Stage

A Child’s Christmas in Wales/The Long Christmas Dinner A Dylan Thomas/Thornton Wilder double feature. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5.  7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus more performances Xmas week; see stonesouptheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Stone Soup Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N. $20-$25 Saturday, December 6, 2014

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Saturday, December 6, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Saturday, December 6, 2014

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol Dickens, rewritten by you. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 28. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5-$15 Saturday, December 6, 2014

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All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Appalachian Christmas Homecoming Tales of three generations, with lots of live roots music, for the holidays. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., plus some weekday matinees; see taproottheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle $20-$40 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Saturday, December 6, 2014

Christmastown A new “holiday noir, “ complete with a hard-boiled gumshoe and a sexy elf, by Wayne Rawley. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus more performances Xmas week; see seattlepublictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Saturday, December 6, 2014

ComedySportz Seattle Comedy Group moves their improv show to the former Empty Space. 8 & 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sun. Atlas Theater, 3509 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $14 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Dick Whittington and His Cat An orphan finds himself in the big city of London, where he meets a remarkable cat. Runs Thurs.-Sat., see sct.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 21. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Center $20 and up Saturday, December 6, 2014

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! the Musical Based on the original animated special? Or the Jim Carrey vulgarization? Guess we’ll find out. 7:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 2-Thurs., Dec. 4; 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 5; 11 a.m., 2, 5, & 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6; 1 & 6:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7. The Paramount, 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101 $25 and up Saturday, December 6, 2014

Fangs The premiere of Jim Moran’s dark comedy about an anti-abortion senator. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 6. Eclectic Theater, 1214 10th Ave., Seattle $20-$25 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Inverse Opera A reprise of their staged, theatrical Messiah, launched last year. Opens Dec. 5. Runs 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. plus some matinees; see theinverseopera.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 20. Isaac Studio Theatre, 208 N. 85th St. $25-$30 Saturday, December 6, 2014

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show Twelfth Night Productions presents Joe Landry’s Capra adaptation. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Ave. S.W. $18-$20 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Parlor Live Comedy Club See parlorlive.com for schedule. The Parlor Collection, 700 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue $15-$30 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Pink Door Cabaret Trapeze performances (6:15-8:45 p.m.) by Bridget Gunning (Sun.) and Tanya Brno (Mon.). Saturdays, go “Behind the Pink Door” (11 p.m.,). See thepinkdoor.net for full details.   The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, Seattle $20 cover Saturday, December 6, 2014

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Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Sorry! Wrong Chimney! A department-store Santa is suspected of adultery in this holiday farce. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St., Renton, WA 98057 $15-$22 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Spamalot A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you know. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 15. Ends Dec. 21. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 $19-$27 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Saturday, December 6, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever What happens when bad kids take over the holiday play? Presented by Youth Theatre Northwest. Opens Dec. 5. 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island $13-$17 Saturday, December 6, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Saturday, December 6, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Opens Nov. 28. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Saturday, December 6, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Saturday, December 6, 2014

The Hours of Life Paul Lewis’ new musical fictionalizes Edgar Allan Poe’s love affair with a fellow poet. Opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, Seattle Center $11-$22 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Tiny Tim Is Dead In Barbara Lebow’s cheerily titled play, a group of homeless people stage A Christmas Carol. Presented by Play Factory Theatre. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 16; 6 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $20-$25 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Saturday, December 6, 2014

Emerald Ballet Theater: Nutcracker With live music from the Rainier Symphony. Opens Dec. 6. 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd N.E., Bothell $20-$35 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 2pm

Split Second Improv Second Story’s improv competition. Two shows each Sat.: 7 p.m. for families, 8 p.m. could get naughtier. Ends Dec. 13. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St, Redmond, WA 98052 $20 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 7pm

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 7:30pm

Evan & Bobbi: A Twisted Christmas Carol Bobbi Cratchit and Evan Scrooge are co-workers/dysfunctional lovers in this Dickens subversion. Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Mon., Dec. 8. Ends Dec. 13. Theater Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 $15-$20 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 7:30pm

The Edge Bainbridge Island’s own improv troupe.  Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 $12-$16 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 7:30pm

A Christmas Carol A musical version. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. $5-$10 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 8pm

Bob’s Holiday Office Party Comic havoc is wrought at an Iowa insurance agent’s bash. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien $7-$20 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 8pm

It’s a Wonderful Life In Theater Anonymous’ production, nobody knows who’s in the cast until performance time (everyone rehearses secretly one-on-one with the director). Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, Seattle Center $20-$25 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 8pm

Now I’m Fine An experimental pop opera led by comedian/musician/storyteller Ahamefule Oluo. 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4-Sat., Dec. 6, 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7. On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St. $12-$25 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 8pm

Reckless Craig Lucas’ comedy starts on Christmas Eve with a husband’s guilty confession. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 9. Ends Dec. 20. Annex Theatre, 1110 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 $10-$20 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 8pm

Split Second Improv Second Story’s improv competition. Two shows each Sat.: 7 p.m. for families, 8 p.m. could get naughtier. Ends Dec. 13. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St, Redmond, WA 98052 $20 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 8pm

The Twilight Zone: Live! Three episodes from the cult TV series adapted for the stage. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. $18-$25. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $18-$25 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 8pm

TheatreSports Unexpected Productions’ long-running (since 1983!) improv comedy show, pitting two teams against each other in front of a panel of judges. 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $15 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 10:30pm

Uncle Mike Ruins Christmas Relive your worst family holiday traumas in this improv show. 10:30 p.m. Sat. Ends Dec. 20. Jet City Improv, 5510 University Way N.E. $12-$15 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 10:30pm

SnowGlobed Five short new holiday-themed plays. Opens Dec. 5. 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $10-$12 Saturday, December 6, 2014, 11pm

A Child’s Christmas in Wales/The Long Christmas Dinner A Dylan Thomas/Thornton Wilder double feature. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5.  7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus more performances Xmas week; see stonesouptheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Stone Soup Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N. $20-$25 Sunday, December 7, 2014

