Seattle Children’s Theatre is rolling out an action-packed new production it can’t wait to share with young audiences — and their grown-ups — right here at home.
“Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story” will leap onto the stage at SCT’s Eve Alvord Theater from Feb. 19 through March 15, with opening night set for Feb. 20. The show tells the story of Bruce Lee’s childhood and early journey, blending movement, heart and courage in a way designed to meet kids right where they are.
The Seattle run will mark the world premiere of the production — a distinction that, until this week, was meant to be shared across coasts.
Originally, the show was scheduled to travel east for a two-week engagement at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., in April. But as a growing number of artists and organizations have pulled out of performances there — citing concerns over the venue’s recent renaming as the Trump–Kennedy Center — SCT has decided to withdraw from that run.
The decision, theater leaders said, followed “deep listening and extensive dialogue” with artists, community partners, and the Bruce Lee family and foundation, which worked closely with SCT to bring the production to the stage.
“As this production took shape, we were thrilled with the opportunity of celebrating a bicoastal world premiere,” said Kevin Malgesini, SCT’s managing director, in a Jan. 20 release. “However, the landscape in which Young Dragon was originally created has changed to an extent that, after careful consideration, we have come to the decision that this is not the right time to transfer an SCT production to the Kennedy Center.”
For the Bruce Lee Foundation, the choice aligns with the values at the heart of the story being told.
“Our priority is to honor Bruce Lee’s story with integrity and to uphold the trust our community places in us,” said Shannon Lee, chair of the Bruce Lee Foundation and Bruce Lee’s daughter. “My father’s story has always been about developing who you are while meeting the world with courage and compassion — and this production reflects and directly shares that message with today’s young people. I fully support SCT’s commitment to the spirit of my father’s legacy of courageous action.”
Both the theater and the foundation hope that Seattle families will come out for the Seattle run to support the theater’s decision as well as the show’s cast and crew. Tickets are now on sale.
For Seattle families, the takeaway is simple: Young Dragon will make its debut right here, where its roots — and its audience — are.
