We thoroughly enjoyed the performance of SHe Said. The theater is small and intimate so that there isn't a bad seat. We could see and hear everything and appreciate the performers up close. Jen Ayer's performance was personal and passionate. In addition, her lovely voice and song lyrics were meaningful and told her story well. The rock band that accompanied her were equally talented and they, too, were passionate about the story. We felt very welcome from the time we entered and until the time we left. There was a real effort to greet everyone that entered. There also was a small bar and complimentary snacks. read more

The theatre venue has changed but that doesn't change the fact that the Intiman Theatre still puts up an amazing production inside their new home on capital hill down near broadway. Definitely go support your local theatre if you can. It's a lost art and well, it's a welcome breathe of fresh air in a world chuck full of phone apps, twitter accounts, various flix streaming movie sites... I had a wonderful time with my wifey and hopefully we can do it again soon... read more

The Black Nativity production is beyond amazing! A must see ! You will feel the holiday spirit like never before!

Absolutely incredible experience, every seat felt like you were in the front row. I look forward to the next production

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 29th and May 3rd (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! read more

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. read more

"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? read more

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! read more

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!! read more

I just got back from a preview of Crime and Punishment at Intiman, and my fellow yelpers 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 creme 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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Intiman is doing arguably much of the most relevant and important work in Seattle. Note that the Intiman is not a physical theater and the organization does not currently have a permanent home theater. Plays are performed at Langston Hughes in the central district and the Jones Playhouse in U district. The work, by important up and coming American playwrights and artists is focused on giving voice to those not often represented in mainstream theatre. There's powerful work being done here. I have seen many of the plays the past few seasons. Particularly memorable were Booty Candy, Angels in America, Wedding Band, Stick Fly and Power from the Mouths of the Occupied, a theatricalized sharing of stories of racial inequality by real local citizens, not actors. read more

What could I possibly contribute to a review of The Intiman that hasn't been said, and more eloquently. AMBIANCE Great care was placed in the design of Intiman, allowing for some of the best acoustics for a theatre of this size. There's simply a style that's unmatched by many regional theatres you will find in the Pacific Northwest. From the unobnoxious wine bar to the wonderfully cozy seats that provide great views from all areas, you are kept in a feeling of creatively designed comfort. I've seen a number of plays and productions at Intiman, and would love to attend almost every production available. PRICING While not on the cheap-seats side of theatres, their prices are modest and reflect the quality of productions you will catch. I highly recommend season tickets or to purchase well in advance from the website. As for the person who negatively reviewed based on late arrival, all I can say is show up on time. read more

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. read more

Overall: A very intimate theatre This was the first time I've been to a theatre in decades! My experience is thanks to the Elite event held at the Intiman theatre a little while back. Parking for the Intiman is pretty good - there's sufficient parking across the road at $10 per evening. On getting inside, there's a café, which unfortunately serves Starbucks and other snacks/sandwiches. The theatre itself is smaller and more intimate than I'd imagined. It's so intimate, that if you're sitting in the front rows, you'll receive a free shower of spittle during the show. It has excellent viewing of the stage from all seating areas, superlative lighting and outstanding acoustics. The downside of this theatre is that the seats are quite uncomfortable with low backs. The seat pitches are not very big and even I, at 5 foot 3 found the leg room to be poor. The seating would be fine if you were watching something for 30 minutes, but not for 3 hours! The restrooms are ridiculous - when there was an intermission during the play; everyone rushed to the restroom, resulting in a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge line. Why they don't have more restrooms I have no idea... read more

I saw The Thin Place at Intiman 4 days ago and I can't stop thinking about it! That's what good theatre is all about right. It's not a perfect play. In fact I think the script still needs to be developed a little bit more. But the acting was superb, the sets were stunning...and the end was very powerful and thought provoking. I encourage everyone to make a night of it. If you've missed The Thin Place then go see something else. A glass of wine, their lovely courtyard fountain, and some thought provoking theatre --Now that's what Seattle is really all about! read more

