Stage
Openings & Events
Captain Royale Redux A burlesque salute (starring Violet DeVille, Artemis Lark, Cherry Tart, and many others) to great heroes of fiction. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St., purple devilproductions.com. $18–$35. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 3.
The Edge Bainbridge Island’s own improv troupe. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, theedgeimprov.com. $12–$16. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 3.
A Streetcar Named Desire Stella, Stanley, and Blanche go at it again. New City Theatre, 1410 18th Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $10–$15. Opens Jan. 2. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Jan. 25.
CURRENT RUNS
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All the Way Seattle playwright Robert Schenkkan’s broad, bustling Tony winner reframes our view of the Lone Star magician/politician Lyndon B. Johnson, played by the excellent Jack Willis and his scramble to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964—all the while consolidating power for his passion project, the War on Poverty. That effort, and the Vietnam War, will fill LBJ’s tumultuous four-year term in Schenkkan’s The Great Society, which alternates with All the Way. MARGARET FRIEDMAN Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), 443-2222. $17–$150. 7:30 p.m. Tues.–Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4.
A Christmas Story If you missed it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., 625-1900, 5thavenue.org. $29 and up. Ends 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 31.
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. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St., 800-838-3006, brown papertickets.com. Ends 8 p.m. Wed., Dec. 31.
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The Great Society In the second of Robert Schenkkan’s two extraordinary history plays, there’s nary a spare moment in its four-year span to notice the deep structure; it’s pure, breathtaking entertainment. The newly elected LBJ (Jack Willis) mocks any potential indignation about political means and ends: “‘Oh my God, he’s lying!’ Like that’s never happened before in the history of the Republic.” While the audience chuckles, the subject of lying ricochets past the growing tally of Vietnam War dead—projected above the incrementally crumbling set—and lands in Martin Luther King’s strategy room, where LBJ’s procrastination on voting rights feels like a lie. Expertly directed by Bill Rauch, at least a dozen stories interweave then converge at the pernicious maw of the Vietnam War (most actors perform multiple roles). The three hours pass speedily, fueled by myriad political and social parallels with today: police violence against blacks, the perfect as the enemy of the good, people voting against their interest (if at all), racial privilege, and the cost of a foreign war versus domestic spending. This is what theater was invented for. Don’t miss it. MARGARET FRIEDMAN Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), 443-2222. $17–$150. 7:30 p.m. Tues.–Sun., plus Wed. and weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 4.
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Mary Poppins After little Jane and Michael Banks turn and burn a string of governesses, an Edwardian version of Super Nanny appears to transform the naughty kids and their unhappy elders with alchemy and adventure. In the title role, Cayman Ilika finds a Julie Andrews-esque balance of cool and compassion. ALYSSA DYKSTERHOUSE Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah, 425-392-2202. $40–$72. Runs Tues.–Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan 4. (Runs at the Everett PAC Jan. 9–Feb. 8.)
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Teatro ZinZanni: Hacienda Holiday Showbiz couple Vivian Beaumount and Clifton Caswell (Christine Deaver and Kevin Kent) return to a swanky hotel to renew their vows, in a romantic tale as spicy as the Southwest-inspired menu. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., 802-0015. $99 and up. Runs Thurs.–Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 31.
Classical, Etc.
Seattle Symphony The traditional Beethoven’s Ninth for the new year, with Mozart’s Symphony no. 31 as a rich hors-d’oeuvre. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. 9 p.m. Wed., Dec. 31 ($52 and up, with post-concert party); 8 p.m. Fri., Jan. 2 & Sat., Jan. 3; 2 p.m. Sun., Jan. 4 ($28 and up).
