Powerful part 2: Incredible Performances
Originally published on The JOLT News on October 30, 2025
As the power outages remain a popular topic throughout Thurston County, I invite you once again into a conversation about the power exchange that exists within the arts.
In Part 1 of this “Powerful” series, I discussed our contribution to this power exchange: just as we pay our own power bills, we need to invest in the artists, theatres and companies that we love. We as individuals in the audience have a much greater impact than we realize, and we cannot afford to take anything for granted.
In Part 2, I will be discussing the other side of this power exchange: the power that shines from the arts brings light into our lives and gives us just what we need to make the world a better place. In other words, the arts empower us.
All art can empower us, but today I will be focusing primarily on the performing arts. There were two performances last weekend that will add nuance to this conversation and remind us that empowerment can work in many ways.
I invite you to contemplate this nuance as I delve into Olympia Little Theatre’s (OLT) “But Why Bump Off Barnaby?” and Olympia Chamber Orchestra’s (OCO) “Reform” concert.
'But Why Bump Off Barnaby?'
Fitting in a similar category to “Clue,” “But Why Bump Off Barnaby?” is a unique phenomenon. Completely multifaceted, this play is able to be absurd, hilarious, dramatic, intriguing, mysterious and puzzling all at the same time. I found my own “little grey cells” eagerly working to solve this mystery at the same time as I was laughing at the ridiculously silly moments. It was fantastic!
I enjoyed the set design, costume design and select performances from the actors. OK, not every character is my cup of tea, but that is OK because I don’t have to like every moment in order to enjoy it as a whole. I brought a friend with me to see the show, and at moments where I felt exasperated by a character, I heard her laughing. Art really is in the eye of the beholder. That is powerful!
When we think of “powerful” performances, we tend to imagine highly trained professionals, dramatic and significant works, and an overwhelming sense of prestige. I find that very limiting.
I believe “powerful” performances can be created from actors with any level of experience. A powerful performance is one that makes you think, feel or laugh. This production really was powerful.
Remember the animated film “Monsters Inc.”? The monsters in that film used children’s screams to create their electricity, until they discovered that laughter contained more power. There is something to that. Laughter, joy, and hope provide a light that will always defeat darkness. Go to this show, fuel up on laughter and intrigue so that you can step into our reality with an energized spirit.
The question remains: But why bump off Barnaby? You will have to find out for yourself.
Get your tickets here.
'Reform'
In an unforgettable performance, OCO proved you do not need words in order to be moved to your core.
In a program filled with historically significant, emotion-filled and compelling pieces, I wonder if the concert really should have been called “Electrifying Reformation.” Goosebumps swept through me throughout the entire performance; I was hooked.
Orchestras can never hide behind their instruments, meaning either the chemistry, passion, dedication and love are there, or they are not.
Whenever this is absent from an orchestra, it no longer matters how perfectly the music is performed, the concert immediately becomes boring and stale. I am grateful to share that OCO emanated a loving and familial, yet very powerful dynamic as they mastered their program on stage.
I enjoyed watching the way Music Director and Conductor Nickolas Carlson connected with the orchestra. From where I was sitting, I could see the emotion portrayed on his face, but everyone could also see it in his physical movements.
Another important element to any orchestral performance: the conductor must be fun to watch and look really into what he is doing. Carlson, you passed the test.
Are you a singer? OCO will be holding auditions for its chorus that will be performing opera choruses at the Unity Concert on June 21. Auditions will be held at the Minnaert Center’s Black Box on Nov. 15 at 1:30 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. For more information and to register for your audition, visit the audition page.
To learn more about OCO and buy tickets for future concerts, visit this website.
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/powerful-part-2-incredible-performances,26905