Stage

Openings & Events

Cirque Dreams Holidaze Pretty self-explanatory, I guess—a holiday-themed Soleil-style circus spectacle. The Paramount, 911 Pine St., 877-784-4849, stgpresents.org. $35–$65. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 20, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21, 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22.

Family Affair Jennifer Jasper’s “sick, hilarious, and ultimately relatable” monthly cabaret on the theme of family. JewelBox/Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., jenniferjasper
performs.com. $10. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 18.

#NOFILTER SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 40.

Current Runs

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. 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. Runs Fri.–Sun. plus Dec. 23 & 24; see stonesoup
theatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24.

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.

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

A Christmas Carol Here also, Mark Chenovick’s musical adaptation. Second Story Repertory Theatre, 16587 N.E. 74th St., Redmond, 425-881-6777, second
storyrep.org. $22–$27. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. plus Sun., Dec. 22. Ends Dec. 22.

Christmas Carol Jr. Mrs. Claus and her elves tell Dickens’ tale in a family adaptation (no scary ghosts!) Second Story Repertory Theatre, 16587 N.E. 74th St., Redmond, 425-881-6777, secondstoryrep.org. $5–$10. 
1 & 3 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Dec. 22.

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.

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. 4 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., 1 & 4 p.m. Sun. Ends Jan. 5.

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 practically daily; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31.

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

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. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 22.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch Jerick Hoffer reprises his acclaimed take on the (more or less) transgender glam-rocker. The Moore, 1932 Second Ave., 1-877-784-4849, balagantheatre.org, stgpresents.org. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 18–Thurs., Dec. 19; 7:30 & 10 p.m. Fri., Dec. 20–Sat., Dec. 21; 2 & 7 p.m Sun., Dec. 22.

Holiday of Errors (or Much Ado About Stockings The premiere of Frank Lawler and Daniel Flint’s Tudor-set comedy, which mashes up Twelfth Night, Richard III, and A Christmas Carol. Center House Theatre, Seattle Center, 800-838-3006, soundtheatrecompany.org. $25. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21.

Homo for the Holidays SEE REVIEW, PAGE 45.

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, unexpected
productions.org. $12–$15. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 29.

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. 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. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 22.

• 

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutracker As in their past stagings of the show, Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann offer two versions of holiday entertainment. The early show allows kids, meaning things are a bit less risque, and the late show is 21-and-over, for a boozier crowd that wants to see a little more skin. Land of the Sweets is a loose riff on Nutcracker’s E.T.A. Hoffmann source material, mostly using Duke Ellington’s jazz version of Tchaikovsky’s score. The format is kind of like an old ’60s talk show, with Verlaine and McCann hosting an array of guests—hoofers, trapeze artists, ecdysiasts. Supporting talent includes Miss Indigo Blue, Waxie Moon, Babette La Fave, and plenty of familiar faces—well, familiar legs—from Spectrum Dance Theater and Ballet Bellevue. T. BOND The Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333, thetripledoor.net. $33–$58. 7 & 10 p.m. Mon., Wed., Thurs.; 7 & 10:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat.; 2, 6, & 9 p.m. Sun.; also 5 p.m. Tues., Dec. 24. Ends Dec. 28.

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 This 2005 musical adaptation (by Allan Knee, Jason Howland, and Mindi Dickstein) is all about Jo, the rebellious sister modeled on author Louisa May Alcott herself. EmilyRose Frasca attacks the role with an almost ferocious energy; her performance would be completely overwhelming in the three-hour show (with intermission), except that her big movements are matched with a larger-than-life singing voice that lends her character a commanding presence. In comparison, the rest of the cast—with the exception of Patricia Haines-Ainsworth’s delightfully snooty Aunt March—
is anemic and too often off-key. MARK BAUMGARTEN ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., 938-0339, artswest.org. $17–$36.50. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 14 & 21.

• 

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.

• 

Oliver! While Dickens’ template of street urchins making their way through Victorian England remains intact, director David Armstrong makes certain that his star-crossed ragamuffin is an indomitable underdog whose ultimate triumph is never more than a production number away. Armstrong’s light touch is everywhere, from his winning Oliver (played alternately by Jack Fleischmann and Mark Jeffrey James Weber) to his feel-good Fagin (David Pichette), less a villainous predator than some sort of chipper headmaster. Even malevolent highwayman Bill Sikes (Hans Altwies) is rendered more rakish than dangerous—he’s a romance-novel cover boy with a mean streak. Purists will find this Oliver! has little of Oliver Twist’s outrage about avarice and poverty. But for now, as a confection of songcraft, performance, and production, it’s practically irresistible. KEVIN PHINNEY 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., 625-1900. $41 and up. Runs Tues.–Sun.; see 5thavenue.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31.