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Sunday, December 7, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Sunday, December 7, 2014

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol Dickens, rewritten by you. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 28. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5-$15 Sunday, December 7, 2014

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All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Sunday, December 7, 2014

Christmastown A new “holiday noir, “ complete with a hard-boiled gumshoe and a sexy elf, by Wayne Rawley. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus more performances Xmas week; see seattlepublictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! the Musical Based on the original animated special? Or the Jim Carrey vulgarization? Guess we’ll find out. 7:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 2-Thurs., Dec. 4; 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 5; 11 a.m., 2, 5, & 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6; 1 & 6:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7. The Paramount, 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101 $25 and up Sunday, December 7, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Sunday, December 7, 2014

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show Twelfth Night Productions presents Joe Landry’s Capra adaptation. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Ave. S.W. $18-$20 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Parlor Live Comedy Club See parlorlive.com for schedule. The Parlor Collection, 700 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue $15-$30 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Pink Door Cabaret Trapeze performances (6:15-8:45 p.m.) by Bridget Gunning (Sun.) and Tanya Brno (Mon.). Saturdays, go “Behind the Pink Door” (11 p.m.,). See thepinkdoor.net for full details.   The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, Seattle $20 cover Sunday, December 7, 2014

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Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Sorry! Wrong Chimney! A department-store Santa is suspected of adultery in this holiday farce. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St., Renton, WA 98057 $15-$22 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Spamalot A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you know. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 15. Ends Dec. 21. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 $19-$27 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Sunday, December 7, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever What happens when bad kids take over the holiday play? Presented by Youth Theatre Northwest. Opens Dec. 5. 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island $13-$17 Sunday, December 7, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Opens Nov. 28. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Sunday, December 7, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Sunday, December 7, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Sunday, December 7, 2014

The Hours of Life Paul Lewis’ new musical fictionalizes Edgar Allan Poe’s love affair with a fellow poet. Opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, Seattle Center $11-$22 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Tiny Tim Is Dead In Barbara Lebow’s cheerily titled play, a group of homeless people stage A Christmas Carol. Presented by Play Factory Theatre. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 16; 6 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $20-$25 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Sunday, December 7, 2014

Mama Mia! This 30-minute ABBA sendup is part of the “Mimosas With Mama” drag brunch. Narwhal, 1118 E. Pike St., Seattle $15-$20 Sunday, December 7, 2014, 1pm

Bob’s Holiday Office Party Comic havoc is wrought at an Iowa insurance agent’s bash. Opens Nov. 28. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien $7-$20 Sunday, December 7, 2014, 2pm

Emerald Ballet Theater: Nutcracker With live music from the Rainier Symphony. Opens Dec. 6. 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd N.E., Bothell $20-$35 Sunday, December 7, 2014, 2pm

Now I’m Fine An experimental pop opera led by comedian/musician/storyteller Ahamefule Oluo. 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4-Sat., Dec. 6, 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7. On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St. $12-$25 Sunday, December 7, 2014, 5pm

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Sunday, December 7, 2014, 7:30pm

Weird and Awesome With Emmett Montgomery “A monthly parade [every first Sunday] of wonder and awkward sharing hosted and curated by mustache wizard Emmett Montgomery. 7:30 p.m. first Sunday of every month. Annex Theatre, 1110 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 $5-$10 Sunday, December 7, 2014, 7:30pm

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Monday, December 8, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Monday, December 8, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Monday, December 8, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Monday, December 8, 2014

Pink Door Cabaret Trapeze performances (6:15-8:45 p.m.) by Bridget Gunning (Sun.) and Tanya Brno (Mon.). Saturdays, go “Behind the Pink Door” (11 p.m.,). See thepinkdoor.net for full details.   The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, Seattle $20 cover Monday, December 8, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Monday, December 8, 2014

Evan & Bobbi: A Twisted Christmas Carol Bobbi Cratchit and Evan Scrooge are co-workers/dysfunctional lovers in this Dickens subversion. Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Mon., Dec. 8. Ends Dec. 13. Theater Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 $15-$20 Monday, December 8, 2014, 7:30pm

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Tuesday, December 9, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Tuesday, December 9, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Comedy Womb This “female-focused but not female-exclusive” show includes a headliner and an open-mike segment, in the Grotto underneath the Rendezvous. See comedywomb.com for complete schedule. JewelBox Theater at the Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 $5 Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Tuesday, December 9, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Tuesday, December 9, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Tuesday, December 9, 2014

The Hours of Life Paul Lewis’ new musical fictionalizes Edgar Allan Poe’s love affair with a fellow poet. Opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, Seattle Center $11-$22 Tuesday, December 9, 2014

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 7:30pm

A John Waters Christmas Spreading holiday fear with his one-man show. The Neptune, 1303 N.E. 45th St., Seattle, WA 98105 $37.50-$101.50 Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 8pm

Reckless Craig Lucas’ comedy starts on Christmas Eve with a husband’s guilty confession. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 9. Ends Dec. 20. Annex Theatre, 1110 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 $10-$20 Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 8pm

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Wednesday, December 10, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Appalachian Christmas Homecoming Tales of three generations, with lots of live roots music, for the holidays. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., plus some weekday matinees; see taproottheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle $20-$40 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Comedy Womb This “female-focused but not female-exclusive” show includes a headliner and an open-mike segment, in the Grotto underneath the Rendezvous. See comedywomb.com for complete schedule. JewelBox Theater at the Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 $5 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

• 

Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The Hours of Life Paul Lewis’ new musical fictionalizes Edgar Allan Poe’s love affair with a fellow poet. Opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, Seattle Center $11-$22 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 7:30pm

Verbalists: Nothing But the Truth Holiday-themed storytelling. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, WA 98033 $20 Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 7:30pm

Duo Comedy Showcase Unexpected Productions presents comedians two at a time, 8:30 p.m. Wed. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5 Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 8:30pm

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Thursday, December 11, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Thursday, December 11, 2014

