In July, I spent most of my evenings in search of air conditioning. When the mercury climbs over 80 degrees, my city apartment becomes unbearably warm.
So I've had a chance to explore a number of summer blockbuster movies and rate them by the coolness factor (i.e. did I get cool enough to warrant the $6 to $9 ticket fee).
But before I rate the movies, I do want to mention a couple of terrific summer theater shows. Now, I always approach the smaller venues around town with some trepidation. Heat in the winter and cool air in the summer are always problematic in our fringe theaters.
But I'm happy to report that on a sultry Saturday afternoon, the Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., was deliciously cool.
Two shows extended into August
"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!" is now playing at the Taproot. Despite some oddly savage reviews by some local critics (who seem very hung up on a lack of angst in a musical based on a comic strip), the public has recognized this show for what it is: silly, colorful and very fun, summertime entertainment.
The top-notch cast keeps the rollicking, little musical moving swiftly from one quip to the next. A special delight is the real-life sister-and-brother team of Rachel Hornor and Timothy Hornor playing Lucy and Linus Van Pelt. Their sibling rivalry, complete with Lucy's famous temper tantrums and Linus' security blanket issues, kept the audiences in stitches.
If you want a show that will make you giggle as well as provide comfortable temperatures, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!" has been extended through Aug. 28. Call 281-9707 for ticket information.
Another theater show extended into August is ACT's "Enchanted April."
North End actress Julie Briskman, who played a terrifying White Queen in Seattle Children's Theatre's "Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," does her best work yet as Lottie (which is saying a lot, given the caliber of the actress involved). From dowdy in England to jubilant in Italy, Briskman transforms on stage exactly as the character should.
The theater-in-the-round presentation of Matthew Barber's play, based on the 1922 novel about four English women who vacation in Italy, is much sweeter than the 1992 movie based on the same story.
And the cast is the virtual who's who of great Seattle actors, including the always marvelous David Pichette, who literally bares almost all in the funniest scene played on stage this year. ACT, downtown at 700 Union St., has extended the play through Aug. 12, so you've still got one weekend to catch the show.
Call 292-7676 for more information on tickets.
One word of warning: ACT's air conditioning was set on sub-artic on the night I attended, so take a sweater with you.
Summer movies cool down
If you really can't stand the thought of numerous explosions in movies these day, even in return for air conditioning, "De-Lovely" is a delightful way to cool down at the Guild 45th. As a biography of Cole Porter, it lacks a lot of details, but as a tour through the highlights of Porter's music and the simply delicious clothing of the era, you won't find better.
While I'm never going to buy Jonathan Pryce as any kind of angel, even the angel of death, I'd love to think that Cole Porter and his lovely wife, Linda, looked as sophisticated and fantastic as Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd in this movie.
I have no desire to buy copies of Halle Berry's "Catwoman" costume on Ebay, but please, please, somebody recreate Judd's fabulous jewelery, hats and gloves.
Later this month, be on the lookout for a sly little Australian comedy, "Danny Deckchair," one of my favorites from the Seattle International Film Festival. A pure romantic comedy, a rare breed today, it's worth paying full price for an evening show.
The movie is due to open at the end of August and should appeal to the "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" crowd seeking a little summer relief from big bangs and overblown budgets.
Rosemary Jones writes about entertainment and the arts for the North Seattle Herald-Outlook. E-mail her at healingpgs@ aol.com.[[In-content Ad]]
