The theatre is warm and inviting. Acoustics are great. The actors are professional and even the children seemed like pros. There is a warm community vibe. Really enjoy The Christmas themes and patrons were very friendly. Go you won't regret it - it's a jewel. read more

Loved going to Harlequin Productions to see Hedwig and the Angry Inch! I loved John Cameron Mitchell's film of the same name and Steve picked up through the grapevine that a live show of it was going to be happening in Olympia. The show was awesome and carried the rock opera concept in an expert manner. Loved the band and the cast as they did an excellent job with their performances. Of course Hedwig remains beloved and the understudy who played the character enforced that with ease. Very promising and talented cast. Great job! read more

A Christmas Carol BORING!BORING!BORING! Left 30 minutes into it! At least under the Whitney's the Stardust series was wonderful! Familiar but different every year! I enjoyed that series of plays every year! Now nobody has any imagination! Sad, just sad! read more

The State Theatre is a great space for visibility and the chairs are comfortable with ample room between and in front of the seats. In October we saw Fun Home, a funny, well-acted musical exploring non-acceptance of homosexuality in the 1950's. In spite of the seriousness of the subject, the comic relief through song and dance was delightful. Each of the performers of this talented cast contributed with an extraordinary embracing of their character. read more

My wife and I went to see "A Christmas Carol" at Harlequin Productions. It's an annual event as this is one of our favorite stories/plays that get's us in the mood for Christmas. However, our favorite "timeless" classic was RUINED by this production with female cast members playing men, Tiny Tim was a girl, and under tones of same sex relationships. Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit were the only characters who stayed in character and made this play tolerable to watch. While the ghost of Jacob Marley was a good actress...clearly, he is now a she. The final scene of the Ghost of Christmas Future, they inserted Fan as the ghost, Ebenezer's sister?????? This play is a classic for a reason, but Harlequin's NEW version is crap! We left so upset that our favorite play was butchered. Charles Dickens would be enraged if he saw this. Bah hum bug Harlequin...you ruined a classic! read more

I love the calm vibe and the exceptional talent! I personally like the musical productions.

It has been years since I've seen a show at the Harlequin but I did not realize how small the place is. The nice part of a small theatre is that there really isn't a bad seat in the house and the seats are stadium style, which is great for those who aren't blessed with height (like me). I do agree with the other review about how uncomfortable the seats are. It was hard to not move around my chair to get comfortable. I saw Jesus Christ Superstar the other day and it was entertaining, especially the lady that played Harod. Not only was she a great singer but she was very funny. I wouldn't mind coming back to see another show if I was back in town though. read more

I am a big supporter of local theater, but have never experienced something like this. I paid for my seat, but after having to use the restroom an hour into a show with no intermission, I wasn't allowed to sit back down, even though the theater was half empty. This is not a good policy for them. read more

What a gem we have here in Olympia. Small comfortable theater with excellent live performances. The play selection this season (2019) has improved greatly from years past. Much more variety with excellent performances by all. So lucky to have this in our home turf. read more

We were in town several months back & "King Arthur III" was performing at HP at the time. With not a whole lot of activities to partake in, during a rainy weekend, we opted to watch KA3. Geezus. A three hour play performed by amateur actors is too long to watch. Plays shouldn't be performed here for that length of time when the seats aren't made to be sat in that long. There may be a decent amount of leg room in front but there's zero space between each chair. Neighborly knee / thigh touching is unavoidable. I rate the slightly cushioned seats four out of 10 in the comfort scale. Their concession stand offers snacks & drinks (alcohol, too) before the show & during intermission. Nice thing about it is the items can be consumed either in the lobby or in the theater. Parking wasn't an issue since we walked to Harlequin from the Governor Hotel. However, if you're driving there is free street parking after 5pm on weekdays & all day on weekends, or in the parking lot behind the theater on Washington. I'm sure HP has put on great, entertaining performances in the past, since they're in their 22nd season now, but paying over $30 a ticket to watch 180 minutes of unimpressive acting (minus the lead actor) just made HP only A-OK for me. read more

As much as we've enjoyed watching local actors ply their art we've been very disappointed by many of the patrons. Political conversations should be left, pardon the pun, at the door. But groupthink and pack mentality is evident with enough of the audience to make it an uncomfortable experience. To make vile comments about the president of the United States so everyone in earshot can hear is childish and rude. We enjoyed the play about a German transvestite but not the self defeating comments by some of the patrons. read more

