As finals near and the atmosphere becomes silent, the campus settles into its pre-final winter hibernation. The air stills as we cram ourselves into the library study carrels, thin walled dorm rooms or whatever your optimal study location.
Although campus activities are forced to end due to reading period and silence is golden at Puget Sound, for those of us who can’t take the prolonged exposure to empty space and a lack of sound waves blasting through our cores there is still hope. If you are like me and are wasting away at the thought of the end of the theater season here on campus, have no fear fellow drama lovers, this holiday season there are still multiple local opportunities to catch some holiday theater and balance out that final study haze.
Unfortunately the local Tacoma theatre scene is a little low on the holiday totem pole; however, if you are not able or willing to find your way to Seattle this holiday season you are still in luck.
This month the Tacoma Little Theatre performs the musical Annie; tickets available online or at the theatre sell for $17-$26, with performances held Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 12, 19, 22, 23 and 24 at 2:00 p.m.
Ever wondered what happened to Rudolph, Santa and the rest of the North Pole gang after the shiny red-nosed one saved Christmas? Well, Wing-It Productions, which is one of the biggest comedy groups in Seattle, has the answer for you all the way until Dec. 23. In this improvised play you will learn just how unplanned Christmas can truly be even for the hardened pros like Santa. Like true improv each night’s performance takes audience suggestions to write the next chapter in the Rudolph saga. Performances are on Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. with 2:00 p.m. matinees Dec. 11 and 18; tickets cost $10-$14.
For all of you night owls who burn or sparkle when exposed to the daylight hours there is also a play for you. Do you have that one crazy relative who always seems to show up to your holiday bash at just the wrong time? Well if you do and you would like to see someone else feel the pain of a wacky family member go and see the late night show “Uncle Mike Ruins Christmas”. Also a Wing-It Production, “Uncle Mike” is another holiday improvised comedy relying on the audience for the stuffing to put into their wacky stories. Saturday midnight showings continue until Dec. 18 at Wing-It Productions in Seattle with tickets available at the door or online for $10 general admission.
Also, the holidays would not be complete without the soothing music of “The Nutcracker” ballet wafting through the airways. Performances continue from Dec. 10 through Dec. 27 with tickets available as low as $15 for performances on Thursdays and Fridays for those under 25. Dates and times of performances vary but all take place at McCaw Hall in Seattle.
“The Nutcracker” is not the only musically inclined holiday show around. In addition to this beloved holiday favorite, this month Seattle also offers the musicals “Black Nativity” written by Langston Hughes and “Lyle the Crocodile” by Kevin Kling.
“Black Nativity” plays at the Intiman Theatre until Dec. 26 at 2:00 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 18, 19, 24, 26 and at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 12, 14-23 and 26. A limited number of tickets are on sale for $10 for those under 25 and once those go the price ranges from $25-$55. This play, featuring the poetry of Langston Hughes, includes a twist on the common conception of the nativity scene with everything from gospel singers to choreographed dance numbers and a live band.
Don’t let the end of campus activities get you down – after hours of dedicated study why not take a well deserved getaway to Seattle and enjoy the myriad of holiday plays offered this year.
[PHOTO COURTESY/ DEAN LAPIN]