REALLY bummed writing a review that is not five stars, especially after seeing their excellent production of Crime and Punishment. Lets start with the positive. My wife and I went and saw Crime and Punishment, and thought the play was fantastic. The compressed time format and the powerful cast really made for a great experience. I think they handled the main themes of the book well. The theatre is easy to get to with plenty of parking in the city garage across the street. I like the fact that they had a full bar before AND after the show so people could hang out and discuss the play. Seats in the theatre are small, but its a good space. The set was simple but well thought out to use the space efficiently So what the problem? 4 VERY aggressive follow up phone calls with staff trying....no, not trying, BADGERING me to buy season tickets! After a person has told you that they are not really interested 3 times, do you: A) GET A CLUE and take their number off the phone list B) Note all the reasons I had said I did not want season tickets, so that another person can make a 4TH CALL and have better arguments in hopes of making me cave? Well I guess the answer was B. Worse yet, when I got a bit pissed(you know, not Boston pissed, more of a mopey indolent Seattle kind of pissed), and interrupted and said, "Look, I am not interested in buying season tickets!", she did not even take a breath and tried to get me to donate money to the Intiman Foundation! WWWWHHHHHAAATTT THHHHEEEEE FUUUUUUDDDDGGGGEEEEE? (Only I didn't say fudge, I said the big one, the grand daddy of all swear words....) Whats next? I'm going to get calls from their sister organizaton, the Intiman Aluminum Siding company? Perhaps they have an Intiman automobile extended warranty program they can call and lash me with? Great play, great theatre but DROP the freaking post performance blitzkrieg on first time customers, because it is a HUGE turn off. read more

Let me tell you, Intiman is a great place to take theatre noobs. My 'live theatre cherry' was popped here and now I'm hooked. If you get there early enough, you can enjoy a cocktail or sip on warm caffeinated beverages from Starbucks. Additionally, there were informational displays in the foyer about the play, author, cast, etc. As expected there is a high level of courtesy, respect and proper involvement from your fellow theatre-goers. And if anyone needs a reminder (doubtful at a venue like this), a gentleman entertainingly primes the audience on proper theatre etiquette over a PA system. To bolster what others have said, every seat in the house is a good seat; great comfortable vantage points all around. I too saw Native Son here. I thought I would be too distracted (I thin...I know I have Adult ADD) but I was fully immersed in the performance at hand. I didn't think twice at the fact that it was live -and the beauty of that foregone conclusion was even more apparent when the actors got together on stage when the 'curtain dropped' to a standing ovation. Fittingly enough, 'Intiman' means 'The Intimate' in Swedish, and the experience you receive here truly is. read more

The Intiman is really a terrific company. Their theater at Seattle Center is an awesome and fairly unique place to a see a show. And the Intiman does a great mix of revisited classics (usully with an interesting twist!) and new works. The newer stuff can be hit or miss, but I think it's important for theatres to experiment with new plays and ideas. In general I'd say the production quality, innovation, and enjoyability of the shows I've seen at the Intiman have been higher than the shows I've seen at the Seattle Rep. read more

I don't read a lot of books. I don't go to a lot of plays. I don't watch a lot of movies. I know, what a boring, uneducated, sheltered Asian guy. When my girlfriend asked me to join her, I mindlessly agree and absolutely forget about the event up until the day before the show. The day before, I am reminded of the wonderful event and ask her where the venue was (i always have to drive). She said "Intiman Theatre." I asked, "What movie are we watching?" LOL. So, we got ready and drove to the theatre, paid our 10 bux for parking and proceeded inside. Once inside, the ushers were very courteous and directed us in the general vicinity of our seats. That night, we saw Crime and Punishment. It was wonderfully presented and lasted only 90 mins. I'll be the first to tell you that Im not one to sit still for much longer than that. The storyline was captivating and the actors/actress did a wonderful job keeping me engaged. The theater was beautiful and clean and very intimate. It wasn't extremely large, but wasnt small as well. The seats were comfortable and the view of the stage was unobstructed by any seats or big heads. After the show, I went downstairs and had a drink and sat around for a bit longer to listen to the post show discussions. All in all, a very entertaining night at the theater. read more