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol Dickens, rewritten by you. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 28. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5-$15 Thursday, December 11, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Appalachian Christmas Homecoming Tales of three generations, with lots of live roots music, for the holidays. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., plus some weekday matinees; see taproottheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle $20-$40 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Thursday, December 11, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Dick Whittington and His Cat An orphan finds himself in the big city of London, where he meets a remarkable cat. Runs Thurs.-Sat., see sct.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 21. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Center $20 and up Thursday, December 11, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Parlor Live Comedy Club See parlorlive.com for schedule. The Parlor Collection, 700 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue $15-$30 Thursday, December 11, 2014

• 

Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Sorry! Wrong Chimney! A department-store Santa is suspected of adultery in this holiday farce. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St., Renton, WA 98057 $15-$22 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Opens Nov. 28. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Hours of Life Paul Lewis’ new musical fictionalizes Edgar Allan Poe’s love affair with a fellow poet. Opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, Seattle Center $11-$22 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Tiny Tim Is Dead In Barbara Lebow’s cheerily titled play, a group of homeless people stage A Christmas Carol. Presented by Play Factory Theatre. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 16; 6 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $20-$25 Thursday, December 11, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Thursday, December 11, 2014

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Thursday, December 11, 2014, 7:30pm

Evan & Bobbi: A Twisted Christmas Carol Bobbi Cratchit and Evan Scrooge are co-workers/dysfunctional lovers in this Dickens subversion. Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Mon., Dec. 8. Ends Dec. 13. Theater Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 $15-$20 Thursday, December 11, 2014, 7:30pm

A Christmas Carol A musical version. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. $5-$10 Thursday, December 11, 2014, 8pm

Reckless Craig Lucas’ comedy starts on Christmas Eve with a husband’s guilty confession. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 9. Ends Dec. 20. Annex Theatre, 1110 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 $10-$20 Thursday, December 11, 2014, 8pm

The Twilight Zone: Live! Three episodes from the cult TV series adapted for the stage. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. $18-$25. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $18-$25 Thursday, December 11, 2014, 8pm

Upside Downton: The Christmas Special Everyone’s fave Brit period piece gets sent up, improv-style. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri. Ends Dec. 19. Jet City Improv, 5510 University Way N.E. $12-$15 Thursday, December 11, 2014, 8pm

A Child’s Christmas in Wales/The Long Christmas Dinner A Dylan Thomas/Thornton Wilder double feature. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5.  7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus more performances Xmas week; see stonesouptheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Stone Soup Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N. $20-$25 Friday, December 12, 2014

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Friday, December 12, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Friday, December 12, 2014

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol Dickens, rewritten by you. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 28. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5-$15 Friday, December 12, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Friday, December 12, 2014

Appalachian Christmas Homecoming Tales of three generations, with lots of live roots music, for the holidays. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., plus some weekday matinees; see taproottheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle $20-$40 Friday, December 12, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Friday, December 12, 2014

Christmastown A new “holiday noir, “ complete with a hard-boiled gumshoe and a sexy elf, by Wayne Rawley. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus more performances Xmas week; see seattlepublictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Friday, December 12, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Friday, December 12, 2014

ComedySportz Seattle Comedy Group moves their improv show to the former Empty Space. 8 & 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sun. Atlas Theater, 3509 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $14 Friday, December 12, 2014

Dick Whittington and His Cat An orphan finds himself in the big city of London, where he meets a remarkable cat. Runs Thurs.-Sat., see sct.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 21. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Center $20 and up Friday, December 12, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Friday, December 12, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Friday, December 12, 2014

Inverse Opera A reprise of their staged, theatrical Messiah, launched last year. Opens Dec. 5. Runs 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. plus some matinees; see theinverseopera.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 20. Isaac Studio Theatre, 208 N. 85th St. $25-$30 Friday, December 12, 2014

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show Twelfth Night Productions presents Joe Landry’s Capra adaptation. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Ave. S.W. $18-$20 Friday, December 12, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Friday, December 12, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Friday, December 12, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Friday, December 12, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Friday, December 12, 2014

Parlor Live Comedy Club See parlorlive.com for schedule. The Parlor Collection, 700 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue $15-$30 Friday, December 12, 2014

• 

Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Friday, December 12, 2014

Sorry! Wrong Chimney! A department-store Santa is suspected of adultery in this holiday farce. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St., Renton, WA 98057 $15-$22 Friday, December 12, 2014

Spamalot A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you know. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 15. Ends Dec. 21. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 $19-$27 Friday, December 12, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Friday, December 12, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever What happens when bad kids take over the holiday play? Presented by Youth Theatre Northwest. Opens Dec. 5. 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island $13-$17 Friday, December 12, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Opens Nov. 28. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Friday, December 12, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Friday, December 12, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Friday, December 12, 2014

The Hours of Life Paul Lewis’ new musical fictionalizes Edgar Allan Poe’s love affair with a fellow poet. Opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, Seattle Center $11-$22 Friday, December 12, 2014

Tiny Tim Is Dead In Barbara Lebow’s cheerily titled play, a group of homeless people stage A Christmas Carol. Presented by Play Factory Theatre. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 16; 6 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $20-$25 Friday, December 12, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Friday, December 12, 2014

PROK Open Mike Sign up for this generally zany and enjoyable evening, when professionals are also known to drop by.  The People’s Republic Kafe, 1718 12th Ave., Seattle Free Friday, December 12, 2014, 7pm

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Friday, December 12, 2014, 7:30pm

Evan & Bobbi: A Twisted Christmas Carol Bobbi Cratchit and Evan Scrooge are co-workers/dysfunctional lovers in this Dickens subversion. Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Mon., Dec. 8. Ends Dec. 13. Theater Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 $15-$20 Friday, December 12, 2014, 7:30pm

A Christmas Carol A musical version. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. $5-$10 Friday, December 12, 2014, 8pm

Bob’s Holiday Office Party Comic havoc is wrought at an Iowa insurance agent’s bash. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien $7-$20 Friday, December 12, 2014, 8pm

