Summer's over, but the good news is that a fabulous family theater season is just beginning and we've compiled the complete guide below to help you with your planning. Be sure to check seattleschild.com for updates and buy your tickets early, as many shows sell out quickly. Sharing with your kids the magic and mystery of a live performance is one of the greatest joys of being a parent. Enjoy the show!
The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle; 206-625-1900. Top-quality musical revivals, premieres of bound-for-Broadway shows and touring Broadway musicals are presented in a beautifully restored 1926 vaudeville theater. See the parental guidelines for each production online. The Addams Family (PG) Oct. 24 through Nov. 11; ELF – The Musical (PG) Nov. 30 through Dec. 31; The Music Man (PG) Feb. 7 through March 10; Grey Gardens (PG) March 16 through May 26; The Pirates of Penzance (PG) July 11 through Aug. 4.
A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle; 206-292-7676. Check out the world premiere of the Indian epic Ramayana in the fall. ACT's holiday offering is also a perennial favorite in Seattle. Single ticket prices are $15 to $55. Ramayana (all ages) Oct. 12 through Nov. 11; A Christmas Carol (ages 5 and older) Nov. 23 through Dec. 30.
ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle; 206-938-0339. This intimate venue in West Seattle produces compelling theater. Many shows are for older kids and teens, but the holiday show is generally for all ages. Single tickets are $34.50 to $36.50. The Winter Wonderettes (all ages) Nov. 23 through Dec. 30; Shirley Valentine (ages 13 and older) Jan. 23 through Feb. 16.
Auburn Avenue Kids, Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave., Auburn; 253-931-3043. A season full of family entertainment is offered in the heart of downtown Auburn. Recommended for ages 4 to adult. Shows range from $6 to $10. Malika, Queen of the Cats Sept. 29; Willy Wonka Oct. 20; 3 Pigs Nov. 3; Brian Vogan and His Good Buddies, Rockin' in a Winter Wonderland Dec. 15; Never Forgotten Jan. 19; Skippyjon Jones Feb. 23; Doktor Kaboom! March 16; Disney's Mulan Jr. April 19-21; Rapunzel May 11; Disney's Little Mermaid Jr. July 12-14.
Bellevue Youth Theatre, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue; 425-452-7155. Some performances take place at Meydenbauer Theatre in Bellevue. People of all ages and abilities are included either as actors or in a backstage role in these productions, sponsored by the City of Bellevue and Bellevue Public Schools. Tickets are $10 prior to the week of the first show, $12 afterwards. Saturday matinees are $5. The following shows are for all ages: Zombies Oct. 26 through Nov. 4; Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Nov. 9-18; Annie Nov. 23-25; Clara and the Nutcracker Nov. 30 through Dec. 9. Check back for winter/spring productions.
Book-It Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle; 206-216-0833. The Family Fun Series brings classic literature to life onstage. Adults $12, kids 12 and younger $10. Thank you, Mr. Falker (grades K through 8) Oct. 6; Never Forgotten (grades K through 8) Feb. 16; Skippyjon Jones (grades K through 6) May 11.
Book-It Theatre's Mainstage Season brings literary classics to the stage to inspire audiences to read. Adults $33 to $37, seniors $26 to $31, students $23. Owen Meany's Christmas Pageant by John Irving (PG) Dec. 4-23; Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (uncensored) April 16 through May 12.
Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, Pantages Theater, Rialto Theater, and Theatre on the Square, 901 Broadway, Tacoma; 253-591-5894 or 800-291-7593. Broadway Center offers a full season of varied performances. Ticket prices vary. Offerings appropriate for families include Fall Free for All Sept. 22-23; Fireworks Ensemble Oct. 13; Video Games Live Nov. 9; 67th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & The Sound of Music Sing-along Nov. 24; The Nutcracker Dec. 8-23; The Chrismas Revels® Dec. 15-19; Circus Oz: From the Ground Up Feb. 1-2.
Centerstage! KidZone, The Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 S.W. Dash Point Road, Federal Way; 253-661-1444. This is Federal Way's community-based, professional theater. Ticket prices vary; subscription packages are available. Cinderella Nov. 30 through Dec. 23; Thistle Theatre puppet show Jan. 5; Missoula Children's Theatre's The Tortoise Versus the Hare April 5-6.
Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Company, Green River Community College, Performing Arts Bldg., 12401 S.E. 320th St., Auburn; 253-833-9111, ext. 2400. This mix of professional and community actors has presented family theater for more than 25 years. See theater etiquette rules for children (and parents) online. Shows are suitable for children ages 6 and older. Individual tickets prices are $8 to $10, and season tickets are $20. Scrooge Dec. 14-22; Jack and the Giant: The Musical June 14-22.
Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland; 425-893-9900. This venue hosts a wide variety of performances, including these family shows. Ticket prices vary. StoryBook Theater's 3 Pigs Nov. 10-18; Popovitch Comedy Pet Theater Dec. 9; KPC's Old-Time Holiday Show Dec. 14-16; StoryBook Theater's Pinocchio Feb. 2-10; Les Stroud – Suvivorman: Film, Music & Story March 1; UMO Ensemble: Red Tiger Tales March 10; Doktor Kaboom! March 17; StoryBook Theater's Rapunzel April 27 through May 5.
Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. S.W., Lakewood; 253-588-0042. Lakewood Playhouse has a theater-in-the-round design, giving audience members a unique perspective of the action on the sets. Single ticket prices range from $18 to $29. The following shows will appeal to all ages: Twelfth Night Nov. 9 through Dec. 8; The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Dec. 13-24.
ManeStage Theatre Company, 1707 Main St., Sumner; 253-447-7645. This community theater works to produce creative, professional, family-oriented entertainment for kids ages 4 and older. Adults $18, students and seniors $15, children 10 and younger $10. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Sept. 15-23; White Christmas: The Musical Nov. 24 through Dec. 16; The Legend of Sleeping Beauty Feb. 2-17; Oliver! March 23 through April 7; A Little Princess May 11-26; The Music Man July 20 through Aug. 11.
Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle; 206-523-2579. Resident company Carter Family Marionettes, as well as guest puppeteers, produce innovative puppet shows. The Center's international puppet museum is open 30 minutes before and after each performance. Shows are recommended for kids 4 and older. Adults $10.50, seniors $9, children $8.50. Subscriptions are available. Sigi the Antelope: Stories of West Africa Oct. 13-28; Rapunzel Nov. 3-18; Images of China Jan. 19-27; Puss in Boots Feb. 9-24; Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp March 2-17; Chickens and Pigs and Bears … Oh My! April 13-28; The Secret Life of Bugs May 4-12.
Olympia Family Theater, 112 State Ave. N.E., Olympia; 360-570-1638. Olympia Family Theater's mission is to provide accessible children's theater and programs that entertain and educate. Adults $16, seniors, students and military $13, kids 11 and younger $9. Subscriptions are available. The first Thursday of each run is "Thrifty Thursday" where all tickets are pay-what-you-can (suggested donation is $5) and are available by cash or check at the door one hour before showtime. Go, Dog. Go! (ages 4 and older) Oct. 12-28; The Wind in the Willows (ages 5 and older) Nov. 30 through Dec. 23; James and the Giant Peach (ages 6 and older) Jan. 1-17; The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood (ages 8 and older) March 29 through April 14; Cinder Edna (ages 5 and older) May 24 though June 9.
Pacific Northwest Ballet, McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle; 206-441-2424. Seattle's resident ballet company is one of the largest in the country. Each season brings performances of both classic and cutting-edge dance. The following performances will particularly appeal to kids and families, and all four can be purchased as a family package: Cinderella Sept. 21-30; Nutcracker Dec. 7-29; Hansel & Gretel (Pacific Northwest Ballet School performances) March 17-23; Swan Lake April 12-21.
Pied Piper from Village Theatre, Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett; Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave., Everett; 206-257-8600. Pied Piper hosts guest theater companies, puppeteers and entertainers. Come for pre-show activities with Imagine Children's Museum, and stay after most performances for a post-show discussion. Single tickets are $15. Subscriptions are available. How I Became a Pirate Dec. 8; Treasured Stories by Eric Carle Jan. 26; The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs March 10; Skippyjon Jones May 12.
Village Theatre Mainstage, Francis Gaudette Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah; 425-392-2202. Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett; 425-257-8600. Village Theatre shows play first in Issaquah, then move to Everett to complete the run. Tickets are $22 to $63. Subscriptions are available. Below is the full season; parents should read the online production preview guide for each show to decide if it's appropriate for their family. Big River Sept. 12 through Nov. 18; Fiddler on the Roof Nov. 7 through Jan. 27; The Mousetrap Jan. 16 through March 24; Trails March 13 through May 19; Chicago May 8 through July 28.
