Dukesbay Productions

"We’ve seen many shows at the Dukesbay Theater, but this reviewer is enthusiastic enough to say that this may be one of the best they’ve ever staged."
Adam McKinney, OlyArts.org

https://olyarts.org/2024/03/30/losing-your-grip-taking-leave/

Losing Your Grip ― The Deeply Affecting ‘Taking Leave’ Examines a Mind in Decline – OLY ARTS Losing Your Grip ― The Deeply Affecting ‘Taking Leave’ Examines a Mind in Decline March 30, 2024 by Oly Arts by Adam McKinney Dukesbay Theater has long been a gem in the Tacoma area, using its little black box theater as a venue to host daring works from playwrights both local and internationa...

TAKING LEAVE is a hit!

Audiences are raving about this heartwarming drama about a family dealing with Alzheimer's Disease. Don't worry, it's not depressing. There is a lot of compassionate humor in it that will make you smile, but moments that might bring a tear to your eye.

TAKING LEAVE
by Nagle Jackson
directed by Melanie Gladstone

March 22 - April 7, 2024
The Dukesbay Theater
508 Sixth Ave. #10
Tacoma, WA 98402
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm
There is no performance Easter Sunday March 31

Tickets are just $15, which includes coffee, tea and cookies at intermission.

If you purchase your tickets online, there is no service fee.
https://DukesbayTakingLeave.bpt.me

***The theater is in the historic Merlino Art Center building, which has no elevator. Patrons must be able to ascend a long staircase to access the theater.***

A review from our Opening Weekend of TAKING LEAVE. Many thanks to Marie Bonfils and Drama in the Hood for this terrific notice!

There are tickets available for all upcoming performances. This coming weekend, we are doing a special Thursday show (March 28) and no performance on Easter Sunday March 31.

Tickets can be purchased online (w/ no service fee):
https://DukesbayTakingLeave.bpt.me

Taking Leave-Profoundly funny piece about the elderly-and King Lear - Openings | Drama In The Hood Local theatre performance reviews in Seattle neighborhoods.

Opens Friday.

Prof. Eliot Pryne is descending into his own world that only he can see. In the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease, Eliot no longer recognized his daughters or his caregiver.

His daughters struggle to say "the long goodbye" to their father and as they watch him slowly taking leave of the real world.

But life is not without its laughter and light. Can his daughters help his journey into his own world be a gentle one?

A heartwarming story, filled with unexpected but compassionate humor, this rich dramatic comedy is about living and dying, and the strangely comedic value of both.

TAKING LEAVE
by Nagle Jackson
directed by Melanie Gladstone
March 22 - April 7, 2024
The Dukesbay Theater
508 Sixth Ave. #10
Tacoma, WA 98402
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm
Thursday March 28 at 7:30pm
There is no performance Easter Sunday March 31

Tickets are $15, which includes coffee, tea and an assortment of cookies.
For tickets: https://DukesbayTakingLeave.bpt.me
For more information: [email protected] or 253-350-7680

**The Dukesbay Theater is located on the third floor in the historic Merlino Art Center building. All patrons must be able to ascend a long staircase leading to the theater. There is no elevator in the building.**

TAKING LEAVE features a multiracial cast that includes Kerry Bringman, Mykahla George, Pamela Roza Hayes, Cara Hazzard, Jasmine Jaqua and W. Scott Pinkston. Understudies are John Dugaw and Marsha Walner.

Photography and poster design by Jason Ganwich

TAKING LEAVE by Nagle Jackson opens this Friday, March 22.

You can purchase your tickets online at:
Https://DukesbayTakingLeave.bpt.me

Don’t worry about ticketing fees on this site. Dukesbay has waived those for our patrons for this show!

Tickets are only $15, which includes coffee, tea and an assortment of cookies.

Hope to see you at the theater!

Prof. Eliot Pryne is descending into his own world that only he can see. In the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease, Eliot no longer recognized his daughters or his caregiver.

His daughters struggle to say "the long goodbye" to their father and as they watch him slowly taking leave of the real world.

