COCOA’S PICKS
‘A Christmas Carol’
7:30 p.m. Thursday–Saturday through Dec. 21, Idiom Theater, 1417 Cornwall Ave.
As a child, I was in a stage production of “A Christmas Carol” for seven consecutive years, playing everyone from Belinda Cratchet to Scrooge’s little sister. You’d think I’d be an expert in all things Ebeneezer Scrooge by now — but as is common with Idiom Theater plays, their adaptation took me by surprise. It’s not even performed on a stage: Rather, their retelling happens in a literal alleyway behind the theater.
Even more unusually, just three actors — plus one “literal captive” audience member — were tasked with bringing Scrooge and his ghostly visitors to life. The resulting production captures all the “storytelling, humor, and heart” of Dickens’ original tale (with added creative license, of course). Here’s your invitation to watch a Christmas classic, interpreted in “ways you’ve never seen before.” Info: idiomtheater.org.
Bellingham Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Holiday Magic!’
3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
One of my favorite stories from 2024 involved going backstage at the Seattle Opera and interviewing Richard Hodges before his run in “X: The Life & Times of Malcolm X.” As the Director of Voice Studies at Western Washington University, Hodges is an incredible talent — but you don’t have to take my word for it. He’ll be performing with the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra for its ninth annual “Holiday Magic!” on Sunday, Dec. 15.
I should note that Hodges isn’t the only special guest in this performance. He’ll share the stage with Ibidunni Ojikutu, a Bellingham-born soprano known for roles like Strawberry Woman in the Seattle Opera’s 2011 and 2018 runs of “Porgy and Bess.”
The vocalists and orchestra will perform Christmas classics ranging from “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” to “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas” — and yes, a few family-friendly singalongs are thrown in for good measure. (If you’re looking for even more festive happenings, check out my roundup of 51 things to do during the holidays from last week’s paper.) Info: bellinghamsymphony.org.
‘The Liar’
Thursday–Sunday until Dec. 15, Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St.
If you need a break from holiday performances, Bellingham Theatre Guild’s production of “The Liar” should be the perfect palate cleanser. This mischief-filled show, adapted from a 1644 play by Pierre Corneille, centers around a young man named Dorante. Our protagonist is a “charming and handsome young fellow with one flaw: He can’t tell the truth!”
“The Liar” follows Dorante’s misadventures in Paris, where he falls for a woman named Clarice (but unfortunately mistakes her for her best friend, Lucrece). There’s also trouble with Dorante’s new manservant, who has the exact opposite problem: He can’t tell a lie. All of this begs the question: Can Dorante hold it together long enough to win Clarice’s affections? You’ll have to watch the show to find out. Info: bellinghamtheatreguild.com.
‘The Secret Garden: The Musical’
Friday–Sunday until Dec. 21, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon
“The Secret Garden” (in both book and movie form) was one of the most definitive pieces of media from my childhood. I watched the 1993 film adaptation as a toddler, then devoured the novel as soon as I was able to read it. I suspect I’m not alone in my love for Mary Lennox and the Cravens: The original novel was published in 1911, meaning generations of kids grew up with their story.
But even if you didn’t read “A Secret Garden” as a child, it’s not too late to discover its appeal. The iconic tale was adapted into a Tony Award-winning musical in the late 20th century; now, Theatre Arts Guild is bringing it to the historic Lincoln Theatre stage. Their version is set in a “world where magic blooms and hearts heal” — which, if you ask me, couldn’t be more appropriate for the holiday season. Info: lincolntheatre.org.
Road2Home Comedy Night Benefit
7–9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St.
The upcoming New Prospect Theatre performance is perhaps best described as “humor with purpose.” After all, proceeds support local nonprofit Road2Home, a nonprofit “dedicated to providing resources, support, and pathways to stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in Bellingham.” The poignant-yet-hilarious evening will be headlined by Sam Miller and also features comedians John Gardener and Matt Benoit (the latter of whom will act as emcee).
It’s worth mentioning that headliner Sam Miller, an Olympia native, has a personal connection to Road2Home’s cause. He personally experienced periods of homelessness between the ages of 18–25. In Miller’s words, “When you’re down and out, humor takes on a much greater importance. My sense of humor was once survival; now it feels like a celebration.” Info: newprospecttheatre.org.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
The following is a selection of events submitted by CDN readers. Click here to add yours.
For questions, ideas and feedback, email cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com.
Before heading out to attend in-person happenings, check with individual venues to make sure the event is still taking place as scheduled.
The A-List appears weekly. To submit an event for consideration, email calendar@cascadiadaily.com.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