Seattle is very fortunate to have three major theaters that have achieved national prominence (the others being Seattle Rep and ACT). In a world where increasingly everything is "virtual" but not very real, it is indeed refreshing to have the "real thing"--live theater--of this calibre. Intiman was awarded with the Regional Theater Tony Award in June of this year, and it was richly deserved. Many, many fine productions have been staged here, including the world premieres of "The Light in the Piazza" and "The Kentucky Cycle" (which won the Pulitzer Prize 15 years ago; its author Robert Shenkhan now lives in Seattke). Among the fine plays staged here include "Homebody/Kabul" by Tony Kushner (this was not long after 9/11, "Nickel and Dimed," "Dying Gaul," "How I Learned How to Drive," and Ionesco's "The Chairs." The artistic director Barlett Sher is a rising star in the American theater and has already received two nominations for Best Director, for his Broadway stagings of "Light in the Piazza" and the revival last season of the Clifford Odets' classic of "Awake and Sing"--all the while being artistic director of Intiman! He has put together a mixture of classics ("Glass Menagerie," Hellman's "Little Foxes," Shakespeare, commedia dell'arte, Chekhov's "Three Sisters," etc.), recent Broadway imports, as well as new works. Currently the Intiman is devoting much of its programming to "an American Cycle." Most of the plays are staged in a steeply pitched arc leading from a hemispherical proscenium. The main floor and mezzanine have high ceilings and an airy openness that are somewhat atypical (compared to Seattle Rep or ACT, for instance), more Lincoln Center than one would expect. A nice courtyard fronts the theater and in the summer box meals can be ordered in advance. There are usually several special events associated with each the run of each play. For instance, I saw here Adam Guettel, the composer (he graced the front cover of NY Times Magazine during the two-month run of "Piazza"), Speight Jenkins (Seattle Opera), and Victoria Clark (who went on to bring the role to Broadway and won a Tony for Best Actress, as predicted in The Stranger two years before the actual Broadway run) in a round-table discussion. Here's to hoping he'll stay here for a long while. His compatriot Daniel Sullivan, long-time artistic director of Seattle Rep, went on to become a major Broadway director with a Tony for "Proof" and last season's staging of "Three Days of Rain" with Julia Roberts. For those with a serious interest in theater-- literature in general--Intiman has become a wonderful cultural mainstay in Seattle. read more

Wow. I saw Native Son here this weekend. It was a great play in a great theater. Its got a great set up that makes almost all the seats good seats. There is a bar on the top floor so you can have cocktails prior to the play starting. Parking is usually quick and easy unless there is something going on at Key Arena. The night we went, there was a snack buffet available but I didn't partake as we arrived very close to show time. If you get the opportunity to attend a play at the Intiman I would jump at the chance. read more

I've decided it doesn't matter what performance you see at Intiman, it will be worth it. Live theatre is to be savored in the right environment, and Intiman offers that. From the lobby to the seats, it is as theatres should be. I did not expect to find this quality in Seattle, having lived long enough in NY to get hooked on Broadway, and Off-Broadway, (and occasionally off-off-Broadway) I enjoy solid performances with good sets, and quality actors, and so far, I have not been disappointed with anything at Intiman. Perhaps the rainy seasons won't be so long here! read more

Ok...I'm sure it is my fault I used Google Maps to find the venue and I purchased tickets to see a play at the Intiman. Maybe they could possibly update the venue location?? I was a season ticket holder for a few years. I'm disappointing I missed Native Gardens. Actually I'm pissed...a lot of traffic and no show read more

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! read more

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. http://www.intiman.org/season/all-my-sons/ read more

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. read more

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. read more

I'll give them two stars because they have put on some good shows in the past although I think I will skip them in the future and just go next door instead. Seattle Rep puts on good shows and has awesome box office staff. Intiman is just rude, rude, rude, rude, rude. Did I mention they are rude? They continually call about upcoming shows, subscribing, et cetera and then are rude when you politely decline. In fact, they argue with you and then hang up. And I've heard similar stories from several of my friends. They put on decent productions but damn, get some people with social skills to do your calls! So basically never, ever give them your phone number or they will endlessly harass you. read more

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. read more

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

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. read more

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

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. read more

Seattle is a great town for theater. I read somewhere that we are second only to NYC in number of theaters per capita. You can go out for a show most night of the week and see every thing from the sparse and abstract to the elaborate and detailed. Last night's outing afforded us our first look at Intiman. Located easy walking distance from our condo in the theater "district" of Seattle Center, makes Intiman a convenient evening destination. For those who don't live nearby there is a large parking lot across the street from the theater. However, with a number of theaters in the area as well as concerts and sporting events in Key Arena there is often high demand for parking. We arrived early as we had to pick up our tickets a half hour before curtain. I found the lobby cozy. Soft lighting and comfy couches allowed an easy transition from reality in preparation for the journey to come. I was initially disappointed as there was no alcohol offered with the obligatory concessions. Yes, they had a nice selection of cookies and juices but I really like to begin my theater experience with a nice stiff drink. Anyway, Trish grabbed a sparkling water and we found a table to wait for our friends. Then I heard it, the glorious sound of a drink being muddled. We followed said music up a flight of stairs and found a well stocked bar. Now we are talking theater. But be warned. If you request a double Knob Creek, neat, and you have the bartender I had, make sure you have recently eaten something substantial. Otherwise the show can be a little fuzzy. Thankfully they offered a nice package of mixed nut to accompany my overflowing Bourbon. But I digress. We moved into the house and realized whence the Intiman. The theater is a half-bowl extended apron, with seating for 446 and a very friendly pitch. Although we were in the very last row we had no trouble seeing the stage. Sound, for the most part, was good, although there were a couple of lines that I missed. The set was very nicely detailed and set the tone of the play. The theater seats were very comfortable, plush and slightly reclined. Once the show started Intiman did its job. Reality disappeared, time was suspended and we were transported far away and offered a glimpse of not so long ago. Or maybe it was just the Bourbon. read more