Exceprt from online review. Read the entire review at: http://harlequinproductions.org/seasonpages/09/sinsextras/review_bwood.html Sins of the Mother by Israel Horovitz Review and photos by Rebecca Wood In the introduction to one of his plays, Israel Horovitz says "It is remarkable how our lives take small, unexpected turns to places we never really imagined we'd visit, and how we go with it...how we accept our new surroundings with a simple shrug and 'Life's like that.' Because it's simply true: Life's like that." If you go to see the premiere production of Sins of the Mother, (which you should, or miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime, never-to-be-repeated opportunity) you will be able to read in your program the extraordinary story about how a legend came to be in Olympia to work with director Scot Whitney on his new play before it opens in New York. Director Scot Whitney and playwright Israel Horovitz discussing the new play, Sins of the Mother It's sheer magic that he's been here, and that we can experience this now. It's not just an evening out, to see a play: it's a life-changing experience. Plus: 1) you can see it before those know-it-alls on Broadway; 2) you can pay a fraction of the price you'd pay to go be a know-it-all and see it on Broadway 3) Israel mentioned in the talk afterward that he may be changing things around. I will probably send him death threats if he changes the end; it blew me away. Go, be one of the few people in the world to see it while it is the shape it is now. I am not one of those muffin-headed reviewers who is going to detail the plot for you. In fact, I'm not going to tell you the plot at all this time. It is a mystery: go unravel it for yourself. I'm going to start by saying a lot of things that need to be said, and read, about Israel Horovitz, living genius. Please appreciate him while he's here with us; don't pass him by on the street like people did Van Gogh (could have bought his paintings for two bucks, dummies! Could have had an insight into how he sees this world!), and then celebrate his work later. A lot of smart people are celebrating Israel's work, all over the world -in fact he was leaving the play I saw in order to catch a flight to Paris to be at another of his productions, then to London, then to Greece- so join us. Bring your brain, he'll make you use it. Bring your heart too, it will be fed fizzy lifting drinks. This man knows about devotion, he knows about strength. He writes for women so incisively, I want to ask him how he knows us, and the battles we fight. He writes for men who struggle, and who work hard, and who used to believe in something but aren't sure anymore. He writes people in a way that I have not seen since Tennessee Williams. In the introduction to one of his plays, he says he writes for "grown-ups wrestling with the old 'why are we alive?" He goes on to say, "Very rarely do husbands say to their wives, 'Let's go see a play tonight, and try to figure out why we're alive.' but believe it, that's what's going on, every time." Playwright Israel Horovitz in the audience before the fourth performance in the universe of Sins of the Mother. And he comes with us as we puzzle it out. Sitting in the audience of Sins of the Mother will transform you: you are given a window into the everyday-turned-operatic; and the whole time, you can feel the playwright nudging you, turning his mischievous eyes on you, and saying "how about this, huh?" and making you laugh when you shouldn't. There is nothing so human as getting the giggles at a funeral. Nothing so mortifying, nothing so hilarious, and nothing to remind you as forcibly that you ARE ALIVE, by God, and it's wonderful. Sins of the Mother can probably be classified along with Israel Horovitz' "Blue Collar Plays", wherein he documents a moment in time in Gloucester, Mass., and gives us a view of a world and a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. He says, "The characters of these plays will be quick to show you how they have responded, to let you know how they feel about a world that has begun to exclude them." but they represent all of us. He also said, "I thought if I could focus my particular telescope/microscope, and get it right, really right, for one small New England town, I might possibly have it right for the world." and he does. I loved these people; they made me laugh by shining some light on how ridiculous we are, sometimes, we human beings. They made me ache with the pain of the past they carry around and are still fighting, they made me cry. But there's always that humor, and that redeeming joy that Israel sets dancing through his work, like a silver thread: he never gives way to complete despair, and because of that, I walked out of that theater feeling like my spirit had undergone a chiropractic session; and for that, I thank him. read more

Summer in the Sixties Harlequin thrills and entertains with this dramatic concert. The third in an annual series based on the music of the sixties. This one hits hard, with powerful pumping anthems: it's kind of the yang side of the spectrum. Alison Monda, a recurring favorite at Harlequin floored us with two memorable numbers: "I Put a Spell on You" and "A Little Help from my Friends". All the cast members sang their hearts out, leaving me impressed with their sheer vocal stamina. (It's a long production with power ballad, after power ballad after power ballad.) MIchael Lengel, a local singer-songwriter shows up in the cast again. Last year's lackluster performance of "Light my Fire" got notice in the Volcano. I'm glad they stuck with him, because he nailed "Break on Through" this time. Seems he took a lesson from his cast members. Lengel's sensitive interpretation of classic songs serves well in the "Wind Cries Mary". The band, as usual is absolutely killer: led by Bruce Whitney with stunning percussion and guitar solos by Maria Joyner and Daven Tillinghurst, respectively. I felt the thematic arch of the production could use a little more focus, to give the series more vitality and longevity. To me, last years composition was more affecting. But don't let that deter you-- this is a blast, full of knock out performances. read more

