Your guide to summer 2022 theater and outdoor performances in the Seattle area
With the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions across the state, many local theaters and theater groups have returned indoors for their regular performances.
But for those who feel like they’ve spent too much time indoors in recent years, several local businesses still offer opportunities to get out and experience live performances outdoors.
Under the stars or in the sunlight, these companies present productions ranging from Shakespearean classics to a 48-hour theater festival, from a new take on Anne of Green Gables to Power Rangers-inspired family-friendly fare. Events listed below are subject to change so it’s best to call ahead and double check websites to confirm plans.
Beauty and the Beast and Bend in the Road, The Anne of Green Gables Musical presented by the Kitsap Forest Theatre
The Kitsap Forest Theatre, nestled within the 460-acre Rhododendron Preserve near Bremerton, offers two summer productions in its fir-lined amphitheater. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast offers the classic story of Belle and the prince who must learn to love and be loved. Postponed from 2020, Bend in the Road is a new family musical based on the novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Orphan Anne Shirley is accidentally adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert and the musical follows as Anne’s intelligence, joy and imagination transform the lives of those around her.
Beauty and the Beast runs May 29-June 19 and Bend in the Road, The Anne of Green Gables Musical runs July 30-August 19. 21; 3000 Seabeck Hwy, Bremerton; $18 (bring your own pillow or folding seat, or rent one with cash at the theater); 206-521-6001; waldtheater.com.
History Café: Walking the AIDS Memorial Pathway, presented by the Museum of History & Industry
“History Café,” produced as a partnership between MOHAI and HistoryLink, offers an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing impact of the AIDS epidemic on Seattle. Jason Plourde and Rosette Royale will walk the AIDS Memorial Pathway on Capitol Hill, which uses art and storytelling to create space for remembrance and reflection, and will share stories of how the epidemic has shaped the community. The number of participants is limited to 25.
15th June; free with registration; Details on participation will be communicated by e-mail after registration; mohai.org.
Mega Hero Rangers Go Go Go Supreme!!! and The World’s Quickest Theater Festival presented by The 14/48 Projects
The 14/48 projects head to select Seattle-area parks with a family-friendly show and the return of their eponymous festival. Inspired by shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers, Mega Hero Rangers follows a group of friends and superheroes who have had their powers stripped and must learn to navigate the world without powers. The World’s Quickest Theater Festival will feature 14 plays written, cast, directed, rehearsed, scored, designed and premiered in 48 hours.
Mega Hero Rangers Go Go Go Supreme!!! airs weekends in July and The World’s Quickest Theater Festival takes place at select Seattle parks August 19-20, with exact park locations to be announced; free; the1448projects.org.
Seattle Shakespeare Company Wood O productions
The Seattle Shakespeare Company’s fairytale Summer of Wooden O, taking place at area parks, will feature the romantic mayhem of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the magical journey in Cymbeline.
7 Jul-Aug 7; different places; free; 206-733-8222; seattleshakespeare.org.
Shakespeare in the Park and Backyard Bard by GreenStage
For season 34 of Shakespeare in the Park, GreenStage’s main stage plays will be the tragic comedy “Pericles” and the historical play “Henry V.” Backyard Bard, which presents stripped down, abridged Shakespeare plays, will show the comedy Much Ado About Nothing and the tragedy Macbeth.
8 July – 8 Aug 13; different places; free; 206-748-1552; greenstage.org.
Vashon repertory theater festival
Following last year’s festival of works such as Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Woody Guthrie’s American Song, the second annual theater festival will present five as yet unannounced shows in three locations over two weekends.
21st-31st July; different places; $15-$30; 206-769-6029; www.vashonrepertorytheatre.org.
The Play’s the Thing presented by the Burien Actors Theatre
The Burien Actors Theater performs The Play’s the Thing in parks throughout South King County. After composer Albert overhears his fiancé Ilona sharing her affections with another man, playwright Sandor begins to rewrite reality to save Albert from heartbreak and save his new show in the process. The line between acting and reality blurs as Sandor tries to make the incident look like it really is just dialogue in a play.
29 Jul-Aug 21; different places; free; battheatre.org.