Reckless Craig Lucas’ comedy starts on Christmas Eve with a husband’s guilty confession. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 9. Ends Dec. 20. Annex Theatre, 1110 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 $10-$20 Friday, December 12, 2014, 8pm

The Twilight Zone: Live! Three episodes from the cult TV series adapted for the stage. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. $18-$25. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $18-$25 Friday, December 12, 2014, 8pm

Upside Downton: The Christmas Special Everyone’s fave Brit period piece gets sent up, improv-style. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri. Ends Dec. 19. Jet City Improv, 5510 University Way N.E. $12-$15 Friday, December 12, 2014, 8pm

Attack on Emerald City Six superhero-themed short plays. Opens Dec. 12. 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. The Ballard Underground, 2220 N.W. Market St., Seattle $5 Friday, December 12, 2014, 10pm

TheatreSports Unexpected Productions’ long-running (since 1983!) improv comedy show, pitting two teams against each other in front of a panel of judges. 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $15 Friday, December 12, 2014, 10:30pm

SnowGlobed Five short new holiday-themed plays. Opens Dec. 5. 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $10-$12 Friday, December 12, 2014, 11pm

A Child’s Christmas in Wales/The Long Christmas Dinner A Dylan Thomas/Thornton Wilder double feature. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5.  7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus more performances Xmas week; see stonesouptheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Stone Soup Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N. $20-$25 Saturday, December 13, 2014

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Saturday, December 13, 2014

A Christmas Carol Jr. Mrs. Claus and the elves retell the Dickens tale. Opens Dec. 13. 1 & 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St, Redmond, WA 98052 $5-$10 Saturday, December 13, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Saturday, December 13, 2014

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol Dickens, rewritten by you. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 28. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5-$15 Saturday, December 13, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Appalachian Christmas Homecoming Tales of three generations, with lots of live roots music, for the holidays. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., plus some weekday matinees; see taproottheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle $20-$40 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Saturday, December 13, 2014

Christmastown A new “holiday noir, “ complete with a hard-boiled gumshoe and a sexy elf, by Wayne Rawley. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus more performances Xmas week; see seattlepublictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Saturday, December 13, 2014

ComedySportz Seattle Comedy Group moves their improv show to the former Empty Space. 8 & 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sun. Atlas Theater, 3509 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $14 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Dick Whittington and His Cat An orphan finds himself in the big city of London, where he meets a remarkable cat. Runs Thurs.-Sat., see sct.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 21. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Center $20 and up Saturday, December 13, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Inverse Opera A reprise of their staged, theatrical Messiah, launched last year. Opens Dec. 5. Runs 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. plus some matinees; see theinverseopera.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 20. Isaac Studio Theatre, 208 N. 85th St. $25-$30 Saturday, December 13, 2014

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show Twelfth Night Productions presents Joe Landry’s Capra adaptation. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Ave. S.W. $18-$20 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Parlor Live Comedy Club See parlorlive.com for schedule. The Parlor Collection, 700 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue $15-$30 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Pink Door Cabaret Trapeze performances (6:15-8:45 p.m.) by Bridget Gunning (Sun.) and Tanya Brno (Mon.). Saturdays, go “Behind the Pink Door” (11 p.m.,). See thepinkdoor.net for full details.   The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, Seattle $20 cover Saturday, December 13, 2014

• 

Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Sorry! Wrong Chimney! A department-store Santa is suspected of adultery in this holiday farce. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St., Renton, WA 98057 $15-$22 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Spamalot A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you know. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 15. Ends Dec. 21. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 $19-$27 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Saturday, December 13, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever What happens when bad kids take over the holiday play? Presented by Youth Theatre Northwest. Opens Dec. 5. 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island $13-$17 Saturday, December 13, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The 14th annual production by Seattle Public Theater. Opens Dec. 13. 2 & 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. plus Dec. 22-24. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Saturday, December 13, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Saturday, December 13, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Opens Nov. 28. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Saturday, December 13, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Saturday, December 13, 2014

The Hours of Life Paul Lewis’ new musical fictionalizes Edgar Allan Poe’s love affair with a fellow poet. Opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, Seattle Center $11-$22 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Tiny Tim Is Dead In Barbara Lebow’s cheerily titled play, a group of homeless people stage A Christmas Carol. Presented by Play Factory Theatre. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 16; 6 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $20-$25 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Saturday, December 13, 2014

Emerald Ballet Theater: Nutcracker With live music from the Rainier Symphony. Opens Dec. 6. 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd N.E., Bothell $20-$35 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 2pm

Split Second Improv Second Story’s improv competition. Two shows each Sat.: 7 p.m. for families, 8 p.m. could get naughtier. Ends Dec. 13. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St, Redmond, WA 98052 $20 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 7pm

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 7:30pm

Evan & Bobbi: A Twisted Christmas Carol Bobbi Cratchit and Evan Scrooge are co-workers/dysfunctional lovers in this Dickens subversion. Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Mon., Dec. 8. Ends Dec. 13. Theater Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 $15-$20 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 7:30pm

A Christmas Carol A musical version. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. $5-$10 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 8pm

Bob’s Holiday Office Party Comic havoc is wrought at an Iowa insurance agent’s bash. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien $7-$20 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 8pm

Finnegans Wake Neal Kosaly-Meyer transforms the first chapter of Joyce’s densely layered novel into a solo theater piece-performed from memory, mostly in the dark, with sound design by Jake Thompson. “Enjoy the music,” Kosaly-Meyer says, and a “muddy kissmans” to all. Chapel Performance Space (Good Shepherd Center), 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. Free Saturday, December 13, 2014, 8pm

Reckless Craig Lucas’ comedy starts on Christmas Eve with a husband’s guilty confession. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 9. Ends Dec. 20. Annex Theatre, 1110 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 $10-$20 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 8pm

Split Second Improv Second Story’s improv competition. Two shows each Sat.: 7 p.m. for families, 8 p.m. could get naughtier. Ends Dec. 13. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St, Redmond, WA 98052 $20 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 8pm

The Twilight Zone: Live! Three episodes from the cult TV series adapted for the stage. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. $18-$25. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $18-$25 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 8pm

