Seattle, Wash.— Seattle Children’s Theatre (SCT) is proud to announce the Regional Premiere of The Best Summer Ever! written and performed by nationally acclaimed playwright, Kevin Kling. This heartwarming adventure explores childhood through sights, sounds, feelings, and love is on the Eve Alvord stage from March 22 - April 17.
In this one-man show, the delight-inducing Kling brings nine-year-old Maurice Abernathy Anderson to life, who serves as an avatar to Kling's own childhood. Recounting tales of being stuck in the back seat on road trips and his beloved pet chicken, audiences will find something to love about this close-to-home retelling of adolescent summers gone by.
“Humor is ... a way to establish trust because when you laugh at the same thing, it means you come from the same place,” says Kling in an interview on The Being. Finding a way to experience humor with his pet chicken Joyce Anderson through difficult moments is what Maurice finds himself doing when he tells a lie and experiences a loss, making summer a bit more complicated.
Seattle-beloved musician Robertson Witmer accompanies Kling’s 60-minutes of storytelling with songs made from found objects and instruments. The singalongs and memorable Norwegian folk, rouse the audience through Kling’s own summer experiences.
The Best Summer Ever! is SCT’s second production in the 21-22 season, originally scheduled for the 19-20 season but delayed due to pandemic-forced closure.
“We have been looking forward to this production for 24 months,” said Kevin Malgesini SCT’s Managing Director. “Whether this if your first-ever live theatre experience, or perhaps your 100th production, we invite you to join us as we laugh and experience a master storyteller share the joys of a carefree summer together.”
Tickets for The Best Summer Ever! are on sale now and can be purchased at sct.org.
“Humor is ... a way to establish trust because when you laugh at the same thing, it means you come from the same place,” says Kling in an interview on The Being. Finding a way to experience humor with his pet chicken Joyce Anderson through difficult moments is what Maurice finds himself doing when he tells a lie and experiences a loss, making summer a bit more complicated.
Seattle-beloved musician Robertson Witmer accompanies Kling’s 60-minutes of storytelling with songs made from found objects and instruments. The singalongs and memorable Norwegian folk, rouse the audience through Kling’s own summer experiences.
The Best Summer Ever! is SCT’s second production in the 21-22 season, originally scheduled for the 19-20 season but delayed due to pandemic-forced closure.
“We have been looking forward to this production for 24 months,” said Kevin Malgesini SCT’s Managing Director. “Whether this if your first-ever live theatre experience, or perhaps your 100th production, we invite you to join us as we laugh and experience a master storyteller share the joys of a carefree summer together.”
Tickets for The Best Summer Ever! are on sale now and can be purchased at sct.org.
tHE DETAILS
What: The Best Summer Ever! By Kevin Kling
Where: Seattle Children’s Theatre – under the space needle at 201 Thomas Street.
When: March 22-April 17
Cost: Tickets from $20
Purchase at sct.org.
Where: Seattle Children’s Theatre – under the space needle at 201 Thomas Street.
When: March 22-April 17
Cost: Tickets from $20
Purchase at sct.org.
safety
SCT is joining arts and cultural peers in extending COVID policies through the end of the season. To learn more about what we’re doing to keep families safe, visit www.sct.org/safety.
ACCESSIBILITY OFFERINGS
SCT for ALL
Under SCT for ALL, SCT provides low-cost and free tickets to young people and any family who express need. To book tickets simply call (206) 441-3322 or email tickets@sct.org the Ticket Office and set any price for any upcoming show in the 21-22 season.
The Sensory Friendly/Relaxed Performance April 10, 2022 at 1 p.m.
SCT’s Sensory Friendly performance incorporates special modifications to accommodate children and families with sensory needs. Learn more about Sensory Friendly Performances here.
American Sign Language and Audio Described Performance April 2, 2022 at 2:30 p.m.
Central to Seattle Children’s Theatre’s mission is a commitment to serving diverse communities including those who are deaf and hard of hearing and who have low vision or blindness. Tickets for ASL/AD performances are available throughout the season online or through the Ticket Office at tickets@sct.org or (206) 441-3322.
Industry Night for Educators and Arts Partners
Industry Night is a chance for educators and arts collaborators to connect and experience the joy of SCT ahead of the general public. Pay-What-You-Choose (PWYC) performances occur every first Tuesday preview for all remaining productions in the 21-22 season. Tickets can be booked by contacting the Ticket Office via email, 206.441.3322, or in-person during regular operating hours.
Under SCT for ALL, SCT provides low-cost and free tickets to young people and any family who express need. To book tickets simply call (206) 441-3322 or email tickets@sct.org the Ticket Office and set any price for any upcoming show in the 21-22 season.