But life is not without its laughter and light. Can his daughters help his journey into his own world be a gentle one?

A heartwarming story, filled with unexpected but compassionate humor, this rich dramatic comedy is about living and dying, and the strangely comedic value of both.

TAKING LEAVE
by Nagle Jackson
directed by Melanie Gladstone

March 22 - April 7, 2024
The Dukesbay Theater
508 Sixth Ave. #10
Tacoma, WA 98402
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm
Thursday March 28 at 7:30pm
There is no performance Easter Sunday March 31

Tickets are $15, which includes coffee, tea and an assortment of cookies.
For tickets: https://DukesbayTakingLeave.bpt.me

For more information: [email protected] or 253-350-7680

**The Dukesbay Theater is located on the third floor in the historic Merlino Art Center building. All patrons must be able to ascend a long staircase leading to the theater. There is no elevator in the building.**

TAKING LEAVE features a multiracial cast that includes Kerry Bringman, Mykahla George, Pamela Roza Hayes, Cara Hazzard, Jasmine Jaqua and W. Scott Pinkston. Understudies are John Dugaw and Marsha Walner.

Photography and poster design by Jason Ganwich

Eliot Pryne (Kerry Bringman) is a retired college professor who now has Alzheimer's Disease. He is gradually "taking leave" of the real world and is imagining a new one that only he can see.

Here he is imagining he is at a hotel, packing his suitcase, when all he is really carrying is a cardboard box full of household items. His former self (W. Scott Pinkston), seen only by the audience, charts this final voyage, speaking as Eliot once did before Alzheimer's took the wheel.

TAKING LEAVE by Nagle Jackson is a heartwarming story, filled with unexpected but compassionate humor. This rich dramatic comedy is about living and dying, and the strangely comedic value of both.

March 22 - April 7, 2024
The Dukesbay Theater
Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2pm
Thursday March 28 at 7:30pm
There is no performance on Easter Sunday March 31

Tickets are $15, which includes coffee, tea and an assortment of cookies.
For tickets: https://DukesbayTakingLeave.bpt.me

***The Dukesbay Theater is located on the third floor in the historic Merlino Art Center building. Patrons must be able to climb a long staircase to access the theater. No elevator in the building.***

Photography by Jason Ganwich of Ganwich Media

Eliot Pryne (Kerry Bringman) was a well-regarded college professor who now has Alzheimer's Disease. As he gradually "takes leave" of the real world and imagines a new one, he leaves behind memories of his life, and his family.

Cordelia (Mykahla George), after realizing that her father can no longer read his beloved books, connects to him in a way that only she can.

TAKING LEAVE by Nagle Jackson is a heartwarming story, filled with unexpected but compassionate humor. This rich dramatic comedy is about living and dying, and the strangely comedic value of both.

March 22 - April 7, 2024
The Dukesbay Theater
Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2pm
Thursday March 28 at 7:30pm
There is no performance on Easter Sunday March 31

Tickets are $15, which includes coffee, tea and an assortment of cookies.
For tickets: https://DukesbayTakingLeave.bpt.me

***The Dukesbay Theater is located on the third floor in the historic Merlino Art Center building. Patrons must be able to climb a long staircase to access the theater. No elevator in the building.***

Photography by Jason Ganwich of Ganwich Media

Eliot Pryne (Kerry Bringman) is in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Sadly, he no longer recognizes his caregiver Mrs. Fleming (Pamela Roza) or his daughters Liz (Jasmine Jaqua) and Alma (Cara Hazzard). But that doesn't stop them from trying to connect to the last pieces of Eliot that is left before Eliot "takes leave" of the real world.

TAKING LEAVE by Nagle Jackson is a heartwarming story, filled with unexpected but compassionate humor. This rich dramatic comedy is about living and dying, and the strangely comedic value of both.

