Stage Openings & Events Another Letter to Father Christmas The elves

By By Gavin Borchert • December 3, 2013 11:51 am

Stage

Openings & Events

Another Letter to Father Christmas The elves take over in this children’s show, which includes a sing-along. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, bainbridgeperformingarts.org. $19–$27. Opens Dec. 8. 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 22.

The Best Burlesque Pageant Ever Stripped Screw Burlesque’s holiday show sends up SPT’s cash cow. Columbia City Theater, 4918 Rainier Ave. S., strippedscrewburlesque.com. $18–$120. 9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6–Sat., Dec. 7, 6 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The horrible Herdmans return in SPT’s annual favorite. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., 524-1300. $15–$32. Preview Dec. 5, opens Dec. 6. Runs Fri.–Sun. plus Dec. 23 & 24; see seattlepublictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24.

A Child’s Christmas in Wales/The Long Christmas Dinner Stone Soup’s holiday double bill. Stone Soup Theatre, 4035 Stone Way N.E., 633-1883. $20–$25. Preview Dec. 5, opens Dec. 6. Runs Fri.–Sun. plus Dec. 23 & 24; see stonesouptheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24.

A Christmas Carol Mark Chenovick’s musical adaptation. Seattle Musical Theatre, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E. # 101N, 800-838-3006. $30–$40. Opens Dec. 6. Runs Thurs.–Sun.; see seattlemusicaltheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 22.

Rob Delaney SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 23.

Dick Whittington and His Cat Picaresque fairy tale + audience participation = traditional British pantomime. Hale’s Palladium, 4301 Leary Way N.W., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $7–$13. Opens Dec. 7. 4 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., 1 & 4 p.m. Sun. Ends Jan. 5.

The Edge Bainbridge Island’s own improv troupe presents It’s a Wonderful Life in radio-play style. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, bainbridgeperformingarts.org. $12–$16. Opens Dec. 7. 7:30 p.m. Sat. Ends Dec. 21.

Great Soul of Russia ACT’s reading series of (mostly) Russian authors. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676, acttheatre.org. $10–$15. 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 5.

Ham for the Holidays Peggy Platt and Lisa Koch bring back the Spudds, the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus, and more in their annual musical sketch show. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676. $15–$33. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 22.

It’s Your Wonderful Life Jet City Improv takes on the Capra classic. Wing-It Productions, 5510 University Way N.E., jetcityimprov.com. $12–$15. Opens Dec. 5. 
8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri., 4 p.m. Sat. Ends Dec. 21.

Jesus Christ Superstar Andrew Lloyd Webber’s take on the Gospels, startling in its day. Bainbridge High School, 9330 N.E. High School Road, Bainbridge Island, 800-838-3006, ovationmtb.com. $19–$27. Opens Dec. 6. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 22.

Jimmy Fallon’s Clean Cut Comedy Tour With special guests Julian McCullough, Nate Bargatze, Nick Thune, and Seth Herzog. The Paramount, 911 Pine St., 877-784-4849, stgpresents.org. $47.50. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 4.

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A John Waters Christmas SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 23.

Me vs. My Subconscious Blank Stage Theatre presents Rebecca Goldberg’s new solo show. TPS Theatre 4, Seattle Center, Center House, 4th floor, 800-838-3006, blankstagetheatre.org. $12–$15. Opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. Ends Dec. 14.

Miracle on 34th Street A radio-play version of the classic film. Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Ave. S.W., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $12–$15. Opens Dec. 6. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 15.

Monstrous Rebecca Brown’s solo show contemplates the romantic revolution, specifically Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave., 829-7863, nwfilmforum.org. $12–$15. 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 5–Sat., Dec. 7.

National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage Performance clips and talking heads fill Nicholas Hytner’s lavish film exploration of the venerable institution. SIFF Film Center, Seattle Center, 324-9996, siff.net. $15–$20. 1 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7–Sun., Dec. 8.

