From theater critic Misha Berson:   Seattle Musical Theatre has appointed local director and producer Roy Arauz as its new artistic director. Arauz brings wide experience as a theater artist, manager and dancer-choreographer to the longstanding company, which mounts revivals of well-known musicals at its venue in Magnuson Park.  Arauz has worked in various capacities for such local companies as ArtsWest, SecondStory Repertory, …

Ever feel as if you’re living in the Land Where Everything Costs a Lot? Along with those nagging daily expenses (food, shelter, extravagant cat treats), along comes back-to-school shopping. Another given: at the very moment when you’re feeling stretched too thin, gas prices rise seemingly overnight to the highest point in the history of the…