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. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. plus Mon., Dec. 16. Ends Dec. 21.

• 

The Santaland Diaries Originally a short story, Santaland was made famous by David Sedaris’ wry radio recitation, first aired in 1992. What makes it so difficult to stage is the remove with which Sedaris tells his story—how he, a struggling artist in New York, worked as an elf at Macy’s—which owes much of its humor to Sedaris’ clear disgust at his self-inflicted predicament. But here Patrick Lennon’s performance is a pleasure, carrying the hour-long monologue with a mix of whimsy and dread, never missing a beat. The production, directed by Kelly Kitchens, stays true to its sardonic source. Lennon’s good at acting miserable, but also expert at exuberance, dashing about the set and delivering Sedaris’ cynical lines with panache. If you can set aside the NPR reruns and grant him some artistic license, this Santaland will leave you delighted. MARK BAUMGARTEN Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., 524-1300. $15–$29. Runs Thurs.–Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24; see seattlepublictheater.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. 7:30 p.m. Fri. Ends Dec. 20.

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

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, seattleimmersive
theatre.com. $25. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends Dec. 21.

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.

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.

The Village of Yelm Curran Foster’s show is “the second installment in a stoner fairy rock musical trilogy . . . about a young artist suffering from the harsh pangs of existentialism.” Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., 728-0933, annextheatre.org. $5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sun. Ends Dec. 22.

Dance

• 

Pacific Northwest Ballet: Nutcracker Kent Stowell and Francia Russell had a very specific vision for Nutcracker: Unlike so many productions that borrow here and there from other sources, PNB’s has a unique and distinct style, going back to the original E.T.A. Hoffmann story, as spooky as it is sweet. SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 441-2424. $22–$140. Runs practically daily; see pnb.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 29.

International Ballet Theatre: Nutcracker With choreography by Artistic Director Vera Altunina and hand-crafted sets and costumes from Russia. Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue, 800-838-3006, intballetacademy.org. $25–$42. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Fri., 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus 2 p.m. Mon., Dec. 23. Ends Dec. 23.

DASSdance: Mini-Nutcracker A bit of Nutcracker, a continental breakfast, a visit from Santa, and more! Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., 800-838-3006, dassdance.org. $15–$20. 11 a.m. Sat., Dec. 21.

The Longest Night: Belly Dance for the Solstice Performances by Anwaar, Verbena, Carouselle Tribal Belly Dance, and Blue Lotus Dance Company. Columbia City Theater, 4918 Rainier Ave. S., 723-0088, columbiacitytheater.com. $12. 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22.

Classical, Etc.

• 

Met at the Movies SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 40.

• 

Inverse Opera A more theatrical and intimate take on Messiah. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., 781-9707, 
taproottheatre.org. $15–$25. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends Dec. 21.

• 

Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night “An ethereal, electronic soundscape played by the audience on boomboxes carried through city streets”—kind of like caroling. See unsilentnight.com for participation instructions. Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., wayward
music.blogspot.com. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21.

Medieval Women’s Choir “Christmas in the Cloister” features music from three abbeys in Germany, France, and Spain. St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave., medieval
womenschoir.org. $25. 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21.

Portland Cello Project Winter-themed music from Britten to Fleet Foxes. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, 425-893-9900, kpcenter.org. $30. 
8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22.

Public Opera Dinner and opera favorites from four vocalists. Basil’s Kitchen, 300 112th Ave. S.E., Bellevue, 425-455-1300, publicopera.com. $45. 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22.

Candlelight Concerts Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 and other festive works. University Christian Church, N.E. 50th St. & 15th Ave. N.E., 522-0169, candlelightseattle.org. $15–$20. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22.

Seattle Men’s Chorus For many, the holidays would be bleak and sere without this annual sparklefest. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 388-1400, flying
house.org. $28–$78. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22.

• 

Trio Pardalote Continuing their traversal of Shostakovich’s string quartets with the best-known one—the self-quoting, quasi- autobiographical Eighth. With a piano quartet by Peteris Vasks and Bach’s “Goldberg” Variations arranged for strings. Magnolia United Church of Christ, 3555 W. McGraw St., 800-838-3006, triopardalote.com. $10–$20. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22.