With the days shortening and the weather getting cooler, now is the time to plan your fall arts calendar. No matter what you are interested in, you’ll find outstanding performances in the South Sound this autumn. We’ve selected a few standouts that you shouldn’t miss.
POWERHOUSE VOCALS
Experience a night of electrifying music that traces the journey of American superstar Janis Joplin in A Night with Janis Joplin. You get two chances to see this amazing performance that celebrates the queen of rock ’n’ roll at either the Pantages in Tacoma or the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia.
More amazing vocals are on stage in Piaf! The Show coming to Olympia in October. Focused on legendary Parisian chanteuse Edith Piaf, known as “the swallow of Montmartre,” the show follows the ragsto-riches story of the singer’s career through unforgettable songs, complemented by historical photographs from a bygone day.
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE
Are current events getting you down? A night of laughter awaits with The Capitol Steps at the Pantages. “Putting the mock in democracy,” this performance will have you rolling in the aisles as Hillary Clinton sings a show tune, President Trump performs a rock ballad or Chris Christie dances ballet. This lighthearted show will certainly put a smile on your face.
Once you get the taste for comedy, you may be interested in checking out other comedic offerings such as the semifinal round of the Seattle International Comedy Competition at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, and stand-up star in the making Hari Kondabolu, who has performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Late Show with David Letterman and who just released his second comedy album with major success.
BACK TO CLASSICS
The brand-new Federal Way Performing Arts Center opens its inaugural season with RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles. It’s been 50 years since Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was released and here’s your chance to be immersed in Beatlemania.
Other classics offered this fall include Tacoma Musical Playhouse’s Footloose, Symphony Tacoma’s West Side Story, Lakewood Playhouse’s all-kid performance of Alice in Wonderland, and a chance to belt out “Tomorrow” at the Sing-a-long Annie show at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.
You don’t need to go far for great performances that will keep your evenings entertaining this fall. The South Sound is full of amazing choices, so book your tickets soon.
HILLARY RYAN
BROADWAY CENTER
broadwaycenter.org
THE WASHINGTON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
washingtoncenter.org
FEDERAL WAY PERFORMING ARTS AND EVENTS CENTER
fwarts-eventcenter.org
TACOMA MUSICAL PLAYHOUSE
tmp.org