Weekend Preview: indoor play

Outdoor activities might be out of the question this weekend for all but the hardiest among us, but luckily there are enough things to do indoors to keep us from getting cabin fever and ending the weekend eating each other. Unless you are into that sort of thing – I don’t want to judge.

Tacoma Musical Playhouse not only has a solid heating system to keep its patrons toasty during the chilly winter shows, but it is opening its latest production this weekend.

The regional premiere of the Tony-Award winning “The Drowsy Chaperone” follows the tale of a musical-loving loner who finds his apartment is the stage of his favorite show. Vaudevillian comedy and jazz music ensues.

The cast includes: Jon Douglas Rake, Cherisse Martinelli, John Kelleher, John B. Cooper, Nancy Hebert, Lark Moore, Phil Lacey and Mauro Bozzo. It runs through Feb. 13.

Another inside activity worth a look because of its buzz around town is, Tacoma Little Theatre’s staging of “Frost Nixon.” This dramatic retelling of history covers the landmark interview between a British talk show host (played by James Gilletti) and the defamed Richard Nixon (Steve Tarry) following his resignation from the presidency of the United States.

This script has won a Tony, and it’s film version got an Oscar nomination. This was the interview of the decade in the 1970s because it brought the newspaper headlines of Watergate and abuse of presidential powers to their living rooms. The show runs weekends through Feb. 6.

Both theaters not only have heaters but they also serve wine and beer during intermissions. Few could ask for anything more.