Diversions 11/25

Wired and ready

Queen Anne Avenue Books is sponsoring author Richard Price at Seattle Arts & Lectures at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 1 at Benaroya Hall at 200 University St. Price is in town to promote his book Lush Life. Crime reporter turned novelist, screenplay writer and writing professor, the Bronx native has spent years following the world of crime. His book "Clockers" was made into movie by Spike Lee. Price is also a writer for the HBO hit series, "The Wire."

THEATRE

Stone Soup Theatre' 2009-2010 Season is in full swing. A Child's Christmas in Wales, adapted from the poem by Dyland Thomas, Dec. 4-24; Fool for Love by Sam Shepard, Feb. 19-March 14, 2010; The Vagina Monologes 10th Anniversary Edition, by Eve Ensler, April 2-24, 2010; Original One-Act Play Festival, May 13-23, 2010. For tickets and more information visit www.stonesouptheatre.org



Leo K. Theatre
presents Opus through Dec. 6. In front of an audience they're pitch perfect, but behind the scenes of the Lazara String Quartet, things aren't quite so adagio. Tapped to play at the White House years after in-fighting broke them up, the group reunites-with a new member, a promising young student. As they prepare for the gig of their lives, tempers flare, relationships crumble and new ones bloom. Opus is a passionate, music-filled glimpse into the fascinating world of professional classical musicians. By Michael Hollinger
 and directed by Braden Abraham. Recommended for ages 14 and above for mild profanity, some adult situations. Visit www.seattlerep.org. for more information.

ACT's 34th Annual production of A Christmas Carol returns Nov. 27 through Dec. 27. Kurt Beattie returns to the role of Scrooge - the first time in more than 10 years! Alternating in the role is R. Hamilton Wright. And both are directing this year's production. For more information and tickets call 206-292-7676 or visit www.acttheatre.org.

Seattle Shakespeare Company presents Twelfth Night Dec. 4-27 at the Center House Theatre in Seattle Center. This is Shakespeare's only holiday-themed play. "Twelfth Night" sweeps onto the stage featuring traditional music and caroling, jokes and laughter, and some smooching under the mistletoe. Artistic Director Stephanie Shine stages this beguiling comedy of romantic misadventures which opens on Friday, Dec. 4 at the Center House Theatre and runs through Dec. 27.

Seattle Children's Theatre (SCT) presents If You Give a Mouse a Cookie through Nov. 29. Based on the beloved children's book by Laura Numeroff, the story follows a little boy who makes the ill-fated decision of giving a mouse a cookie. Seattle Children's Theatre is located at 201 Thomas St., under the Space Needle at Seattle Center. Tickets are $15 to $34 and may be purchased by calling the SCT Ticket Office at (206) 441-3322 or by visiting www.sct.org.

Leo K. Theatre
also presents Speech and Debate
Jan. 15 through Feb. 21, 2010. An aspiring teen journalist, an awkward wannabe popstar, and the openly gay new kid in town all have secrets. But when their squeaky clean small-town high school refuses to acknowledge the messy parts of being a teenager, this ragtag bunch of misfits starts an after school Speech and Debate team to expose a possible scandal. Recommended for ages 14 and above for mild profanity, teens engaged in discussions of sex, drinking and drug abuse. Visit. www.seattlerep.org for tickets and more information.

Jet City Improv and Wing-It Productions present Seattle's Best Comedy, a night of hijinks and improvisational fun with audience participation. At the Historic University Theatre, 5510 University Way N.E. 206-352-8291. Visit www.jetcityimprov.com for more show times and information.

LIVE MUSIC

Seattle Symphony invites audiences to attend the 15th annual Silver Bells: Holiday Musical salute on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Benaroya Hall. This is one of the symphony's most popular fundraisers and a perfect way to celebrate the season while benefiting the Seattle Symphony Players' Pension Plan. The event begins with a hot cider reception and holiday bazaar at 11 a.m., followed by a Seattle Symphony performance of holiday favorites in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium. A luncheon catered by Wolfgang Puck Catering will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby, decked out in all its festive glory. Tickets start at $75. For more information visit www.seattlesymphony.com.

The Magnolia Chorale has begun rehearsals for its 20th annual holiday concert under the direction of Jean-Marie Kent. The concert will include favorites from sacred to secular, from Britten's "...Carols" to Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas" and as well as the Chorale's own set of traditional and "traditional-with-a-twist" carols. The concerts will be 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, and 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Magnolia United Church of Christ, 3555 W. McGraw St. Tickets are available at La Roux Fine Apparel, and Magnolia Bookstore $10 in advance, and $12 at the door. For more information visit www.magnoliachoral.org

Start your holiday celebrations early with an inspiring program of Christmas music by Praetorious, Schütz, Telemann, Handel, and others, performed by the exquisite lyric soprano Karen Elizabeth Urlie, recorder virtuoso Vicki Boeckman, and acclaimed harpsichordist Jillon Stoppels Dupree. You'll not want to miss this rich and festive fare-always our most popular concert of the season. Performances take place in the intimate Queen Anne Christian Church, 1316 Third Ave. W., at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, and at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 6. Visit www.galleryconcerts.org for more information. 206-726-2088. Tickets are $28 general admission; $22 seniors; $10 students and back rows. Children attend for free (ages 7-14), one with each paying adult.