Oliver! About a century after Dickens wrote Oliver Twist, English songwriter Lionel Bart had the unlikely idea of making it into a musical. The 1960 smash moved to Broadway, was filmed in 1968, and is regularly revived. Oliver! made Bart’s reputation, but he never had another such stage hit, and blew his fortune on druggy luxury, dying loveless and alone. David Armstrong directs this in-house production, with Jack Fleischmann and Jeffrey Weber alternating as the titular orphan, Hans Altwies as the evil Bill Sikes, and David Pichette as the pitiful Fagin. T. BOND 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., 625-1900. $41 and up. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. Runs Tues.–Sun.; see 5thavenue.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31.

The Penelopiad Margaret Atwood responds to The Odyssey. Cornish College, Ninth Avenue Studios, 427 Ninth Ave. N., cornish.edu. $5–$10. 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 5–Sat., Dec. 7 & Mon., Dec. 9; 2 & 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8.

Private Lives A performance from London’s Gielgud Theatre. See fathomevents.com for participating 
theaters. 7 p.m. Wed., Dec. 11.

Roosevelt Playwriting Project New work by Roosevelt Hugh students Anna Given, Henri Joyce, Elliot Moore, and Ella Sevier. Free, but RSVP with box office. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222, seattlerep.org. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 5.

The Salesman Is Dead and Gone Paul Budraitis’ dialogue-free play imagines Willy Loman in the afterlife. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., strangertickets.com. $15. Opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. plus Mon., Dec. 16. Ends Dec. 21.

The Santaland Diaries Patrick Lennon stars in this adaptation of David Sedaris’ holiday memoir. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., 524-1300. $15–$29. Preview Dec. 5, opens Dec. 6. Runs. Thurs.–Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24; see seattle
publictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24.

Saul Tannenbaum’s Claus for Celebration/The Santaland Diaries This holiday double bill joins a revue to David Sedaris’ comic monologue. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, bainbridgeperformingarts.org. $19–$27. Opens Dec. 6. 7:30 p.m. Fri. Ends Dec. 20.

She Loves Me A musical version of the story of The Shop Around the Corner. (And, yes, You’ve Got Mail.) Renton Civic Theater, 507 S. Third St., Renton, 425-226-5529, rentoncivictheater.org. $20–$25. Opens Dec. 6. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21.

Spin the Bottle Annex Theatre’s late-night variety show, every first Friday. December’s show includes “clowning hijinks,” “smut to make you squirm,” and much more. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., 728-0933, annextheatre.org. $5–$10. 11 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6.

Strange Snow Seattle Immersive Theatre presents Stephen Metcalfe’s drama in a house; you’ll find out where when you buy your tickets. 800-838-3006, seattle
immersivetheatre.com. $25. Opens Dec. 6. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends Dec. 21.

When We Are Married The Endangered Species Project presents a reading of J.B. Priestley’s 1938 marital screwball comedy. Stage One Theater, 9600 College Way N., endangeredspeciesproject.org. Donation. 7 p.m. Mon., Dec. 9.

Current Runs

A Christmas Carol Haters gonna hate. Honestly, why does Ebenezer Scrooge gets such a bad rap in this holiday perennial? (This is ACT’s 38th staging of the cash cow, which helps underwrite the rest of the season.) The man is an entrepreneur. Why should he share his wealth with the less fortunate, like Bob Cratchit and his family of moochers? That sounds like socialism to me! T. BOND (John Langs directs; Kurt Beattie and Peter Crook trade the role of Scrooge.) ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676. $27 and up. Runs Tues.–Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 29.

Coney Island Christmas Donald Margulies’ comedy about the Jewish holiday culture clash. Burien Little Theater, S.W. 146th St. and Fourth Ave. S.W., Des Moines, 242-5180, burienactorstheatre.org. $7–$20. 
8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 22.

The Dina Martina Christmas Show “The Best of the Best!” includes the incomparable, indescribable entertaineress’s greatest hits from her 14 holiday shows. With stalwart accompanist Chris Jeffries. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St., 800-838-3006. $20–$25. Runs Fri.–Sun., then daily starting Dec. 18; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31.

