Stage Openings & Events The Best Christmas Pageant Ever What happens when

By By Gavin Borchert • November 24, 2014 11:22 am

Stage

Openings & Events

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. Opens Dec. 5. 7 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.–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. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun, plus more performances Xmas week; see stonesouptheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24.

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. Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 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. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.–Sun. plus more performances Xmas week; see seattlepublictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24.

The Edge Bainbridge Island’s own improv troupe. Bain-bridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, theedgeimprov.com, bainbridge
performingarts.org. $12–$16. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 4.

Evan & Bobbi: A Twisted Christmas Carol Bobbi Cratchit and Evan Scrooge are co-workers/dysfunctional lovers in this Dickens subversion. Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave. S., seattlestageright.org. $15–$20. Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. plus Mon., Dec. 8. Ends Dec. 13.

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace—the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. $17–$150. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.–Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4.

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. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Dec. 21.

The Hours of Life Paul Lewis’ new musical fictionalizes Edgar Allan Poe’s love affair with a fellow poet. Cornish Playhouse Studio, Seattle Center, 800-838-3006, theatre22.org. $11–$22. Opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Tues.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Dec. 14.

It’s a Wonderful Life In Theater Anonymous’ production, nobody knows who’s in the cast until performance time (everyone rehearses secretly one-on-one with the director). Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, the1448projects.org. $20–$25. 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6.

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. Opens Dec. 5. 
7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 14.

A John Waters Christmas Spreading holiday fear with his one-man show. The Neptune, 1303 N.E. 45th St., 877-784-4849, stgpresents.org. $37.50–$101.50. 8 p.m. Tues., Dec. 9.

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. Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28.

Now I’m Fine An experimental pop opera led by comedian/musician/storyteller Ahamefule Oluo. On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St., 217-9886, ontheboards.org. $12–$25. 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4–Sat., Dec. 6, 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7.

Reckless Craig Lucas’ comedy starts on Christmas Eve with a husband’s guilty confession. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., fantasticz.org. $10–$20. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 9. Ends Dec. 20.

SnowGlobed Five short new holiday-themed plays. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave., 324-5801, schmeater.org. $10–$12. Opens Dec. 5. 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, renton
civictheatre.org. Opens Dec. 5. 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, theedge
improv.com, bainbridgeperformingarts.org. $19–$27. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 15. Ends Dec. 21.

Spin the Bottle The December edition of Annex Theatre’s late-night variety show includes a “mad collision of idioms,” “youthful bounce and blare,” “lurid, trashy smut ,” and much more. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., 728-0933, annextheatre.org. $5–$10. 11 p.m. Fri., Dec. 5.

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. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 6 p.m. Sun. 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. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri. Ends Dec. 19.

Verbalists: Nothing But the Truth Holiday-themed storytelling. Kirkland Performing Arts Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, 425-893-9900, kpcenter.org. $20. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 10.

CURRENT RUNS

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All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s broad, bustling Tony winner reframes our view of the fairness-championing Lone Star magician/politician Lyndon B. Johnson (played by the excellent Jack Willis). Historians will tell you that LBJ plied all angles and snatched unlikely votes out of cantankerous retrograde cronies in order to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 during one scant year. But how did he do it, what did it mean to work the aisle, and why isn’t that kind of thing happening now? 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 for civil rights. The War on Poverty and the Vietnam War will fill LBJ’s tumultuous four-year term in Schenkkan’s The Great Society, which begins alternating with All the Way this week. 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.

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 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.

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 weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! the Musical Based on the original animated special? Or the Jim Carrey vulgarization? The Paramount, 911 Pine St., 877-STG-4TIX, stgpresents.org. $25 and up. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 3–Thurs., Dec. 4; 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 5; 11 a.m., 2, 5, & 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6; 1 & 6:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7.

Fangs The premiere of Jim Moran’s dark comedy about an anti-abortion senator. Eclectic Theater, 1214 10th Ave., eclectictheatercompany.org. $20–$25. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 6.

The Habit 14 In a brisk 70 minutes, this comedy troupe channel-surfs through our collective, scrambled memory of childhood TV shows and movie cliches. Ryan Dobosh, John Osebold, Mark Siano, David Swidler, and Luke Thayer write their more-or-less annual show with director Jeff Schell. BRIAN MILLER Bathhouse Theater on Greenlake, 7312 W. Green Lake Dr. N., 800-838-3006. $19. Runs Fri.–Sun.; see thehabitcomedy.com for exact schedule. Ends Nov. 30.

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.

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Mary Poppins In this local production of the Disney/Cameron Mackintosh Broadway musical, 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. The script by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes deepens the 1964 movie material with characters and scenes from her original books. This ambitious musical commands a considerable cast, sizable sets, and genuine magical feats. Under the decent direction of Steve Tomkins and Kathryn Van Meter, a cast of 30 delivers undeniably determined performances. 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.)

The Picture of Dorian Gray Wilde’s tale of the wages of sin. Cabaret Theatre, Hutchinson Hall, UW campus, uwuts.org. $5–$10. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sun. Ends Dec. 7.

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Pride and Prejudice SEE REVIEW, PAGE 18.

Split Second Improv Second Story’s improv competition. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St., Redmond, 425-881-6777, secondstoryrep.org. $20. Two shows each Sat.: 7 p.m. for families, 8 p.m. could get naughtier. Ends Dec. 13.

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Teatro ZinZanni: Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh as showbiz couple Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete—Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale 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.

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.

