As various versions of “A Christmas Carol” begin to sprout up around the Sound, here’s a few alternative theatrical options to shine lights on the long, dark nights.
Nov. 3 to 19 at Edmonds College
When this show last came through Seattle, I forgot I had tickets until an hour past cutain. I am determined to show up in Lynn-
wood because the idea of six teenagers dying on a roller coaster and then singing about it is very funny to me.
Nov. 9 to 11 at On the Boards
Six Asian artists will subvert the idea of “Asian-ness,” specifically through a runway presentation that is “designed to trouble the Western gaze.” The work will mix impressive physicality and visual installations with irreverent humor, wit and cultural analysis. Each performance is followed by a party, and I wonder if that’s supposed to continue or soothe the tensions being drawn forward by the piece.
Nov. 15 to Dec. 17 at Seattle Rep
I only read “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott about a year ago, because it always looked maudlin and saccharine. Little did I know that the story is not only heartbreakingly realistic but also remarkably modern in its portrayal of gender. It could use a better title, but that’s neither here nor there. The Seattle Rep version will be using the script adapted by Kate Hamill, whose work I’ve really enjoyed in “Dracula” and “Vanity Fair,” and the boldness of casting a transmasc actor, Amelio García, as Jo means I’m going to have to come with a handkerchief in hand.
Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 at On the Boards
Speaking of crying, this one would wreck me. Anna Luisa Petrisko is going to be presenting a multimodal work of art, using music, video, dance and — here’s what would get me — recorded conversations with her best friend, “serving as a larger meditation on the need for human connection.” As the nights get longer and we forget what the sun feels like on our bare skin, can we live in the moments we have with each other, knowing there’s no forever?
Nov. 24 to Dec. 24 at ACT; Nov. 24 to Dec. 24 by Harlequin Productions; and Nov. 24 to Dec. 23 by Unexpected Productions
I told you Christmas was coming. You better watch out. These early productions of the classic holiday tale might be missed in our December edition, so here’s a quick shout out first to two traditional options (ACT’s version is renowned and in its 48th year! Harlequin’s, yes, is way down in Olympia, but it’s a lovely drive and rendition). But if you want a more variable option, stop short of the Gum Wall to take on Unexpected Productions’ absurdity.
Read more of the Nov. 1-7, 2023 issue.