax before/​after the show when the weather is good. Inside there’s a large lobby, and the the seating is nicely raked (steep) so the sightlines are good.
The show we just saw recently was «Stu for Silverton» which was a fantastic musical about a real-​life mayor of Silverton, OR. The quality of the audio and lighting was great, and what they’re able to do set-​wise on a small stage is nothing short of miraculous.
Glad they’ve been able to bounce back from some of their financial troubles to continue to provide an independent, innovative theater experience.

Saw Mike Birbiglia here this week. Drop off at curb near entrance, a nice outdoor courtyard for sunny days and a nice big ground level lounge with tables, etc for rainy days. The staff was very helpful and professional, things ran very smoothly.
Bathrooms are something to be desired, not nearly ample enough and were a bit run down/​poorly maintained.
Theater itself was comfortable, the row we were in had no odd numbered seats which was confusing during the purchase of our tickets. Show started more or less on time, could see and hear the show just fine, and seats were comfortable enough.
All in all, a pleasant place to see a show.

I’m really sad about what happened to Intiman. Was looking forward to the rest of the season when they announced that they were shutting down. Then they reopened last summer with a new festival format. The announcement left me utterly underwhelmed. I’m feeling similarly about the 2013 festival, which was just announced recently.
I get it. They needed to distinguish themselves from ACT and Seattle Rep. I did like the idea to do the plays in repertory and showcasing local talent instead of flying in an actor from New York to do a one-​person show. But it seems like they’re trying too hard to be edgy and pointedly contemporary with a name that I associate with a different type of theatre altogether.
I really liked the American Cycle. I loved seeing things like Streetcar Named Desire, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the occasional Shakespeare on the Intiman stage. It’s sad to me that it can’t continue as it was. Maybe in time the new Intiman will win me over, but for now, I’m still mourning the loss of the old one.

Intiman is intimate. Bring a date but it won’t be intimi-​dating!
I definitely love this theatre for its acoustics, size and set-​up. The stairs and entrances were a bit hard to figure out, but once I did it was crystal clear. The interiors reveal the age of the theatre and could use a bit of touch-​up.
The fountain in front is a nice touch and provides almost a curtain between the theatre and the busy traffic on Mercer, enveloping you into the space.

Ive seen 2 performances here. One was a drama and one was a comedy. Both were entertaining, but neither were stellar.
The theater itself though is pretty great. It is definitely an intimate environment where you are really up close to the stage and actors, but the venue can surprisingly hold quite a few people.
Overall, for how affordable the tickets are, there’s no reason not to attend a show here.

Theatres are always tricky to review because do you review the theatre itself or the performance you saw? Luckily, I don’t have a problem in this case as both get max stars!
First, the Intiman theare itself located within the northern end of the Seattle Center is like a play on its name quite «intimate»…you escape the energy of the Space Needle and the large fountain and enter into a relatively quiet entrance. The lobby is in two stories but the theatre is sans balcony and is half circle arena style, the stage was relatively low key without the complexity of a Broadway set and in this case, that’s a good thing!
This play was general admission and although by the end the theatre was packed, I think everyone was pleased with where they were sitting without any incidences of folks fighting for seats… hey, you never know with gay divas! lol… BUT it was fantastic seeing a variety demographic (old, young, gay, straight, etc etc etc) in the audience and even folks that may look ahem stereotypically tea party republican were laughing it up (another lesson that you cant judge any book by its cover especially here in the Pacific Northwest!)
It seems the view from any seat is fine, and lighting and technical aspects of the show seemed spot on and my only criticism would be the audio especially when they have dialogue without a microphone. it was the most difficult to hear when they were on the upstairs set on stage although they had mics when they were on the main stage. Despite its low budget, I respect the Intiman for what it contributes to the arts, yes we have Broadway and its multi-​million dollar productions but these shows are the heart of the theater and am glad to see Seattlites come out and support them!
Second, the play Miracle! by famed gay rights advocate Dan Savage was GAAAYY-​TASTIC! I won’t get too much into the plot as I’m not really a play reviewer but let’s just say it’s a rauchy offensive take on Helen Keller’s story although Helen Keller becomes Helen Stellar who is a deaf and blind drag queen… the bonus to this play is not only is it a play with both its cringeworthy politically incorrect moments and heartwarming ending, but it’s also a drag queen show and lesbian open mic night combined! I felt like I was already out and partying in Capitol Hill! It was a breath of fresh air seeing a play that I guess pushed the borders but then again in the gayborhood, it takes ALOOOT to find something offensive.
Thanks Dan Savage… your twisted mind will make me never see a barstool the same ever again and if I ever see a blind and deaf person, giiirrrrlll I’m just gonna give her/​him some lipstick!
Muah!