The Love List - Held OVER by Popular Demand! This play is great fodder for the romantically impaired or the recently singled individual! And a great date night for any couple looking to spark some energy in their relationship. While reminiscent of a long since past episode of Twilight Zone, this play has the comedic punch that is knee slapping, belly laughing kind of humor. This two man and one woman performance is engaging from stage left to stage right. The triad of actors share a magical stage presence that when combined with good music, good whiskey and love list item #4 keeps audience members giggling till the very end. Hurry and get your ticket for the show before it's Gone! read more

"Or," was a definite favorite of all the shows I've seen at Harlequin over the past year. The themes are personally meaningful to me independence, autonomy, the right to public voice and the ability to develop creatively, the freedom to love who you love, regardless of gender and conventional social mores. Loved Kate Kraay's Aphra Ben. She was a gem that lit up the stage. Certainly the accents took some work. The whole play turned brilliantly, so hats off toLiz Duffy Adams for some keen writing. Hat's off to Harlequin for queer advocacy and producing a killer play... all about the life of one strong woman. This kind of thing needs to happen more often. read more

I think the draw to theater is different for many people. For me, the draw to Harlequin is the quality of the shows and the clear effort put into keeping an arts community alive in a small town like Olympia. There's just something nice about going to the local theater that I drive by each day, rather than schlepping up to Tacoma or Seattle for a show that's just passing through. Just my two cents, but if you're in town, definitely hit up a show (plus the Governor Hotel usually has 2-for-1 tickets if you stay there!) read more

Harlequin Productions - Harlequin Productions Box Office - Performing Arts Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Not sure why this place would be rated one star? One reviewer mentioned their difficulty using Shakespearean language and the uncomfortable seats... Well in my opinion the seats are just fine. They fit the decor and are quite alright by comfort. They have free water and a rather decent selection of drinks and a great cider beer. The whole place just screams cozy and historic. As far as the acting... Shakespeare is hard as heck. What we experienced tonight was truly fantastic performances by the actors. We saw Clybourne Park and the cast truly seemed invested and into the moment. I really couldn't chose a performer that I would consider a weak link. Usually when I watch performing arts one would stand above the rest. They were all enjoyable. Our only gripe was with parking and some of the area around the theater. We had to pay and some of the people in the area were rather interesting :). Our critique would be that it would be nice to meet and greet with the performers in the lobby after the show. Other than that it was a solid experience and we will be back. read more

Harlequin Productions - Two tickets to date night :) - Performing Arts Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Great show. Excellent singing and the band was great. Good job Brian esp. on Goldfinger.

Just went for the first time and it was awesome. The theatre was smaller than I expected, which mean that our seats were INCREDIBLEEE. We saw Little Shop of Horrors, it was amazing! Great singing and acting, very funny. One of the other reviews said the seats were uncomfortable - I definitely didn't notice any discomfort. Had a great time, can't wait to go back. read more

First of all, the play was not "King Arthur III" it was William Shakespeare's "Richard III" one of the great tragedies of Shakespeare's cannon. Secondly, it was performed by professional actor's and was an out standing production, with a very unique and funny take on the infamous villain and his excess of violent amorality. And, the production values were very high for any theater, outstanding for Olympia. Finally, three hours with a twenty minute intermission is about as quickly as it can be done and still tell the story. This version was cut considerably, and skillfully. In my opinion: the seats are fine, leg room fine, theater beautifully restored, parking free, alcohol good, $30 - fair. read more

We have been season members for 17 years and LOVE to be intrigued, entertained, and excited by the Harlequin's unique and incredible productions. I love their medium size theatre - every seat is great! I recommend Harlequin to everyone! read more

Harlequin does amazing shows, and they keep getting better and better. We just saw "The Last Five Years", and there are not enough superlatives for how good it is. A bare stage, except for a piano. An actor, an actress, and nothing else, for 80 intense minutes. The story is heartbreaking, of the birth and death of a relationship between a young man, an up and coming novelist, and a young woman, a never-quite-successful actress. There is no dialog, only music. The story structure is unique: the actress tells the story from the end of the relationship, the actor from the beginning. They alternate songs, she end-to-start, he start-to-end. By the last 15 minutes, as she nears the start of the relationship, with all of its giddiness and excitement, the show becomes near unbearable as you know what will happen, as he sings inevitably toward the end of their relationship. They sing together only in the middle, during the wedding in Central Park - and just momentarily in the last few moments. The two performers for Harlequin are both immensely talented. They each own the stage during their solos. But what makes Harlequin's staging astonishing and practically unrepeatable, is that while one of them sings, the other accompanies on piano - usually there is an additional person to accompany the singers, to give them each a moment of rest while the other sings. So this staging adds another layer of intensity and complexity to the show. Go see this show. The music is lovely. The story is haunting. And the performances stellar. And if you miss this show, go see the next one. And tell your friends. read more

To Kill a Mockingbird was well done. The little girl who played Scout was especially good! The play was true to the original plot and as usual the sets were creatively done for such a small theater. read more