Stage Openings & Events The Good Fun Show A stand-up showcase, every

By By Gavin Borchert • December 9, 2014 12:47 pm

Stage

Openings & Events

The Good Fun Show A stand-up showcase, every third Saturday; this month, Finn Cottom, Isabela Comerford, and Leah Mansfield. Eclectic Theater, 1214 10th Ave. $10–$12. 10:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 20.

Late Night Holiday Cabaret Camp and fabulousness with Captain Smartypants, Sensible Shoes, and Arnaldo! Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, 425-893-9900, kpcenter.org. $25. 8 & 10:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 19.

Olde Time Holiday Show If drag’s not your thing, KPC still has you covered, promising “singers, dancers, circus performers, illusionists, and Celtic Christmas favorites.” Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, 425-893-9900, kpcenter.org. $15. 11 a.m., 
1 & 3 p.m., Sat., Dec. 20–Sun., Dec. 21.

CURRENT RUNS

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All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s broad, bustling Tony winner reframes our view of the Lone Star magician/politician Lyndon B. Johnson, played by the excellent Jack Willis. Schenkkan packs scads of information and backstory into chorus-like powwows among various factions. It’s dizzying, but it conveys the scramble that Johnson had to navigate to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964—all the while consolidating power for his passion project, the War on Poverty. That effort, and the Vietnam War, will fill LBJ’s tumultuous four-year term in Schenkkan’s The Great Society, which alternates with All the Way. MARGARET FRIEDMAN Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), 443-2222. $17–$150. 7:30 p.m. Tues.–Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4.

Appalachian Christmas Homecoming Tales of three generations, with lots of live roots music, for the holidays. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., 781-9707. $20–$40. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., plus some weekday matinees; see taproottheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27.

Attack on Emerald City Six superhero-themed short plays. Ballard Underground, 2220 N.W. Market St., 800-838-3006, facebook.com/AttackonEC. $5. 10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends Dec. 20.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever What happens when bad kids take over the holiday play? Presented by Youth Theatre Northwest. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island, 232-4145, youththeatre.org. $13–$17. 7 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 
2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Dec. 21.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The 14th annual production by Seattle Public Theater. Bathhouse Theater on Green Lake, 7312 W. Green Lake Dr. N., 524-1300, seattlepublictheater.org. $5–$32. 2 & 4 p.m. Sat.–Sun. plus Dec. 22–24. Ends Dec. 24.

Bob’s Holiday Office Party Comic havoc is wrought at an Iowa insurance agent’s bash. Burien Community Center Annex, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien, 242-5180, burienactorstheatre.org. $7–$20. 
8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21.

A Child’s Christmas in Wales/The Long Christmas Dinner A Dylan Thomas/Thornton Wilder double feature. Stone Soup Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N., 633-1883. $20–$25. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus more performances Xmas week; see stone
souptheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24.

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676. $27 and up. Runs Tues.–Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.

A Christmas Carol A musical version. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St., 425-881-6777, second
storyrep.org. $5–$10. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. Ends Dec. 20.

A Christmas Carol Jr. Mrs. Claus and the elves retell the Dickens tale. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St., 425-881-6777, secondstoryrep.org. $5–$10. 1 & 3 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Dec. 21.

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., 625-1900, 5thavenue.org. $29 and up. 7:30 p.m. Tues.–Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri., 
2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31.

Christmastown A new “holiday noir, ” complete with a hard-boiled gumshoe and a sexy elf, by Wayne Rawley. Seattle Public Theater, 7312 W. Greenlake Dr., N., 524-1300. $5–$32. Runs Fri.–Sun. plus more performances Xmas week; see seattlepublictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24.

Dick Whittington and His Cat An orphan finds himself in the big city of London, where he meets a remarkable cat. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $20 and up. Runs Thurs.–Sat., see sct.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 21.

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St., 800-838-3006. $22–$25. Runs practically daily; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31.

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The Great Society SEE PROFILE, PAGE 15, AND REVIEW, PAGE 17.

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676, acttheatre.org. $30–$35. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Dec. 21.

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) West Hall, OddFellows Building, 2nd Floor, 915 E. Pine St. $25–$35. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27.

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol Dickens, rewritten by you. Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 587-2414, unexpected
productions.org. $5–$15. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 28.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show Twelfth Night Productions presents Joe Landry’s Capra adaptation. Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Ave. S.W., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $18–$20. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 14.

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends—from Lillian Hellman to Liberace— for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., 938-0339, artswest.org. $17–$36.50. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 7:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 23 & 5 p.m. Wed., Dec. 24. Ends Dec. 28.

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating
 tradition. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333. 
$40–$65. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net 
for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27.

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Mary Poppins After little Jane and Michael Banks turn and burn a string of governesses, an Edwardian version of Super Nanny appears to transform the naughty kids and their unhappy elders with alchemy and adventure. In the title role, Cayman Ilika finds a Julie Andrews-esque balance of cool and compassion. ALYSSA DYKSTERHOUSE Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah, 425-392-2202. $40–$72. Runs Tues.–Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9–Feb. 8.)

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Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling version of the beloved Jane Austen novel, carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previously staged in 2000 and 2004. GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory (Seattle Center), 216-0833. $25–$60. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.

Reckless Craig Lucas’ comedy starts on Christmas Eve with a husband’s guilty confession. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., fantasticz.org. $10–$20. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. Ends Dec. 20.

