A Grab Bag of Love and Laughs With These Shows
What’s a holiday season without some sweets?
With themes of togetherness, escape, and renewal, these modern, endearing, and lighthearted shows (many of them family-friendly) are great picks for your December entertainment — whether they’re Christmas shows or not.
We invited companies to tell us what makes their warm and welcoming wintertime shows unique.
Looking for all the options? See NWTheatre’s Performance Calendar, where you can view by region or category, choose among all sorts of filters, or see everything all at once.
Velocity Dance Center: Next Fest NW
A dance festival to escape the chill
On now through 12/17. At 12th Avenue Arts (Seattle – Capitol Hill).
What’s special about your winter show?
Next Fest is one of my favorite core programs at Velocity, because it gives audiences an experimental festival in deep winter. The holidays are a pretty direct time — we all feel rushed, and very task-oriented, and a lot of the messaging we take in is encouraging consumerism and haste. Experimental dance and performance is kind of the opposite vibe. It’s a chance to step off the treadmill and watch something that gives you more agency to see what you see in the work.
I really enjoy watching these new works within the frame of the curatorial idea (which is Revolve/Revolution this year), and seeing how each artist responds to that theme. What’s the same? What’s different? It’s playful.
What is the mood of the show?
Tender, and not too serious. The curatorial prompt for the show was an expansive question, and the artist response has been very much about intimacy and relationship-building. It’s almost like to answer the vast questions, we need the joy we can find in our closest relationships.
Who will love it?
People who are curious, playful, and who have active imaginations. And folks who want a break from the holiday shows.
If the show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?
A crystal or glass prism. Something that catches your eye on your nightstand, and is fun to look through to see the world a bit differently.
Why did you select it for your season?
The festival is a chance for local artists to create new work with the support of an initial idea to spark their explorations. Velocity cares deeply about providing opportunities for dance artists to make and share new experimental work, and we invite audiences to also invest their time in witnessing the new and exploratory.
What might surprise people about the show?
You might be surprised that you actually enjoy something that isn’t quite so literal or entertaining. I know in this past year I craved things that were comfortable and diverting, but over the year I’ve really enjoyed tapping back in to experimentation and risk another way to feel connected to people and to myself. — Executive Director Erin Johnson
This season’s festival was curated by Artistic Director Fox Whitney, Alyza DelPan-Monley, Elby Brosch, Marco Farroni, and Miss Texas 1988.
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Sliding-scale ticket pricing is available. Show info and tickets here.
And look for Firelight (a Velocity program at Cafe Racer) with Saira Barbaric on 12/21; show info and tickets here.
Centerstage Theatre: Cinderella – A Panto
A South Sound favorite & British holiday tradition
On now through 12/18. In Federal Way (Dash Point).
What’s special about your winter show?
It’s been a tradition for South Sound families for 16 years. We use an all-local cast and crew, and we include kids in the cast — and, as every parent knows, kids love seeing other kids on stage.
Who will love it?
This show has something for everyone. A Panto turns the traditional fairy tale on its head and leaves audiences laughing and wanting more (which is why most return every year). The only thing that changes year-to-year is the fairy tale, and this year it was Cinderella’s turn. Kids adore it, but it’s also a perfect night to grab a cocktail in the lobby and enjoy with your friends.
What might surprise people about the show?
Cross-gender casting and audience participation is part of the tradition. Young kids may not pick up on every joke, but that is very much intentional. Holiday Panto means mayhem, double entendres, puns, pratfalls, and jokes galore.
If the show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?
It wouldn’t be a stocking stuffer — it would be a traditional British Christmas cracker! We would describe this as a popping-good-time Christmas cracker inside a good ol’ American holiday stocking.
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Show info and tickets here.
Macha Theatre Works: The Flight Before Xmas
An airport you’ll actually enjoy this season
On now through 12/23. In Seattle (Fremont).
What’s special about your Christmas show?