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The Hound of the Baskervilles Sherlock Holmes’ famous double-brimmed deerstalker hat is nowhere to be found here. Instead, newly written by beloved local actors David Pichette and R. Hamilton Wright, this is Holmes 2.0. In adapting the classic tale of a hellhound stalking the English moors, they’ve invented scenes and dialogue that hew much more closely to the spirit of the material than Hollywood’s recent bare-knuckled fumblings. Again we have the fraternal love and endless nattering between Holmes (Darragh Kennan) and Watson (Andrew McGinn, tall for the sidekick role): whodunit plus bromance. Kennan and McGinn don’t so much chew the scenery as make a delectable meal of it. And the supporting cast is uniformly sublime. KEVIN PHINNEY Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. $12–$80. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sun., plus some 2 p.m. matinees Wed., Sat., Sun.; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 15.

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol A welcome reaction against the Yuletide spirit. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and company are kicked forward from the Victorian era to the topical now by a baker’s-dozen performers (most sharing various roles). Who says Tiny Tim has to be tiny, or even a child? Why can’t Bob Cratchit be an asshole? Or Scrooge could possibly be gay, right? Since audience members get to toss out cues for how the story ought to proceed, the shows can range from G to R ratings. T. BOND Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 587-2414, unexpectedproductions.org. $12–$15. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 29.

Le Club Noel Candace and Sam Vance’s new holiday play is set in a 1930s cabaret in Paris. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., 781-9707, taproottheatre.org. $20–$40. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat. Ends Dec. 28.

Little Women SEE REVIEW, PAGE 25.

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Les Miserables Director Steve Tomkins and company have created what has to be the best-ever pocket-size rendering of the 1985 smash musical; you’re not likely to see it done this well—or so intimately—ever again. As in Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of revenge, retribution, and redemption, French parolee Jean Valjean (Greg Stone) is pursued by inspector Javert (Eric Polani Jensen) while seeking to regain the good name he lost after stealing bread to feed a starving child. KEVIN PHINNEY Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah, 425-392-2202. $33–$68. Runs in Issaquah through Jan. 5, then at the Everett Performing Arts Center Jan. 10–Feb. 2; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule.

Teatro ZinZanni: Hail Caesar: Forbidden Oasis Frank Ferrante returns as the flamboyant, omnisexual chef Caesar; slinky Dreya Weber, equally skilled as an aerialist and singer, plays a resurrected Cleopatra. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., 802-0015. $108 and up. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see dreams.zinzanni.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 26.

Teatro ZinZanni: Tambourine Submarine Recess Monkey stars in TZZ’s nautical-themed family show. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., 802-0015. $19–$25. Runs 11 a.m. selected Sat. & Sun.; see dreams.zinzanni.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 15.

ThanksKilling Jeff Thomson and Jordan Mann turn the 2009 horror-camp movie about a vengeful turkey into a musical. Presented by Balagan Theatre. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, balagantheatre.org. 8 p.m. Thurs., 8 & 10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends Dec. 14.

‘Twas the Night… Clement C. Moore’s poem gets sent up. Studio East, 11730 118th Ave. N.E. #100, Kirkland, 425-820-1800, studio-east.org. $14. 7 p.m. Fri.; 11 a.m., 2 p.m., & 5 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Dec. 15.

Uncle Mike Ruins Christmas Your family holiday nightmares become improv theater. Wing-It Productions, 5510 University Way N.E., jetcityimprov.com. $10.Midnight:30 on Saturday nights. Ends Dec. 21.

Dance

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Pacific Northwest Ballet: Nutcracker SEE REVIEW, PAGE 25.

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Dayna Hansen SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 24.

New Moves Performance and choreography by Cornish dance students. Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, cornish.edu. $3–$5. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6, 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7.

Gift of Dance Kaleidoscope Dance Company’s holiday show. Shorewood High School, 17300 Fremont Ave. N., creativedance.org. $6–$10. 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8.

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Next Dance Cinema SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 24.

Classical, Etc.

Seattle Jewish Chorale Music for Hanukkah.Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue, 800-838-3006, seattlejewishchorale.org. $5–$12. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 4.

UW Carolfest Holiday music from many choirs. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 4.

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Tubachristmas Possibly as many as 50–100 tubists (not to mention euphoniums and sousaphones) will gather for this celebration of holiday music. First Free Methodist Church, 3200 Third Ave. W., ryanschultzmusic.com. 281-2048. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 5.

UW Bands Music by Jennifer Higdon, Eric Whitacre, 
and others. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, music.
washington.edu. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 5.

