Dan’s in Seattle, Ralph’s in Edmonds, and zombies are at Seattle Children’s Theatre this fall.
The new arts season for families is packed with ballet and opera, world music and Monkey tunes, and enough plays to keep you busy from now until the new year.
There really is something for everyone — read on!
September
Sept. 6: La Mariposa. Book-It Repertory Theatre performs the story of a Mexican boy, the son of migrant farmers, who captures a butterfly. The evening, part of SEED Seattle’s ArtsGumbo series, includes Mexican snacks and a butterfly mask-making workshop. Grades 6 and younger. $7–$15, family rate $30–$35. Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 206-725-7157, www.seedseattle.org/seedarts/rvcc/rvcc_artsgumbo.html [COLUMBIA CITY]
Sept. 6: Peter Pan. Students from the musical theater performance group the Hi-Liners present the Broadway musical. $12–$18. Sept. 6–21. The Performing Arts Center, 206-617-2152, www.hi-liners.org [BURIEN]
Sept. 10: Shrek the Musical. The world premiere of the musical, based on the Shrek movies, is Broadway-bound — but not before it opens in Seattle. The show was in previews during August and early September. Sept. 10–21. Ages 8 and older. $31–$90. The 5th Avenue Theatre, 206-292-ARTS, www.5thavenuetheatre.org [SEATTLE]
Sept. 13: Saturday Family Concert. Elizabeth Mitchell performs spare, delicate versions of classic American and old-time songs — it’s sing-along music at its best. Ages 4 and older. $5, ages 12 and younger free. Town Hall Seattle, www.townhallseattle.org [SEATTLE]
Sept. 19: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Lyric Light Opera performs the Tony Award-nominated musical with a live orchestra. Sept. 19–28. $24–$29. Kirkland Performance Center, 425-893-9900, www.kpcenter.org [KIRKLAND]
Sept. 20: Aesop’s Fables. Three of Aesop’s animal tales, performed by puppet company Thistle Theatre. $7–$9. Sept. 20–28. Ages 3–12. Bellevue Youth Theatre, 206-524-3388, www.thistletheatre.org [BELLEVUE]
Sept. 27: Circus of Dreams. A circus-arts show to raise money for research at Children’s Hospital. All ages. $10–$25. ACT Theatre, 206-292-7676, www.acttheatre.org [SEATTLE]
Sept. 27: Ralph’s World. Indie singer-songwriter Ralph Covert’s charming tunes mine the minutiae of childhood; he sings about baby brothers, mud puddles and day camp. $17–$29, family four-pack $60. All ages. Edmonds Center for the Arts, 425-275-9595, www.edmondscenterforthearts.org [EDMONDS]
October
Oct. 1: The Green Sheep. Seattle Children’s Theatre reprises last summer’s hit show for tots, in which kids learn basic words and concepts via the antics of sweet sheep puppets. Oct. 1–Nov. 2. $13. Ages 1–4. Seattle Children’s Theatre, 206-441-4488, www.sct.org [SEATTLE CENTER]
Oct. 2: Tipstar. A magician “fixes” the upside-down town of Tipstar, and Tipstar residents are not happy about it. Punchy Filbert goes on a journey to find the magician and put things right. Oct. 2–18. All ages. $10. Moonpaper Tent Theater, 206-422-6616, www.moonpapertent.com [RAVENNA]
Oct. 3: The Emperor’s New Clothes. SPROUTS Children’s Theater kicks off its 10th anniversary season with this Hans Christian Andersen tale, in which the emperor isn’t quite as dressed up as he seems to think. Ages 4 and older; under-3s are welcome at Small Sibling performances, the first two Sundays at 1 p.m. Oct. 3–19. $8.75. Second Story Repertory, 425-881-6777, www.SecondStoryRep.org [REDMOND]
Oct. 3: Night of the Living Dead. Zombies! Artist director Linda Hartzell directs a show for teens based on George Romero’s classic horror flick. Oct. 3–Nov. 1. Ages 13 and older. $20. Seattle Children’s Theatre, 206-441-4488, www.sct.org [SEATTLE CENTER]