This is a homegrown play, commissioned in Seattle for Seattle audiences, now in its third production. It’s written by local playwright Maggie Lee and directed by Lia Sima Fakhouri, created by women and non-binary folks, with a large cast providing opportunity for many local artists.
It’s a modern family play with young people facing contemporary issues. There is a queer couple meeting the parents for the first time, kids traveling alone after their parents divorced, an escaped cat, a grumpy old lady, and some fun song and dance routines — something for everyone. It’s also super kid-friendly, not your usual Macha show. It’s 75 minutes and fun, with tales of winter from around the world, as we leave the world of the airport and travel to far-off places. It does get dark and a bit scary in a couple of parts, which is why we recommend age 7 and up.
During the show we’ll be raising money for Treehouse, a charity that supports foster children.
Why did you select this show for your season?
We need love, and light and the idea that there is hope that we could all get along, if necessary, one day.
Who will love it?
Anyone who has built a “found” family and doesn’t usually see themselves in holiday play.
If the show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?
The perfect piece of chocolate with just the right amount of salt and sweet.
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Sliding-scale ticket pricing is available. Show info here; tickets here.
Acrobatic Conundrum: Volume 9: Thresholds
A circus cabaret to light up the night
On now through 12/23. At 12th Avenue Arts (Seattle – Capitol Hill).
What’s special about your winter show?
Volume 9: Thresholds is full of amazing circus acts and wrapped in layers of beauty, mystery, and lots of humor.
If the show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?
This show is like a card game that can be played with just two people but is better with 8. The rules change as the game progresses, leaving players at times befuddled until hilarity ensues. When the game is done all the players, unbeknownst to themselves and the group, have worked together to create something memorable and surprising and lovely.
What is the mood of this show?
The mood shifts, but it is ultimately electric.
What might surprise people?
With the intimacy of 12th Avenue Arts, the audience is close enough to fully grasp the physicality and athleticism of the performers, which is often a surprise for audiences because the performers make it look so easy.
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Show info and tickets here.
Olympia Family Theater & String and Shadow Puppet Theater: Nyx and the Long Night
A family show to warm up the winter
On now through 1/8/2023. In Olympia.
What’s special about your winter show?
Nyx and the Long Night is an ethereal solstice myth that immerses you in a woodsy forest quest filled with puppets, magic, and live music.
Who will love it?
Families and people of all ages — this show will appeal to the intellect of adults and the imagination of children.
If the show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?
It would be a beautifully hand-carved acorn night-light that would bring some warmth and hygge to the winter solstice season.
What might surprise people?
The puppets created by String and Shadow will delight everyone who sees this show — from a forest witch who is operated by three people, to a life-sized polar bear.
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Pay-what-you-choose tickets are available for all. Show info and tickets here.
18th & Union and Emmett Montgomery: Sugar Plum Gary
Does anybody have a question about Christmas?
Opens 12/16, closing 12/24. In Seattle (Central District).
What’s special about your Christmas show?
It’s a gentle-hearted existential holiday horror-comedy. It is improvised mythology-building that springs from questions from the audience. It’s also a holiday tradition — this is Gary’s 7th annual December show at 18th & Union.
What is the mood of this show?
Despite its dark side, it’s somehow absurdly joyful.
Who will love it?
Folks who prefer their holidays savory instead of sweet.
If your show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?
Furby — furry and sweet on the outside, but may contain nightmares.
What might surprise people about the show?
How well (and hilariously) Santa mythology maps onto darker tales. It’s clever AF.
A note on kid-friendly levels: Gary keeps it clean and light (part of the charm, juxtaposed with the dark mythology), but the themes are dark and might be scary. We’ve had pretty young kids attend in the past, but a lot of it is over their heads.
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Sliding-scale tickets available to all, plus fully pay-what-you-choose tickets available at the door. Select performances are also live-streamed. Show info and tickets here.
Valley Center Stage: Why Christmas Pageants Suck and Sons of a Common Mother (staged reading)
Two short plays speak to military families at Christmas
Performs 12/23 only. In North Bend.
