The many theaters and venues in the Seattle area are gearing up for a fantastic season of theater, musical theater, and live musical performances. Some of these shows sell out quickly, so if you there’s a show you know you don’t want to miss, be sure to buy tickets early.
The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, Seattle; 206-625-1900. 5thavenue.org
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 Sound of Music (PG), Nov. 24-Jan. 3; Sleeping Beauty Wakes (PG), March 25-April 17.
A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, Seattle; 206-292-7676. acttheatre.org
ACT’s holiday offering, A Christmas Carol (ages 5 and older) is a perennial favorite in Seattle. It plays Nov. 27-Dec. 30. Single ticket prices are $27 to $89.
Auburn Avenue Kids, Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave, Auburn; 253-931-3043. auburnwa.gov
A season full of family entertainment is offered in the heart of downtown Auburn. Shows take place at Auburn Avenue Theater unless otherwise noted. Recommended for ages 4 to 12. $8 to $10.
Steve the Pretty Good Magician, Oct. 24; Tears of Joy Theater’s The Reluctant Dragon, Nov. 14; StoryBook Theater’s The Elves & the Toymaker, Dec. 5; Doktor Kaboom! The Science of Santa Claus, Dec. 20; Tacoma Musical Playhouse’s The Commedia Pinocchio, Jan. 23; StoryBook Theater’s Jack and the Beanstalk, Feb. 20; Disney’s Peter Pan Jr., April 22-24; StoryBook Theater’s Sleeping Beauty, May 14; Auburn Community Players’ Mary Poppins, June 4-19; Shrek: The Musical Jr., July 15-17.
Bellevue Youth Theatre, Ivanhoe Theater: 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue; Crossroads Theater: 16051 NE 10th St, Bellevue; 425-452-7155. bellevuewa.gov/BYT.htm
Youths 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, then increase to $12; some Saturday matinées are $5. The following shows are all-ages.
Brigadoon: Oct. 24-Nov.1; Snow White and Rose Red, Nov. 6-Nov. 15; The Mitten, Nov. 20-29; An Elf's Tale, Dec.4-13.
Book-It Repertory Theatre, Center Theatre at the Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St, Seattle; 206-216-0833. book-it.org
The Family Fun Series brings classic literature to life onstage, with a pre-show craft project and a post-show workshop. Adult tickets are $12; tickets for kids 12 and younger are $10.
The Secret Garden (grades K-8), Oct. 10; A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin (grades K-6), Feb. 27; Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures (grades K-6), May 7.
Broadway Bound, Building 47 Theatre at Magnuson Park, Seattle; 206-526-5437. broadwaybound.org.
Broadway Bound stages professional-quality theater musicals performed by children ages 5 through 18. Tickets are $15 to $17.50.
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. broadwaycenter.org
Broadway Center offers a full season of varied performances. Ticket prices vary.
Offerings appropriate for families include: Chris Pernodi’s Stunt Dog Experience, Nov. 28; 70th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, Nov. 28; Seattle Men’s Chorus, Dec. 3; Sounds of the Season, Dec. 6; Ye Olde Merry Holiday (TV) Spectacular, Dec. 18-20; Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!, Feb. 19; Black Violin, Feb. 25; The Lightning Thief, Feb. 28.
Centerstage Theatre, Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way; 253-661-1444. centerstagetheatre.com
Federal Way’s community-based professional theater. Ticket prices vary; subscription package available. The following two shows are part of their KidZone series.
Sleeping Beauty, Nov. 28-Dec. 20; Brother Coyote and Sister Fox, June 4.
Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave N, Edmonds; 425-275-9595. edmondscenterforthearts.org
ECA offers a wide variety of music, dance and other performances, including a Family Series. Ticket prices vary; subscriptions available.
Havana Hop!, Oct. 17; Okaidja & Shokoto, Nov. 21; The Princess Bride Quote-Along, Nov. 28; Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, Jan. 21; Axis Dance Company, Feb. 6; Big Bad Wolf, March 19; Mud Bay Jugglers, May 7.
Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Company, Green River Community College, Performing Arts Bldg, 12401 SE 320th St, Auburn; 253-833-9111 ext. 2400. heavierthanair.com
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 $12, and season tickets are $20.
Mary Poppins, Dec. 11-19; The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, March 25-April 2; Skippyjon Jones; June 17-25.
The Hi-Liners, Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S 152nd St, Burien; The Burien Annex, 14501 Fourth Ave SW, Burien; 206-617-2152. hi-liners.org
Since 1966, the Hi-Liners have been helping young actors ages 3 to 22 hone their skills through classes and camps. They produce a full season of quality shows for audiences of all ages. Tickets range from $10 to $25.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sept. 12-27; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Jan. 8-17; Magic Treehouse: The Knight at Dawn KIDS, Apr. 29-May 7; James and the Giant Peach Jr., Jul. 14-17; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Jul. 16-17; Oliver!, Sept. 10-25.
Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland; 425-893-9900. kpcenter.org
This venue hosts a wide variety of performances, including these family shows. Ticket prices vary.
Twisted Flicks: Mothra, Sept. 11; Twisted Flicks: The Mummy, Nov. 6; StoryBook Theater’s Little Red, Nov. 7-15; Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience, Nov. 29; Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, Dec. 10; StoryBook Theater’s The Elves and the Toymaker, Dec. 12-20; Twisted Flicks: Earth vs. the Flying Saucers, Jan. 8; Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Jan. 28-29; StoryBook Theater’s Jack & the Beanstalk, Feb. 6-14; Twisted Flicks: War of the Worlds, March 4; Cirque Alfonse: Timber!, April 22-24; StoryBook Theater’s Sleeping Beauty, April 30-May 8; Twisted Flicks: King Kong, May 13.
Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd SW, Lakewood; 253-588-0042. lakewoodplayhouse.org.
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 $10 to $29. The following show is recommended for younger audiences.
Treasure Island, Dec. 10-20.
ManeStage Theatre Company, 1707 Main St, Sumner; 253-447-7645. manestagetheatre.com
This community theater works to produce creative, professional, family-oriented entertainment for kids ages 4 and older. Ticket prices: $20 adults, $16 students and seniors, $11 ages 10 and younger. No children younger than age 3.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sept. 26-Oct. 11; A Christmas Story: The Musical, Nov. 28-Dec. 19; The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Feb. 6-21; Bye Bye Birdie, May 7-22.
Mount Baker Community Club, 2811 Mt Rainier Drive S, Seattle; 206-722-7209. mountbaker.org
The Kindiependent Kids Rock series features popular performers on Saturday mornings. Season tickets are available.
The Not-Its!, Dec. 19 and Feb. 27; Caspar Babypants, Jan. 2 and March 26; Johnny Bregar, Jan. 16 and April 9; Recess Monkey, Jan. 30 and April 23; Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies, Feb. 13; The Harmonica Pocket, March 12.
Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th Ave NE, Seattle; 206-523-2579. nwpuppet.org
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 ages 4 and older. Tickets prices: $10.50 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8.50 for children. Subscriptions are available.
Images of China, Oct. 3-18; True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by A. Wolf, Nov. 7-22; Circus, Dec. 5-20; Doc Chapeau Meets the Gill Man, Mar. 26-Apr.10; Secret Life of Bugs, May 7-15.
Olympia Family Theater, 612 Fourth Ave E, Olympia; 360-570-1638. olyft.org
Olympia Family Theater’s mission is to provide accessible children’s theater and programs that entertain and educate. Ticket prices: $19 for adults, $16 for seniors, students and military, $13 ages 11 and younger. Subscriptions are available.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue, Oct. 9-Nov. 1; A Charlie Brown Christmas, Nov. 27-Dec. 20; Charlotte’s Web, Jan. 20-Feb. 14; Peter Rabbit and Me, March 18-April 3; A Year with Frog and Toad, May 13-June 5.
Pacific Northwest Ballet, McCaw Hall, 321 Harrison St, Seattle; 206-441-2424. pnb.org
Seattle’s resident ballet company is one of the country’s largest. Each season brings performances of classic and cutting-edge dance. The following performances will particularly appeal to kids and families, and all three can be purchased as a Magical Family Package.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Nov. 27-Dec. 28; Le Corsaire: A Pirate’s Tale, March 20-26; Coppélia, April 15-24.
Pied Piper from Village Theatre, Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave, Everett; Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave, Everett; 425-257-8600. villagepiedpiper.org
Pied Piper hosts guest theater companies, puppeteers and entertainers. Come for pre-show activities and stay after most performances for a post-show discussion. The 4 p.m. shows on Jan. 31 and Feb. 28 are sensory-friendly; reservations are required. Single tickets are $15. Subscriptions are available.
The Elves & the Shoemaker, Dec. 5; Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, Jan. 31; The BFG, Feb. 28; Curious George: The Golden Meatball, March 20.
Village Theatre Mainstage, Francis Gaudette Theatre, 303 Front St N, Issaquah; 425-392-2202. Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave, Everett; 425-257-6600. villagetheatre.org
Village Theatre shows play first in Issaquah, then move to Everett to complete the run. Tickets run $36 to $70. Subscriptions are available. The following shows are likely to appeal to families with older children; each show has an online Production Preview Guide which offers information on the content of each show.
My Fair Lady, Nov. 5-Jan. 31; My Heart is the Drum, March 17-May 22; Billy Elliot, May 12-July 31.
Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas St, Seattle; 206-441-3322. sct.org
Seattle’s premier children’s theater. Tickets are $20 to $40 for adults and $20 to $33 for children ages 1 to 18. Various season ticket packages are available.
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In a Play!” (ages 4 and older), Oct. 8-Nov. 29; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (ages 6 and older), Nov. 5-Dec. 27; Where the Wild Things Are (ages 3 and older), Jan. 7-Feb. 21; Hana’s Suitcase (ages 10 and older), Jan. 21-Feb. 7; Brooklyn Bridge (ages 9 and older), Feb. 25-March 20; Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat (ages 3 and older), April 14-May 22.
Seattle Musical Theatre, Magnuson Park Community Center Building, 7120 62nd Ave NE, Seattle; 206-363-2809. seattlemusicaltheatre.org
Seattle Musical Theatre specializes in quality musicals in a community setting. Most shows this season are best for older kids or teens. Tickets are $20 to $35.
Jesus Christ Superstar, Sept. 11-Oct. 4; She Loves Me, Dec. 4-20; 9 to 5: The Musical, Feb. 19-March 13; South Pacific, April 8-May 1.
Seattle Opera, McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, Seattle; 206-389-7676 or 800-426-1619. seattleopera.org
Seattle Opera’s Family Day matinées let students ages 18 and younger with ID purchase tickets for $15 when accompanied by an adult paying full price; this will be the case for the Oct. 18 performance of The Pearl Fishers.
Seattle Symphony, Benaroya Hall, 200 University St, Seattle; 206-215-4747. seattlesymphony.org
The Family Connections program allows kids ages 8 through 18 to attend a Masterworks Season and Seattle Pops series performance FREE with the purchase of a regular-price adult ticket in section C, D or E. Family Connections passes are available by phone or in-person at the box office only, and families may request up to two passes per adult ticket; 60 passes will be available per concert. See online for a schedule of eligible performances this season.
The Tiny Tots series features half-hour concerts with musical games, stories and songs for infants and kids through age 5, with pre-concert activities taking place half an hour prior to the show. Subscriptions are available, as well as limited single tickets for $12. All ages must have a ticket.
Folk and Fiddlin’ Time, Oct. 9-10; Holiday Hooray!, Dec. 11-12; Jumpin’ Jazz Time, Feb. 5-6; Musical Zoo for Me and You, April 1-2; Shine Time Music Olympics, June 3-4.
The First Concerts series for kids introduces kids ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers to musical instruments in a fun, interactive way. At Soundbridge, a musician will play a short piece and invite questions from kids. After the show, kids can give the instrument a try. Subscriptions are available, as well as limited single tickets for $12. All ages must have a ticket.
The Family Concerts series is designed for kids ages 6 to 11 and their parents. Performances are one hour in length, with pre-concert activities beginning an hour before the show. Subscriptions are available as well as limited single tickets ($20 adults, $15 students and seniors).
Phantoms of the Orchestra, Oct. 31; The Snowman, Dec. 5; Peter and the Wolf, March 12; Carnival of the Animals, May 21.
Seattle Theatre Group, The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, Seattle; The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, Seattle; The Neptune Theatre, 1303 NE 45th St, Seattle; 877-784-4849. stgpresents.org
Seattle Theater Group offers several family shows this season. Single ticket prices vary.
Annie, Sept. 20-26; Alvin and the Chipmunks Live!, Nov. 29; Beauty and the Beast, Dec. 11-13; Mythbusters: Jamie & Adam Unleashed, Dec. 14; STOMP, Jan. 26-31; Starbucks Hot Java Cool Jazz, March 25; Blue Man Group, April 1-3; Newsies, April 26 through May 1; More Music @ The Moore, May 6; DANCE This, July 8-9.
SecondStory Repertory Children’s Theatre, 16587 NE 74th St, Redmond; 425-881-6777. secondstoryrep.org.
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.
Cinderella, Sept. 12-27; Alice in Wonderland, Oct. 17-Nov. 8; A Christmas Carol Jr., Dec. 6-20; Stuart Little, Jan. 16-Feb. 6; How I Became a Pirate, Feb. 27-March 20; Fancy Nancy: The Musical, April 23-May 15.
SecondStory Repertory, 16587 NE 74th St, Redmond; 425-881-6777. secondstoryrep.org
While mostly for adult audiences, there are a couple of shows on the mainstage that might appeal to families with older kids. Tickets are $27, $22 for seniors, students, educators and military with ID.
Little Shop of Horrors, Oct. 23-Nov. 15; A Christmas Carol, Dec. 4-23.
Stone Soup Theatre, 4035 Stone Way N, Seattle; 206-633-1883. stonesouptheatre.org
Stone Soup Theatre, in operation since 1996, specializes in productions of one-act plays.
