Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and on the boards in Redmond, WA

Last night some friends from church took me out to see Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris out at Second Story Repertory. An amazing show. 20-odd songs back to back to back nonstop for 5 players.

This amounts to an act of sheer creative torture for any ensemble. Everyone solos. Everyone dances. Not once, but several times. If you love to sing on stage, this is the show for you. If you think you love to sing on stage, this show will kill your sorry ass.

I have friends down in CA who are ardent theater-goers, but snub anything musical. I think of this show, and of Marat/Sade and I pity them. The songs are fantastic, moving and quite funny. And pointed - there's a song called "Middle Class" that is as political as anything with lyrics like "the middle class/are just like pigs/the older they get/the dumber they get!"

Every now and again I think of leaving the Northwest for a more urban environment, a bigger arena like Chicago or Austin or New York, and then I go out to a local show and realize that quality theater is right here, not even a half hour from my front door. If you're a local kidlet reading my bloggity blog right now, get your coat on and go see this show. Sit on the side aisles closest to the stage and support an amazing group of people going out of their way to bring excellent work to the Khakilanders of the Eastside.