“Sherlock Holmes purists may not be thrilled with Seattle Repertory Theatre’s production of The Hound of the Baskervilles, which takes some liberties with Arthur Conan Doyle’s original ending. But anyone with a love for mystery, an appreciation for clever stagecraft and a sense of humor will appreciate the adaptation by local theatre favorites R. Hamilton Wright and David Pichette. This world premiere production manages to be a compelling thriller without being self-serious—a somewhat tongue-in-cheek take on a Gothic murder tale. ” – Gemma Wilson, City Arts Magazine | November 22, 2013

“Their finger prints are all over Seattle. From protecting honeybees to regulating marijuana to popping and locking, these 54 men and women (and in one case, a machine) are shaping our neighborhoods, economy, attitudes and future. In the case of our person of the year—for the first time in our nine years of compiling this list, it’s a tie!—the impact is on a global scale. We may not always like the direction they are taking us in but it’s hard to deny: these folks are taking us somewhere.” – Various Authors, Seattle Magazine | November 2013

Key Players: Seattle’s Piano-Bar Pros: Seattle’s longstanding lounge pianists make the holidays special

“Given the tendency of bars and restaurants to rely on Pandora Internet radio or iPod playlists to provide background music, it’s a rare and genuine thrill to walk into a joint and discover someone tickling the ivories on a real piano. That’s especially the case when you encounter one of Seattle’s longstanding piano-bar pros, such as Ruby Bishop, Jerry Zimmerman or June Tonkin. With a combined 252 years of life experience, the city’s most seasoned lounge pianists add instant atmosphere wherever they play.” – Brangien Davis, Seattle Magazine | December 2013

Shooting from the Hip: The Habit’s Latest Sketch Comedy

“The core members of the Habit began writing comedy together back in 1995, when they were college classmates and roommates. At the time, their sketches, filled with  cops and robots and astronauts, seemed born of long afternoons on the couch watching cable TV and passing a bong around. Since then, the group has taken years-long hiatuses and some of its members have made names for themselves in other projects (Stranger Genius Award–winner John Osebold, for example, with his performance-band “Awesome,” and theater impresario Mark Siano with his semi-ironic “soft-rock” comedy extravaganzas). But when the Habit reconvenes to write new material, it still feels like a hazy, mid-’90s TV dream.” -Brendan Kiley, The Stranger | November 20, 2013 | Photo by Todd Hobert, courtesy The Stranger

Art and Controversy: Lesbians! The Male Gaze! French People! Blue Is the Warmest Color!

“File under: The internet is changing things. It’s increasingly difficult to separate creators from their work, as we have access to more information than ever about the lives and beliefs of people whose work we consume. Rumors of dickish behaviors spread via social media in a way they never did via gossip magazines, and consumers accustomed to voting with their dollars might be tempted to apply the same logic toward entertainment.” – Alison Hallett, The Stranger | November 20, 2013