There’s no question we are excited about the SIFF film festival kicking off later this week. But, we are equally excited about the offerings of live theater that are also taking place around town.

Four strong productions are playing out across the stages in Seattle.  Seattle Rep, ACT, 5^th Ave, and WET are all bringing a little something different with their storytelling. From a one-man tour de force, to four teenage girls summoning the ghost of Pablo Escobar, there is no shortage of themes to choose from.

Live theater or SIFF?  With a little bit of scheduling magic, we say both.

Seattle Rep

“How I Learned What I Learned”
Through May 14

“Lydia and the Troll”
Through June 11

Theater goers are more than familiar with the works of the late August Wilson. And, it is no surprise given the Reps long history with Wilson, that they have mounted the 20^th anniversary of “How I Leaned What I Learned.” This is a must see if you are a fan of August Wilson. Even if you are not familiar with the prolific playwright, it is still a must see. Mainly because of the standout performance by actor Steven Anthony.

Anthony, alone on stage, keeps you captivated for nearly two hours as he takes over the persona of the poet/playwright to tell the many stories of Wilson’s life as a Black artist in the Hill District in Pittsburgh. This production comes full circle as August Wilson premiered the piece on stage decades earlier at the Rep.

Also at the Rep is “Lydia and the Troll,” a world premiere from local playwright Justin Huertas. The musical is inspired by Seattle landscapes (hence the title) and follows Lydia on her journey to try and break into the music industry as a record producer. The buzz on this one is strong as the show’s run has been extended through June 11.

ACT

“Wolf Play”
Through May 21

New from South Korean playwright Hansol Jung, “Wolf Play” follows the traumatic path of a young adopted boy from South Korea. Through unfortuante circumstances, this 6-year-old finds himself transported to a new home in America. The young boy in this play expresses himself through puppetry – a wolf – as he grapples with the sense of family and what that construct truly means.

5^th Ave Theatre

“Sweeney Todd”
Through May 14

This is the second instalment of 5^th Ave’s nod to Stephen Sondheim. This production of “Sweeney Todd” follows on the heels of another Sondheim musical, “Into the Woods.” Where some theater goers may be less familiar with the earlier work, almost everyone can point to “Sweeney Todd” as production they know and love – even if it’s because they’ve seen the screen version with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

The 5^th Avenue Production will transport you to early London and promises the drama and vengeance we’ve all come to love about this Sondheim masterpiece. Also on tap at 5^th Ave later in the month (May 24 – June 17) is the ever-popular, Tony Award-winning musical, “Les Misérables.”

Washington Ensemble Theatre – WET

“Our Dear Dead Drug Lord”
Through May 15

Always imaginative in material and design, WET takes on another production that is sure to entertain. “Our Dear Dead Drug Lord” is a thriller, of sorts, that involves a group of teenage girls, a treehouse and a a Ouija board. The action unfolds as the four girls look to summon the late Pablo Escobar. There may or may not be a blood sacrifice involved. As scary as it all may sound – it’s also quite funny. As a New York Stage Review puts it, Our Dear Dead Drug Lord is “An offbeat Mean Girls sort of dramedy…”