Things to Do in Seattle on Thanksgiving Weekend 2022

Thursday, November 24 • 7 pm

Right around this time of year, I get an itch to watch Wes Anderson. Specifically, Fantastic Mr. Fox (so maybe it’s a hankering for George Clooney and Meryl Streep). Some might argue that this Anderson classic, based on Roald Dahl’s novel of the same name, is the quintessential fall/Thanksgiving movie. It’s not only deliciously autumnal, with vibrant characters, rust, pumpkin, and butter-yellow-tinged landscapes and environments, but it takes place around the heckin’ holiday (although it’s never explicitly said).

But. But, but, but, I’d counter, The Royal Tenenbaums, which was released eight years earlier in 2001, gives the film a run for its money for that title. Both movies feature complicated, kinda sucky father figures, although Royal, the patriarch of the Tenenbaum family, has much more to redeem himself of than Mr. Fox. How he goes about doing exactly that, making amends (or at least attempting to) with his wife and children, and the messy family dynamic in The Royal Tenenbaums is why it’s the perfect Thanksgiving watch. While trademark Andersonesque melancholy, dark humor, and absurdity intertwine throughout the film, it still leaves you satisfied. And if you needed any more convincing, it’s got scarlet-jumpsuit-clad Ben Stiller, a sad, secretive playwright played by Gwyneth Paltrow, and Luke Wilson as a retired, down-and-out tennis player. Also, Danny Glover—I repeat—Danny Glover.

So, if you are having a quiet Thanksgiving this year but still feel like being around people, or you’re craving some family catharsis, consider heading to The Beacon for a warm, emotional evening. TIERA NHEM 

Friday, November 25 • 11 am

The George and Dragon in Fremont is going all out for the World Cup. With the games being in Qatar—ugh, time zones—the George is opening at 4:30 am from November 21 to the 28. If you’re trying to experience some real soccer culture while rooting for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT), abandon your Black Friday plans and grab a spot at The George before the sun even rises. Smack talk with some Brits. Recycle stale Revolutionary War jokes. Eat fish n’ chips for breakfast. Nothing says it’s World Cup time like pretending you’re in Europe. 

This World Cup, the USMNT is on its Reputation Tour. They sucked so badly last World Cup they—embarrassingly— didn’t even qualify. The tournament begins in the group stage where the US will play against Wales, England, and Iran. To advance to the knock-out round, the USMNT needs to finish top two in the group. They’ll have an easier first match-up in the next round if they finish first. 

According to FIFA rankings, the US ranks just above Wales and Iran. Logically, these should be winnable games, but if there’s one thing I know it’s the USMNT’s capacity to crap the bed and not deliver. Negativity aside, the game against England should be tough and exciting! If the USMNT squeaks out a draw, that’ll be great news and bode well for a USMNT appearance in the next stage, the Round of 16. NATHALIE GRAHAM

Runs all weekend!

Everybody look around, ’cause there’s a reason to rejoice, you see. It’s The Wiz, the 5th Avenue Theatre’s latest family-geared holiday spectacular. A soul, R&B, and gospel retelling of The Wizard of Oz with an all-Black cast, The Wiz’s original Broadway production won seven of its eight 1975 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. Three years later, it became a Sidney Lumet film starring Diana Ross (they aged Dorothy up for the movie to be Harlem schoolteacher), Nipsey Russell, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, and Lena Horne.

I spoke with associate artistic director Jay Woods, who also directed last season’s sensational Beauty and the Beast, to get more info on this brand-new production. “This is the first time The 5th is creating an original staging of The Wiz by an almost entirely local cast that is wildly talented,” Woods said. “It’s great for the whole family and is something to share in community during the holidays.”

The production boasts direction and choreography by Twin Cities-based theatremaker Kelli Foster Warder, who choreographed previous 5th Ave shows Annie (2018) and the stripped-down revival of Flaherty and Ahrens’ Ragtime (2017), one of the most emotionally stirring things I’ve seen on that stage. “Warder and her team have dreamed up such a specific and joyous world for this very special production,” Woods concluded. “I hope audiences will be wrapped up in that love and joy. It is certainly a blessing to have this show here in Seattle.” MARCUS GORMAN