Seattle Symphony Jeff Tyzik leads their holiday pops concert. With the Seattle Choral Company. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $19 and up. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 5; 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6; 
2 & 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7; 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8.

UW Symphony Seattle Symphony concertmaster Alexander Velinzon plays Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto; David Rahbee also conducts Takemitsu, Verdi, and Wagner. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, music.
washington.edu. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6.

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Seattle Jazz Composers Ensemble New works by Wayne Horvitz, Michael Owcharuk, and many others. Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., seattlejazzcomposersensemble.com. $5–$15. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6.

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Space Weather Listening Booth A performance with live musicians (trombone, Theremin, and more) in conjunction with John Teske and Nat Evans’ installation, which transforms Aurora Borealis data into sound. Interstitial Theatre, 1701 First Ave. S., johnteske
music.com. Donation. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6.

Tudor Choir “My Dancing Day: Advent Carols and Motets.” Blessed Sacrament Church, 5050 Eighth Ave. N.E., 547-3020, tudorchoir.org. $20–$30. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6.

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The Esoterics A second weekend of Benjamin Britten’s complete choral works focuses on his sacred music. See theesoterics.org for full venue info. $10–$20. 
7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6, 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7, 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8.

Kirkland Choral Society Carols and contemporary works. At Bastyr University Chapel, 14500 Juanita Drive N.E., 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6, and First United Methodist Church, 180 Denny Way, 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7. $15–$20.

Northwest Girlchoir Two festive programs: “Noel by the Numbers” at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave. N., 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 6., and “Holiday Countdown!” at Meany Hall, UW campus, 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 15. 527-2900, northwestgirlchoir.org. $8–$23.

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UW Opera Theater SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 24.

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Cornish Live Electronics Ensemble New works combining electronics and improv. Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., cornish.edu. 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7.

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Quinton Morris From this SU violinist (with Erin Chung, piano, and David Jolley, horn), music by Beethoven, Brahms, and Grieg. Chapel of St. Ignatius, 901 12th Ave., seattleu.edu. Donation. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7.

Blue Heron This vocal ensemble from Boston presents “Advent and Christmas in Medieval England.” St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave., 325-7066, earlymusicguild.org. $20–$42. 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7.

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Seattle Pro Musica

A Ceremony of Carols and other choral works by Benjamin Britten. At Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 3 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7, and Bastyr University Chapel, 14500 Juanita Drive N.E., 3 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 14. seattlepromusica.org.

Master Chorus Eastside Celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, 425-392-8446, masterchorus
eastside.org. $15–$20. 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8.

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Dainius Vaicekonis An eclectic program from this UW faculty pianist: Copland, Glass, Johann Strauss. Brechemin Auditorium, School of Music, UW campus, 685-8384, music.washington.edu. $15. 4:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8.

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Bach-Gamel Gamelan Pacifica and members of Cornish’s early-music faculty collaborate to explore the congruences and complementarities in their repertories. Cornish College/PONCHO Concert Hall, 710 E. Roy St., cornish.edu. $10–$20. 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8.

Candlelight Concerts French Impressionist music for piano, flute, and viola. University Christian Church, N.E. 50th St. & 15th Ave. N.E., 522-0169, candlelight
seattle.org. $15–$20. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8.

Northwest Chamber Chorus Holiday music in “Winter’s Warmth.” Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave. N., 523-1196, northwestchamberchorus.org. $12–$22. 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 14.

Seattle Men’s Chorus For many, the holidays would be bleak and sere without this annual sparklefest. (All shows at Benaroya Hall except Dec. 12 in Tacoma and Dec. 14 in Everett; see flyinghouse.org for full info.) 388-1400. $28–$78. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8–Mon., Dec. 9; five more shows through Dec. 22.

The Jose Gonzales Trio Playing Vince Guaraldi’s music for A Charlie Brown Christmas in this fundraiser for Strawberry Theatre Workshop. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 800-838-3006, strawshop.org. $10–$25. 7 p.m. Mon., Dec. 9.

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Composer Spotlight Inventor/composers Jason Staczek and Ela Lamblin present music for their unique instruments. Jack Straw Studios, 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E., jackstraw.org. Free. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 11.