Attack on Emerald City Six superhero-themed short plays. Opens Dec. 12. 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. The Ballard Underground, 2220 N.W. Market St., Seattle $5 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 10pm

Henrietta Evan Morrison and Albert Kirchner host his monthly comedy show, this month featuring Emmett Montgomery, Hari Kondabolu, and others. Eclectic Theater, 1214 10th Ave., Seattle $8-$10 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 10:30pm

TheatreSports Unexpected Productions’ long-running (since 1983!) improv comedy show, pitting two teams against each other in front of a panel of judges. 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $15 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 10:30pm

Uncle Mike Ruins Christmas Relive your worst family holiday traumas in this improv show. 10:30 p.m. Sat. Ends Dec. 20. Jet City Improv, 5510 University Way N.E. $12-$15 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 10:30pm

SnowGlobed Five short new holiday-themed plays. Opens Dec. 5. 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $10-$12 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 11pm

A Child’s Christmas in Wales/The Long Christmas Dinner A Dylan Thomas/Thornton Wilder double feature. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5.  7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus more performances Xmas week; see stonesouptheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Stone Soup Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N. $20-$25 Sunday, December 14, 2014

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Sunday, December 14, 2014

A Christmas Carol Jr. Mrs. Claus and the elves retell the Dickens tale. Opens Dec. 13. 1 & 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St, Redmond, WA 98052 $5-$10 Sunday, December 14, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Sunday, December 14, 2014

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol Dickens, rewritten by you. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 28. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5-$15 Sunday, December 14, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Sunday, December 14, 2014

Christmastown A new “holiday noir, “ complete with a hard-boiled gumshoe and a sexy elf, by Wayne Rawley. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus more performances Xmas week; see seattlepublictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Sunday, December 14, 2014

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show Twelfth Night Productions presents Joe Landry’s Capra adaptation. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Ave. S.W. $18-$20 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Parlor Live Comedy Club See parlorlive.com for schedule. The Parlor Collection, 700 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue $15-$30 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Pink Door Cabaret Trapeze performances (6:15-8:45 p.m.) by Bridget Gunning (Sun.) and Tanya Brno (Mon.). Saturdays, go “Behind the Pink Door” (11 p.m.,). See thepinkdoor.net for full details.   The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, Seattle $20 cover Sunday, December 14, 2014

• 

Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Sorry! Wrong Chimney! A department-store Santa is suspected of adultery in this holiday farce. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St., Renton, WA 98057 $15-$22 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Spamalot A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you know. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 15. Ends Dec. 21. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 $19-$27 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Sunday, December 14, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The 14th annual production by Seattle Public Theater. Opens Dec. 13. 2 & 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. plus Dec. 22-24. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Sunday, December 14, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever What happens when bad kids take over the holiday play? Presented by Youth Theatre Northwest. Opens Dec. 5. 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island $13-$17 Sunday, December 14, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Opens Nov. 28. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Sunday, December 14, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Sunday, December 14, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Sunday, December 14, 2014

The Hours of Life Paul Lewis’ new musical fictionalizes Edgar Allan Poe’s love affair with a fellow poet. Opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, Seattle Center $11-$22 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Tiny Tim Is Dead In Barbara Lebow’s cheerily titled play, a group of homeless people stage A Christmas Carol. Presented by Play Factory Theatre. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 16; 6 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $20-$25 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Sunday, December 14, 2014

Mama Mia! This 30-minute ABBA sendup is part of the “Mimosas With Mama” drag brunch. Narwhal, 1118 E. Pike St., Seattle $15-$20 Sunday, December 14, 2014, 1pm

Bob’s Holiday Office Party Comic havoc is wrought at an Iowa insurance agent’s bash. Opens Nov. 28. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien $7-$20 Sunday, December 14, 2014, 2pm

Emerald Ballet Theater: Nutcracker With live music from the Rainier Symphony. Opens Dec. 6. 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 14. Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd N.E., Bothell $20-$35 Sunday, December 14, 2014, 2pm

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Sunday, December 14, 2014, 7:30pm

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Monday, December 15, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Monday, December 15, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Monday, December 15, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Monday, December 15, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Monday, December 15, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Monday, December 15, 2014

Pink Door Cabaret Trapeze performances (6:15-8:45 p.m.) by Bridget Gunning (Sun.) and Tanya Brno (Mon.). Saturdays, go “Behind the Pink Door” (11 p.m.,). See thepinkdoor.net for full details.   The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, Seattle $20 cover Monday, December 15, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Monday, December 15, 2014

Spamalot A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you know. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 15. Ends Dec. 21. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 $19-$27 Monday, December 15, 2014, 7:30am

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Tuesday, December 16, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Tuesday, December 16, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Comedy Womb This “female-focused but not female-exclusive” show includes a headliner and an open-mike segment, in the Grotto underneath the Rendezvous. See comedywomb.com for complete schedule. JewelBox Theater at the Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 $5 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Tuesday, December 16, 2014, 7:30pm

Tiny Tim Is Dead In Barbara Lebow’s cheerily titled play, a group of homeless people stage A Christmas Carol. Presented by Play Factory Theatre. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 16; 6 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $20-$25 Tuesday, December 16, 2014, 8pm

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Wednesday, December 17, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Wednesday, December 17, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Appalachian Christmas Homecoming Tales of three generations, with lots of live roots music, for the holidays. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., plus some weekday matinees; see taproottheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle $20-$40 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Comedy Womb This “female-focused but not female-exclusive” show includes a headliner and an open-mike segment, in the Grotto underneath the Rendezvous. See comedywomb.com for complete schedule. JewelBox Theater at the Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 $5 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

• 

Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Wednesday, December 17, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Wednesday, December 17, 2014, 7:30pm

Family Affair Jennifer Jasper’s “hilarious, twisted, and ultimately relatable” monthly cabaret on the theme of family. JewelBox Theater at the Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 $10 Wednesday, December 17, 2014, 7:30pm