Oct. 3: Teddy Bears Musical Picnic. Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra teams up with Let Your Music Shine! with Lisa and Linda to present interactive classical music performances for young kids. Bring your teddy bears! Ages birth–6. $10. Village Theatre, 425-455-4171, www.bellevuephil.org [ISSAQUAH]
Oct. 4: Teddy Bears Musical Picnic. See Oct. 3 entry. Kirkland Performance Center, 425-455-4171, www.bellevuephil.org [KIRKLAND]
Oct. 10: Aesop’s Fables. See Sept. 20 entry. Oct. 10–12 at Sunset Hill Community Club, 206-524-3388, www.thistletheatre.org [BALLARD]
Oct. 11: Annie Warbucks. In this sequel to Annie, Daddy Warbucks needs to marry in order to give his newly adopted daughter a “real” home — will he choose the competent but warmhearted Miss Farrell? Oct. 11 –12. $15–$24. Kirkland Performance Center, 425-893-9900, www.kpcenter.org [KIRKLAND]
Oct. 17: Bluenose. A comedy in which a blue-nosed girl teaches three red-nosed pirates a lesson in acceptance. Oct. 17–Dec. 14. Ages 6 and older. $17–$40. Seattle Children’s Theatre, 206-441-4488, www.sct.org [SEATTLE CENTER]
Oct. 17: Little Shop of Horrors. “Feed me!” Nebbishy flower shop employee Seymour acquires a bloodthirsty plant with very big plans. Oct. 17–Nov. 2. $11–$13. Studio East, 425-827-3123, www.studio-east.org [KIRKLAND]
Oct. 18: Aesop’s Fables. See Sept. 20 entry. Oct. 18–19 at Magnuson Park Theatre, 206-524-3388, www.thistletheatre.org [SAND POINT]
Oct. 19: The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites. Village Theatre’s Pied Piper series kicks off with an adaptation of Carle’s simple stories for young kids. Grades 3 and younger. $12–$14. Everett Performing Arts Center, 425-257-8600, www.villagetheatre.org [EVERETT]
Oct. 25: Magic by Tim Hart. Classic illusions and sleights of hand, with audience participation. All ages. $10. Wade James Theatre, 425-774-9600, www.driftwoodplayers.com [EDMONDS]
Oct. 25: Pinocchio. The wooden puppet longs to be a real boy, but what’s happening to his nose? Find out during StoryBook Theater’s comic musical adaptation of the classic. Oct. 25–26. Ages 3–10. $9. Carco Theatre, 1-877-827-1100, www.studio-east.org [RENTON]
Oct. 25: The Backyardigans Live! Tale of the Mighty Knights! Knights Uniqua and Tyrone rescue a runaway egg and a meet a dragon along the way. Oct. 25–26. Ages 6 and younger. $17–$41. The Paramount Theatre, www.theparamount.com [SEATTLE]
Oct. 25: Saturday Family Concert. Composer and musician Chic Streetman performs blues- and jazz-influenced music with a message of equality and racial harmony. All ages. $5, ages 12 and younger free. Town Hall Seattle, www.townhallseattle.org [SEATTLE]
Oct. 26: Kasumai Africa. An afternoon of West African music, dance and storytelling, with Senegalese griot master Thione Diop and performers from Senegal, Guinea and Mali. All ages. Northshore Performing Arts Center, www.npacf.org [BOTHELL]
Oct. 30: Dracula. International Ballet Theatre’s production features magicians and acrobats, diverse dance styles, and spooky seasonal touches — but no gore. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes to matinees. Ages 5 and older. $25–$50. Oct. 30–Nov. 2. Meydenbauer Theater, 425-822-7694, www.interballettheatre.org [BELLEVUE]
November
Nov. 1: Recess Monkey. The trio of high-energy Seattle schoolteachers perform Beatles-influenced songs about friends, animals and sleepovers. All ages. $10–$16. Edmonds Center for the Arts, 425-275-9595, www.edmondscenterforthearts.org [EDMONDS]