The Intiman Theatre is trying to make it back. I hope they do.
Not loving the Ticketmaster switch, however.

Love this theatre. I have been here a number of times for an Elite Event and several comedy shows at Bumbershoot. The Intiman is intimate. Every seat here has a good view of the stage. No seat in the house is a bad seat. Lighting and sound is good and it has been the venue of many enjoyable performances.
It is a shame that the theatre is having some financial difficulties as they cancelled the remainder of the 2011 season as a result. But I like that they have opened up the Intiman to other Seattle groups as a performance venue space.
Hope they figure out the issues. Looking forward to seeing more events at the Intiman in the future.

First time there for a dance event
It’s a good event plance not too small not too big.

Just saw the Intiman Theatre’s production on opening night of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons (actually based on a true story). This is a must, must, must see show. Tony Award-​winning actor Chuck Cooper (whom was absolutely flawless in his performance) and Margo Moorer lead an outstanding cast in this show – which focuses on an African-​American family struggling to deal with the death of a son (WWII time period) and a hidden scandal provokes buried memories to surface. Direction, scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design all worked wonderfully together to make this one of my all time top favorite plays that I’ve seen.

We most recently caught the show, «The Thin Place» at the Intiman. Jeez, that was deep. I wasn’t sure if a one-​man show would be able to keep me awake, but I was riveted! The seats are comfy (if lacking a bit in leg room but hey, it’s a theatre) and the size of the space is just about perfect. It’s not so small that you feel like you’re onstage, but you also don’t feel dwarfed by the size of the crowd or put off by the distance away from the actors.
My only complaint is the staff will not let you even enter the building if you get there a little early. They have their opening time and they will stick to it! Thankfully the outside courtyard is very charming, because you’ll probably be spending a lot of time there waiting. But of course, you’re downtown so there are plenty of fun things to do and see before or after the show. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing my next play here.

After the elite event here last summer, I finally got the chance to go back as a real live theater-​goer!
We didn’t have tickets in advance, because who would have predicted that a play about Abraham Lincoln would pack the theater to the gills? Funnily enough, it was, and we were lucky to get two of the last few tickets left. Yours truly got the «youth» rate – only $ 10 if you’re 25 or younger!
And while there was no sunny, breezy courtyard to rub elbows in this time, we did have a beer and hang out in the lobby before the show. I was surprised that beers were only $ 5. You’d think it’d be like a sporting event where they charge nine bucks for a beer.
When we got to our seats, it was clear why they hadn’t sold yet, even though they were only nine rows back or something. There was a big concrete step on the floor in front of the chairs. It didn’t obstruct the view or anything, but when you have Ridiculously Long Legs like The Boy and I do, your knees might get in the way if you have to rest your feet on anything elevated. But it wasn’t so bad, especially since after the first act, we realized that there were 2 seats right next to us that were not sold, sans step. Score!
All in all, a great experience. The actors were fantastic, the space was small and intimate, and there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. Especially if you have stubby legs.

Came here a few weeks ago to see a special production presented by Rough Eagles Production, «To Speak of a Dream», which was amazing to see.
A+ to the high school students who created this play to accommodate their life experiences and their great performance.
This is a great theatre venue that makes you feel comfortable to be there.
Walking into the reception area of the theatre, you notice there is a snack and drink bar for before the show & during intermission.
The staff is polite, helpful and cheerful.
Once in the theatre, you notice it’s set up as an amphitheatre which allows for great sound. Even though the stage is smaller, it definitely worked for the group of high school students that were performing that evening.
Chairs are older, but still comfortable.
Would definitely return if there was another performance that I was interested in playing here!

This, like many of the best theaters that I’ve attended, is light on props, in an amphitheater type setting, and has actors of high quality.
Seating is well organized and unhurried. Cocktails and other refreshments are available before the performance and at intermission. Their staff is passionate and polite. They even seem to be well funded. A great theater without an empty seat to be seen in the house.

I was debating whether or not to see Othello on the last performance because I would have to get rush tickets and wasn’t sure what kind of seat I would get. Didn’t matter. The theater is fairly small and intimate so no matter where you sit, you still have a pretty good view. As far as the performance went… eh. Desdemona just didn’t really do it for me, but because Othello is one of my fave Shakespeare tragedies, yes, I did get a bit teary eyed at the end. Damn you Othello, for being such a passionate man!
Anyway, I’d say that if you want to take in a show at the Intiman, rush tix are the way to go. They’re $ 20, and you’re pretty much guaranteed a good seat because of the size of the theater. Nowhere near the size of a monstrous venue like the Paramount.

