Little Red Studio Seattle Review

 It all started several years ago in a different space as invitation only house parties.  Party games created an interactive feel between performers and audience.   This idea was made part of the more formal shows at the larger space.

And now for something completely different truly fits a Little Red Studio show.  It is not like anything you have ever seen or experienced before.   The shows combine music, some dance, singing, aerial displays of dexterity (performers on various ropes or fabrics hanging from the rafters, twisting, turning etc.), humorous skits,  spoken word and poetry, and lots of audience interaction.   Audience favorites include  the chant circle, the anointing, body painting, a set of  usually very erotic poetry, a couple of unique set pieces that might include some light S & M concepts.    Some of the shows are very loosely structured (The Gold Show  for instance) while others are much more ambitious and theatrically based with running characters, plots and themes.

The shows in 2008 have been  The Red Show,  The Black Show,  The Psychedelic Show, The White Show and  The Gold Show.   Most of the shows have limited runs of 5 or 6 performances, usually spread out to occur once per month.  The Gold Show continues as it is a looser, less structured show that is put together at one rehearsal (usually on Thursday Night) and runs on either Friday or Saturday Night.

There are 30 to 40 Little Red Studio troupe members attached to each show.  Some are involved in multiple shows.  The performers are almost never paid, but bring their skills, energy and creativity to make visual and theatrical art for an audience.   There is a lot experimentation and unique ideas being brought out at The Little Red Studio.

For those familiar with Teatro Cinzani --   Little Red Studio is more adult oriented, and creates visual and interactive art with a definite sensual and sometimes downright erotic sensibility.   The studio serves wine, water, coffee, appetizers, dessert-but usually not dinner - except at very special events.   It's also reasonably priced at just $30 a show,  add $10 to 20 to that if you want to purchase a few glasses of wine and dessert.

Guests are treated like VIP guests when they first arrive.  If you go to the actual studio address 750 Harrison Street in Seattle, you are directed around the corner to the Art Gallery on Dexter.   The gallery (and studio) are owned by reknowned painter/artist

Jeff Hengst.  And he is often greeting guests as they arrive in the studio.  Guests are encouraged to arrive at 8:30 p.m. for the 9 p.m. shows.  Guests can browse the art in the gallery and are given a complimentary glass of wine.  Often performers in costume mingle with the crowd.  It's an opportunity to socialize, meet new people and prepare to enter a completely different alternate world that is a Studio Show.   

At about 9 p.m. guests are escorted in small groups of 4 to 6 to the actually studio space on Harrison Street by a costumed Little Red Studio member.  Dressing up is encouraged for the audience as well -but not required.  

Audience members might see troupe members in sexy go-go dancing costumes dancing away to music as they first enter or they might see a belly dancer and an artist painting some nearly naked model.    A troupe member hands guests a paint brush.  "You'll find out what this if for, later."     Then a quick tour of the space is given.  There's the main stage, there's the smaller living room performance space,  there's the loft, over there are the bathrooms, around that corner is the bar and over there is another small studio room that you can also explore if you would like.  

Music is playing, theatrical lighting is setting a mood and you know in a few minutes something unique and unlike anything you have ever experienced is about to begin.

My first experience was with the RED Show  an extremely sensuous somewhat bawdy show.  There was something about android robots (very sexy looking women) being programmed for pleasure making.  Dance, music, performance art pieces, poetry and more followed.   It created a completely different world for the audience members.  

The skill of the troupe members will take your breath away.  The live band is one of the most talented diverse house bands I have ever seen (and they have recently been calling themselves  RED DELICIOUS).  Usually it's Heather as band-leader and lead singer that gets things going with a song.  Depending on the show it might be a high energy, Charleston sort of number (White Show) or a torch song.  

I'm not going to detail too much more of the Little Red Studio shows.. except to assure you, this is one of the most unique, fun and entertaining live shows I have ever experienced. I enjoyed attending a couple of shows so much that I wanted to be part of the Studio and being a published poet and writer, I got to audition, became part of a Gold Show and then got more involved with the troupe.

If you are in the Seattle area and want to see something unique, artistic and be thoroughly entertained, I can't recommend The Little Red Studio experience enough.    The White Show will be performed two more times-July 12th and in August of 2008.  The Gold Show runs once a month-next time is Saturday July 19th.   Coming soon is the Saffron Show.   There are also unique programs outside of the ‘color' shows that the studio offers.  This includes something like A Night in Paris.  in which the atmosphere of a Parisian Cabaret is captured with a superb classical pianist accompanied by a song stylist who does Piaf and sings Operatic Aria excerpts.  Dessert treats are served.     Or there might be a Summer Bash party which takes breaks from dancing and eating for some specialty acts performances.

There's always a unique twist to whatever the Little Red Studio does.   Most programs and shows are $30 or less.    The Little Red Studio space is sometimes rented out for private parties or too visiting theatrical troups.  There's also a day spa at another location and catering services offered as well.    Find out more by going to  the website little red studio seattle . com  (no spaces  and WWW required).   You can google it to find them too.