A playwright’s faith in laughter
The Puget Sound’s weekly roundup of arts, culture, and community | March 6 to 12, 2026
It takes much more than a keen knowledge of theatre history and a deft turn of phrase to be a great playwright. It takes vision and a powerful conviction in the piece they are bringing to the page and stage. It requires a point of view to create a clear and tangible road that audiences can follow throughout the show and continue on their own when they leave the theatre.
For Ken Ludwig, writer of Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, the light that drives him is inspiring courage through the act of laughter. This week, I leave you in the hands (or rather words) of writer and dramaturg Ellen Morgan Peltz in an interview with Ludwig. – Ciara
Ludwig’s expansive approach to comedy comes from his definition of comedy itself. It’s not about punchlines—it’s about perseverance. “The spirit of comedy is in the attitude that you just don’t give up,” he says. “Even when everything goes wrong, the characters keep doing their best, and somehow, things turn out all right.” That philosophy resonates powerfully with audiences, and it’s especially meaningful in a theatrical moment where laughter can feel like relief, release, and restoration all at once.
On the Stage
Young Dragon
Theatre | Seattle Children’s Theatre
Now – March 22 | Tickets
Before he was a legend, Bruce Lee was just a young man trying to figure it all out—right here in Seattle. This action-packed, soul-searching story follows the Young Dragon as he navigates a new country and finds his voice.
More Events
- Not the Right Mom | Tacoma Arts Live | Now – March 8 | View Print Program
- The Notebook | Broadway at The Paramount | Now – March 8 | View Program
- Audio described, open captioned, and ASL interpreted: March 8
- Origins | North Corner Chamber Orchestra | March 7 – 8
- From Heinrich Kaminski to Will Langlie Miletich | Seattle Symphony | March 10 | View Print Program
Next Line
- We’ve got double the fun for you today: both the 5th Avenue Theatre and Village Theatre have announced their upcoming seasons. Both theatres offer new musicals and enduring works in the 2026/27 season.
- Seattle Rep has announced their second New Works production of 2026: The Rent Party. This new play will be presented in a staged reading for which tickets are now on sale.
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