24 Fantastic Seattle-Area Shows to See Before 2024 Ends

“The Snow Queen”

Seattle Children’s Theatre presents its own unique adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s dramatic tale “The Snow Queen” in the newly renovated Charlotte Martin Theatre. “The Snow Queen” explores deep themes of human connection, belonging and loyalty as young Gerda undertakes a dangerous journey to rescue her dearest friend from the palace of the Snow Queen. Recommended for ages 6 and older.

Date: Nov. 27–Jan. 5
Cost: $20–$50
Location: Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle

“Honk! The Musical”

In this all-ages musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that different is not the same as bad. Today the story of the ugly duckling seems timelier than ever. Kids need to experience as many joyful celebrations of the beauty of diversity and the power of inclusivity as possible before the algorithm takes control of what they see.

Date: Nov. 29–Dec. 22
Cost: $5–$55
Location: Olympia Family Theater, Olympia

“Anastasia”

Based on the animated movie, the Broadway musical has 20 new songs but is more grounded in history. (Instead of a demonic villain with a talking bat sidekick, the antagonist is a Bolshevik general.) But the questions it asks — What if a poor orphan was really a princess? And what if she didn’t really want to be one after all? — will still intrigue kids of all ages.

Date: Dec. 6–22
Cost: $10–$35
Location: Bainbridge Performing Arts, Bainbridge Island

“Legally Blonde”

It’s rated PG-13 for, among other things, taking place during a murder trial, but if your kids have watched the movie, the musical adaptation won’t be too shocking. On film or on stage, “Legally Blonde” delivers a healthy dose of girl power as it humorously skewers all kinds of stereotypes about women. Additional show dates in Everett in January.

Date: Nov. 12–Dec. 22
Cost: $44–$123
Location: Village Theatre, Issaquah

“Mary Poppins”

Drawing from the original books and using iconic songs from the Disney movie, The Fifth Avenue Theatre presents an all-new musical production introducing the iconic nanny Mary Poppins to a new generation. Children younger than 4 will not be admitted.

Date: Nov. 22–Dec. 26
Cost:  $40–$160
Location: The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle

“Back to the Future”

The time-traveling movie that once helped Gen X understand their boomer parents is now helping Gen Z bridge the pop culture gap to understand their parents and their grandparents. The film’s original creators have adapted the story as a Broadway musical with a mixture of classic hit songs used in the film and new music by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. Children younger than 4 will not be admitted.

Date: Dec. 10–22
Cost: $40–$145
Location: Paramount Theatre, Seattle

“Finding Nemo Jr.”

Performers between the ages of 5 and 19 in Bellevue’s Youth Theatre program present this musical version of the classic Pixar film, which follows the clownfish Marlin as he journeys across the ocean to find his lost son, Nemo.

Date: Nov. 15–24
Cost: $13
Location: Bellevue Youth Theatre, Bellevue

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” in Concert

“Airbender” fans can enjoy more than two hours of music from the soundtrack of the original “Avatar” series performed by a live orchestra that includes taiko and erhu. At the same time, watch the series’ most iconic scenes playing on screen.

Date: Nov. 9–10
Cost: $36 and up
Location: Moore Theatre, Seattle

“Happy Christmas, Jeeves”

Step into the whimsical world of Bertie Wooster and his reliable valet, Jeeves. In this brand-new holiday play, all Bertie wants for Christmas is a night at home with no relatives, but of course that’s easier said than done! You’ll laugh out loud at this entertaining show, and leave filled with holiday spirit. This play is recommended for those 12 and older, and children younger than 5 will not be admitted.   

Date: Nov. 27–Dec. 31
Cost: $35–$65 (Nov. 27 is the pay-what-you-can performance)
Location: Taproot Theatre, Seattle

Up next: Classic holiday shows for everyone