Arts Briefs | Nov. 16 edition

Margi Amstrup show, James and the Giant Peach, Jingle Bash, Audition notice, and more.

Margi Amstrup show

Works by Vashon artist Margi Amstrup, with many suitable for holiday gifting, will be on display at Our Community Credit Union until Dec. 31. The show opened on Nov. 13.

In addition to showcasing Amstrup’s latest collection of miniatures and larger pieces, the show will provide viewers with exclusive early access to the 2024 Washington State Duck Stamp original oil painting, which Amstrup was specifically selected and commissioned to create.

Visitors will be able to purchase their own limited edition print and stamp when it is released in 2024.

Washington State issued the first duck stamp in 1986. In 2012, the Washington Waterfowl Association took over management of the migratory bird stamp and artwork program and sales. Each year, a new artist is commissioned to create the work. The stamps and prints are prized by collectors and art enthusiasts. All proceeds go back into the program, which supports wetland conservancy, a time-honored tradition.

The credit union is located at 9710 SW Bank Road and is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:35 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The credit union is closed for lunch each day from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

James and the Giant Peach

Roald Dahl’s “James and the Giant Peach, Jr.,” starring the talented students of Vashon Center for the Arts’ musical theater program, will come to life on the stage of Kay White Hall at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18.

The hit musical, with words and music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, is the latest offering in VCA’s long-established youth theater program, now presented in a fruitful partnership with Drama Dock.

Lisa Peretti and Elise Ericksen have directed the show; Marita Ericksen is the musical director — leading the kids in the cast through the musical journey of James and his insect friends in their quest for courage and self-discovery.

Find out more and get tickets at vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Talks on the Rock

Art historian Rebecca Albiani will present a talk on the life, times, and works of Hokusai (1760-1849), whose “36 Views of Mount Fuji” includes some of the most iconic images ever made, including the most world-famous of Japanese works, “The Great Wave.” Whether the prolific artist was making color woodblock prints, book illustrations or drawing manuals, his work was rich in humor and natural beauty.

The talk will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19, at VCA. Purchase tickets at vashoncnenterforthearts.org. Youths 18 and younger will be admitted for free.

Comedy Competition

A Thanksgiving Eve tradition — a presentation of the 43rd annual Seattle International Comedy Competition at Vashon Theatre, will start at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Find out more and get tickets at vashontheatre.com.

Jingle Bash

The second annual Jingle Bash holiday market and celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Vashon High School, featuring 55 art, craft, and specialty food vendors from throughout the Puget Sound region. Bring the whole family and enjoy live music by three local bands: Bridels Band, an electronic pop-rock duo, will play at 11 a.m. Folks and blues singer-songwriter Steve Utterly will take the stage at 12:30 p.m. At 2:30 p.m. a jamming mix of jazz, rock and alternative music will be played by A Least a Dollar Coin.

Food vendors will include Iyad’s Syrian Grill, El Paisano Tamales, and Vashon Island Baking Company. C’mon Barber will also provide haircuts at the event, and photographer Yui Holbrook will be on hand to take Santa photos — no need to go off-island for those.

To learn more about the event, follow @ilovevashon on Instagram or I Love Vashon on Facebook.

Rudolph at Vashon Theatre

“Meet Rudolph,” a free event that includes a chance to pet two live reindeer, a presentation of the animated classic, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” a photo booth, raffle prizes, food, and concessions, will take place from 4:45-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, in Vashon Theatre’s outdoor and indoor spaces.

The event is being presented by the Connie Sorensen Group of Compass Inc. The film will be presented twice, once at 4:45 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.

Audition notice

Drama Dock has announced adult and youth non-union auditions for its March 2023 production of “As You Like It,” a musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy — a co-production with Vashon Island High School’s Drama Department, directed by Christopher Kehoe and Andy James.

The show will have an intergenerational cast blending community actors, professional actors, and high school actors. The roles of Orlando, Rosalind, and other roles for younger actors will be cast with high school students.

Drama Dock is soliciting non-union actors of all ages (from youth to seniors) and all skill levels. Community auditions for adults and youth younger than high school age will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec.10, from 12-6 p.m., at Vashon High School.

If needed, self-tape auditions will be accepted until the end of Friday, Dec. 8.

Rehearsals are expected to begin the week of February 12, 2024, with a six-performance run from March 22–31.

Compensation for principal roles is a $400 stipend. Other supporting roles are unpaid. Ferry fare will be reimbursed for all actors commuting from off-island.

For additional information on roles and auditions, visit dramadock.org/opportunities, or contact Lisa Peretti at lisaperetti@dramadock.org.