In case you didn't know it, Seattle's theater companies would like to remind you that Christmas is indeed just around the corner. As a result, just about everyone is trotting out their traditional Christmas productions, traditional or cynical or perverse depending on the company. To put it simply, the big holiday is here. more ›

Things have calmed down considerably after the hectic pace established over the last couple of weeks; many of those shows are still running, so go here and here to learn more about what's out there. September has seen an ambitious little burst in action, and though there aren't as many shows opening this weekend -- as you'll soon discover, ambition is still very much on the menu. more ›

If Bret Harte was considered the American equivalent of Charles Dickens during his time, as asserted by Taproot director Karen Lund, then The Christmas Foundling (at Taproot Theatre, Tues.-Sat. until through Dec. 27; tix $20-$33, $10 under 25), a Harte-inspired Christmas tale by Norman Allen, would be the equivalent of Dickens' A Christmas Carol. more ›