Fun things to do this week in Thurston County

Jan. 10-12

Let it snow — on stage, at least

Though snow isn’t always welcome, especially here in Western Washington, beings made of snow — old favorite Frosty, current “Frozen” star Olaf and the creations the kids you know might soon get the chance to make — are beloved. This weekend, Olympia Family Theater is getting in the winter spirit with “Snowman Magic,” one of the theater’s Let’s Play morning shows, aimed at theatergoers 5 and younger. The show, by Kate Ayers, is “an OFT version of Frosty,” said Jen Ryle, the theater’s artistic director. Performances are at 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday in the lobby of the theater, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Tickets are $5 at the door (cash or check only), with tots under 2 admitted free with a paying adult. Get details at olyft.org, or call 360-570-1638.

Jan. 10

He’s got the beat

Acclaimed jazz drummer/composer Greg Williamson, who’s toured with Woody Herman, the Glen Miller Orchestra and Grammy-winning vocalist Ernestine Anderson, will play an intimate show Friday in Olympia. Williamson and his quartet will perform at 8 p.m. in the Black Box Theater at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $30. Get details and tickets at washingtoncenter.org, or call 360-753-8586.

Jan. 10

Home of the brave and sparkly

Heartsparkle Players, the theater troupe that brings audience members’ stories to life, celebrates brave souls Friday. The theme for this month’s performance is “Let Me Win, But if I Can’t Win, Let Me Be Brave in My Attempt.” The show, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at New Traditions Café, 300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia, is a collaboration with the Thurston County Thunderfish, a swim team that competes in the Special Olympics of Washington. Suggested donation for admission is $7-$12, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Find out more at newtraditionsfairtrade.com, or call 360-705-2819.

Jan. 11

Mmmm Mavis

Mavis Staples is one of those performers who really needs only one name and whose career virtually screams out for such superlatives as “legend” and “amazing.” Still going strong at 80 years old, the singer/activist/legend — sorry, it’s hard to resist — is playing an almost sold-out show Saturday in Olympia. Check her out, if you can still grab a ticket, at 7:30 p.m. at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $25-$79, though the less expensive ones are sold out. Get them while you can and find out more at washingtoncenter.org or 360-753-8586.

Jan. 11

You’ll be looking up

What with politics, climate change and recent events in the Middle East, there isn’t much that’s looking up of late. But those willing to lift their eyes can check out some high-flying action at Airbound Arts’ Second Saturday Spectacular, a variety show with, of course, plenty of aerial action. This month’s Spectacular happens at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Airbound studio, 312 Columbia St. NW, Olympia. Tickets are $5-$10. Get details and advance tickets at airboundarts.com.

Jan. 14

Still slacking after all these years

Fans of ’90s cult-fave director Kevin Smith are in for a treat Tuesday, when Smith visits Olympia for the “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot” Roadshow. Smith stars in the film, a remake/riff on 2001’s “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” that details the duo’s attempt to stop production on a film about their stoner superhero alter egos. “Reboot” pokes fun at the movie industry’s endless recycling of narratives while itself recycling narratives in a way that might be confusing unless you are a fan or stoned — or both. Smith will answer audience questions after the screening, which begins at 8 p.m. at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $45-$50. Find out more at olympiafilmsociety.org, or call 360-754-6670.

Jan. 16

They’ve got rhythm

The classic-film-turned-Broadway-musical “An American in Paris” is now on tour, bringing romance, adventure and plenty of dance to Olympia on Thursday. The show, which won four Tony Awards, is stuffed with such George Gerschwin classics as “I Got Rhythm” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” The Olympia performance starts at 7 p.m. at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $64-$119. Get details and tickets at washingtoncenter.org or 360-753-8586.