March 22 - April 7, 2024
The Dukesbay Theater
Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2pm
Thursday March 28 at 7:30pm
There is no performance on Easter Sunday March 31

Tickets are $15, which includes coffee, tea and an assortment of cookies.
For tickets: https://DukesbayTakingLeave.bpt.me

Photography by Jason Ganwich of Ganwich Media

Took some candid shots from the rehearsal last evening for TAKING LEAVE by Nagle Jackson. This is going to be a great show!

Eliot Pryne is in a rapidly advancing stage of Alzheimer’s Disease. Once a respected professor of English literature, Dr. Pryne is “taking leave” of the real world and entering a new one.

His three daughters and his caregiver struggle to know how to help him and what his next steps will be. But, all of them want his journey to his “next world” to be a gentle one.

TAKING LEAVE runs March 22 - April 4, 2024.
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2:00pm
Thursday March 28 at 7:30pm
No performance on Easter Sunday March 31.

Tickets at only $15
Https://DukesbayTakingLeave.bpt.me

Featuring the talents of Kerry Bringman, Mykahla George, Cara Hazzard, Jasmine Jaqua, W. Scott Pinkston and Pamela Roza.
Understudies John Dugaw and Marsha Walner.
Directed by Melanie Gladstone

FREE EVENT!

Dukesbay Productions and the University of Puget Sound presents NEVER AGAIN: The Story of the Japanese American Incarceration.

This play reading will take place during UPS' Day of Remembrance, on Feb. 19, 2024. It is FREE to the public, and refreshments will be served.

NEVER AGAIN features the talents of Ko Hashiguchi, Susan Kaeka, Joy Misako St Germain, Steve Tarry and Tim Takechi.

We hope some of you can stop by that evening to hear the story of the Japanese Americans who were put in concentration camps during WWII.

In loving memory of Laurie Sifford. A talented actor, wonderful human being and friend of Dukesbay.

Pictured here is Laurie's portrayal of the Mother Superior in Dukesbay's production of AGNES OF GOD. Laurie also appeared in ANCHOR BABY and 2 episodes of JAVA TACOMA.

We will miss you, Laurie. The stage in Tacoma will not be the same without you.

Coming March 22 from Dukesbay Productions!

TAKING LEAVE by Nagle Jackson
directed by Melanie Gladstone

Eliot Pryne was once a highly regarded professor of English Literature. His specialty? Shakespeare’s King Lear. As the curtain rises on this story, Eliot is packing what he thinks is a suitcase and leaving what he thinks is a hotel.

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, he is “taking leave” of the real world and imagining a new one, but the transition is painful. His three daughters Alma, Liz and Cordelia struggle to know what his next steps will be and how they can help.

A heartwarming story, filled with unexpected but compassionate humor, this rich dramatic comedy is about living and dying, and the strangely comedic value of both.

March 22 - April 7, 2024
The Dukesbay Theater
508 Sixth Ave. #10
Tacoma, WA 98402
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm
Thursday March 28 at 7:30pm
There is no performance Easter Sunday March 31

Tickets are $15, which includes coffee, tea and an assortment of cookies.
For tickets: https://DukesbayTakingLeave.bpt.me

Taking Leave features a multiracial cast that includes Kerry Bringman, Mykahla George, Pamela Roza Hayes, Cara Hazzard, Jasmine Jaqua and W. Scott Pinkston. Understudies John Dugaw and Marsha Walner.

**The Dukesbay Theater is located on the third floor in the historic Merlino Art Center building. All patrons must be able to ascend a long staircase leading to the theater. There is no elevator in the building.**

Happy Opening Night to the folks at Tacoma Little Theatre and to the cast and crew of A DOLL'S HOUSE Part 2.

From your fans at Dukesbay Productions!

The ticketing site for TAKING LEAVE is up and running!

Our show runs from March 22 through April 7, 2024.
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.
There will be a Thursday performance on March 28 at 7:30pm. No performance on Easter Sunday March 31.

Tickets are still only $15. Dukesbay hasn't raised tickets prices in over a decade. Still the best theatrical deal in town.

**The Dukesbay Theater is located on the third floor in the historic Merlino Art Center. Patrons must be able to climb a long staircase to access the theater. There is no elevator in the building.**

TAKING LEAVE by Nagle Jackson A father with Alzheimer's is "taking leave" of the real world. Can his daughters help his journey be a gentle one?

