Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theater Picks - Seattle!

It's that time of year again. Time to bust out those shorts and bathing suits and catch the few rays of sunshine we get here in Seattle. But it's also time to catch what Seattle has to offer theatrically this summer. From Shakespeare to big hair to singing nuns and pirates, there's something for everyone. And here are a few top bets for the Seattle Summer.

Village Theatre presents CHICAGO, May 9th through July 28th

Roxie Hart (Taryn Darr) and Velma Kelly (Desirée Davar) bring their Razzle Dazzle to Village Theatre for over 80 performances this May. Chicago's 1996 revival won six Tony Awards and is one of the longest running American musicals in Broadway history. For Village Theatre's final production of the 2012-2013 season the two merry murderesses from the Cook County jail will paint the town, dance the Cell Block Tango and deliver All That Jazz seven times a week through July! In this fresh new production, that doesn't forget its Fosse roots, Roxie and Velma seductively seek fame and fortune, remind us that he had it comin' and aggressively flirt with danger.

For more information visit them online at www.villagetheatre.org

ACT presents OTHER DESERT CITIES, May 31st through June 30th

The public and private mythology of an iconic Republican family is challenged when their "black sheep" liberal daughter announces that she's planning the publication of a memoir dredging up a pivotal emotional crisis in their shared past. Playwright Jon Robin Baitz, author of The Substance of Fire and creator of the hit series Brothers and Sisters, compellingly examines the many faces of truth and the tangled ties that bind in this incendiary Tony Award-nominated drama.

For more information visit them online at www.acttheatre,org

STAGEright presents ALL IN THE TIMING, June 14th through 29th

STAGEright presents an experiment in social behavior. David Ives' collection of one acts are among the best known in classroom and educational settings. His collections have sold millions of copies, but however familiar an audience member is with the material, STAGEright is approaching the material from its perspective - a little off center! STAGEright has collected 7 directors who are approaching the material from a variety of disciplines, and are presenting a not-to-be-missed evening of experimental theatre.

For more information visit them online at www.seattlestageright.org

Intiman Theatre presents the Intiman Theatre FESTIVAL, June 21st through September 15th

The Festival lineup includes three plays and a brand new musical all designed, cast, and chosen to create a conversation around each other. These shows include Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress; Lysistrata by Aristophanes; the new musical Stu for Silverton, book by Peter Duchan, music and lyrics by Breedlove; and We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay! by Dario Fo.

For more information visit them online at www.intiman.org

The 5th Avenue Theatre presents HAIRSPRAY: IN CONCERT, June 20th through 23rd

Hairspray returns to Seattle in all its glorious, irreverent, John Waters-inspired wackiness! Ten years after making its pre-Broadway premiere in Seattle at The 5th Avenue Theatre, The 5th and the Seattle Men's Chorus collaborate on an exhilarating concert version of this Tony Award winner for Best Musical. Chorus members will perform the ensemble roles, singing your favorite numbers including "Good Morning Baltimore," "Welcome to the '60s," and "You Can't Stop the Beat."

For more information visit them online at www.5thavenue.org

The 5th Avenue Theatre presents THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, July 11th through August 4th

Long before Johnny Depp swaggered his way across the Caribbean, a band of swashbuckling (but tenderhearted) pirates set hearts aflutter with their high seas hijinks. This cheeky farce fairly explodes across the stage with damsels in distress, a sexy Pirate King, a delightfully dotty Major-General, and a score you will hum all the way home.

For more information visit them online at www.5thavenue.org

Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival, July 13th and 14th

Companies from around the Puget Sound bring you all their outdoor offerings for one huge weekend. 14 performances over two days by eight local companies offering everything from Shakespeare to improve to kids shows about Pudding and Pinocchio. There's something for the entire family so pack a lunch and camp out on the grass at Volunteer Park.

For more information visit them online at www.greenstage.org/sotf

Sound Theatre Company presents THE WILD PARTY, August 8th through 25th

Sound Theatre Company presents the Seattle premiere of The Wild Party, with book, music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on the 1928 epic poem by Joseph Moncure March about the excesses of the Jazz Age.

A group of burlesque performers join together for a wild, erotic evening in a Manhattan apartment that will push the limits of their decadent and thrill-seeking high living.

For more information visit them online at www.soundtheatrecompany.org

STG Presents SISTER ACT August 20th through 25th at The Paramount Theatre

Sister Act is Broadway's feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The New York Post calls it "RIDICULOUSLY FUN," and audiences are jumping to their feet in total agreement! Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look-a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to REJOICE!

For more information visit them online at www.stgpresents.org

Photo credit: Jay Koh