I love the Intiman theater! The seating arrangements are really well designed. The first time I went here to see Crime and Punishment, we sat at the second to last row in the upper left corner but we were still able to see everything. I went again last weekend to see Othello and this time we had really good seats; eighth row from the stage in the center. I think the design of this theater allows unobstructed view from every seat so there are no bad seats in the house. I love this kind of design concept (check out the Triple Door. also features «no bad seat» design: p) because it allows you to have an intimate connection to the show.
As for the plays themselves; I would give 5 stars to Crime and Punishment and 4.5 stars to Othello. Crime and Punishment had a small yet terrific cast. All the actors did an outstanding job portraying the story. They used the set well. I loved the psychological thrill and the intensity that I felt during the show.
Othello had a much larger cast but I can’t say that I liked it as much as CP. Overall, I thought that it was a good production. I really liked Othello (Sean Patrick Thomas)…his acting skill has improved so much more since I saw him last on screen (Save The Last Dance). Though I did like him in that movie too. he’s a cutie =) The rest of the cast were all really good. I only had 2 minor issues with this production: what’s with Iago’s accent? It was really hard to understand him or who he is in the beginning (he also looked way older than he should be so that added to the confusion). Though once you get used to his voice… he’s actually a really good actor. I enjoyed his monologues that portrayed him as a mad villain. Secondly, Desdemona was really soft-spoken…almost in a mousy way. I thought she was really pretty and elegant though (loved the dress, very classy!)
Bottom line: this is a fantastic theater with wonderful productions and I can’t wait for the next one!

«Axe me about Crime and Punishment»
Perhaps this is one of the most amazing promotional buttons I’ve ever seen. Yes, I’m a sucker for puns. I especially love nerdy puns.
Besides nerdy puns, I love this theatre with just the same amount of passion. I went to see Crime and Punishment on a nice Sunday afternoon and was able to get $ 10 tickets with their under 25 deal.
Since we came on the day of 15 minutes before curtain, our seats were near the back of the theatre. However it was still really close and that’s because there are no bad seats in the theatre! The theatre has a very intimate and cozy feeling. The seats reminded me a lot of a giant lecture hall to the point where I was looking for the folding writing surfaces near the arm rests.
Thanks to the wonderful theatre venue and the wonderful play, I know I won’t be giving this place the axe… I warned you that I love puns didn’t I?

I just got back from a preview of Crime and Punishment at Intiman, and my fellow Unilocalers you are in for a treat. I had actually finished slogging through Dosdoyevsky’s novel this morning so it was fresh in my mind as I watched the performance. The promo materials make a big deal out of it being only a 90 minute production, and though I wasn’t exactly skeptical I was quite curious as to how they would pull it off.
The director (Sheila Daniels) and authors (Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus) did an admirable job distilling this masterpiece of a novel down to its essential elements. Though large swaths of the book (and entire characters) had to be cut, the story was very cleverly retold. The novel is fairly linear, but the Intiman production shook things up by re-​arranging some of the scenes and showing them as flashbacks. What I really loved is how these flashbacks were told by a frenzied Raskolnokov – it felt like we were getting inside the feverish, deranged mind of a killer wracked by his guilt. Mixing up the scenes also helped control the pacing of the performance and establish a little mystery or conflict that might have been absent had they stuck to a more linear format.
The set was very well done – the gritty gray walls helped lend the aura of a prison cell and they made effective use of lighting to change the mood. The cast all gave excellent performances, but special props go to Galen Joseph Osier for making me believe he is a sick, sick man.
As for the theater itself, what can I say? Classy and sexy. The bar was having crime and punishment drink specials. I don’t remember what went in the «crime,» except that there was sloe gin… so I skipped that one and went straight to «punishment,» which was vodka, gin, and crème de cacao served up in a cocktail glass that had been drizzled with chocolate syrup. It was very yummy – like a black russian with more of a bite to it. You will try one.
Unfortunately I had to leave immediately after the show, but if you have time stick around for white russians and discussions with the cast! I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of the 2009 season at Intiman, especially Othello. Bard me up!

I haven’t been to any productions here, but last weekend I went to their open house and got a tour of the theater.
The staff were friendly, informative, and obviously passionate about their work. They made sure to spread the word about the $ 10 tickets (which is a GREAT deal) for those age 25 and under.
Why 4 stars instead of 5? Because I have to first see a show and get the WHOLE experience. I’m thinking that will happen sometime between March 29^th and May 3^rd (aka– when Crime and Punishment is playing).
Edit: Hmmm. I did see Crime & Punishment, but I saw it from the perspective of an Elite event. Guess I’ll have to come back again!