Today, January 13 marks the 125th anniversary of the sinking of the ship, the Andelana in the Tacoma harbor.

For those of you who missed our last production, ANDELANA, which we performed this past Fall, this was the story of a ship that sank on Jan. 13, 1899 in the harbor here in Tacoma, WA. All crew members who were on board were lost, and the ship remains at the bottom of Commencement Bay to this day.

Since our production, we have heard from two descendants of crew members who were lost that day: a great nephew of a crew member from Belgium and the great granddaughter of the ship's captain from Nova Scotia. Both are memorializing the tragedy in their own way.

We at Dukesbay Productions (and as citizens of Tacoma) would like to remember the lost sailors on this day. May their service and their lives never be forgotten.

Congratulations to our stellar cast for TAKING LEAVE by Nagle Jackson, directed by Melanie Gladstone.

Eliot: Kerry Bringman
Eliot-1: W. Scott Pinkston
Mrs. Fleming: Pamela Roza Hayes
Alma: Cara Hazzard
Liz: Jasmine Jaqua
Cordelia: Mykahla George

Understudies: Marsha Walner, John Dugaw

TAKING LEAVE runs March 22 - April 7, 2024
at The Dukesbay Theater
508 Sixth Ave. #10
Tacoma, WA 98402

Tickets will go on sale in January!

AUDITION NOTICE:
Dukesbay Productions announces auditions for TAKING LEAVE by Nagle Jackson. The play will be directed by Melanie Gladstone. This will be a multi-racial production.

Auditions will be held Sunday December 10 (starting at 7pm) and Monday December 11 (starting at 7pm) at the Dukesbay Theater, located at 508 Sixth Ave. in Tacoma, WA 98402.

There is nothing to prepare for the auditions. Auditions will be held in a group setting, with auditioners doing cold readings together for the director All who are interested in auditioning will sign up for either Sunday the 10th or Monday the 11th.
Callbacks will be held on Wednesday December 13.

TAKING LEAVE is a drama, with humor. Shakespeare professor Eliot Pryne is packing what he thinks is a suitcase and leaving what he thinks is a hotel. In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, he is "taking leave" from the real world and imagining a new one. His three daughters struggle to know what his next steps will be.
A heartwarming story, filled with unexpected but compassionate humor, this rich dramatic comedy is about living and dying, and the strangely comedic value of both.

Dukesbay Productions’ mission is to showcase the works of artists of all ethnicities. Actors from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are sought to audition for this multi-racial production. The Dukesbay Theater, unfortunately, is only accessible by a long staircase. No elevator access is available.

ROLES AVAILABLE: [All roles are open and can be played by anyone of any ethnicity]

ELIOT PRYNE: Ph.D., retired playable age 60+
ELIOT-1: the same character playable age 60+
as observer
MRS. FLEMING Eliot's caregiver playable age 40+
ALMA Eldest daughter playable age mid-30s+
LIZ Middle daughter playable age mid-30s
CORDELIA Youngest daughter playable age mid-20s

All actors will receive a stipend of $500

To make an appointment, please email Aya Hashiguchi Clark, co-producer at: [email protected]. Please indicate your preference for Dec. 10 or 11 (or if either date will be okay).

TAKING LEAVE will run March 22 - April 7, 2024. Rehearsals will begin the week of February 4, 2024. Rehearsal schedule TBA.

Our second review for ANDELANA. Many thanks to Thomas Morse of Drama in the Hood for this nice notice!

Tickets are going FAST for this show, so if you're wanting to come, HURRY! Tickets can be purchased online at:
https://DukesbayAndelana.eventbrite.com

***The Dukesbay Theater is located in the historic Merlino Art Center building. The venue is at the top of a long staircase which patrons must climb to access the theater. There is no elevator in the building.***

Andelana: A Tacoma Tale to Remember - Openings | Drama In The Hood A Tacoma tale of mystery and tragedy comes to local theater in Tacoma

Our first review of ANDELANA by Roger Iverson.

