From a light-hearted send-up of Broadway hits to holiday favorites and – yes – dinosaurs, it’s safe to say the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center’s coming season will thrill every member of the family.
And, with state-of-the-art house acoustics and lighting, and 700 seats over two levels at the 2017-built theater, there’s not a bad seat in the house, notes the center’s Kate Croteau.
“We really see the Performing Arts Center as a welcoming space for everyone in the community – something that’s reflected in this year’s lineup as well as the many other cultural performances and community events hosted throughout the year,” Croteau says.
Tickets are on sale now, with the fun kicking off Oct. 14, with Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation, described as “gut-bustingly funny!” by the New York Post.
From Frozen to Phantom, along with newer spoofs including Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and Moulin Rouge, this all-new satirical roast of more than 30 Broadway hits features outrageous costumes, silly spoofs of the songs you know by heart, and madcap impressions by a stellar cast.
Ahead of Veterans Day, Nov. 6 brings a special performance by the United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus, the oldest and largest of the U.S. Army Field Band’s performing components.
Founded in 1946 and 1957 respectively, these two ensembles provide programming ranging from orchestral masterworks and operatic arias to Sousa marches, jazz classics and Broadway musicals. Please note that this show is free to attend, but tickets are still required, with a limit of four tickets per order.
Seasonal celebrations begin Dec. 6 with a performance by the Canadian Brass, Making Spirits Bright.
This quintet never fails to delight with their winning combination of fabulous sound, engaging wit, top-notch showmanship and popular programming, including original arrangements and signature takes on beloved holiday classics such as I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Charlie Brown Christmas, Songs of Hanukkah and Jingle Bell Rock.
The fun continues Dec. 17 with two performances of O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy.
Combining British propriety with an unabashed love for the unexpected, London’s award-winning duo steep an outrageously funny and brilliantly inventive show rich in wordplay, comic physicality and cleverly crafted interactive elements, creating a rollicking experience for all ages.
Winter is the perfect time to get out and enjoy live theater, and one not-to-miss experience is Feb. 18’s performance of The Greatest Piano Men.
This electrifying production from Jeff Davis, executive producer of Broadway’s Rock of Ages, celebrates your favorite pianists and showmen, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Elton John, Liberace and Billy Joel, with storytelling, video, a great band and 25 hit songs.
Feb. 25 brings a cappella sensation Voctave to the Federal Way stage.
Formed in Central Florida in 2015, the 11-member group has had more than 150 million social media views of their videos, performed across the globe and appeared on countless recordings.
On Feb. 28, the center roars to life with Dinosaur World Live, aninteractive show for the whole family.
Grab your compass and join an intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a prehistoric world of dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus. And don’t miss the meet-and-greet after the show to make a new dinosaur friend!
On March 14, it’sTime for Three, featuring an uncommon blend of instruments and vocals from violinists Charles Yang and Nick Kendall, and double bassist Ranaan Meyer, renowned for their charismatic and energetic performances in venues including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and The Royal Albert Hall.
March 24 brings iLuminate, uniting technology and dance as performers in electrified glow-in-the-dark suits perform dynamic routines and illusions on a darkened stage.
Finally, prepare for a wild ride April 21 with the ‘bagpipers who rock,’ the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Bagpipes with attitude. Drums with a Scottish accent. This nine-piece ensemble rocks the world with a passion for pipes that will leave you breathless. With a unique fusion of traditional pipe tunes like The Hills of Argyll and Amazing Grace (Chilli-style!) and contemporary anthems like Queen’s We Will Rock You, and a fantastic rock medley of Smoke on the Water and Thunderstruck, this is a must-experience performance.
For the full schedule, visit fwpaec.org/events. The FW PAEC is also available for rentals for parties large and small – learn more at fwpaec.org
