CLASSICAL, ETC.
Bill Murray, Jan Vogler, & Friends An actor and a cellist walk into a bar … or meet on a plane, rather, and decide to begin performing together, devising an evening of American chamber music, songs, and readings (from Mark Twain to Van Morrison). Bill Murray you know; Jan Vogler has soloed with orchestras around the world; and their recording, New Worlds, refers both to their focus on American words and music and to their innovative collaboration. With pianist Vanessa Perez and violinist Mira Wang. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, mccawhall.com. $44.50–$245. 8 p.m. Wed., Nov. 29.
The Exterminating Angel An elite upper class, trapped by inertia, descends from civilization to barbarism: The allegory is none too subtle, yet grippingly dramatic, in The Exterminating Angel, Thomas Adés’ opera based on Luis Bunuel’s 1962 film. The music he wrote to clothe the surrealist story is angular, atmospheric, and alluring, not least a Wagner-meets-John Bonham orchestral interlude that deserves to be extracted for orchestral performance immediately. These Met Opera HD screenings are encores of the Nov. 18 live broadcast, which, by the way, drew to Pacific Place the fullest house I’ve ever seen for a Met broadcast. See fathomevents.com for participating theaters. $21–$25.20. 1 & 6:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 29.
BOOKS
Steven Agen At the end of July 2016 the Seattle Sounders were at the bottom of the table and forced to let coach Sigi Schmid go. Four months and change later they had their first MLS Cup—and are on track to win one again this year. Agen, appearing tonight with former mayor Greg Nickels, tells us how in his book Resurgence: How Sounders FC Roared Back to Win MLS Cup. Phinney Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., townhallseattle.org. 7:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 28.
MUSIC
Pacific Science Center: Laser Sia There’ll be no swinging from chandeliers, but plenty else to enjoy in this laser light show devoted to the Australian pop diva’s music. In fact, see pacificsciencecenter.org for the Center’s entire laser lineup, from Soundgarden to Beyoncé, from Gaga to Gorillaz. Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N., pacsci.org. $12. Opens Fri., Nov. 24. 10:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. into January.
Jane Lynch From game shows to Glee, and a lynchpin (see what I did there?) of Christopher Guest’s genius series of mockumentaries, Jane Lynch also sings. She returns to The Triple Door to pep up your holiday with the cabaret show “A Swingin’ Little Christmas.” The Triple Door, 216 Union St., thetripledoor.net. $55–$80. 6:30 & 9:30 p.m. Wed, Nov. 29–Thurs., Nov. 30.
See all Seattle arts events for the week, and beyond, on our new-and-improved calendar.
