A dozen-plus things to do this weekend and next in and around Tacoma
Through Jan. 28
“American Idiot”
The rock opera tells its story through lyrics from the Green Day album.
Jan. 12-28. Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. SW, Lakewood. $25-$30. 253-588-0042, lakewoodplayhouse.org
Jan. 20-21
“Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play!”
Tacoma Musical Playhouse Family Theatre. Two characters of children’s author Mo Willems come to musical life on the stage.
11 a.m., 2 p.m. Jan. 13-14, Jan. 20-21. Tacoma Musical Playhouse, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma. $15, adult and senior (60-plus); $13, student and military; $12, children 12 and younger; $10, groups of 10-plus. 253-565-6867, tmp.org
Jan. 19
Organist Curt Sather
Playing music by Alberto Ginastera, Heinrich Scheidemann, Max Reger and Franz Schmidt on the John Brombaugh pipe organ.
12:10 p.m. Jan. 19. Christ Episcopal Church Tacoma, 310 N. K St., Tacoma. Donation. 253-383-1569, ccptacoma.org
“Arsenic and Old Lace”
Horror comedy about the mad Brewsters of Brooklyn.
2 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Messiah Lutheran Church, 410 H St., Auburn. $8-$12. 206-501-6419, mlcauburn.org
Second City Chamber Series Masterpiece II: “Just Us Folks”
Carpe Diem String Quartet with Charles Wetherbee and Amy Galluzo on violin, Korine Fujiwara on viola and Carol Ou on cello.
7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 Annie Wright School Great Hall, Tacoma. $10-$25. scchamberseries.org
Jan. 19-Feb. 4
“Children of a Lesser God”
The love story of a speech teacher and janitor at a school for the deaf. Winner of a Tony award, a Outer Critics Circle award and a Drama Desk award.
7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tacoma Little Theatre, 210 N. I St., Tacoma. $24; $22 students, seniors, military; $20 children 12 and younger. tacomalittletheatre.com
Jan. 20
Gansango: The Rhythms and Dance of West Africa
Featuring traditional dance from Benin, including Vodoun ritualistic dances and regional social ceremony dances. Plus a drumming workshop and dance workshop for all ages. Audience participation encouraged.
noon Jan. 20. Karshner Museum & Center for Culture & Arts, 309 Fourth St. N.E., Puyallup. Free. 253-841-8748
Improvised Shakespeare
Based on an audience suggestion (a title of a show that has never been written), a fully improvised Shakespearean play is created on stage.
3 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20. Theater on the Square, 901 Broadway, Tacoma. $19-$49. 253-591-5894, broadwaycenter.org
Jan. 21
Civil Rights Legacy Tour: “11 Days in the Life of Dr. King”
Chronicles the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through 11 spoken word/poetry vignettes that feature dance, shadow play and historic images.
3 p.m. Jan. 21. Theatre on the Square, 915 Broadway, Tacoma. Free with registration: broadwaycenter.org , 253-591-5894
Julia Brown: “Magnificats and Fantasies”
Music of the Renaissance and Baroque.
3-4 p.m. Jan. 21. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 7410 S. 12th St., Tacoma. Freewill donation. 253-564-4402, saintandrewstacoma.org
Jan. 25-28
“Dido and Aeneas”
Opera by Henry Purcell
7:30 p.m Jan. 25-27, 3 p.m. Jan. 28. Pacific Lutheran University, Eastvold Auditorium in Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 12180 Park Ave. S., Tacoma.
Jan. 26
Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen
Singer, composer and actor Lyle Lovett takes the stage with Robert Earl Keen for an accoustic concert.
7:30 p.m. Jan. 26. Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma. $39-$110. 253-591-5894 broadwaycenter.org
Jan. 27
“The Velveteen Rabbit, Reborn”
Classic American story of a little boy and his favorite toy, brought to life by the Pushcart Players.
1 and 3 p.m. Jan. 27. Theatre on the Square, 915 Broadway, Tacoma. $12, $22. 253-591-5894, broadwaycenter.org
Marc Cohn and the Blind Boys of Alabama
Marc Cohn celebrates the 25th anniversary of his debut album with a concert featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama.
7:30 p.m. Jan. 27. Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma. $19-$69. 253-591-5894, broadwaycenter.org
Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal
Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash and collaborator, musical director, guitarist and husband, John Leventhal, present an acoustic evening.
8 p.m. Jan. 27. Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center, 31510 Peter von Reichbauer Way S., Federal Way. $39-$69. 253-835-7010, fwpaec.org
Cosmo’s Dream
The Tacoma-based, Americana trio sings original tales of megamalls, trailer-park guns and guitars, Iditarod sled dogs, grandmas online, beautiful beer and Superman’s dilemma.
8 p.m. Jan. 27. Shakabrah Java, 2618 Sixth Ave. Tacoma. Admission is an optional donation. 253 572 2787, cosmosdream.sknebel.com
Jan. 28
Federal Way Symphony: “From Vienna With Love”
An intimate performance with the audience
2 p.m. Jan. 28. Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center, 31510 Peter von Reichbauer Way S., Federal Way. $45. 253-835-7010, fwpaec.org
This story was originally published January 18, 2018 at 8:00 AM with the headline "A dozen-plus things to do this weekend and next in and around Tacoma."