This week in Seattle arts: a holiday favorite, a twist on Dickens, and more

The holidays seem to be galloping toward us, and there are lots of events happening in the arts this weekend. If you're looking for something to do you’ve come to the right place.

KUOW’s arts and culture reporter Mike Davis shared these recommendations with host Kim Malcolm.

The Nutcracker, at Pacific Northwest Ballet

I got to take my kids. It was an amazing show. It literally snowed on stage. They had this huge Christmas tree that at one point, grew and grew and grew and grew. It was like 100 feet tall, and my kids went crazy. It's so much excitement. Great show.

Mr. Dickens and his Carol, at Seattle Rep

I didn't realize at first that this was not the classic "A Christmas Carol." This is a totally new story based on a novel that follows Charles Dickens as he scrambles to write a novel before Christmas. Even though this is not the traditional play, there are a lot of references to characters from "A Christmas Carol," and Dickens’ other books and writings, all sprinkled throughout. It's a really clever show.

Kevin Hart at Climate Pledge Arena

I saw Kevin Hart last weekend. Since I last saw him in 2011, I've lived my life, I've grown and I've matured. I went through these last two years that everyone experienced together. It was just interesting to me that somehow Kevin Hart still is able to exist in a bubble, where a lot of these social issues somehow don't touch him.

RELATED: Reporters Notebook: Kevin Hart still makes me laugh, but does he make me think?

I don't say that to condemn him because his comedy is certainly still funny. I laughed from beginning to end at the show. But it is always interesting which comedians decide to walk the line and take more risks, to take on social issues, versus the ones who just stay in that lane of the quick chuckle. Kevin Hart was so funny, but it just felt like something may have been missing.

Teatro ZinZanni Seattle, at SODO Park

I went last night. It was an amazing show. I am very rarely at a loss for words. I'm not sure how to describe it. But I would say it is literally a little bit of everything. A lot of audience interaction — please be careful. If you're a bald man your head will become a prop. If you want an amazing night with a five-course meal where you will eat every single bite, this is the show to see.

RELATED: Reporter's Notebook: Teatro Zinzanni — a theatrical experience that feels truly post-pandemic

Listen to the interview by clicking the play button above.