AK-WA Connection 2012: Seattle: 50 years since world’s fairKing Tut exhibition tops anniversary offerings that include new Ferris wheel, star-studded lineup of performing and cultural arts By Rose Ragsdale Alaska-Washington Connection
Seattle launched its celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair in April, but it’s not to late to get in on the fun. “The Next 50,’ Seattle Center’s six-month celebration looking back at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and ahead to Seattle’s next 50 years continues until Oct. 21, the date on which the fair closed 50 years ago. The center is sponsoring some continuing events including Century 21 Walking Tours that explore the legacies of the World’s Fair. The tours are hosted by the Museum of History & Industry on first and third Saturdays and second and fourth Thursdays of each month through Oct. 20.
King Tut is here A highlight of Seattle visitor attractions in 2012 is the much-anticipated exhibition, “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs,” that opened at Pacific Science Center in May for its final showing in North America. The exhibition, organized by National Geographic and Arts & Exhibitions International, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, is sponsored locally by the Seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau. It features more than 100 artifacts including jewelry, furniture and statuary as well as the boy king’s golden sandals from the tomb of King Tut and sites representing some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. These include the largest image of King Tut ever unearthed – a 10-foot-statue of the pharaoh found at the remains of the funerary temple of two of his high officials. Most of these artifacts have never been on display in the United States before this exhibition. For further information and ticket details, please visit kingtut.org or pacificsciencecenter.org. The exhibition runs through Jan. 6, 2013.
Another lofty attraction Since the 605-foot-tall Seattle Space Needle opened for the Seattle World’s Fair, the iconic symbol of the Emerald City has reigned supreme as Seattle’s loftiest visitor attraction. When it was built in 1962, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. This summer, the Seattle Great Wheel has added its profile to the city’s skyline. The 175-foot diameter Ferris wheel opened to the public on the waterfront in late June at Pier 57, which already boasts a carousel, arcade, and collection of shops and restaurants. The wheel lifts riders in 42 enclosed gondolas about 200 feet into the air, giving them a breathtaking view of Elliott Bay and the city. Developer Hal Griffith said he wanted to put such an attraction on Pier 57 to help offset the potential loss of area business that could result from the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project. Griffith owns Pier 57, which is near other downtown attractions such as the Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium.
Theater delights The performing arts scene is also celebrating the city’s milestone with various special events along with offerings for the 2012-2013 regular season.
The Intiman Theatre is returning this year to celebrate its 40th birthday with a new theatre festival that runs through August. Four plays are featured, “Romeo and Juliet,” by William Shakespeare; “Hedda Gabler”, by Henrik Ibsen; “Miracle,” by Dan Savage, and “Dirty Story,” by John Patrick Shanley. For more information, visit www.intiman.org/plays-events/festival/.
Seattle Repertory Theatre is hosting a party and scavenger hunt at noon, Aug. 18, to kick off its landmark 50th anniversary season. Registration is open for individuals or teams; participants are welcome age 8-80. The largest nonprofit resident theater in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle Rep will feature both classical and contemporary productions in its 2012-2013 season, beginning with the world premiere of “Pullman Porter Blues,” by Cheryl L. West, Sept. 27 – Oct. 28, 2012 and followed by Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie,” Oct. 6 – Dec. 1, 2012 and the holiday season comedy, “Inspecting Carol” by Daniel Sullivan, Nov. 23 – Dec., 23, 2012. The Rep will kick off the New Year with the modern masterpiece, “American Buffalo,” by David Mamet, Jan. 11 – Feb. 3, 2013, followed by “Photograph 51,” a portrait of British scientist Rosalind Franklin by Anna Ziegler, Feb. 1 – March 3, 2013, and the Tony Award-winning “War Horse,” adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford, Feb. 13-24, 2013. The season wraps up with the insightful comedy, “Good People” by David Lindsay-Abaire, March 8-31, 2013, and the riotous farce, “Boeing-Boeing,” by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Beverley Cross, April 19 – May 19, 2013. For more information, visit www.seattlerep.org.
The historic 5th Avenue Theatre, ACT, and Pacific Northwest Ballet are also offering a wide variety of productions during 2012-2013 season. At 5th Avenue, “RENT,” led stellar lineup of Broadway hits and golden classics, including “Memphis, The Addams Family, ELF – The Musical, The Music Man, Gray Gardens, Jersey Boys,” and “The Pirates of Penzance.”
ACT – A Contemporary Theatre began its season with “The Pinter Festival, a collection of four plays that runs through Aug. 26, followed by a fall lineup including “Uncle Ho to Uncle Sam, The Great Soul of Russia, Ramayana, The Construction Zone, A Christmas Carol” and others.
This season, Pacific Northwest Ballet will feature “Cinderella” in September, “Nutcracker” in December and “Roméo et Juliette” in February, “Hansel & Gretel” in March, “Swan Lake” in April as well as world premieres, modern masterpieces and the director’s choice.
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