Just saw Thousand Clowns, having lived in NY for many years and seen it before on stage and film it was authentic and as funny as it ever was. Great cast and production. Crime and Punishment was also wonderful this year. I am looking forward to the whole season as a three year subscriber and enjoy scouting restaurants in the area too. read more

great theatre production of Paradise Lost Bold for the theatre to perform but very well done great bar upstairs, bartending is excellent. good gathering areas on the first floor. read more

A Review of A Thousand Clowns at Intiman Theatre by Aaron Moncivaiz Intiman Theatre's A Thousand Clowns concerns eagle-statue-collecting, ukulele playing Murray Burns, a free spirit of the first degree. "More of an experience than a person," Murray lives so freely, in fact, that he has quit his job as a joke writer for a children's show, giving up his career despite his responsibility as guardian of Nick, his equally charismatic and intelligent 12 year old nephew. Murray feels no conflict with his life changing decision. The day to day simply didn't agree with his pursuit of life and his unchecked enthusiasm/oversized id. Jobless for months in early '62, Murray's unemployment insurance is just enough for him to care for his young nephew, who has long been abandoned by his mother and regularly changes his own name. With Murray, Nick lives a life of singing, Hollywood impersonations, and endless joke cracking. Nick is the perfect straight man to Murray's eccentricity, and the two form a spirited bond living together in a one room New York City apartment. Nick has something Murray does not, though, a glimmer of responsibility. So while Murray is out every afternoon going to the movies instead of looking for work, Nick lays out the classifieds in hopes of finding Murray a job. Murray's joblessness and lack of motivation to grind it out for "the Man" catches the attention of the Child Welfare Board, which sends two agents to the apartment to evaluate the "unconventional" family. When the hammer drops, Murray is forced to decide whether to remain anchorless and lose Nick, or sell out in the name of familial health. The choice remains black and white through the very end. Written by Herb Gardner and first produced in 1963, the script remains fresh and entertaining. Many lines garnered big laughs from the opening night Intiman audience. Pleasantly, there are few lulls in the comedic, dialogue rich production. When things necessarily slow down, mostly due to Murray's near monologue reflections, things quickly pick back up and the jokes stream in. The success of Intiman's presentation of this nearly 50 year old Tony and Academy Award nominated story stems less from the writing than wonderful direction, set/costume design, and exceptional acting. All feel perfectly appropriate for the early 60s comedy. Director Sari Ketter makes good use of the restricted setting, moving the actors and transforming the space so that a potentially cramped stage has a wealth of character instead. One misstep involving confetti had me internally booing, however, and I never imagined I would boo confetti. A dramatic moment near the end between Murray and Nick felt very rushed, hopefully due to opening night nerves and not the standard. The vertical juxtaposition of the apartment and downtown office sets not only spreads the space but also accentuates the difference between a warm, mid-century modern home and the cold of concrete and colorless industry. Unfortunately, I have never seen this play before, so it is unclear if the set design is original or second hand. Either way, the creative set does great service to both the story and Murray's character. Of course it's the acting that brings it all home. Matthew Boston is fantastic as Murray Burns, capturing the character's unbridled energy and charisma. Nick Robinson confidently wisecracks around the stage, doing a fine job as Nick Burns. His voice highlights the single musical number. Accolades to the supporting cast, Julie Jesneck as child psychologist turned love interest Sandra. Bradford Farwell plays the villainous social worker Albert Amundson. David Pichette as Arnold Burns is skillful and funny. And Tim Hyland brings the slapstick as absurd Leo Herman. A Thousand Clowns plays at Intiman Theatre through Wednesday, June 17. Tickets range from $40 to $50 with discounts for youth, seniors and groups. Visit www.intiman.org for more information on show times and tickets. read more