Seattle Children's Theatre, 201 Thomas St., Seattle; 206-441-3322. Seattle's premier children's theater is the second largest resident theater for young audiences in North America. Adults $22 to $37, children $17 to $31. Various season ticket packages are available. Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat (all ages) Sept. 27 through Oct. 28; Danny, King of the Basement (ages 8 and older) Oct. 18 through Nov. 18; The Wizard of Oz (ages 5 and older) Nov. 15 through Jan. 6; Dot & Ziggy (newborn through age 4) Jan. 15 through Feb. 17; War Horse (ages 10 and older) Feb. 13-24; The Edge of Peace (ages 10 and older) Feb. 28 through March 17; Adventures with Spot (ages 2 through 7) March 21 through April 28; Crash (ages 8 and older) April 18 through May 19.
Seattle Opera, McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle; 206-389-7676 or 800-426-1619. La Cenerentola (sung in Italian with English subtitles), Jan. 12-26, is the Cinderella story and an appropriate opera for children ages 8 and older. La Bohème (sung in Italian with English subtitles), Feb. 23 through March 10, is appropriate for older children and teens. Seattle Opera's family day matinees let students ages 18 and younger purchase tickets for $15 when accompanied by an adult; this season's family day matinees are the Jan. 20 performance of La Cenerentola and the March 10 performance of La Bohème.
Seattle Symphony, Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; 206-215-4747. The Family Connections program allows kids ages 8 through 18 to attend a Wyckoff Masterworks Season performance free with the purchase of a regular-price adult ticket in section C, D or E ($51, $41 and $31 respectively). Family Connections passes become available three weeks prior to the concert date, and families may request up to two passes per order. Sixty passes will be available per concert. See online for a schedule of 53 performances this season.
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Discover Music is a series of concerts designed for kids ages 6 to 12. Subscription tickets are available as well as limited single tickets (Adults $20, students and seniors $15). A Little Night Music for Halloween Oct. 27; East Meets West Feb. 2; Peter and the Wolf with Magic Circle Mime March 2; We've got Rhythm! April 20; Hear America Singing June 15.
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The Tiny Tots Series features half-hour concerts with musical games, stories and songs for infants and kids through age 6. Subscription tickets are available, as well as limited single tickets for $12. Hi-Lo Big Top Circus Oct. 12-13; Sing & Sway Musical Adventure Nov. 16-17; Holiday Symphony Dec. 1; Horns Aplenty Jan. 12; "A" You're Adorable Feb. 15-16; From Sea to Shining C March 23; Gallop & Go April 26-27; O Say Can You Sing? May 18; Musical Zoo for Me and You! May 31 through June 1.
Seattle Theatre Group, The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle; The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle; 877-784-4849. Seattle Theater Group offers several family shows this season. Single ticket prices vary. Shaolin Warriors Oct. 6; Wicked (ages 8 and older) Oct. 10 through Nov. 17; Global Dance Party Nov. 2; Black Nativity Dec. 6-23; More Music @ The Moore March 29; DANCE This July 12-13.
SecondStory Repertory Children's Theater, 16587 N.E. 74th St., Redmond; 425-881-6777. Hour-long productions feature audience interaction, and kids get to sit on the stage. Shows are appropriate for grade school-age children; families with younger children are welcome to attend all-ages performances on Sundays with $5 tickets for ages 1 to 3 (free younger than age 1). Tickets are $10. Subscriptions are available. Duck for President Sept. 14-30; The Frog Prince Nov. 9-25; A Christmas Carol Jr. Dec. 8, 15 and 22; Puss in Boots Jan. 11-27; Snow White and the Seven Dwarves March 15-30; Pinkalicious the Musical May 17 through June 2.
SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St., Redmond; 425-881-6777. The theater has two productions this year that are suitable for the whole family. Adults $27, seniors, students, educators and military with ID $22. Zombie Prom Oct. 12-28; A Christmas Carol Dec. 7-23.
Stone Soup Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N., Seattle; 206-633-1883. Stone Soup Theatre, in operation since 1996, specializes in productions of one-act plays. The following shows in their youth conservatory lineup are especially recommended for families, as well as their holiday show. Tickets are $13 to $22. Cinderella Nov. 29 through Dec. 1; A Child's Christmas in Wales Dec. 6-24; Comedy of Errors March 15-24; Willy Wonka Jr. June 7-16.
StoryBook Theater, 425-820-1800.. Shows take place at Kirkland Performance Center (Kirkland), Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (Seattle), PUD Auditorium (Everett) and Carco Theater (Renton). Storybook Theater performances, produced by adult professional actors from Studio East, are interactive musical comedies created for children ages 3 through 10. Single tickets are $10, and season tickets are available. 3 Pigs Oct. 27 through Dec. 2; Pinocchio Jan. 26 through March 10; Rapunzel April 20 through May 19.