Nov. 1: Bye Bye Birdie. Bellevue Youth Theatre performs the Broadway musical about a rock star who stages a publicity stunt on the Ed Sullivan Show. Nov. 1–9. All ages. $10. Bellevue Youth Theatre, 425-452-7155, www.bytf.org [BELLEVUE]
Nov. 7: Robin Hood and His Band. In honor of its 25th anniversary season, Youth Theatre Northwest takes audiences on a blast from the past. Coming-of-age tale Robin Hood was last produced during the 1984–85 and 1998–99 seasons. Nov. 7–23. All ages. $13, opening night $15. Youth Theatre Northwest, 206-232-4145, ext. 109; www.youththeatre.org [MERCER ISLAND]
Nov. 8: Pinocchio. See Oct. 25 entry. Nov. 8–16 at Kirkland Performance Center, 1-877-827-1100, www.studio-east.org [KIRKLAND]
Nov. 14: Cinderella. The Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, adapted for the stage from the 1957 television production starring Julie Andrews, and performed by Seattle Musical Theatre. Nov. 14–30. All ages. $25–$35. Magnuson Park Theatre, 206-363-2809, http://seattlemusicaltheatre.org [SAND POINT]
Nov. 15: Saturday Family Concert. Central Services’ The Board of Education is “one part schoolhouse rock, one part science classroom, [and] two parts borax . . .” Ages 6 and older. $5, ages 12 and younger free. Town Hall Seattle, www.townhallseattle.org [SEATTLE]
Nov. 16: Lazer Vaudeville. An old-fashioned variety show — juggling, illusions, comedy — with a high-tech twist, hosted by a fluorescent, 7-foot-tall dragon. All ages. $12–$14. Everett Civic Auditorium, 425-257-8600, www.villagetheatre.org [EVERETT]
Nov. 16: Craicmore. Traditional music of Ireland and Scotland, with a rousing performance by the Slieveloughane Irish Dance Company. All ages. Northshore Performing Arts Center, www.npacf.org [BOTHELL]
Nov. 21: The Wizard of Oz. The woman behind the curtain is artistic director Linda Hartzell, who directs the Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of the screen classic. Nov. 21–Jan. 17, 2009. Ages 6 and older. $17–$40. Seattle Children’s Theatre, 206-441-4488, www.sct.org [SEATTLE CENTER]
Nov. 21: The Wizard of Oz. Students from Bellevue Youth Theatre perform. Nov. 21–30. $10. Bellevue Youth Theatre, 425-452-7155, www.bytf.org [BELLEVUE]
Nov. 21: Fiddler on the Roof. Russian villager Tevye’s daughters want to get married — and not to men chosen by the matchmaker — in this musical about tradition and family. Nov. 21–Dec. 21. $20–$23. Wade James Theatre, 425-774-9600, www.driftwoodplayers.com [EDMONDS]
Nov. 22: Pinocchio. See Oct. 25 entry. Nov. 22–23 at the Everett PUD Auditorium, 1-877-827-1100, www.studio-east.org [EVERETT]
Nov. 28: A Christmas Carol. The 33rd annual production of a colorful (and creepy) adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel about family, greed, ghosts and second chances. Nov. 28–Dec. 27. $32–$47. ACT Theatre, 206-292-7676, www.acttheatre.org [SEATTLE]
Nov. 28: Plaid Tidings: The Forever Plaid Christmas Show. A quartet of crooners, summoned from heaven by Rosemary Clooney, revisit Earth to sing hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Nov. 28–Dec. 23. All ages. $10–$32. ArtsWest, 206-938-0339, www.artswest.org [WEST SEATTLE]
Nov. 28: Nutcracker. The 25th anniversary production of the Stowell/Sendak ballet features surprise appearances and special guests. Nov. 28–Dec. 30. All ages. $22–$120. McCaw Hall, 206-441-2424, www.pnb.org [SEATTLE CENTER]
Nov. 29: Avner the Eccentric. The physical comedian, magician and juggler performs his latest show, “Exceptions to Gravity.” All ages. $12–$23. Edmonds Center for the Arts, 425-275-9595, www.edmondscenterforthearts.org [EDMONDS]
