Finding New York in Thurston County

Originally published on The JOLT News August 7th, 2025

There was something in the air this week that made Thurston County feel like quintessential New York.

I found Broadway at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, “The Book of Mormon,” felt the independent New York Theatre vibe in Harlequin Productions Bold Voices show “The Treasurer,” and discovered a type of Little Italy when I heard Tony Uanno play at Olympia’s own Basilico Ristorante. 

This column will also describe what I witnessed in the rehearsals for Second Act Productions upcoming show, “Art...Isn’t Easy: A New York Style Cabaret,” which will be playing for one night only on Aug. 8 in Lacey. 

‘The Book of Mormon’ 

Making my way through the sold out and crowded lobby of the Washington Center made it feel almost as if I was in New York. Admittedly, it was a little claustrophobic, but I did not mind it because it was a tangible reminder of the success the center was experiencing, and that made me incredibly glad. The excitement buzzing around for “The Book of Mormon” was electrifying. 

The show was phenomenal, clever and insanely funny. Just listen to the lyrics of “All-American Prophet," and you will get a taste of the multi-layered satire carried throughout the show. Behind this humor were also thought provoking questions surrounding society, generosity and the way we stereotype cultures. 

The set design was magnificent and of quality that surpassed anything I have seen at the center before. The acting and vocal quality were superb. My only complaint? That they couldn’t stay in town longer so that I could make sure everyone I knew got to see the show.

Bravo! 

Find more quality shows and subscribe to the Washington Center here.  

‘The Treasurer’ 

Designed to highlight edgier works that do not naturally fit into a sequence of seasonal offerings, Harlequin Productions’ Bold Voices series is for anyone with an open and curious mind.

Max Posner’s “The Treasurer” was a fitting choice and met its full potential with Harlequin’s cast of actors. 

“The Treasurer” was completely raw, tapping into human emotions and situations we know all too well. The son, played by Andrew Gordon, guided the audience through his stream of consciousness throughout what could be thought of as a series of unfortunate events.

His mother Ida, played by Kathryn Dorgan, accentuated the nuances anyone can face as they gradually approach dementia. Together, they revealed both sides of the complicated familial relationships inevitable in this complicated world. This show gave me much food for thought.  

I enjoy watching play readings because it allows the audience to fully immerse into their imaginations, and witness something that feels so intimate and innately human.  

I encourage you to purchase tickets to the annual Gala and Season Announcement on Aug. 9.  

The last Bold Voices event of the year will be a Musical Broadway Cabaret in November. Tickets to that and “Halloween at Harlequin” can be purchasedhere.  

 ‘Art…Isn’t Easy: A New York Style Cabaret’  

For one night only, Brenda Amburgy and the Signature Players will be bringing all the razzle dazzle to the stage at The Hub in Lacey. Audiences can anticipate hits from broadway shows, including “Tick Tick Boom,” “Hairspray,” “Once Upon a Mattress,” “Cabaret,” “Crazy Ex Girlfriend” and so much more!   

Watching the rehearsals for Second Act Productions "Cabaret" felt like participating in traditions that feel old in the age of quickly advancing technology, but can be made new by human creativity.

The Signature Players have a natural chemistry that perfectly suits this show, and possess talent even grander than my already high expectations predicted. There are many tricks hidden up their sleeves — the audience is in for a treat.

The infamous Sally Bowles says it best: “Life is a cabaret, old chum, so come to the cabaret.”  

Tickets can be purchased here.  

Basilico Ristorante  

Stepping into the Basilico Ristorante felt like entering a cinematic Little Italy in New York. Local musician Tony Uanno strummed his way into our hearts as we feasted on his renditions of “That’s Amore,” “Tarantella Napoletana” and “Volare” paired with fine Italian cooking.

During his performance of the “Love Theme” from "The Godfather," Uanno traveled to each table and serenaded each guest. I was honored when Uanno found me.  

Throughout my meal, I instinctively searched around me, believing I would find all the whimsical and iconic characters from films like “Moonstruck,” and in a way I did, both in fellow guests and in the staff.

The best character of all was the gluten free food I feasted on. Looking at the menu, there are so many gluten free characters that I cannot wait to meet in the future.

https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/intheaudience-finding-new-york-in-thurston-county,25988