Published August 21 2015
The Bellevue Youth Theatre will present "10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse," the first outdoor performance in the recently opened facility. Performances are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at 16051 NE 10th St. in Crossroads Park.
The show, adapted from the original "Zombies" play written by Don Zolidis in 1998, offers a humorous look at how to cope with zombies as the end of the world nears. Former Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Stanko Milov choreographed the production, which features 30 Bellevue residents ranging in age from six to 54 years.
"We're incredibly excited to be opening the very first production in our new outdoor amphitheater at Crossroads Park," said Mayor Claudia Balducci. "The amphitheater is a tremendous addition to our new Youth Theatre, providing a wonderful setting, great acoustics and easy egress in case of actual zombie attack. The play promises to be entertaining and energetic, while continuing to represent BYT's philosophy of inclusion: Everyone gets a part, and the whole community benefits from the participants' increased sense of belonging, purpose and accomplishment."
Tickets are $5. For information and to purchase tickets, call 425-452-7155. Walk-ups are welcome. Paid seats are limited; hillside seating is free.
The 12,000-square-foot BYT building, which opened in March, features a 150-seat, black-box theater space inside, along with the amphitheater stage. "Zombies" was selected for the first amphitheater performance based on its lively use of space.
Founded in 1990, the BYT has grown into one of the city's most popular programs, with a total of nearly 10,000 participants, including 1,000 performers, 300 volunteers and 6,500 audience members in 2014. The BYT presents 10 productions each year and provides summer and school-break day camps and theater classes.