THEATER

“Mormons taught me how to live.”

—Stranger associate editor David Schmader examines his life post-9/11—including new love, a scary diagnosis, and marrying a Mormon man in California—in his new solo show A Short-Term Solution to a Long-Term Problem on Capitol Hill. Richard Hugo House, Jan 20–Feb 4, hugohouse.org

MUSICAL


Here Come the Jets 


The Broadway revival of West Side Story snaps, kicks, and Krupkes its way into Seattle. The Paramount Theatre, Jan 10–15, stgpresents.org

OPERA

The Vocal Stylings of Attila the Hun

We fancy the king of the Huns a bass-baritone—so John Relyea is well suited to lead the hordes as they sack Italy in Seattle Opera’s upcoming production of Verdi’s Attila. The Toronto native has already impressed local audiences as a tragicomic hero (Don in 2011’s Don Quixote) and a sadist (Bluebeard in 2009’s Bluebeard’s Castle); this year he’ll further test his talents as a conqueror (Attila) and a servant (Leporello in the Met’s Don Giovanni). McCaw Hall, Jan 14–28, seattleopera.org

FAMILY

Two Words: Pancake. Breakfast.

Now in its seventh year, Northwest Film Forum’s Children’s Film Festival boasts more than 100 films from almost 30 countries, dance parties with Caspar Babypants, a Claymation workshop, and the don’t-miss-it-unless-you-hate-happiness pancake breakfast. Northwest Film Forum, Jan 26–Feb 5, nwfilmforum.org

FILM

Quiz: Which did David Lynch not direct?

a) The Elephant Man
b) Blue Valentine
c) Mulholland Dr.
d) Twin Peaks
e) Blue Velvet

Find the answer on page 106. SIFF samples films from the oeuvre of David Lynch in a two-week retrospective starting January 13. SIFF Cinema at the Uptown, Jan 13–26, siff.net