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Must List: A Bonsai Solstice, ‘Jane Eyre, The Musical’, Snow Day in Denny Park Kickoff
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MUST PRUNE
5th Annual A Bonsai Solstice
(12/16) For one night only, the Pacific Bonsai Museum illuminates its collection after dark for a special, seasonal viewing experience. Flashlights (or phone flashlights) are recommended in order to navigate the space, and seasonal treats including hot beverages and tasty crepes, along with live acoustic music, enhance your tour through the carefully cultivated trees. 4–7 p.m. Free. The Pacific Bonsai Museum, Federal Way, 2515 S 336th St.; 253.353.7345; pacificbonsaimuseum.org
MUST WATCH
‘Jane Eyre, The Musical’
(Through 12/23) This musical re-imagining of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel puts a new spin on the Victorian-era tale. Directed by Arts West’s Matthew Wright, the playhouse’s 10-person chamber version scales down the action of the original musical production but delivers the same full-throated story of its title heroine, set to Paul Gordon’s Tony-nominated music. Times and prices vary. ArtsWest Playhouse, West Seattle, 4711 California Ave. SW; 206.938.0963; artswest.org
MUST REMEMBER
75th Anniversary Chinese Exclusion Repeal Act at Wing Luke Museum
(12/16) The Magnuson Act, also known as the Chinese Exclusion Repeal Act, was signed into law by President Roosevelt on December 17, 1943, which allowed Chinese immigration to the U.S. for the first time since the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The Wing Luke Museum, in partnership with the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, commemorates this important legislative act with a ceremony, history lessons and stories. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Wing Luke Museum, International District, 719 S King St.; 206.623.5124; wingluke.org
MUST FLURRY
Snow Day in Denny Park Kickoff
(12/14) Denny Park’s immersive lighting event runs through January 20 and barters winter’s “shorter days” for “brighter nights.” Stop by opening night this Friday for interactive crafts, food trucks, a holiday beer garden, shopping market, a snow globe, musical performances and more. 4–9 p.m. Free. Denny Park, South Lake Union, 100 Dexter Ave. N; Facebook “Snow Day in Denny Park”
Photo courtesy of Eric E. Magnuson
MUST ROCK
Belltown Grunge Tours
(12/13–12/14, 12/28–12/29) This 2.5 mile walking tour takes you to some of the landmarks of Seattle’s renowned grunge music scene of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Learn about the role historic venues and organizations such as the Moore Theater, KEXP and Sub Pop played in the development of the scene, and fuel up with libations at stops along the way, including the legendary Crocodile Café. Times vary. $50. Starts in Belltown (contact for meeting location details); seattlegrungeredux.com
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