Past Productions
5th Avenue Theatre Retrospective:
18 Years of Thrilling Musical Theater
5th Avenue Retrospective
A Room With A View
Photos
Video
A Room With a View
A Room With a View
Let it Rain - A Room with a View
There is a Yes - A Room with a View
Ludwig and I - A Room with a View
A Room with a View B-Roll
"Director David Armstrong takes a ton of awesome, admirable risks in this production, and the standout success, the thing that brought the house down halfway through act two, causing a near-riot of whooping and hollering and a genuine dynamic moment between characters, is the way Armstrong does the skinny-dipping scene. Three guys. Full frontal. A near-riot, I tell you. Of sheer delight.
The set is great, the cast is great, the score is great, the singing is great. The murder scene in the streets of Florence is staged perfectly—the lights, the blocking, the emotional whiplash—and the song George sings right after it, “Something Tremendous,” is something tremendous. "
The Stranger
“Room” sports a breathtakingly arboreal scenic design by Walt Spangler, an able new director (5th Ave artistic head David Armstrong), and a cast dominated by fine Seattle actor-singers. Composer-lyricist Jeffrey Stock’s lush score includes lovely arias and choral pieces, and draws knowingly on Italian opera and the oeuvres of Broadway masters Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim."
Seattle Times
Anything Goes
Photos
Video
Anything Goes
Anything Goes
Anything Goes
"David Armstrong presents the 1934 Broadway hit as a musical comedy, with slapstick, farce and pun-filled wordplay getting equal time with Cole Porter's well-known music and lyrics. He's also assembled a strong-voiced cast, headlined by Dee Hoty."
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"Don't miss this boat - director David Armstrong captains a smash hit version of Cole Porter's vintage musical. "
City Search
"The show's director, new 5th Avenue Theatre artistic head David Armstrong, has applied a tap-happy verve and a bright coat of sheen to this vessel. The show looks divine, with a swiveling art deco shipboard set, swank '30s apparel and a cast of agreeable music comedy pros. Those Porter songs, meticulously staged by Armstrong with double-decker panache, seem as fresh and sparkly as a just-opened magnum of champagne."
Seattle Union Record
"The 5th Avenue's David Armstrong has created a new production of the Porter classic that's bright, often hilarious and relentlessly upbeat. Suffice to say it's fall-down funny and the cast sparkles through Armstrong's inventive choreography."
Seattle Times
"Directed triumphantly by new artistic director David Armstrong. If this is the caliber of production we can expect from him i can't wait for the rest of the season."
Seattle Gay News
Arms and the Man
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Video
Arms and the Man
Arms and the Man
Arms and the Man - Chocolate Cream Soldier
Arms and the Man - The Higher Love
Arms and the Man - A Duel is Planned
Candide
Seattle Shakespeare's ARMS AND THE MAN visits the past and finds the present. With wit, humor, and richness of production, the show presents a classic tale of a chance encounter that changes everything. From the pithy dialogue to the talented cast, Seattle Shakespeare has chosen well for its second show of the season. The cast blended into a wonderful ensemble that played off each other very well. David Armstrong 's direction moved them about in ways that were both interesting and entertaining without ever being contrived. Indeed, his vision with the show must be very close to the author's original intent. ARMS AND THE MAN is a fun night of theater. The story still holds truths for us today. Seattle Shakespeare's production reminds us why it is a classic.
Broadway World
Seattle Shakespeare’s second production of the year, Bernard Shaw’s ARMS AND THE MAN, is a charming success. The production is directed by David Armstrong at the intimate Center Theater, which was packed-full, of both bodies and laughs, this Saturday. While the plot is predictable and outdated, every line is delivered perfectly against the stunning backdrop of Bulgarian mountains. Anyone who enjoys a quality comedic production should make sure to get seats.
