Harry Potter: The Exhibition
The last two movies are tantalizingly close to arrival. The kids have all the books, Lego toys, scarfs, and accessories. What else can sate their Potter appetite? Try the Pacific Science Center’s Harry Potter Exhibition, a traveling gallery of original props from the films, art, and interactive games. For the hardcore Potter fan only, which means pretty much every kid in town. Get your tickets early.
Where: Pacific Science Center
When: Through January 30
How much: $14 adults, $9 youth
Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris
Seattle Art Museum is playing host to a very special touring collection of Picassos from now until January 17. The Musee National Picasso in Paris is closed for renovation and is allowing the touring of major works from the great 20th century master. The collection includes The Two Brothers, Man With a Guitar, Head of a Bull, and The Bathers. This will likely be your only opportunity to see any of these works outside of Paris for the rest of your life. One of the truly great art events of the Northwest. Do not miss it.
Where: Seattle Art Museum
When: Through January 17
How much: $12 adult, $9 senior, kids under 13 free
National Theatre Live - Hamlet
The evolving role of the movie theatre in our lives has led to an explosition of live events broadcast to theatres in the last few years. From the Super Bowl to operas to rock concerts, and now the British National Theatre--one of the best dramatic theatre companies in the world--will perform Hamlet "live" for an international audience. The next best thing to being there in person. But at 7:30pm PST, does this mean they're performing at 3:30am in London?
Where: SIFF Cinema
When: January 10
How much: $20 adult - $15 SIFF members
The Barber of Seville
Don't like opera? Well, I bet you know this one anyway. Conjur up the image of a rabbit rubbing hair tonic into the scalp of a bald man with a lisp. Yep, Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd romped to The Barber of Seville's overture in 1950's classic "Rabbit of Seville." The opera itself, believe it or not, is even more fun. Yes, a fun opera. An incredibly catchy Rossini score, a great comic plot, and indelible characters. Not to be missed.
Where: Seattle Opera
When: January 15-29
How much: $25-$198
Michael Pollan Book Talk
Wildly popular food writer, Michael Pollan, comes to Seattle to read and discuss his new book, "In Defense of Food: The Omnivore's Solution." Pollan is a leading voice in the movement for sustainable, locally grown, high quality food as a means to better health and a better environment. If you're a really big fan (or know one), consider the VIP dinner with the author package.
Where: Benaroya Hall
When: January 15
How much: $25-$44 talk only - $250 dinner with Pollan
Mozart's Requiem
Officially known as the Requiem Mass in D Minor, Mozart's unfinished final work is cherished by classical music lovers as perhaps his finest piece of music. In his final season, Gerhard Schwartz conducts the grim but beautiful work. Also on the program are the measurably lighter 28th Symphony and 2nd Horn Concerto, as well as an original work by contemporary composer Daniel Brewbaker.
Where: Benaroya Hall
When: January 20, 22
How much: $17-$70
Cheap Beer and Prose
A sibling of Richard Hugo House's popular "Cheap Wine and Poetry" night, join four of Seattle's finest writers of prose for readings and $1 beers. Featuring Suzanne Morrison, Jeremy Richards, David Schmader, and Emily White.
Where: Richard Hugo House
When: January 20
How much: Admission is free, beer is $1
Wallace Shawn
Wallace Shawn is known to most through his acting work: Woody Allen's Manhattan, My Dinner With Andre, The Princess Bride, and the Toy Story series (as the voice of Rex the dinosaur). But this son of legendary New Yorker editor Wallace Shawn is first and foremost a man of letters. His award winning plays and essays have won passionate, if narrow, admiration. Come learn if this acquired taste is for you.
Where: Town Hall Seattle
When: January 21
How much: $5
Lily Tomlin
Lily Tomlin is one of a kind. Never a traditional sexpot, she nonetheless followed up a phenomal career as a comic in the '60s and early '70s and became a major leading lady in the '70s and '80s. Today she is something of a performer emeritus, no longer a major film star (only so many roles for the over-70 female not named Judi Dench) but still a major talent. Her one-woman show is part standup, part storytelling, and part confession.
Where: 5th Ave Theatre
When: January 29-30
How much: $50-$83
Looking for Tacoma events in January? Check out our dedicated Tacoma events calendar.