Originality in the arts 

Rachel Benton

What I cherish about the arts scene in Thurston County is the sense of originality that electrifies its core.

This week’s column celebrates the originality displayed in Olympia Little Theatre’s (OLT) newest play, “A Party to Murder,” and describes how Thrive Community Fitness in Lacey harnesses creativity and has an arts scene of its own.  

Alongside these two features is a letter to the artists and event planners that describes a growing concern I see that threatens Thurston County’s sense of originality. In a world where anything is available at your fingertips, we cannot let social media, the news, or any other means of conformity remove our innate sense of originality. 

 Review of OLT’s 'A Party to Murder'

 I have experienced multiple shows at OLT and find that their quality continues to increase with each show. “A Party to Murder” was amazingly clever and intriguing.

If this show was more well known, I imagine it would take over “The Mousetraps” reign for most performed show with the most well-kept secret. The layers that existed within this story brought a sense of originality to the murder mystery genre.  

 Each actor executed their roles with finesse and a quality that surpassed local theatre. I applaud director Dave Marsh for the stage direction he provided and for the suspense he created for the audience. Reading the trigger warnings, I thought the show was going to be scarier than it was. Rather than being scary, the show was suspenseful, witty, and imaginative.  

Everything about this show excelled — the set design was elaborate and thoughtful, the costumes perfect for each character, the use of the various props was clever, and the script beyond brilliant. I cannot find any flaws.

For the most suspenseful experience, I recommend finding a seat on the sides and closest to the edges of the stage. I sat in the seat closest to the stage door and felt like I was both watching and participating in an escape room.  

The best of shows gives audiences not only a superb performance, but something to take home with them. OLT gave me a sense of hope: the written word is still alive, imagination has not been capped, and people still like a good mystery. Thank God!  

It is no wonder that this play was almost sold out  —  this was the best I’ve seen in a long time. From everything I hear, tickets are selling out quickly. Get your tickets here. 

 Art at Thrive Community Fitness 

I have found an artistic community at my gym, and it is rare and special! Thrive Community Fitness in Lacey offers MIXXED Fit and Zumba classes that have engaged my inner artist and given me a sense of community that create meaning to my fitness journey.  

 MIXXED Fit utilizes hip-hop music and dance styles. Instructors April and Jackie make it fun and create an atmosphere that feels more like a club than a gym and often step off their platform to dance alongside class attendees. My dance skills are minimal, and hip-hop was not my thing at first, but this class is a blast and has increased my confidence both on and off the dance floor  

 Zumba feels like a multi-cultural dance party with music coming from around the world and embracing multiple dance styles, offering individual, partner, and group dance numbers. Instructor MeckMeck is jolly, personable, and steps off the platform to dance with class attendees.  

 The same is true in both classes: everybody cheers each other on, gives high fives, and claps at the end of each song that plays. I cannot imagine a more fun place to dance your way to fitness.  

A letter to artists and event planners 

I have attended multiple festivals and fairs in Thurston County this year, including the Wooden Boat Festival last weekend, and see an emerging trend that concerns me:  

 A large portion of vendors are selling the same thing made in the same style. This repetition is boring for Thurston County event attendees who come to see original things in great variety and contradicts the originality that defines us. I desperately hope that this consumeristic mindset leaves our Thurston County artists alone

 If you are an artist developing your own style and voice, I highly encourage you to listen to your heart and follow your own imagination. Originality sells, and each sale is made more meaningful because of it. We need your imagination — don’t sell yourself short and don’t sell out.  

Rachel Benton is a columnist, freelance writer, performing arts enthusiast and a Thurston County local. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. When not writing or enjoying the arts, Rachel can be found spending time with her family, friends and two golden retriever puppies (Elliot and Ernie).