Duo Comedy Showcase Unexpected Productions presents comedians two at a time, 8:30 p.m. Wed. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5 Wednesday, December 17, 2014, 8:30pm

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Thursday, December 18, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Thursday, December 18, 2014

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol Dickens, rewritten by you. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 28. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5-$15 Thursday, December 18, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Appalachian Christmas Homecoming Tales of three generations, with lots of live roots music, for the holidays. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., plus some weekday matinees; see taproottheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle $20-$40 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Thursday, December 18, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Parlor Live Comedy Club See parlorlive.com for schedule. The Parlor Collection, 700 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue $15-$30 Thursday, December 18, 2014

• 

Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Sorry! Wrong Chimney! A department-store Santa is suspected of adultery in this holiday farce. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St., Renton, WA 98057 $15-$22 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Tiny Tim Is Dead In Barbara Lebow’s cheerily titled play, a group of homeless people stage A Christmas Carol. Presented by Play Factory Theatre. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 16; 6 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $20-$25 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Thursday, December 18, 2014

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Thursday, December 18, 2014, 7:30pm

A Christmas Carol A musical version. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. $5-$10 Thursday, December 18, 2014, 8pm

Reckless Craig Lucas’ comedy starts on Christmas Eve with a husband’s guilty confession. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 9. Ends Dec. 20. Annex Theatre, 1110 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 $10-$20 Thursday, December 18, 2014, 8pm

The Twilight Zone: Live! Three episodes from the cult TV series adapted for the stage. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. $18-$25. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $18-$25 Thursday, December 18, 2014, 8pm

Upside Downton: The Christmas Special Everyone’s fave Brit period piece gets sent up, improv-style. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri. Ends Dec. 19. Jet City Improv, 5510 University Way N.E. $12-$15 Thursday, December 18, 2014, 8pm

A Child’s Christmas in Wales/The Long Christmas Dinner A Dylan Thomas/Thornton Wilder double feature. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5.  7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus more performances Xmas week; see stonesouptheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Stone Soup Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N. $20-$25 Friday, December 19, 2014

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Friday, December 19, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Friday, December 19, 2014

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol Dickens, rewritten by you. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 28. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5-$15 Friday, December 19, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Friday, December 19, 2014

Appalachian Christmas Homecoming Tales of three generations, with lots of live roots music, for the holidays. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., plus some weekday matinees; see taproottheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle $20-$40 Friday, December 19, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Friday, December 19, 2014

Christmastown A new “holiday noir, “ complete with a hard-boiled gumshoe and a sexy elf, by Wayne Rawley. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus more performances Xmas week; see seattlepublictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Friday, December 19, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Friday, December 19, 2014

ComedySportz Seattle Comedy Group moves their improv show to the former Empty Space. 8 & 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sun. Atlas Theater, 3509 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $14 Friday, December 19, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Friday, December 19, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Friday, December 19, 2014

Inverse Opera A reprise of their staged, theatrical Messiah, launched last year. Opens Dec. 5. Runs 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. plus some matinees; see theinverseopera.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 20. Isaac Studio Theatre, 208 N. 85th St. $25-$30 Friday, December 19, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Friday, December 19, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Friday, December 19, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Friday, December 19, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Friday, December 19, 2014

Parlor Live Comedy Club See parlorlive.com for schedule. The Parlor Collection, 700 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue $15-$30 Friday, December 19, 2014

• 

Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Friday, December 19, 2014

Sorry! Wrong Chimney! A department-store Santa is suspected of adultery in this holiday farce. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St., Renton, WA 98057 $15-$22 Friday, December 19, 2014

Spamalot A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you know. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 15. Ends Dec. 21. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 $19-$27 Friday, December 19, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Friday, December 19, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever What happens when bad kids take over the holiday play? Presented by Youth Theatre Northwest. Opens Dec. 5. 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island $13-$17 Friday, December 19, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Friday, December 19, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Friday, December 19, 2014

Tiny Tim Is Dead In Barbara Lebow’s cheerily titled play, a group of homeless people stage A Christmas Carol. Presented by Play Factory Theatre. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 16; 6 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $20-$25 Friday, December 19, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Friday, December 19, 2014

PROK Open Mike Sign up for this generally zany and enjoyable evening, when professionals are also known to drop by.  The People’s Republic Kafe, 1718 12th Ave., Seattle Free Friday, December 19, 2014, 7pm

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Friday, December 19, 2014, 7:30pm

A Christmas Carol A musical version. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. $5-$10 Friday, December 19, 2014, 8pm

Bob’s Holiday Office Party Comic havoc is wrought at an Iowa insurance agent’s bash. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien $7-$20 Friday, December 19, 2014, 8pm

Reckless Craig Lucas’ comedy starts on Christmas Eve with a husband’s guilty confession. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 9. Ends Dec. 20. Annex Theatre, 1110 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 $10-$20 Friday, December 19, 2014, 8pm

The Twilight Zone: Live! Three episodes from the cult TV series adapted for the stage. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. $18-$25. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $18-$25 Friday, December 19, 2014, 8pm

Upside Downton: The Christmas Special Everyone’s fave Brit period piece gets sent up, improv-style. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri. Ends Dec. 19. Jet City Improv, 5510 University Way N.E. $12-$15 Friday, December 19, 2014, 8pm

Attack on Emerald City Six superhero-themed short plays. Opens Dec. 12. 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. The Ballard Underground, 2220 N.W. Market St., Seattle $5 Friday, December 19, 2014, 10pm

TheatreSports Unexpected Productions’ long-running (since 1983!) improv comedy show, pitting two teams against each other in front of a panel of judges. 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $15 Friday, December 19, 2014, 10:30pm

SnowGlobed Five short new holiday-themed plays. Opens Dec. 5. 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $10-$12 Friday, December 19, 2014, 11pm

A Child’s Christmas in Wales/The Long Christmas Dinner A Dylan Thomas/Thornton Wilder double feature. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5.  7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus more performances Xmas week; see stonesouptheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Stone Soup Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N. $20-$25 Saturday, December 20, 2014

