South Sound stages, streets and parks embrace the holiday season starting this weekend
Of humbugs and honkers …
The holiday theater season kicks off Friday, Nov. 29, with Harlequin Productions’ “A Christmas Carol” and Olympia Family Theater’s “Honk: The Musical.”
• “Carol,” Harlequin’s take on Charles Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption, evolves a bit each year. This time around, the cast, led by Seattle’s Terry Edward Moore, features many of the same actors as the 2023 version, with a few interesting changes. Scott C. Brown, last year seen as a frightening Marley, and Teri Lee Thomas, who played the imposing Ghost of Christmas Past and the jovial Fezziwig, have switched roles. Heather Matthews, who’s been popping up on stages all over town, joins the ensemble as the Ghost of Christmas Present. The production runs through Dec. 24, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m. at the State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Tickets are $33-$55. For the Dec. 13 and 19 performances and the Dec. 21 matinee, pay what you choose.
• “Honk,” a retelling of “The Ugly Duckling,” celebrates self-discovery, diversity and inclusion. It will be on stage through Dec. 22, with performances at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays and Mondays at the Olympia Family Theater, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Tickets are available on a sliding scale. Masks are required at Sunday performances.
And a valiant nutcracker
Another sign of the season is Studio West Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker,” which happens only on Thanksgiving weekend. One of Olympia’s two local versions of the Tchaikovsky classic, Studio West’s production is now in its 15th year. Abigail Erickson, 17 and a senior at Olympia High School, and Gianna Zabolio, 17 and a senior at Capital High School, are sharing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy; Gibson Baggett, 16 and junior at Olympia High, and Aidan Hodo, a senior at Capital High, are alternating in the role of Cavalier. Performances are at 2 and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30 and at 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $20-$36.
It’s time to light the lights*
Both Lacey and Olympia are lighting up for December. (Tumwater will flip the switch its holiday display the following weekend.)
• Holiday lights and décor are on display throughout downtown Olympia as part of LoveOly Downtown for the Holidays, which also features snowfall outside the Washington Center for the Performing Arts and 12 days of free street parking (Dec. 12-24). The celebration will be in full swing at LoveOly WinterFest, from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. WinterFest offers visits with Santa, an artisan market, storytelling, live music, a hot chocolate bar and crafts. The center of activity is the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Washington Street.
• Lacey is launching its seasonal lights display at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, in Huntamer Park, 618 Woodland Square Loop SE. The city is throwing a party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a lighted vehicle display, holiday music, activities and surprises. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand, too.
*Freelance writer Molly Gilmore felt inspired to borrow a lyric from “The Muppet Show” theme song, likely because Facebook has begun inundating her with Muppets-related content. She talks with DJ Kevin the Brit about what’s happening around town on KGY-FM’s “Oly in a Can,” airing at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays.