09/16/2026
Like so many other local theater artists, I am mourning the loss of former Seattle P-I critic adcock. I resumed my theater career in 1987, when Mr. Adcock was the go-to reviewer for the Seattle scene. He never gave a bad review, which isn't to say he didn't give negative reviews. He often did, and I didn't always agree, bur his criticism came from a place of live and support. He was the "mean" friend who told you exactly what you needed to hear, because he knew your potential and expected better of you.
He seemed to be everywhere at once, reviewing absolutely everything worth seeing. He was particularly supportive of the Fringe Theater community, who dared to try something new. He loved experimental theater.
His review could make or break a show, and he was fully aware of that power, but wielded it with a velvet glove. Though I never met him in person, in forever grateful to every review he ever gave me, once calling me "Seattle's secret weapon of comedy."
Rest In Power, dear Joe. There's a theater seat reserved for you and your quill in a better place.
