Holiday Shows and Performances for Seattle Families

“A Very Die Hard Christmas”
Even if you are in the camp that argues “Die Hard” is not a Christmas movie, you can’t deny that Seattle Public Theater’s “A Very Die Hard Christmas” is holiday hilarity. It might not be for everyone, but if you like your Christmas entertainment with lots of action, ’80s jokes, soft rock jams and snarky German terrorists, we’ll see you there. Nov. 22–Dec. 23. Sliding scale $10–$100. Seattle Public Theater, Seattle.

“Sleeping Beauty, A Holiday Panto”
Although it doesn’t always have a holiday theme, panto is a holiday tradition. This version of the “Sleeping Beauty” fairy tale is filled with pop music, raucous routines, hysterical humor and dynamic dances. Audience participation is encouraged in Centerstage’s annual British panto show. Nov. 25–Dec. 17. $42–$45. Knutzen Family Theater, Federal Way.

“O Christmas Tea” – A British Comedy
The British comedy duo James and Jamesy present a panto-inspired show that has been compared to the antics of Monty Python, Mr. Bean and Dr. Seuss. Hailed as “Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements,” this show about a Christmas tea party gone wrong promises to be an all-ages laugh fest. Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue: Dec. 1; $32–$64. Rialto Theater, Tacoma: Dec. 2; $30–$54. Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland: Dec. 12; $39–$73. The Neptune Theatre, Seattle: Dec. 14; $24 and up.

“Fa la la la la, ha ha ha ha: A Holiday Musical Extravaganza!”
Unexpected Productions’ ensemble performers Sarah Hanchar and Christine Riippi celebrate the best part of the holidays — made-for-TV movie musicals! Starting with a sing-along and concluding with a movie musical based on audience suggestions, this family-friendly improvised show promises joyous yuletide fun. Dec. 2–23. $15–$20. Unexpected Productions, Seattle.

“Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs”
The Fremont Players and Fremont Philharmonic Orchestra are back with an all-new, original show in the British panto tradition. If you’re new to panto, you might be surprised that it’s a tradition of fractured fairy tales and cracked classics loaded with childish jokes aimed at the kids and double entendres lobbed over their heads. Expect audience participation and slapstick in this mashup of wolf-centered fairy tales. Dec. 9–Jan. 7. $12–$22. Sunset Hill Community Club, Seattle.

Up next: Holiday music