SnowGlobed Five short new holiday-themed plays. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave., 324-5801, schmeater.org. $10–$12. 11 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends Dec. 20.

Sorry! Wrong Chimney! A department-store Santa is suspected of adultery in this holiday farce. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St., Renton, 425-226-5529, rentoncivictheatre.org. $15–$22. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20.

Spamalot A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you know. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 
200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, 
bainbridgeperformingarts.org. $19–$27. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun.. Ends Dec. 21.

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Teatro ZinZanni: Hacienda Holiday In TZZ’s new show, Showbiz couple Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows, in a romantic tale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., 802-0015. $99 and up. Runs Thurs.–Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31.

Tiny Tim Is Dead In Barbara Lebow’s cheerily titled play, a group of homeless people stage A Christmas Carol. Presented by Play Factory Theatre. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 800-838-3006, playwrights-theatre.org. $20–$25. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 6 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20.

The Twilight Zone: Live! Three episodes from the cult TV series adapted for the stage. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave., 324-5801, schmeater.org. $18–$25. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. Ends Dec. 20.

Uncle Mike Ruins Christmas Relive your worst family holiday traumas in this improv show. Jet City Improv Theater, 5510 University Way N.E., jetcityimprov.org. $12–$15. 10:30 p.m. Sat. Ends Dec. 20.

Upside Downton: The Christmas Special Everyone’s fave Brit period piece gets sent up, improv-style. Jet City Improv Theater, 5510 University Way N.E., jetcityimprov.org. $12–$15. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri. Ends Dec. 19.

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. The Can Can, 94 Pike St. $40–$100. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.

Dance

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Pacific Northwest Ballet: Nutcracker While it’s not a going-out-of-business sale, there’s a certain last-chance feeling to this year’s run of Nutcracker. Pacific Northwest Ballet premiered this production, choreographed by Kent Stowell and designed by Maurice Sendak, in 1983. PNB was just 11 years old at the time, and the goal was to create a world-class production. Thirty-one years later, I think we can say they succeeded. This time next year we’ll see George Balanchine’s iconic choreography set to new designs by Ian Falconer (of Olivia the Pig fame). What will I miss about this annual holiday production? The careful storytelling, with key elements of the drama laid out multiple times, so even the smallest audience members can follow the E.T.A. Hoffmann tale. The antique-store density of Sendak’s set design—I’ve seen it many times, and still find new things to marvel at in the details. The vintage quality of the theatrical tricks, especially the stage-within-a-stage for the trip to the Pasha’s kingdom, with its unrolling panorama and old-fashioned waves (complete with leaping dolphins on the piccolo flourishes!). And the charming way that the Pasha’s court “applauds” using ASL, waving their hands above their heads. If you don’t already have tickets, try to get some. SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), 441-2424, $35–$136. See pnb.org for near-daily schedule. Ends Dec. 28.

International Ballet Theater: Nutcracker They’re taking their show on the road. Meydenbauer Theater, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue, 425-284-0444. $25–$50. Runs Fri.–Sun. plus Dec. 22 & 23; see IBTbellevue.org for exact schedule.

DASSdance: Mini-Nutcracker A family party, 
with breakfast and a visit from Santa. Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., 800-838-3006, dassdance.org. $15–$20. 
11 a.m. Sat., Dec. 20.

Classical, Etc.

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The Met: Live in HD Wagner’s generously proportioned comedy (six hours, including intermissions) Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg. See fathomevents.com for participating theaters. 6:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 17.

Northwest Symphony Brass Quintet Holiday faves. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien, $10. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 17.

Pacific MusicWorks Three Bach cantatas, sections of his Christmas Oratorio. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island, 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 17, and St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave., 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 19. $10–$40. 800-838-3006, pacificmusicworks.org.

Medieval Women’s Choir Music by Hildegard of Bingen and other Christmas works. Seattle Public Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., noon, Thurs., Dec. 18 (free), and St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave., 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 20 ($25–$30). 264-4822, medievalwomenschoir.org.

Seattle Labor Chorus With John McCutcheon, the tale of the 1914 WWI Christmas Truce in story and song. University Temple Methodist Church, 1415 N.E. 43rd St., seattlelaborchorus.org. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 18.

Seattle Symphony Cristian Macelaru conducts Messiah. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $23 and up. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 19; 1 & 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 20; 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 21.

Northwest Boychoir The traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols at venues all over Seattle, Dec. 19–23; see nwboychoir.org for complete info. $10–$25.

Seattle Choral Company “On Christmas Night.” 
St. Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., 363-1100, seattle
choralcompany.org. $25. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 19.

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Inverse Opera A reprise of their staged, theatrical Messiah, launched last year. Isaac Studio at Taproot Theatre, 208 N. 85th St., 800-838-3006. $25–$30. Runs 
8 p.m. Fri.–Sat. plus some matinees; see theinverse
opera.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 20.

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Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra A revival of Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music concerts of the ’60s. Benaroya Recital Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 800-838-3006, earshot.org. $14–$38. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 20.

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The Lowest Arc SEE EAR SUPPLY, BELOW.

Mark O’Connor The master fiddler presents “An Appalachian Christmas.” Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, uwworldseries.org. $10–$55. 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 21.

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North Corner Chamber Orchestra SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 16.

Seattle Men’s Chorus For many, it wouldn’t be Christmas without their holiday show. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 388-1400, flyinghouse.org. $28–$78. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 21–Mon., Dec. 22.