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Saturday, December 20, 2014

A Christmas Carol Jr. Mrs. Claus and the elves retell the Dickens tale. Opens Dec. 13. 1 & 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St, Redmond, WA 98052 $5-$10 Saturday, December 20, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Saturday, December 20, 2014

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol Dickens, rewritten by you. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 28. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5-$15 Saturday, December 20, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Appalachian Christmas Homecoming Tales of three generations, with lots of live roots music, for the holidays. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., plus some weekday matinees; see taproottheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle $20-$40 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Saturday, December 20, 2014

Christmastown A new “holiday noir, “ complete with a hard-boiled gumshoe and a sexy elf, by Wayne Rawley. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus more performances Xmas week; see seattlepublictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Saturday, December 20, 2014

ComedySportz Seattle Comedy Group moves their improv show to the former Empty Space. 8 & 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sun. Atlas Theater, 3509 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $14 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Inverse Opera A reprise of their staged, theatrical Messiah, launched last year. Opens Dec. 5. Runs 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. plus some matinees; see theinverseopera.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 20. Isaac Studio Theatre, 208 N. 85th St. $25-$30 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Parlor Live Comedy Club See parlorlive.com for schedule. The Parlor Collection, 700 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue $15-$30 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Pink Door Cabaret Trapeze performances (6:15-8:45 p.m.) by Bridget Gunning (Sun.) and Tanya Brno (Mon.). Saturdays, go “Behind the Pink Door” (11 p.m.,). See thepinkdoor.net for full details.   The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, Seattle $20 cover Saturday, December 20, 2014

• 

Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Sorry! Wrong Chimney! A department-store Santa is suspected of adultery in this holiday farce. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St., Renton, WA 98057 $15-$22 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Spamalot A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you know. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 15. Ends Dec. 21. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 $19-$27 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Saturday, December 20, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The 14th annual production by Seattle Public Theater. Opens Dec. 13. 2 & 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. plus Dec. 22-24. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Saturday, December 20, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever What happens when bad kids take over the holiday play? Presented by Youth Theatre Northwest. Opens Dec. 5. 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island $13-$17 Saturday, December 20, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Saturday, December 20, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Tiny Tim Is Dead In Barbara Lebow’s cheerily titled play, a group of homeless people stage A Christmas Carol. Presented by Play Factory Theatre. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 16; 6 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 20. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $20-$25 Saturday, December 20, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Saturday, December 20, 2014

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Saturday, December 20, 2014, 7:30pm

A Christmas Carol A musical version. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. $5-$10 Saturday, December 20, 2014, 8pm

Bob’s Holiday Office Party Comic havoc is wrought at an Iowa insurance agent’s bash. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien $7-$20 Saturday, December 20, 2014, 8pm

Reckless Craig Lucas’ comedy starts on Christmas Eve with a husband’s guilty confession. Opens Dec. 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. plus Tues., Dec. 9. Ends Dec. 20. Annex Theatre, 1110 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 $10-$20 Saturday, December 20, 2014, 8pm

The Twilight Zone: Live! Three episodes from the cult TV series adapted for the stage. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. $18-$25. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $18-$25 Saturday, December 20, 2014, 8pm

Attack on Emerald City Six superhero-themed short plays. Opens Dec. 12. 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. The Ballard Underground, 2220 N.W. Market St., Seattle $5 Saturday, December 20, 2014, 10pm

TheatreSports Unexpected Productions’ long-running (since 1983!) improv comedy show, pitting two teams against each other in front of a panel of judges. 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $15 Saturday, December 20, 2014, 10:30pm

Uncle Mike Ruins Christmas Relive your worst family holiday traumas in this improv show. 10:30 p.m. Sat. Ends Dec. 20. Jet City Improv, 5510 University Way N.E. $12-$15 Saturday, December 20, 2014, 10:30pm

SnowGlobed Five short new holiday-themed plays. Opens Dec. 5. 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends Dec. 20. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave. $10-$12 Saturday, December 20, 2014, 11pm

A Child’s Christmas in Wales/The Long Christmas Dinner A Dylan Thomas/Thornton Wilder double feature. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5.  7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus more performances Xmas week; see stonesouptheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Stone Soup Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N. $20-$25 Sunday, December 21, 2014

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Sunday, December 21, 2014

A Christmas Carol Jr. Mrs. Claus and the elves retell the Dickens tale. Opens Dec. 13. 1 & 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St, Redmond, WA 98052 $5-$10 Sunday, December 21, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Sunday, December 21, 2014

A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol Dickens, rewritten by you. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 28. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle $5-$15 Sunday, December 21, 2014

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Sunday, December 21, 2014

Christmastown A new “holiday noir, “ complete with a hard-boiled gumshoe and a sexy elf, by Wayne Rawley. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus more performances Xmas week; see seattlepublictheater.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon The annual holiday sketch show from Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia). Another visit from the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus is promised. Preview Dec. 4, opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $30-$35 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Judy’s Scary Little Christmas In this musical fantasy, Judy invites her Hollywood friends-from Lillian Hellman to Liberace- for a holiday TV special. (If you have to ask which Judy, this show is so not for you.) Opens Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus Dec. 23 & 24. Ends Dec. 28. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98116 $17-$36.50 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Parlor Live Comedy Club See parlorlive.com for schedule. The Parlor Collection, 700 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue $15-$30 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Pink Door Cabaret Trapeze performances (6:15-8:45 p.m.) by Bridget Gunning (Sun.) and Tanya Brno (Mon.). Saturdays, go “Behind the Pink Door” (11 p.m.,). See thepinkdoor.net for full details.   The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, Seattle $20 cover Sunday, December 21, 2014