StoryBook Theater, 425-820-1800. storybooktheater.org. 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 $11, and season tickets are available.
Little Red, Oct. 18-Nov. 22; The Elves & the Toymaker, Dec. 5-20; Jack & the Beanstalk, Jan. 30-March 6; Sleeping Beauty, April 16-May 21.
Studio East, 11730 118th Ave NE, Suite 100, Kirkland. 425-820-1800. studio-east.org.
Mainstage shows at Studio East include plenty of family fare. Tickets prices are $15 adults, and $13 for seniors and youth.
Honk! (ages 4 and older), Oct. 16-Nov. 1; ‘Twas the Night (ages 4 and older), Nov. 28-Dec. 20; The Odyssey (ages 10 and older), Jan. 29-Feb. 16; Comedy of Errors (ages 10 and older), Feb. 19-20; Little Shop of Horrors (ages 10 and older), March 18-April 2; The Marvelous Land of Oz (ages 4 and older), May 27-June 19.
Tacoma Musical Playhouse Family Theater, 7116 Sixth Ave, Tacoma; 253-565-6867. tmp.org
Tacoma Musical Theater’s program for families includes fully produced musicals featuring many favorite performers from the mainstage shows. Single tickets: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, students and military, $12 for ages 12 and younger. Subscriptions available.
Alice in Wonderland, Oct. 24-Nov. 1; A Charlie Brown Christmas, Dec. 19-24; Junie B. Jones: The Musical, Jan. 16-24; Pinocchio, Feb. 21 and 28; James and the Giant Peach, March 12-20.
Tacoma Musical Playhouse, 7116 Sixth Ave, Tacoma; 253-565-6867. tmp.org
This theater’s 2015-16 season includes several productions suitable for families. Ticket prices: $31 for adults, $29 for seniors, $22 for ages 12 and younger. Season tickets available.
Oliver! (PG), Sept. 18-Oct. 11; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (G), Nov. 27-Dec. 20; The Scarlet Pimpernel (G), April 8-May 1; The Wiz (G), May 20-June 12; Mary Poppins (G), July 8-31.
Taproot Theatre Company, 204 N 85th St, Seattle; 206-781-9707. taproottheatre.org
Taproot Theatre’s plays are all-ages in their content, although best understood and enjoyed by older kids and teens. Single ticket prices are $20 to $40.
Dracula, Sept. 23-Oct. 24.
Thistle Theatre shows take place at Sunset Hill Community Club (Seattle), Magnuson Park Theatre (Seattle) and Bellevue Youth Theater Ivanhoe Theater (Bellevue); 206-524-3388. thistletheatre.org.
The 45-minute productions feature handcrafted puppets, original musical scores and Bunraku-style puppetry (puppeteers are dressed in black to suggest invisibility). Appropriate for kids ages 3 and older. Tickets are $10. Season tickets are available.
Jack and the Beanstalk, Oct. 10-25; Merry Chris Mouse, Dec. 5-20; The Funny Woman Who Lost Her Dumpling, March 12-27; Brother Coyote and Sister Fox, May 21-29.
Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave, Seattle; 206-652-4255. townhallseattle.org
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.
Caspar Babypants, Sept. 26-27; Pointed Man Band, Oct. 17; Kabuki Academy, Nov. 14; Swil Kanim, Jan. 23; Pig Snout!!, Feb. 27; Gustafer Yellowgold, March 19; Franchesska Berry, April 16; Frances England, May 14.
UW World Series, Meany Hall, University of Washington, Seattle; 206-543-4880. uwworldseries.org
This series includes works by contemporary dance companies, world and classical musicians and other performers. Discounts for UW students and faculty/staff/alumni association members.
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.
Washington Ensemble Theatre, 608 19th Ave E, Seattle; 206-325-5105. washingtonensemble.org
Each season, Washington Ensemble Theatre produces an imaginative, family-friendly show. Ticket prices for this Young Artist Series are $10, $5 ages 17 and younger.
The Return of… Urban Tanuki Samurai, April 30-May 15.
Youth Theatre Northwest, Black Box Theater at Emmanuel Church, 4400 86th Ave SE, Mercer Island; 206-232-4145. youththeatre.org
Theater productions feature child actors in ambitious, professional-quality, full-length shows. Ticket prices: $15 to $17 for opening night, $13 to $15 for all other performances, $10 for Studio Stage shows. Subscriptions are available.
Robin Hood and His Band, Nov. 6-22; It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Drama, Dec. 4-6; A Little Grimm, Dec. 12-13; Seussical Jr., Jan. 22-Feb. 7; Legally Blonde, March 4-20; Harriet the Spy, May 14-29.
