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On Stage
Every year, right after Christmas and before the new year kicks into full throttle, there’s a lull in theatrical performances in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Every performance of The Nutcracker is over, and all the exhausted sugarplums want to do is hibernate for a few months.
That said, this is the perfect time to head south and see what Seattle has to offer. Since the holiday season isn’t quite over, there’ll still be plenty of festive decorations to take in, and we’re guessing it’ll be a lot less harried thanks to the absence of Christmas shoppers. Following are a few suggestions of where to go and what to see.
Sure, you may be sick of the holidays and all the schmaltz it engenders, but Ham for the Holidays: Ham-ageddon! isn’t your typical seasonal stage offering. Taking place at the Theater Off Jackson in Seattle’s International District, the show features Dos Fallopia (Peggy Platt and Lisa Koch) reuniting to make things funny before the end of the world arrives (if you’re reading this, the world didn’t end). Expect music, nuns, skits and weird crafts. There’s plenty of adult humor and “gay/lesbian/flaming liberal” content, so you might want to leave the tots at home. Shows happen Dec. 26-30 and tickets are $10-$35. More info: http://www.theateroffjackson.org
If you’ve never been to Unexpected Productions’ Market Theatre before, you’re still likely aware of the giant wall of chewed gum that announces its entrance just below Pike Place Market. Well, it’s time to pass by the gum and head inside. This coming week, in addition to a Duo Showcase (Dec. 26) and Improv Happy Hour (Dec. 27-29), viewers can still catch “A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol (Dec. 27-30). If you’re yawning because you can’t bear to see another version of Scrooge and company do their thing, don’t worry. As this is an improvised show, the audience will help twist the plot to their own agendas—making each show entirely different and sure to please. Tickets to the Christmas Carol gig are $5-$15, and reservations are recommended. More info: wwww.unexpectedproductions.org
If you’re looking for more of a family-focused escape to the big city, showings of The Wizard of Oz will be happening through Jan. 6 at the Seattle Children’s Theatre, located within strolling distance of the Space Needle. “Wonderful songs and a wonderful story welcome children of all ages to this magical, mystical place,” artistic director Linda Hartzell says. And who doesn’t love the story of a tornado, good and bad witches, flying monkeys and the search for home? P.S. Younger children may be alarmed by the flying monkeys. Tickets are $25-$36. More info: http://www.sct.org
Many other options abound, but these were a few that stood out to me. Venture forth, and return home soon for a full schedule of theater in 2013.
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