Nov. 29: Hansel and Gretel. A pair of siblings throw down with the forest-dwelling Gingerbread Witch. Bellevue Opera performs in English. Nov. 29–30. Ages 8 and older. Meydenbauer Theater, 206-325-6500, www.bellevueopera.org [BELLEVUE]
Nov. 29: Black Nativity. An exuberant holiday pageant, with music by the Total Experience Gospel Choir. Nov. 29–Dec. 27. Ages 5 and older. $10–$42. Intiman Theater, 206-269-1900, www.intiman.org/tickets/singletickets.html [SEATTLE CENTER]
Nov. 29: ‘Twas the Night. Studio East’s annual holiday musical is a humorous spin on the Clement Clark Moore poem. Nov. 29–Dec. 21. All ages. $13. Studio East, 425-827-3123, www.studio-east.org [KIRKLAND]
Nov. 30: Pinocchio. See Oct. 25 entry. Museum of History & Industry, 1-877-827-1100, www.studio-east.org [MONTLAKE]
Nov. 30: Avner the Eccentric. Avner, who played holy man The Jewel in the movie The Jewel of the Nile, entertains all ages with physical comedy. $10–$19. Kirkland Performance Center, 425-893-9900, www.kpcenter.org [KIRKLAND]
Nov. 30: Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert. The Boulding family’s annual holiday show includes Irish dance, juggling, storytelling and music. All ages. $12–$20. Shoreline Performing Arts Center, 206-417-4645, www.shorelinearts.net [SHORELINE]
December
Dec. 3: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Milly finds herself living in pioneer-era Oregon with her husband, Adam, and six rowdy brothers-in-law. Watch her whip ‘em into shape. Rated G (look online for parental guidelines). Dec. 3–28. $22–$81. The 5th Avenue Theatre, 206-625-1900, www.5thavenue.org [SEATTLE]
Dec. 4: Jack and the Beanstalk. A quick-witted boy, a fast-growing plant, and a giant with a taste for humans. Dec. 4–7. All ages. $13, opening night gala $15. Youth Theatre Northwest, 206-232-4145, ext. 109, www.youththeatre.org [MERCER ISLAND]
Dec. 4: The Mitten. A boy loses a mitten in the snow, and animals crawl inside it to keep warm. Sylvan Bourgette’s adaptation of the Ukrainian folktale is filled with signature Moonpaper Tent magic. Dec. 4–20. All ages. $10. Moonpaper Tent Theater, 206-422-6616, www.moonpapertent.com [RAVENNA]
Dec. 5: Holiday Hooray. Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra teams up with Let Your Music Shine! with Lisa and Linda to present interactive classical music performances for young kids. This month’s shows feature the music of Tchaikovsky and a Nutcracker “move-along.” Ages newborn–6. $10. Kirkland Performance Center, 425-455-4171, www.bellevuephil.org [KIRKLAND]
Dec. 5: The Elves and the Shoemaker. The shoemaker has enough leather to make only one more pair of shoes, but gets unexpected help from a pair of elves. Ages 4 and older; under-3s are welcome at Small Sibling performances, the first two Sundays at 1 p.m. Dec. 5–21. $8.75. Second Story Repertory, 425-881-6777, www.SecondStoryRep.org . [REDMOND]
Dec. 5: A Christmas Carol. Bellevue Youth Theatre performs. Dec. 5–7. All ages. $12. Theatre at Meydenbauer, 425-452-7155, www.bytf.org [BELLEVUE]
Dec. 5: A Child’s Christmas in Wales. An adaptation of the poet Dylan Thomas’ recollection of his childhood holidays. Dec. 5–24. $14. Stone Soup Theatre, 206-633-1883, www.stonesouptheatre.com [WALLINGFORD]
Dec. 6: Holiday Hooray. See Dec. 5 entry. Mercer Island Presbyterian, 425-455-4171, www.bellevuephil.org [MERCER ISLAND]
Dec. 6: Dan Zanes and Friends Holiday House Party. A festive family dance and jam with Dan and his posse of singers and musicians.