Drama in the Hood
Photos
Video
Candide
Candide
Candide - The Best of All Possible Worlds
Candide- Glitter and Be Gay
Candide - Montage
HAIR
Photos
"A soaring, witty ‘Candide’ at 5th Avenue Theatre…a triumphant centerpiece of the Seattle Celebrates Bernstein festival.
A rare treat for lovers of opera, operetta and Broadway musical comedy, this is one of the finest undertakings of artistic honcho David Armstrong’s 5th Avenue tenure. Armstrong’s agile staging flies — from the delightful overture to the exhilarating choral capper. This “Candide” is a celebration of how far Seattle’s musical-theater scene has come — and what, at full strength, it is capable of.”
The Seattle Times
"Wonderful direction by David Armstrong. Perfect staging, soaring voices, hysterical and touching performances. The 5th Avenue has definitely turned this diamond in the rough into the sparking gem it was always meant to be and has proved that this production truly is the best of all possible worlds.”
“A thrillingly sung, admirably acted, and visually voluptuous evening of delights, " BroadwayWorld
"If you only see one show this season, the 5th Avenue's production of the 60's Broadway hit should be it. It's a fresh, spontaneous
celebration of a time and generation that's free of maudlin nostalgia . Its a visually beautiful show, like peering into a psychedelic snow globe swirling with tie-dye colors."
Everett Herald
"HAIR is still flowing wild and free thanks to David Armstrongs full throttle staging and choreography and the tribe of hearty young actor-singers who hurl through this rite with abandon. The show still manages to work its singular retro magic in David Armstrong's dynamic, tripped out but fully committed staging."
Seattle Times
"The 5th's exemplary production... respectful, highly energized and smashing-to-look-at. Bravo to director/choreographer David Armstrong ."
Talkin'Braodway
"I take my hat off to Armstrong for bringing a problematic musical relic vividly back to life at The 5th."
Hello, Dolly!
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Video
Hello, Dolly!
Hello, Dolly!
Hello, Dolly! Highlights
"A vigorous, well-cast “Hello, Dolly!” at 5th AvenuTheatre
Director and choreographer (and the 5th Avenue's artistic director) Armstrong offers charmingly old-fashioned virtues of speed and vigor, with his large contingent of dancers crisscrossing in gymnastic style.
Seattle PI
"The 5th Avenue’s version makes a persuasive case for Herman’s musical. Michael Anania’s airy, abstract sets bring an infectiously effervescent quality to the material. So does director David Armstrong’s choreography, which becomes unapologetically athletic during the restaurant scenes."
Seattle Times
"A satisfying Dolly! with captivating choreography.
Hello, Dolly! when done with freshness and verve as it is here is always a welcome visitor."
Talkin Broadway
"David Armstrong’s direction is absolutely fabulous. His Midas touch shines again with this hit show. "
The Broadway Hour
Irving Berlin's
Holiday Inn
Photos
"A very welcome gift,
as comfortable and cozy as a fireside at Christmastime.”
Daily Record
"Hit’s all the right notes…
it’s a wonderful production."
BroadwayWorld
“Pure joy! Seattle Pockets
Video
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn
"Happy Holiday" from Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn at The 5th Avenue Theatre
"Easter Parade" from Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn at The 5th Avenue Theatre
Sizzle Reel for Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn at The 5th Avenue Theatre
Jaques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris
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Video
Jaques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris
Jaques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris
ACT Theatre & The 5th Avenue Theater - Jacque Brel Is Alive & Well "Highlights"
The Audience Approves: Jacques Brel is Alive and Well & Living in Paris
"A splendid revival.
Armstrong’s graceful"staging features a quintet of Seattle’s finest actor-singers, who pour their hearts into Brel’s timeless musical
ruminations on l’amour,
le mort and la guerre.
Armstrong choreographed the piece so fluidly on a simple set that the movement seems to emerge organically from the performers."
The Seattle Times
"Director David Armstrong has taken these gorgeous pieces and staged them in such a way that they go beyond a simple "park and bark" of a standard revue. They've infused such life and story into each number that even the un-translated song of the show "Ne Me Quitte Pas" brings a ton of emotional baggage with it. In fact it was one of the most stirring moments of the evening due in no small part to the wonderful lighting and projections from Tom Sturge and Tristan Roberson not to mention the haunting lone guitar from Greg Fulton accompanying the singer."
BroadwayWorld
"Directed with obvious affinity and understanding by David Armstrong whose choreography is subtle, mood enhancing, and only showy where really called for."
TalkinBroadway.com
Oliver!
Photos
"The 5th Avenue Theatre’s current production of Oliver! is outstanding in every facet imaginable. Stupendous staging, gifted performers, and this famously fabulous musical score will reward your trekking out into the cold Seattle air no matter how frigid. "
Seattle PI
Video
Oliver!
Oliver!
Oliver! Sizzle Reel
"I'd Do Anything" from Oliver at The 5th Avenue Theatre
"Where is Love? from Oliver!
Lerner & Loewe's
Paint Your Wagon
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Video
Lerner and Low's Paint Your Wagon
Lerner and Low's Paint Your Wagon
"I Talk to the Trees" from Paint Your Wagon
Sizzle Reel for Paint Your Wagon at The 5th Avenue Theatre
"No Name City" from Paint Your Wagon
Paint Your Wagon' gets a polished reboot at Ordway.
"Director David Armstrong’s robust production which opened Wednesday at Ordway Center, teems with larger-than-life characters who have dreams and ambitions to match. The producers threw out Alan Jay Lerner’s book, kept the songs by composer Frederick Loewe and lyricist Lerner, and enlisted Marans to craft a new story that’s exciting and relevant. "
Star Tribune
"With a brand-spanking new script, all new-orchestrations, a reshuffled song score, masterful scenic and costume designs, and a robust cast and choreographic style, the 5th Avenue Theatre’s reimagining of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s Paint Your Wagon has a lot more than a new coat of paint on it. It now seems, with just a little more refinement, ready to roll on to a lengthy Broadway revival, and new life in stock, regional and amateur productions."
Queerspace Magazine
Saving Aimee
Photos
"An incandescent, charismatic presence in Aimee’s glowing white robes, Carmello also displays her dazzling vocal range and lung power in several power-ballads.
David Armstrong has Carmello minister to us from center stage, and dramatically on a towering staircase, in his vivid direction of the show on Walt Spangler’s impressive tabernacle set."
Seattle Times
Video
Saving Aimee
Saving Aimee
He Will Be My Home
For Such A Time As This
Saving Aimee Montage
Scandalous
Photos
Video
Scandalous
Scandalous
On the Scene: "Scandalous" Meet and Greet with Kathie Lee Gifford, Carolee Carmello and More
Behind the Scenes at Rehearsals for "Scandalous", Starring Carolee Carmello
Meet the Team at SCANDALOUS on Broadway
"Scandalous, which features a fine cast led by stage veteran Carolee Carmello and vigorously directed by David Armstrong — has many lighter, brighter moments, as well as something rarer in contemporary musicals: the courage of its sincerity. A series of lavish, vibrant, funny Biblical skits send up McPherson's church shtick without mocking the faith behind it, or the faithful. That's not an easy balance to strike,and Scandalous
deserves credit for its mix of unabashed razzle-dazzle, gentle irreverence and genuine heart."
USA Today
"David Armstrong’s direction flows effortlessly from one episode in McPherson’s life to the next and Carolee Carmello gives a charismatic performance in the lead, belting out her numbers like a one-woman church choir."
