Seattle theater 2022: The performing arts are making a comeback.
Make plans for a fun winter-break excursion or have something to look forward to during those long, dark days of January and February. (In addition, this is a great fit with “buy nothing” or “experiences rather than things” gift-giving!)
Note that masks and proof of vaccination generally are required.
Also: Don’t forget other holiday classics such as Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” (2021 parent review here) and “A Christmas Carol” at Seattle’s ACT Theater. In addition, Seattle Children’s Theatre just announced a lineup of shows for 2022.
And now, our picks for the best live Seattle theater 2022:
“Beauty and the Beast”
The Fifth Avenue Theater is staging its own, brand new production of “Disney’s Beauty & the Beast” from Jan. 12-Feb. 6, 2022.
Seeing the “tale as old as time” in all its musical stage glory could be a great way to introduce kids to live theater. Check out the trailer:
This is the Fifth Avenue’s first fully mounted musical created for an in-person audience since the beginning of the pandemic. In addition, it opens a season that includes “Afterwords,” “And So That Happened …” “The Prom” and “Come From Away.”
“Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of “a brilliant young woman in search of something more than her small town has to offer and a Beast — who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.”
There are lots of 1:30 p.m. matinees (even one on a Thursday!); however, expect tickets to sell quickly. (Children under 4, including babes in arms, will not be admitted.) Pro tips: Avoid extra ticket fees by making a trip to the box office; save more by buying 10 or more tickets.
Kyla Stone (Anya) in The North American Tour of “Anastasia.” (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)
‘Anastasia’ at the Paramount
The Broadway musical “Anastasia” will be at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre from Jan. 25-30.
It opened in New York in March 2017 and has been called “one of the most gorgeous shows in years!” (New York Observer).
Here’s a description of the story: “This dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.”
“Romeo et Juliette” at PNW Ballet
Described as a “contemporary interpretation” of the Shakespearean tragedy, “Roméo et Juliette” runs for nine performances, Feb. 4-13, by Pacific Northwest Ballet at McCaw Hall. The performance will stream digitally from Feb. 24-28. (Audience advisory: Content may not be appropriate for young children.)
Village Theatre
Village Theatre is launching its “Welcome Back Season” of performances in Issaquah and Everett. First up: “Songs for a New World,” by Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown. It is a 90-minute song-cycle production of 15 musical vignettes. Rounding out the season: “The Book Club Play,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Raisin.”
Seattle theater 2022: “Jersey Boys”
Shortly after “Beauty and the Beast,” the musical “Jersey Boys” takes the stage at the Fifth Avenue. It was rescheduled from early 2020. Dates are Feb. 15-20, 2022.
It’s the true-life story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, “just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note.” It tells the story of their stunning onstage (and radio) popularity, along with their private drama and heartache.
Songs include “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry,” “December 1963 (Oh, What A Night)”, “My Eyes Adored You” and many more.
Pro tip: The music is great. However, some of the conversational language is … not for everyone. Here’s what the website says: “Jersey Boys contains authentic, ‘profane Jersey language’ and is recommended for ages 12+.”
(This writer once took a younger child to this show, with a “potty mouth” warning/disclaimer. She had some good laughs and does not appear to have been scarred for life.)
Cirque du Soleil is known for breathtaking acrobatics, elaborate sets, music — and humor. (Marie-Andrée Lemire photos)
Cirque dul Soleil “Alegria”
The Montreal-based troupe is back on tour, bringing what is called its most iconic production, “Alegria” to Marymoor Park in Redmond. Dates are Jan. 18-Feb. 13, 2022.
Alegría (“joy” in Spanish) is a reimagined version of a Cirque classic that premiered in 1994. Here’s how it is described: “At the heart of a once-glorious kingdom that has long lost its king, Alegría witnesses the power struggle at play between the old order and a new movement seeking change in hopes of a brighter tomorrow.”
Like all Cirque productions, it features music, acrobatics, stunning costumes, vibrant sets and humor. It all adds up to a one-of-a-kind spectacle.
Performances take place “under the big top” in Marymoor Park. But if you haven’t been, know that the big top is very substantial and feels like an indoor venue.
Here is ticket information; parking is additional, and be prepared to walk a few hundred yards to the entrance.
Looking ahead to spring: We love our Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which runs the month of April. Tulip Town tickets are on sale now so you can reserve your spot.