Dec. 6–7. All ages. $35. The Moore Theatre, www.themoore.com [SEATTLE]
Dec. 6: The Gingerbread Boy. A mischievous Gingerbread Boys stops the production of holiday cookies — can Pepper Mint put things right? Thistle Theatre performs using bunraku-style puppets. Dec. 6–7. Ages 3–12. $7–$9. Bellevue Youth Theatre, 206-524-3388, www.thistletheatre.org [BELLEVUE]
Dec. 6: Cinderella. Carter Family Marionettes found and translated a 19th-century Venetian puppet script for this commedia dell’arte-flavored production. Dec. 6–21. $8.50–$10.50. Northwest Puppet Center, 206-523-2579, www.nwpuppet.org [NORTHGATE]
Dec. 7: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The out-of-control Herdman kids are cast in the Christmas pageant, much to the consternation of everyone involved. Includes a dessert buffet after the show. Dec. 7–16. All ages. $10. Wade James Theatre, 425-774-9600, www.driftwoodplayers.com [EDMONDS]
Dec. 11: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Dec. 11–24. All ages. $15–$23. Seattle Public Theater, 206-524-1300, www.seattlepublictheater.org [GREEN LAKE]
Dec. 12: The Nutcracker. International Ballet Theatre performs. Dec. 12–23. All ages. $25–$50. Meydenbauer Theater, 425-822-7694, www.interballettheatre.org [BELLEVUE]
Dec. 12: Nutcracker Sweets. ARC School of Ballet performs a pared-down version of the holiday ballet for the kids. Dec. 12–14. All ages. $5–$12. ARC Dance Space, 206-352-0798, www.arcdance.org [CROWN HILL]
Dec. 13: The Gingerbread Boy. See Dec. 6 entry. Dec. 13–14 at Magnuson Park Theatre, 206-524-3388, www.thistletheatre.org [SAND POINT]
Dec. 13: The Velveteen Rabbit. A new musical based on Margery William’s story about what it means to be “real.” The score was nominated for the 2008 Grammy for “Best Musical Album for Children.” Grades 5 and younger. $12–$14. Everett Performing Arts Center, 425-257-8600, www.villagetheatre.org [EVERETT]
Dec 13: World Music of Peace. Vocal percussion ensemble Abráce and The MB Orchestra perform Ladino and Arabic music. The evening includes Middle Eastern appetizers and a song-arranging workshop. All ages. $7–$15, family rate $30–$35. Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 206-725-7157, www.seedseattle.org/seedarts/rvcc/rvcc_artsgumbo.html [COLUMBIA CITY]
Dec. 13: The Nutcracker. Olympic Ballet Theatre teams up with the Everett Symphony. Dec. 13–14. All ages. $14–$38. Everett Civic Auditorium, 1-888-266-8486, www.olympicballet.com [EVERETT]
Dec. 13: The Snowman. Ballet Bellevue performs an original ballet about a little boy with a big imagination. Dec. 13–14. All ages. Northshore Performing Arts Center, www.npacf.org [BOTHELL]
Dec. 14: Old-Fashioned Holiday Extravaganza! A variety show that includes choral holiday music, dancers and “festive fun.” Dec. 14–17. $10–$25. Kirkland Performance Center, 425-893-9900, www.kpcenter.org [KIRKLAND]
Dec. 19: Holiday Hooray. See Dec. 5 entry. Village Theatre, 425-455-4171, www.bellevuephil.org [ISSAQUAH]
Dec. 19: The Gingerbread Boy. See Dec. 6 entry. Dec. 19–21 at Sunset Hill Community Club, 206-524-3388, www.thistletheatre.org [BALLARD]
Dec. 20: Holiday Hooray. See Dec. 5 entry. Bellevue Arts Museum, 425-455-4171, www.bellevuephil.org [BELLEVUE]
Dec. 20: The Nutcracker. Olympic Ballet Theatre performs its annual holiday show. Dec. 20–21. Edmonds Center for the Arts, 425-774-7570, www.olympicballet.com [EDMONDS]
Dec. 20. The Nutcracker. Emerald City Ballet Theatre performs with Rainier Symphony. Dec. 20–21. All ages. Northshore Performing Arts Center, www.npacf.org [BOTHELL]
Kris Collingridge is ParentMap’s Out & About editor.