What is the mood of the show?
Why Christmas Pageants Suck is a relatable comedy, while Sons of a Common Mother is heart-warming and touching.
What might surprise people about the show?
The plays were written by a local playwright, Sean Walbeck (who’s also the brother of Artistic Director and show director Robin Walbeck-Forrest). Why Christmas Pageants Suck is autobiographical and relays a true event. Sons of a Common Mother is not autobiographical, but the mom in the play is modeled after their own mom.
If your show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?
Why Christmas Pageants Suck would be a large, handled Christmas bell that’s really a lump of coal in disguise. Sons of a Common Mother would be a miniature replica of the Peace Arch in Blaine, WA. The play takes place at that location, and it represents division and unity.
Who will love it?
Families, and particularly military families, will have a special connection with both shows. Anyone who has ever participated in a Christmas pageant will have a special connection with Why Christmas Pageants Suck, and Canadians will have a special connection with Sons of a Common Mother. Both plays feature stories that focus on family — particularly brothers — and the lives of military families.
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Tickets are all pay-what-you-choose. Show info and tickets here.
Broadway at the Paramount: Moulin Rouge! (touring)
A bohemian tale in an ocean of modern pop hits
Performs 12/14 through 1/1/2023. In Downtown Seattle.
What’s special about your winter show?
Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and — above all — love. Moulin Rouge! The Musical is more than a musical; it is a state of mind.
Read about the process of clearing the rights for the unique jukebox musical’s 70 pop songs in a NY Times article here.
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Performance dates listed as ASL interpreted (12/22 evening, 12/31 matinee), open captioned (12/18 night), and audio described (12/18 matinee). Show info and tickets here.
Olympia Little Theatre: One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall
On now through 12/18. In Olympia.
The mall comes to life — with missing merchandise, arguing actors, and romance rekindling — on one bustling Christmas Eve.
Show info and tickets here.
The Phoenix Theatre: Dashing Through the Snow
On now through 12/18. In Edmonds.
An innkeeper in Tinsel, Texas frantically prepares for the holidays amid the chaos of challenging guests and employees.
Show info and tickets here.
Tacoma Musical Playhouse: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
On now through 12/18. In Tacoma.
A retelling of the biblical tale, by acclaimed musical duo Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
Show info and tickets here.
Western Washington Center for the Arts: Holiday Special
On now through 12/18. In Port Orchard.
A holiday variety show for all ages.
Show info and tickets here.
The 5th Avenue Theatre: The Wiz
On now through 12/23. In Downtown Seattle.
This 1970s reimagining, which inspired the iconic film The Wiz, features an all-Black cast and a soul-filled soundtrack.
Show info and tickets here.
Village Theatre: Cinderella
On now through 12/30, followed by an Everett run. In Issaquah.
Inspired by the TV adaptation, this fairy-tale musical features bright costuming and a 16-piece orchestra.
Show info and tickets here.
Seattle Children’s Theatre: Paddington Saves Christmas
On now through 12/31. At the Seattle Center.
The childhood favorite bear tries to repair chaos around the holidays.
Show info and tickets here.
Teatro ZinZanni: Coming Home
On now through 2/19/2023. At Herban Feast (SoDo).
Acrobats and more, with fine dining.
Show info and tickets here.
Showtunes Theatre: Rich Gray’s Forbidden Xmas
Performs 12/17-18 only. At Cornish Playhouse (Seattle Center).
A holiday musical satire of life in the Northwest.
Show info and tickets here.
Responses have been condensed and edited for clarity.
For shows by date, see the Performance Calendar. (View the Christmas shows here, and the Not-Christmas shows here.)
Looking for other Christmastime shows? View the rest of NWTheatre’s 5 Guides of Christmas: A Christmas Carol and variations, The Nutcracker and variations, Film-Inspired Shows, and Making Yuletide Gay.
Chase D. Anderson is Editor & Producer of NWTheatre.org.