• 

Pride and Prejudice Richard Nguyen Sloniker, the Darcy in Book-It’s brisk and bubbling adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, must balance likability (so we root for him and heroine Elizabeth Bennet to fall for each other) and imperiousness (to give that inevitable attraction a plausible obstacle to overcome). Sloniker masters just that balance, and carries off some splendid scenes with the sharp, subtle Elizabeth of Jen Taylor. As their passions rise, their diction gets crisper, their consonants sparking like clashing swords. The casting is just as ideal all the way through, the 15 actors-nine of whom take more than one role-adept at weighting and coloring every laugh line to make it land and deftly avoiding caricature even where it’s most tempting. Especially marvelous are those actresses in smaller roles who in memorableness surpass even what Austen put on the page: Jesica Avellone and Kate Sumpter become the Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley to beat, casting themselves in my brain-movie each time I pick up the novel from now on. Marcus Goodwin ably directs his Austen adaptation, previoussly staged in 2000 and 2004. (Runs Wed.-Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28.) GAVIN BORCHERT Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center $25-$60 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Spamalot A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you know. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 15. Ends Dec. 21. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 $19-$27 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Teatro ZinZanni: Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday TZZ’s new show keeps its dinner-cabaret formula fresh with acts that mash up entertainment skills in pairs: aerial plus dance en pointe by PNB alumna Ariana Lallone; trapeze plus contortion with Duo Rose; juggling plus the speed and aesthetic of thrash metal by Gamal David Garcia; and ballroom dance plus pole work by the astounding Vertical Tango. All this is organized by just the lightest spritz of storyline: Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows. By the end, the gender-melding is complete-Beaumount and Caswell reconcile, each adopting at least two sexes, maybe more. It’s a romantic finale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/954952-129/opening-nights-hacienda-holiday” target=”_blank”>review</a>.] Runs Thurs.-Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle $99 and up Sunday, December 21, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever What happens when bad kids take over the holiday play? Presented by Youth Theatre Northwest. Opens Dec. 5. 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island $13-$17 Sunday, December 21, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The 14th annual production by Seattle Public Theater. Opens Dec. 13. 2 & 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. plus Dec. 22-24. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Sunday, December 21, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Sunday, December 21, 2014

The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life and political fall from grace-the sequel to (and running concurrently with) local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Opens Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Wonderland The Can Can’s fantastical winter cabaret. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle $40-$100 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Mama Mia! This 30-minute ABBA sendup is part of the “Mimosas With Mama” drag brunch. Narwhal, 1118 E. Pike St., Seattle $15-$20 Sunday, December 21, 2014, 1pm

Bob’s Holiday Office Party Comic havoc is wrought at an Iowa insurance agent’s bash. Opens Nov. 28. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien $7-$20 Sunday, December 21, 2014, 2pm

All the Way Robert Schenkkan’s Tony-winning chronicle of LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Sunday, December 21, 2014, 7:30pm

• 

All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Monday, December 22, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Monday, December 22, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Monday, December 22, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Monday, December 22, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Monday, December 22, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Monday, December 22, 2014

Pink Door Cabaret Trapeze performances (6:15-8:45 p.m.) by Bridget Gunning (Sun.) and Tanya Brno (Mon.). Saturdays, go “Behind the Pink Door” (11 p.m.,). See thepinkdoor.net for full details.   The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, Seattle $20 cover Monday, December 22, 2014

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The 14th annual production by Seattle Public Theater. Opens Dec. 13. 2 & 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. plus Dec. 22-24. Ends Dec. 24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 $5-$32 Monday, December 22, 2014

The Dina Martina Christmas Show An all-new show from the adored, tireless, must-be-seen-to-be-believed entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Runs weekends only at first (incl. selected Sunday “Mimosa Matinees”), then practically daily starting Dec. 17; see brownpapertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 31. Re-bar, 114 Howell St $22-$25 Monday, December 22, 2014

A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 28. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $27 and up Tuesday, December 23, 2014

A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! Previews through Dec. 3, opens Thurs., Dec. 4. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 $29 and up Tuesday, December 23, 2014

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All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s acclaimed drama about LBJ’s passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 earned Tony Awards for Best Drama and its star, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, after reaching Broadway last year. Now Seattle audiences can finally see the work, with Jack Willis assuming the title role. (Kenajuan Bentley plays MLK, who lobbies for speedier progress on civil rights; Richard Elmore portrays J. Edgar Hoover-and we know which side he’s on.) In this, the 50th-anniversary year of the Civil Rights Act, with an African-American president in the White House, All the Way is automatically the biggest stage event of the season. Bill Rauch directs both this play and Schenkkan’s new companion piece about LBJ’s struggles from 1965-68 (chiefly Vietnam), The Great Society, which opens December 5 and alternates with All the Way (sharing the same cast) through January 4. (See seattlerep.org for schedule.) BRIAN MILLER Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $17-$150 Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Can Can Cabarets Seattle’s center for neo-burlesque presents shows and/or live music nearly every night; see thecancan.com for full details and ticket prices. Can Can, 94 Pike St. Downstairs from Matts & Chez Chea, Seattle see website Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Comedy Underground See comedyunderground.com for complete schedule, including their “Monday Madness” open-mike night, 8 p.m. Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104 $6 Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Comedy Womb This “female-focused but not female-exclusive” show includes a headliner and an open-mike segment, in the Grotto underneath the Rendezvous. See comedywomb.com for complete schedule. JewelBox Theater at the Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 $5 Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Homo for the Holidays This burlesque ex-drag-aganza stars BenDeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and plenty more. (Idea for a nom de burlesque: Plenty Moore!) Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see strangertickets.com for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. West Hall, OddFellows Building, 915 E. Pine St. $25-$35 Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. Opens Dec. 11. Runs practically daily; see thetripledoor.net for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 27. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 $40-$65 Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Laughs Stand-up and other comedy. See laughscomedy.com for complete schedule, including open-mike night, 8 p.m. Wed. Laughs Comedy Spot, 12099 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 $10-$20 Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Mary Poppins The Disney classic comes to life. You won’t see better musical-comedy performers in Seattle than this production’s leads, Cayman Ilika and Greg McCormick Allen. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9-Feb. 8.) See Alyssa Dyksterhouse’s <a href=”http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/955365-129/opening-nights-mary-poppins” target=”_blank”>review</a>. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah $40-$72 Tuesday, December 23, 2014