As the vibrant fall season approaches, South Sound venues are gearing up to offer a captivating array of theater and spoken word performances. From classic plays to mesmerizing poetic performances, audiences will enjoy memorable experiences that explore the depths of human emotions and ignite the power of storytelling.
“The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth”
Nothing compares to the words of the Bard and you can enjoy the magic of Shakespeare this fall with two wonderful productions. First, follow the fairies to the Tacoma Arts Live Armory as they present A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a tropical twist by celebrating Boricua-Hawaiiana culture. Then, enjoy the enchanting, hilarious, and romantic reimagining of Shakespeare’s life and love as he struggles to write Romeo and Juliet in the Lakewood Playhouse production of Shakespeare in Love.
Spooky Scenes
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, fall is also the season for thrills and chills. Tacoma Little Theater has some spine-chilling plans with their production of the psychological thriller Misery based on the book by the King of Horror, Stephen King. If that sounds a bit too scary, you can take it down a notch and bring the whole family to Miss Nelson is Missing at Tacoma Musical Playhouse.
Family Shows
There are several other great family-friendly productions coming this fall including the contemporary pop-rock musical The Lightning Thief: the Percy Jackson Musical at Olympia Family Theater. And you are sure to be dancing in your seats at Madagascar based on the high-energy Dreamworks® film presented by the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. Families should also check out Sugar Skull: A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure, a touring bilingual/bicultural musical that uses traditional regional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of twelve-year-old Vita Flores at Washington Center for the Performing Arts.
Legendary Storytellers
Finally, two greats in the world of spoken word should not be missed this fall. First up is Black Flag front man Henry Rollins at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. Although he started in the 1980s hardcore punk music scene, Rollins has added actor, writer, podcaster, and Grammy winner to his resume. And if you haven’t yet seen the hilarious, insightful, and utterly charming David Sedaris, get your tickets now for his performance presented by Tacoma Arts Live in November.
Whether you are a seasoned theatergoer or new to the world of spoken word, the fall of 2023 promises to be a season filled with theatrical wonders and immersive storytelling in these South Sound cultural hotspots. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of performances that await you.
For Additional Information
tacomaartslive.org
tmp.org
tacomalittletheatre.com
olyft.org
fwpaec.org
washingtoncenter.org
BY HILLARY RYAN