Appropriate at the Seattle Rep

Anyone who, like me, has needed to go through a house and its contents after a death will especially appreciate Appropriate, by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, which runs at the Seattle Rep April 9-May 10.

The curtain opens on the impressive set of a decaying Southern mansion. The family members are gathered from around the country to sort the belongings of their dead father and hold an estate sale and auction and appear one by one. As you might expect, they carry baggage with each other.

Sorting reveals photos and objects that the family did not know existed and which forever alter their feelings toward their late father. The ensuing quarrels go on to deteriorate their relations with each other as well.

This smartly written play, by leading contemporary playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, won a Tony in 2024 for Best Revival of a Play. Jacobs-Jenkins won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Purpose and has been a Pulitzer Prize finalist for The Comeuppances, Girls and War, Gloria.

Timothy McCuen Pigee, a Seattle based actor, director and educator, provided snappy direction. Has previously directed Fat Ham, A Raisin in the Sun and As You Like It at the Seattle Rep and The Color Purple, Hello, Dolly!, Hairspray, and Dreamgirls at the Village Theatre, Issaquah, among others.

Jen Taylor was particularly strong as Toni Lafayette, the daughter serving as Personal Representative of the estate as was Billy Finn as Franz Lafayette, the brother with a troubled past who has been incommunicado for several years only to resurface now.

Founded in 1963, Seattle Rep (Seattle Repertory Theatre) is a leading regional theatre, located in Seattle Center. Find out more at https://www.seattlerep.org/

The Seattle Rep has made a strong effort to make theatre available to all with an extensive discount program. There are Pay What You Choose nights for each play https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/ticket-information/pay-what-you-choose . See other discounts (seniors, military, youth, etc.) here https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/ticket-information/ticket-discounts. You can also sign up for email notice of last-minute offers https://seattlerep.activehosted.com/f/58

Parking is easiest at the nearby Mercer Street Garage, 650 3rd Avenue North, Seattle 98109. There is a convenient skybridge over Mercer Street. Check your Know Before You Go and Get Ready emails for links to pay for discounted parking ahead of time and bring your printed receipt or have it open on your phone to show at the garage entrance. It can cost $45to park without the theatre discount if there is a game at the Climate Pledge Arena or other special event elsewhere in Seattle Center.

We are lucky to have productions of this quality only a half hour drive from Burien.