Entertainment Weekly
The Secret Garden
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Video
Secret Garden
Secret Garden
"How Could I Ever Know" from The Secret Garden
"Wick" from The Secret Garden
"A Brand New Coat" from The Secret Garden
Sweeney Todd
A Spirited Secret Garden Blooms
at Shakespeare Theatre
"The new staging at the Shakespeare Theatre features songs in a different order but the overhaul isn’t radical. What David Armstrong’s handsome, confident production offers is sturdiness: The performers are first-rate, and the gothic-pastoral design elegantly brings the mysterious Edwardian world to life. The pleasure of “The Secret Garden” is that it can feature an anguished hunchback hobbling through his own haunted mansion with a cane and candle yet not seem anywhere near gothic camp. Armstrong pierces this gloomy world’s darkness with shafts of light in the mysterious early going as Mary arrives in Archibald’s creepy home, and the slender railings and stairways of Anna Louizos’s set practically waltz into a variety of patterns to suggest the vastness of the house. Mike Baldassari’s lights make it abundantly clear when we’re looking at ghosts: They’re typically bathed in pure white, even when they hide in vine-covered trellises on wheels that actors maneuver from place to place as curious Mary explores the outdoors."
Washington Post
'The Secret Garden” is a must-see for adults and children alike. Exquisitely acted and sung, with captivating sets, eerie lighting, and authentic period costumes, all the components of the show work together to support the message that hope and renewal are possible even after shattering grief and loss. Theatre-goers will be swept away by this tender and charming production. "
MD Theatre Guide
Photos
Titanic - In Concert
Singing And Slashing Its Way To Triumph
"The 5th Avenue has filled its triumphant production of Sweeney Todd with top grade ingredients.
Under artistic head David Armstrong's assured direction it's one of the best productions in 5th Avenue's history."
Seattle Times
"A delicious production of Sweeney Todd directed with flair by David Armstrong."
Seattle PI
"A terrific and terrifying evening of theater with a suburb cast and glorious orchestra. "
Queen Anne News
Photos
Video
A Sweeping TTANIC In Concert
at The 5th Avenue Theatre
"A suitably majestic, historically insightful and musically satisfying voyage backward.
Enterprising 5th Avenue head David Armstrong has gone for the gusto here, rounding up a cast of more than 30 prime actor-singers, plus an orchestra under the baton of the theater’s expert musical director, Ian Eisendrath, and the Pacific Lutheran University Choral Union.
All of this, with projections of vintage tinted photographs of the doomed ship, conjure a sense of the momentous glamour that is part of our continuing fascination with the Titanic story. “ Seattle Times
Titanic
Titanic
Behind the Scenes of Titanic: The Concert #2
Vanities - The Musical
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Video
vanities
vanities
ACT Theatre: A Moment From...Vanities: A New Musical
Irving Berlin's
White Christmas
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"The best reasons to catch “White Christmas” are its shamelessly gaudy retro look and its gleefully old-school production numbers dispatched with polish and pizazz by the large, ingratiating cast. Staged with verve by director-choreographer James A. Rocco and co-director David Armstrong, some are delightful “42nd Street”-style tap extravaganzas."
Seattle Times
Video
White Christmas
White Christmas
White Christmas Dance Montage
Irving Berlin's White Christmas at The 5th Avenue Theatre
White Christmas at The 5th Avenue Theatre
Yankee Doodle Dandy!
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Video
Yankee Doodle Dandy!
Yankee Doodle Dandy!
Yankee Doodle Commercial 30 second spot.mov
The Making of Yankee Doodle 2008
Tari Kelly and Sean Martin Hingston, Pick Up Your Dreams from Yankee Doodle (B Roll).mov
Yankee Portrays American Original
"The hits keep on coming. And with the bright snazzy treatment ther get these cornball standards are pretty irresistible. Cohan tapped into somting brash and brassy in the American spirit and still does."
Seattle Times
"It’s tuneful, colorful, and it boasts more and better dancing than any new show on Broadway. Yankee Doodle Dandy exhilarates."
Dallas Morning News
"Propelled by the kind of vintage hoofing that built Broadway. the songs are showstoppers!"
Variety
"There are gorgeous moments in Yankee Doodle Dandy...the final montage, a goose-bump raising phantasmagoria of images puts you smack in the middle of Broadway from Cohan's heyday right through today."
Atlanta Journal Constitution