Stage
It's a Wonderful Life's continued, ubiquitous presence is one of the stranger things about the holiday season. Yes, winter is marked by a quiet, almost mournful energy, and it welcomes somber reflection as much as joyful celebration, but come on: It's a Wonderful Life is a movie that literally opens
Stage
Fans of Disney's Little Mermaid won't be disappointed putting some cash on a hook and reeling in an evening in Seattle to see the Little Mermaid at the 5th Avenue Theatre. This homegrown production will go on a 10-city tour after this run here, and for good reason, the production
Stage
The Changing Scene Theatre Northwest has migrated from the Kitsap Peninsula to Tacoma to present two popular Tacoma actors in the Southern fried Christmas fare A Tuna Christmas. What a romp! And what a change from the usual holiday stage shows. A Tuna Christmas is a satire with heart. It skewers
Attractions
Twelve years ago, Mario and Frances Lorenz imagined bringing a favorite pastime event from Galveston, Texas, with them to Washington where they relocated. They had enjoyed the Dickens Festival and all that it encompassed so much so, that Mario set out to seek sponsors for Tacoma's very own Dickens Festival.
Stage
Unlikely though it might seem, a troupe of Olympia actors is helping to train medical personnel at Madigan Army Medical Center. Members of the Heartsparkle Players play the roles of patients who interact with interns, residents and others getting advanced medical training at Madigan's Charles A. Andersen Simulation Center. Last week, Heartsparkle
Music
Of the trends and affectations that began to emerge in the indie rock scene of the past decade, the one that always inspired admiration and confusion in me was that bands suddenly started having two drummers. The sight of two drum kits on a stage tends to be a compelling
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The holidays are a time for family, friends and fun; gathered around tables crammed with caloric casseroles, or gathered around trees adorned with sparkling lights and ornaments. It's a time to celebrate bonds and to make and cherish memories. It's also the time for - cue dramatic drumroll - gift
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Looking for something slightly out of the ordinary to jazz up your next holiday get-together? Well, you live in the right place. The South Sound is positively brimming with unique brews to get that party started. So gather your besties and get ready to celebrate the season with these fine
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The small-town holiday experience is alive and well in Sumner. With the city proper covering less than eight square miles and a population just shy of 10,000 people, the "Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World" hearkens back to the good old days when everyone knew everyone's name, and you could
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After you've stuffed yourself with generous helpings of homemade food for Thanksgiving, you might be awfully tempted to hibernate for the winter. The thought of going to do anything might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it should be. Put down those big, comfy blankets and
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Father Christmas lives at Fort Nisqually. An imaginary figure believed to bring presents to and for children on the night before Christmas, he is conventionally portrayed as a jolly old man with a long white beard and red clothes. On Dec. 3, for the 20th year, Father Christmas will be in attendance
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This year, The Christmas Revels - an interactive holiday performance and celebration - will bring to Tacoma the customs, culture and music of Wales. "Wales is a singing culture," said Mary Lynn, executive director of the Puget Sound Revels. "They sing in multi-part harmony at rugby games." It's a perfect subject for
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Climate change is a bit of a hot topic these days. (Pun fully intended.) For all the talk this election season, the nation appears to be divided between two extremes - one side thinks it doesn't exist, while the other side thinks we'll be living in the movie Waterworld in
Reviews
ANNOUNCER: With our location on the Pacific Rim, you can't throw a rock without hitting an Asian or Mexican restaurant in the South Sound. European food is a lot harder to find. But Bruno's European Restaurant in Lakewood is serving up great German and Polish food to keep you feeling
Arts
Art galleries come and go, but Childhood's End Gallery has been a stable anchor in downtown Olympia for 45 years representing a cornucopia of the best local and regional artists. In celebration of the gallery's 45th anniversary, gallery owner Richenda Richardson invited a bunch of favorites from over the years,
Stage
As staged by Tacoma Little Theatre, Miracle on 34th Street's success will largely rest on one's emotional attachment the audience has with Christmas in general and Santa Claus in particular. Issues in tone and some uneven performances get in the way of this classic story, having been adapted from the
Outdoors
As a young boy, Gavin Woody enjoyed adventures in California as a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout. Many other childhood adventures included camping and backpacking over 50 miles through the woods complete with a summit of Mt. Whitney. These experiences are something that stuck with Woody and forged a lifelong
Music
Rock and roll has its toehold firmly entrenched in artifice, in overblown personas and carefully constructed appearances. Yes, there are musicians that strive for honesty and the stripping away of affectations, or at the very least a perception of verisimilitude. Still, for the majority of people making pop music, the
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The wonder of shopping downtown Olympia is the variety of unique goods to be found within easy walking distance. Here are five recommended downtown shopping destinations. Traditions Fair Trade at 500 5th Ave. SW, is right across the street from Capitol Lake. Traditions offers a smorgasbord of craft items from around
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If you'd rather spend your time and money supporting local crafters, gardeners, writers and entrepreneurs than fighting the crowds at the mall, the South Sound has plenty of options to meet your holiday shopping needs.The Pacific Northwest Shop: This unique shop features specialty foods, T-shirts, books and one-of-a-kind gifts from