HURRY! Tickets are selling out fast. We run three more weekends, so buy your tickets now!

https://DukesbayAndelana.eventbrite.com

***Dukesbay Productions is on the third floor of the historic Merlino Art Center building. The venue is at the top of a long staircase which patrons must climb to access the theater. There is no elevator in the building.***

Play Review of Andelana – The Sailing Ship On the Bottom of Tacoma Harbor – The Suburban Times Play Review of Andelana – The Sailing Ship On the Bottom of Tacoma Harbor Don and Peg Doman · October 30, 2023 · Leave a Comment · The Andelana was a 4-masted bark. The Andelana was a 4-masted bark which sank in Tacoma Harbor in 1899. A bark is a sailing ship of three or more masts. The Andelan...

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The set for ANDELANA is ready and waiting for its audience. Are you coming to the show?

We’ve sold out a few performances already, so don’t delay!

Tickets can be purchased online:
https://DukesbayAndelana.Eventbrite.com

Scenic design by Burton Yuen

**The Dukesbay Theater is located at the top of a long staircase, which patrons must climb to access the theater. There is no elevator in the building. **

The cast of ANDELANA hamming it up a bit while recording some crowd sounds for a particularly dramatic scene in Act 1.

A few performance have already sold out, so don’t delay in purchasing your tickets for Roger Iverson’s history of Tacoma…and ghosts! We perform the show Oct. 27-Nov. 19.

Tickets can be purchased online at:
Https://DukesbayAndelana.eventbrite.com

**The Dukesbay Theater is located at the top of a long staircase which patrons must climb to access the theater. There is no elevator in the building. ***

Coming in 2024 from Dukesbay Productions!

TAKING LEAVE by Nagle Jackson
directed by Melanie Gladstone
March 22 - April 7, 2024

Shakespeare professor Eliot Pryne is packing what he thinks is a suitcase and leaving what he thinks is a hotel. In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, he is "taking leave" of the real world and imagining a new one. His three daughters struggle to know what his next steps will be.

A heartwarming story, filled with unexpected but compassionate humor, this rich dramatic comedy is about living and dying, and the strangely comedic value of both.

Auditions will be announced shortly, but mark your calendars for December 10 and 11 (with callbacks on the 13th). More details to follow soon!

The crew of the ship, the ANDELANA, pose for a photo just before the ship went down during a storm in the Tacoma harbor in January of 1899.

Was the rumor of a curse (and ghostly presence) on the ship true, as many on board had feared? Why did the ship, which had sailed around the world, suddenly sink while anchored during a storm? No witnesses saw the vessel sink, but it was said that some on board feared the ship's travels to other continents brought a curse on the Andelana.

Part history, part ghost story, come see this spine-tingling mystery that Tacoma playwright Roger Iverson has brought to life on Dukesbay's stage.

Oct. 27 - Nov. 19, 2023
The Dukesbay Theater
508 Sixth Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98402

Tickets can be purchased online: https://DukesbayAndelana.eventbrite.com

Front row: Tim Takechi, Ejay Amor, John Dugaw (w/ Bentley the Dog), Kerry Bringman, Christine Choate
Back row: Mason Quinn, W. Scott Pinkston, Asante Hayes, Trevor Owens, Ben Stahl

Photography by Jason Ganwich

**The Dukesbay Theater is located at the top of a long staircase which patrons must climb to access the theater. There is no elevator in the building**

Just a candid shot from rehearsal tonight. Here is most of the crew of the Andelana seated in the forecastle of the ship, playing cards and sharing real life ghost stories.

You won’t want to miss this eerie tale of the storms, ships and the sea, which runs from Oct. 27 - Nov. 19, 2023.

Pictured here L-R: director Randy Clark, Kerry Bringman, Ejay Amor, Mason Quinn, Asante Hayes, Ben Stahl and W. Scott Pinkston.

**The Dukesbay Theater is located at the top of a long staircase which patrons must climb to access the theater. There is no elevator in the building**