The Musically Speaking series at the Seattle Symphony is coming up. It begins, at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 3 Tickets: $23-$125. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 7, 8 p.m., Jan. 8, and 8 p.m., Jan. 9. Visit www.seattlesymphony.com for more information.

The Ladies Music Club has unveiled a list of FREE music concerts going on around Seattle. They are:

Partita for Solo Violin in d minor, BWV 1004, J. S. Bach, 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4 at the Seattle Art Museum 1300 First Ave.; Songs by Clara Schumann, 12:10 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Public Library at 1000 Fourth Ave.; Prelude Op. 32 No. 4, Rachmaninoff, 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12 at Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry St.; Scenes from Mozart operas: Cosi Fan Tutte, Magic Flute, Marriage of Figaro, La Clemenza di Tito, 3 p.m., Monday Dec. 14 at Harborview Medical Center, Main Building Cafeteria at 325 Ninth Ave.; Songs of Light in Winter, Mahler, Barber, Respighi, Adam, 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Seattle Asian Art Museum at 1400 Prospect St.; Scenes from Mozart operas: Cosi Fan Tutte, Magic Flute, Marriage of Figaro, La Clemenza di Tito, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 20, at the University House, Wallingford at 4400 Stone Way N.

CINEMA

Now playing: Precious: Harvard Exit, etc.; Twilight Saga: New Moon, Metro, etc.; The Blind Side, Metro, etc.; Planet 51, Metro, etc.; William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe, Varsity; Fantastic Mr. Fox, Metro etc.; Nov. 25: Old Dogs, Metro, etc.; The Road, Guild 45th, etc.; Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans; Red Cliff, Neptune; Ninja Assassin, Varsity, etc.; The Messenger; Oh My God?, Varsity;

VISUAL ARTS

Magnolia artist Eric Olson's solo show, in conjunction with the Pioneer Square First Thursday Art Walk at the Gallery IMA at 123 S. Jackson St. 206-625-0055. More information at www.galleryima.com. To see more of Olson's art, visit www.erico-art.com. Show runs through Nov. 29.

The Wing Luke Asian Museum presents Parallel Lines, 8 Contemporary Seattle Artists. The event features Tram Bui, Mark Takamichi Miller, Jason Huff, Akio Takamori, Patti Warashina, Saya Moriyasu, Thuy-Van Vu and Joseph Park. The work will be on display through Nov. 29. The museum is at 719 S. King St. in Chinatown-International District. Visit www.wingluke.org. for more information.

The Wing Luke presents the wild politically charged collections and paintings of Roger Shimomura. Shimomura has been devoted to issues of ethnic identity as a third-generation Japanese American. His paintings tackle socio-political issues of Asian America. Through April 18. Visit www.wingluke.org.

READINGS

Open mic at El Diablo coffee house. Poetry readers are encouraged to join the fun the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month The event is co-hosted by Margaret Roncone and Lainne Dexter. This series is getting a trial run every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Show up to listen or bring poetry to read at this all open mic venue that can continue if enough people want to make it happen. ... tell others about it.... always good to have more places to read and help indie business survive in these hard times.... 8 p.m., at El Diablo coffee house 1811 Queen Anne Ave. N.

OTHER STUFF

United Indians of All Tribes Foundation announces the return of the Indian Art Mart to Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center throughout November and December. Native American vendors will be featuring hand-made arts, crafts, jewelry and other items. Salmon meals will be available for $12. The Indian Art Mart exists to support local Native American artists. In addition, it serves as a benefit for United Indians' Elders Program, which provides nutrition and care to Native American elders living in the greater Seattle Metropolitan Area. Come seek out perfect gifts, enjoy Daybreak Star's permanent art collection and a breathtaking view of Puget Sound-all while supporting a worthy cause. It's FREE. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 29 and Dec. 20, at the Daybreak Start Indian Cultural Center, 3801 W. Government Way in Discovery Park.

The Seattle Veterans Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Also open on military holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th and Veterans Day) and by appointment for groups. The museum is also looking for volunteers and board members. The museum is located at Second Avenue between Union and University streets behind the Remembrance Garden. Visit www.seattleveteransmuseum.org or call 425-821-0489 for more information.

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