Studio East, 11730 118th Ave. N.E., Suite 100, Kirkland. 425-820-1800. The Mainstage shows at Studio East include plenty of family fare this year. Adults $14, seniors and youth $12. I Never Saw Another Butterfly (ages 9 and older) Oct. 5-13; You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (ages 5 and older) Oct 19-28; ‘Twas the Night (ages 4 and older) Nov. 24 through Dec. 16; Into the Woods (ages 9 and older) Feb. 1-17; Sweeney Todd (ages 13 and older) March 15-24; Romeo & Juliet (ages 9 and older) April 5-6; The Magic Mrs. Piggle Wiggle (ages 5 and older) May 31 through June 23.
Tacoma Children's Musical Theater, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma; 253-565-6867. Tacoma Musical Theater's program for families includes fully produced musicals featuring many favorite performers from the mainstage shows. Adults $19, seniors, students and military $17, children 12 and younger $12. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (ages 3 and older) Nov. 3-4 and 10-11; The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley (ages 4 and older) Feb. 16-17 and 23-24; Freckleface Strawberry: The Musical (ages 3 and older) March 9-10 and 16-17.
Tacoma Musical Playhouse, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma; 253-565-6867. This theater's 2012/13 season includes several productions suitable for families, (and a few that are better for teens). Adults $27, seniors $25, children 12 and younger $20. Chicago (ages 13 and older) Sept. 28 through Oct. 21;The Sound of Music (ages 4 and older) Nov. 23 through Dec. 16; The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) (ages 13 and older) Jan. 18 through Feb. 10; Legally Blonde: The Musical (ages 10 and older) April 5-28; 9 to 5: The Musical (ages 4 and older) May 17 through June 9; Shout! The Mod Musical (ages 4 and older) July 5-28.
Taproot Theatre Company, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle; 206-781-9707. Taproot's shows are appropriate for all ages, although older children will probably find the experience more rewarding than younger ones. Single ticket prices are $22 to $37. Jeeves in Bloom Jan. 30 through March 2; Bach at Leipzig May 15 through June 15; Illyria July 10 through Aug. 10; The Matchmaker Sept. 18 through Oct. 19.
Thistle Theatre shows take place at Sunset Hill Community Club (Seattle), Magnuson Park Theatre (Seattle) and Bellevue Youth Theatre (Bellevue); 206-524-3388. The 45-minute productions feature handcrafted puppets, original musical scores and Bunraku style puppetry (puppeteers are dressed in black to suggest invisibility). They are appropriate for kids ages 3 and older. Adults $10, children and seniors $8. Season tickets are available. King of Dinosauria Oct. 6-28; The Gingerbread Boy Nov. 30 through Dec. 23; Magic Teakettle March 9-24; Three Billy Goats Gruff May 18 through June 2.
Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave., Seattle; 206-652-4255. Town Hall offers the Saturday Family Concert series, featuring an eclectic mix of entertainment. Tickets are $5 for adults with children, free (ticket required) for ages 12 and younger, and $25 for unaccompanied adults. Show Brazil! Sept. 29; The Not-Its! Oct. 13; Elizabeth Mitchell Nov. 3. More shows will be added at a later date.
UW World Series, Meany Hall, University of Washington, Seattle; 206-543-4880. This series includes works by contemporary dance companies, world and classical musicians, and other performers. The following shows are highly recommended for youth in grades 3 to 12. Ticket prices vary, ranging from $31 to $55. Subscriptions are available as well as discounts for UW students and faculty/staff/alumni association members. Kodo (taiko drumming) Feb. 9-10; Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo May 16-18. Also, kids ages 5 through 17 can attend performances from the President's Piano or International Chamber Music series FREE with the purchase of an adult ticket (see schedule online). Up to two kids may accompany each adult, per ticket or per subscription.
Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 S.E. 40th St., Mercer Island; 206-232-4145. Theater productions feature child actors in ambitious, professional-quality, full-length shows. Ticket prices are $15 to $17 for opening night, $13 to $15 for all other performances, and $10 for Studio Stage shows. Subscriptions are available. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (ages 5 and older) Nov. 2-18; Really Rosie (ages 3 and older) Nov. 30 through Dec. 16; Disney's Aladdin Jr. (ages 3 and older) Jan. 25 through Feb. 10; Puss in Boots (ages 3 and older) March 1-17; Little Women (ages 9 and older) March 8-24; 42nd Street (ages 8 and older) April 19 through May 5; The Neverending Story (ages 8 and older) May 17 through June 2.
Barb Kittell is calendar editor for Seattle’s Child and mom to two young theater-lovers.
