The holiday season is a wonderful time for the arts. Movie blockbusters from the previous summer, release just in time for the holidays, end-of-year music albums often drop, and countless events all across the city unfold in celebration of the season. Whether it be the retelling of a holiday classic like “A Christmas Carol,” or a completely new holiday story, there is always a bit of something for everyone to enjoy the holiday festivities. These are the must sees.
Wicked the Musical at the Paramount Theatre
911 Pine St.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 902-5500
www.wickedthemusical.com
Price: $35 to $160
From: Oct. 10 to Nov. 17
Click here for show times and scheduling.
“Wicked” has taken off and become a hit traveling Broadway show, a must-see this year, as well as a perfect showing to start off the holiday theater season. “Wicked” follows the Wicked Witch of the West and Glenda the Good Witch in an untold story filled with laughs and a unique spin on the world of Oz. It’s a perfect Halloween show, and a great one for the whole family.
A Christmas Carol at the Allen Theatre
700 Union St.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 292-7676
www.acttheatre.org/
Price: $27 to $55 adults/$22 to $50 children
From: Nov. 23 to Dec. 24
“A Christmas Carol” is a timeless classic. Written by Charles Dickens in 1843, it’s gone onto to be adapted and rehashed into almost every medium imaginable. For example, last year DC Comics released a standalone graphic novel depicting the Caped Crusader, Batman, in the famous Christmas classic. In a more traditional form, the ACT Contemporary Theatre will host the Dickens must-watch Christmas show of the season in the Allen Theatre from Nov. 23 until Christmas Eve. Watch Ebenezer Scrooge as he grapples with the ghosts of his past, present and future for the perfect Christmas kick off.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales at the Down Stage Theater
4029 Stone Way North
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 633-1883
stonesouptheatre.org
Price: $10 to $20
From: Dec. 7 to 24
Adapted from the Dylan Thomas poem, “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” aims to recreate that childhood magic that is only ever experienced by children. Stone Soup’s Theatre troupe will blend veterans of the industry with young graduates of the conservatory to recapture the feeling of the holidays through music and memory. For a roaring good time that is bound to get the whole family into that holiday spirit, don’t miss Stone Soup Theatre’s, “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.”
Black Nativity at the Moore Theatre
1932 2nd Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 267-5510
www.blacknativity.org
Price: $22 to $47.50
From: Dec. 6 to 23
“Black Nativity” is a fun and entertaining show that depicts a message of hope and liberation. Its third annual production will showcase a fantastic range of talent from singers and stage actors to musicians and dancers. This is Harlem Renaissance-era poet Langston Hughes’ longest-running production in the world.
Related: Guide to Independent Movie Theaters
Arabian Nights at the Penthouse Theatre
University of Washington
Northeast 45th Street & 17th Avenue Northeast
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-4880
www.depts.washington.edu/
Price: $10 to $15
From: Nov. 26 to Dec. 9
The University of Washington will host a traditional rendition of “1001 Arabian Nights” this November and December, and it is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The setting and the backdrop of the play is said to be phenomenal, and will encompass such tactile elements as sand and obvious weathering, to give it an old-world, archeological feel. Set designer and researcher, Deanna Zibello, was inspired by the line, “if you listen very closely, you can still hear the voice of a woman telling stories,” and with that in mind it seems as if she has created a positively stunning visual of an already sweeping epic. With the setting already phased to impress, the University of Washington’s “Arabian Nights” is a surefire hit, and is a must-see this holiday season.
Anthony Schultz resides within the historic Brownes Addition of Spokane, WA. In his off time, Anthony enjoys copious amounts of reading, pages upon pages of scribbles, which he dubs his writings, and absorbing as much pop culture as humanly possible. His best days end with discussion with his longtime girlfriend, a book in hand, and an obese black and tan Dachshund (by the name of Norman) at his feet. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
