Our History
We formed SHOWTUNES in 1999 to create concert performances of the many unsung gems of the American musical theater. Company co-founders and co-Producing Artistic Directors were Maggie Stenson Pehrson and David Edward Hughes. Our inaugural production was a sold-out concert presentation of Anyone Can Whistle at Town Hall in January of 2000.
In subsequent years we presented concerts in a variety of venues, including Meany Hall, Meydenbauer Center and Village Theater. In 2005, SHOWTUNES began producing concerts at the Kirkland Performance Center, and we enjoyed four seasons there. Our audiences weren't growing, however, and we had as many people coming from Seattle as we did from the Eastside. It seemed time to move back to Seattle proper. In 2009, David retired from the organization, Maggie became Executive Producer, and Broadway veteran Martin Charnin joined SHOWTUNES as its first Artistic Director. The move to downtown Seattle became a reality when, in 2010, the company entered into a producing partnership with Broadway Across America and Seattle Theatre Group, and moved productions to The Moore Theatre.
In 2014 we made another move - this time to the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall. Centrally located in the heart of downtown Seattle, the hall boasts a “not too big, not too small” stage size as well as audience capacity that seamlessly works for our concert productions. In addition, accessible parking choices and a wealth of nearby restaurants sweetens the experience for our patrons.
At a September 2015 fundraising event, Martin turned the Artistic Director reins over to Matt Wolfe, saying, “I've been honored to be a part of SHOWTUNES’ grand and noble purpose for the past six years. However, I am now living and working in New York; what seems prudent is to have a hands-on Seattle-based artistic director continuing in my position. Maggie and I realized soon after Matt joined the board that he would be an ideal successor. He imbues the right amount of talent, dedication, and knowledge. His passion and energy are devout... I am confident that this organization has a bright future in Matt’s extremely capable hands.”
In addition to productions at Benaroya Hall, in 2016 we branched out to a second stage as we became an ACTLab Partner for two seasons. In our 2018-19 Season we moved productions to The Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, and expanded our productions to two weekends of performances.
In July of 2020, Showtunes announced the departure of Matt Wolfe and Maggie Pehrson from their leadership positions. They are happy to continue to be great Showtunes supporters. Nathan Young was announced as the new Producing Artistic Director. This functions as a combined role, leading both the artistic and producing parts of the organization. Showtunes is thrilled to be led by a Showtunes veteran who is a theatre maker here in Seattle.
SHOWTUNES is excited to continue to diversify our offerings while demonstrating our unparalleled devotion to this all-American art form. We do what we do "for the love of musicals!"