Even in the darkest time of World War II, music continued to fill the streets as Americans resolved that hope would not disappear forever.
It is in that spirit that Sky Performing Arts presents the newest edition of the annual classic “In the Mood.” Shows start tonight and run through Dec. 13 at Sky Valley Education Center in Monroe.
“In the Mood” is a re-creation of a U.S.O.-style show as it might have been performed overseas in front of the troops during World War II. The show features a big band playing the music of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey and many other great band leaders of the era.
The show is written and directed by Terry Simon and features seven talented vocalists singing and wisecracking their way through 28 of the top hits from the ’30s and ’40s and gives the audience plenty of opportunity for dancing. The show stars Greg Norgaard, Rick Wright, Roger Bare, Robin Hilt, Sam Samano and Ellen Powell, along with Simon and the Sky Notes Orchestra.
“A(n improvised) Christmas Carol”: This musical affair by Unexpected Productions is getting a reputation for being among Seattle’s funniest Christmas shows.
First performed in 1985, “A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol” brings a twist to Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic and asks these questions: What if Scrooge owned a pet store? What if the Ghost of Christmas Past was a film noir detective? What if Tiny Tim wasn’t so tiny?
The audience gives suggestions up front, and well-prepared improvisers use these suggestions to tell an all new tale of how Christmas may or may not change Ebenezer Scrooge’s life.
Shows are under way through Dec. 21 at Market Theater in Pike Place in Seattle.
“A Child’s Christmas in Wales”: An enduring yet sometimes forgotten tale of Christmas memoirs, this story re-creates the nostalgic magic of Dylan Thomas’ childhood Christmas, when everything was brighter, better and more alive.
In the story, Dylan comes to realize that the experience of Christmas doesn’t change with time, but holds a place in the heart that nothing else can fill. Performers include youth conservatory students and professional adult actors in a version with live classic instrumentation and vocals.
Shows start tonight and run through Dec. 24 at Stone Soup Theatre in Seattle.
“The Quick Change Room”: The University of Washington School of Drama presents a comedy about a Russian theater that is struggling with making a buck, buoyed by a new production of “The Three Sisters,” but soon discovers that even a masterpiece isn’t a safe money-maker.
This lighthearted romp runs through Dec. 14 at the Penthouse Theatre on the University of Washington campus in Seattle.
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