The Sensory Friendly/Relaxed Performance April 10, 2022 at 1 p.m.
SCT’s Sensory Friendly performance incorporates special modifications to accommodate children and families with sensory needs. Learn more about Sensory Friendly Performances here.
American Sign Language and Audio Described Performance April 2, 2022 at 2:30 p.m.
Central to Seattle Children’s Theatre’s mission is a commitment to serving diverse communities including those who are deaf and hard of hearing and who have low vision or blindness. Tickets for ASL/AD performances are available throughout the season online or through the Ticket Office at tickets@sct.org or (206) 441-3322.
Industry Night for Educators and Arts Partners
Industry Night is a chance for educators and arts collaborators to connect and experience the joy of SCT ahead of the general public. Pay-What-You-Choose (PWYC) performances occur every first Tuesday preview for all remaining productions in the 21-22 season. Tickets can be booked by contacting the Ticket Office via email, 206.441.3322, or in-person during regular operating hours.
- The Best Summer Ever! | March 22, 2022, at 7 P.M.
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! | April 5 at 6:30 P.M.
- The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 | May 3 at 7 P.M.
- Airplay | June 1 at 7 P.M.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Post-Show Discussion March 26 after the 2:30 p.m. performance
Join SCT and Seattle Children’s PlayGarden's Inclusive Programs Director, Hannah Gallgher, two PlayGarden youth ambassadors, and Playwright Kevin Kling for an exciting conversation about the themes of The Best Summer Ever! while celebrating diversity, representation, and disability pride.
Theatre at the Garden for those with disabilities and their friends and families
April 2, 2022, from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M.
PlayGarden, 1745 24th Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98144
Seattle Children's PlayGarden, in partnership with Seattle Children’s Theatre, hosts a day of Theatre Garden fun for children, youth, and adults with disabilities, and their friends and family. The morning will be filled with creativity and imagination with a special performance from Kevin Kling’s The Best Summer Ever! before embarking on an adventure with a SCT Family Story Drama Workshop. Throughout the day Seattle Children’s PlayGarden will host inclusive gardening activities for families, and there will be plenty of time to play with the PlayGarden chickens, ducks and rabbits!
Join SCT and Seattle Children’s PlayGarden's Inclusive Programs Director, Hannah Gallgher, two PlayGarden youth ambassadors, and Playwright Kevin Kling for an exciting conversation about the themes of The Best Summer Ever! while celebrating diversity, representation, and disability pride.
Theatre at the Garden for those with disabilities and their friends and families
April 2, 2022, from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M.
PlayGarden, 1745 24th Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98144
Seattle Children's PlayGarden, in partnership with Seattle Children’s Theatre, hosts a day of Theatre Garden fun for children, youth, and adults with disabilities, and their friends and family. The morning will be filled with creativity and imagination with a special performance from Kevin Kling’s The Best Summer Ever! before embarking on an adventure with a SCT Family Story Drama Workshop. Throughout the day Seattle Children’s PlayGarden will host inclusive gardening activities for families, and there will be plenty of time to play with the PlayGarden chickens, ducks and rabbits!
TEAM CAST
Kevin Kling Maurice & Playwright
Rob Witmer Musician
Rob Witmer Musician
cREATIVE TEAM
Steven Dietz Director
Jeffrey Cook Scenic Designer
Sarah Burch Gordon Costume Designer
Rick Paulsen Lighting Designer
Michael Paul Stage Manager
Rob Witmer Sound Designer
Jeffrey Cook Scenic Designer
Sarah Burch Gordon Costume Designer
Rick Paulsen Lighting Designer
Michael Paul Stage Manager
Rob Witmer Sound Designer
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As of 2022, Seattle Children Theatre’s celebrates its 120th World Premiere since 1975. SCT is a leading generator of new works, providing children of all ages access to professional theater and theatre education. Under new initiatives, SCT for All provides low cost and free tickets to young people and families. In addition, every first and fifth grade classroom in Seattle Public Schools can receive free tickets under One&Five. Learn more information about both of these programs at sct.org.
The 2021-2022 season is supported by generous contributions from season sponsors Microsoft, ArtsFund, The Shubert Foundation, Safeco Insurance, and Liberty Mutual Foundation which will help the organization serve 130,000 annually and provide more than 60,000 free or significantly reduced tickets to children in the Puget Sound area.
The 2021-2022 season is supported by generous contributions from season sponsors Microsoft, ArtsFund, The Shubert Foundation, Safeco Insurance, and Liberty Mutual Foundation which will help the organization serve 130,000 annually and provide more than 60,000 free or significantly reduced tickets to children in the Puget Sound area.