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

Pacific Northwest Ballet: Nutcracker SEE REVIEW, PAGE 18.

The Cabiri: Carpathian Dawn Aerial dance, with the Radost Folk Ensemble providing the music. SANCA, 674 S. Orcas St., 800-838-3006, cabiri.org. $15–$25. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4–Sat., Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7.

New Moves A showcase of Cornish College student performance and choreography. Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, cornish.edu. $3–$5. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 5, 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6.

International Ballet Theater: Nutcracker Packing up the sugarplums and taking their show on the road. 425-284-0444. Opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.–Sun. plus Dec. 22 & 23; see IBTbellevue.org for exact schedule. First weekend: Kirkland Performing Arts Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland ($25–$42); remainder of the run, Meydenbauer Theater, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue ($25–$50). Ends Dec. 23.

Serendipity Dance Brigade

Return to Me : in 3D combines choreography by Eric Aguilar, Rachael Forstrom, Kelsey Hamon, and Ingrid Porter with work by fiber artist Antonia Price. Velocity Dance Center, 1621 12th Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $15. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 5–Sat., Dec. 6.

Emerald Ballet Theater: Nutcracker With live music from the Rainier Symphony. Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. N.E., Bothell, 425-984-2471, emeraldballet.org. $20–$35. Opens Dec. 6. 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Dec. 14.

Kaleidoscope Dance Company The annual “Gift of Dance” concert, choreographed by youth ages 7–17. Shorewood Performing Arts Center, 17300 Fremont Ave. N., Shoreline, 800-838-3006, creativedance.org. $6–$10. 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7.

Next Dance Cinema Dance onscreen, part of the Next Fest NW (through Dec. 14). Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave., velocitydancecenter.org. $6–$11. 7 p.m. Mon., Dec. 8–Tues., Dec. 9, 2:30 & 4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 13.

Classical, Etc.

Peter Takacs Beethoven, Chopin, and Ravel from this Oberlin pianist. Brechemin Auditorium, UW campus, 685-8384, music.washington.edu. $15. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 3.

UW Carolfest Seasonal music from six choirs. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 3.

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Yuja Wang From this pianist, Schubert and Scriabin, plus Balakirev’s notoirious finger-buster Islamey. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 215-4747, seattle
symphony.org. $37 and up. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 3.

The Tallis Scholars Renaissance vocal music for Advent. Blessed Sacrament Church, 5041 Ninth Ave. N.E., 323-9415, tudorchoir. org. $25–$50. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4.

UW Bands Pianist Robin McCabe plays Gershwin’s Concerto in F. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4.

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Arts Incubator Cornish College presents experimental new dance and vocal works by Stuart Dempster, Angelina Baldoz. and others. Good Shepherd Chapel, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. $5–$15. 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4.

Seattle Symphony “Holiday Pops” with circus troupe Cirque Musica. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $30 and up. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 5, 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7.

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UW Symphony Puccini’s comic one-act opera Gianni Schicchi in concert. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 5.

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The Esoterics Choral music by neoclassicist Irving Fine to mark his centennial, including settings of texts from Ben Jonson and The New Yorker. At St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 4805 N.E. 45th St., 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 5; All Pilgrims Christian Church, 500 Broadway E., 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6; and Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4142 42nd Ave. S.W., 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7. $10–$20. theesoterics.org.

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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. Opens Dec. 5. Runs 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat. plus some matinees; see 
theinverseopera.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 20.

Seattle Mandolin Orchestra Holiday music with soprano Julie Finch. Seattle Public Library, Ballard, 5613 22nd Ave. N.W. Free. 2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6.

Seattle Pro Musica French Christmas music. At First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave., 3 (a family concert) & 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6, and the Chapel at Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr. N.E., Kenmore, 3 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 13. $12–$38. seattlepromusica.org.

Master Chorus Eastside “Christmas in the Northwest” includes music by local composers. Pine Lake Covenant Church, 1715 228th Ave. S.E., Sammamish, 425-392-8446, masterchoruseastside.org. $15–$20. 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 & 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 14.

Seattle Baroque Orchestra A “European Christmas Potpourri” includes music by Corelli, Handel, and others. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 325-7066, early
musicguild.org. $20–$45. 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6.

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Northwest Boychoir Apprentices A nice thinking-out-of-the-box idea: Holiday choral music accompanies classic film footage. Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave., nwchoirs.org. $8–$12. 1 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 14.

Northwest Chamber Chorus “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” narrated by David Pichette. Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave., N., 800-838-3006, northwestchamberchorus. org. 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 13.

Music From the War to End All Wars Century-old pieces written during WWI by Debussy and de Falla. Brechemin Auditorium, UW campus, 685-8384, music.washington.edu. $10. 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7.

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Gamelan Pacifica Cornish’s Indonesian percussion orchestra. PONCHO Concert Hall, Cornish College, 710 E. Roy St., cornish.edu. $10–$22. 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7.

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The Saddest Holiday Concert Ever! Music for countertenor and theorbos from Handel to Judy Garland. Bring tissues. Queen Anne Christian Church, 1316 Third Ave. W. $20. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7.

Portland Cello Project Elliott Smith covers and more. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 215-4747, portlandcelloproject.com. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7.

Candlelight Concerts Chamber music by C.P.E. Bach, arguably J.S.’s most talented son, to observe his 300th birthday. University Christian Church, 4731 15th Ave. N.E., 522-0169, candlelightseattle.org. $15–$25. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7.

The King’s Singers

Renaissance carols, folk songs, and more. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $35–$102. 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 8.