While there’s still time to catch a sleighful of shows this month (including a performance by Portland’s circus cowboy Leapin’ Louie), there are plenty of noteworthy plays to look forward to in early January.

Broadway in Portland is presenting the touring A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical at Keller Auditorium; Peter Lundquist’s solo show Nervous Laughter will be onstage at 21ten Theatre; and Dog Man: The Musical will romp across the stage at the Newmark Theatre.

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Winter is also the ideal season for an Agatha Christie mystery. These stories offer the best of two worlds, providing both suspense and the comfort of knowing the famed Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, will put his little gray cells to good use and solve the crime in the end.

For its first show of the new year, Lakewood Theatre is presenting an adaptation of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, one of Christie’s most famous novels.

Charles Laughton was the first actor to portray Poirot onstage, in the 1928 Alibi, an early adaptation of Roger Ackroyd. Then there was Austin Trevor, film’s first Poirot, who – mon Dieu! – appeared without a mustache in three 1930s British films. Shockingly, his Poirot was also not from Belgium but Paris, France.

A padded Albert Finney starred in Sidney Lumet’s 1974 Murder on the Orient Express – a portrayal that wasn’t wholly pleasing to Christie. Yes, this Poirot had a mustache, but it wasn’t spectacular enough for the author. According to The New York Times, Finney also created a darker character: “[H]e is more serious and vehement, and scrutinizes the evidence grimly, with great intensity, like a predator carefully circling his prey.” Peter Ustinov, on the other hand, was a warmer, more playful Poirot, both on the big screen and on TV.

Of course for many fans, David Suchet is the Poirot, appearing as the sleuth in 70 episodes of the BBC series Agatha Christie’s Poirot over 24 years. A perfectionist, Suchet meticulously took on mannerisms that Christie described in her novels, including the specific way the detective might sit on a bench.

“When it comes to fighting for a role in the way that I want to play it, I’m afraid I’m not that easy,” Suchet told The Guardian. “Suchet’s rendition,” said The New York Times, was a Poirot who was “… prim, charming and ultrafastidious; he is vain but considerate, sharp but deferential, faultless about manners and etiquette but, when it is time to issue a verdict, thoroughly ruthless.” 

Then there’s Kenneth Branagh, who debuted as the detective with a scene-stealing mustache in the 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express, then went on to make two more films; and John Malkovich, who starred in a 2018 series, The ABC Murders, in which he bears a resemblance to Sigmund Freud.

In Rick Robinson’s stage adaptation of Roger Akroyd at Lakewood Theatre next month, Poirot (Mark Schwahn) comes out of retirement to solve the murder of a friend. The intricate story features secrets, blackmail, and a twist ending. David Sikking directs, with performances by Todd Hermanson, Grant Byington, and Elizabeth Jackson. The scenic design is by John Gerth, who created the mysterious and moody set for Lakewood’s The Maltese Falcon last January.

Besides offering senior and student discounts, on Wednesday, Jan. 26, the theater continues its program called WOW: 25-35. For audience members ages 35 and under, tickets are priced at $30 each. Use the code WOW30 when purchasing tickets online. There will also be a complimentary wine tasting that evening one hour before the curtain, courtesy of local vineyards. ID required for the tasting.

Poirot: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd will be onstage at Lakewood Theatre, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego, Jan. 2-Feb. 9. For more information and tickets, call the Lakewood box office at (503) 635-3901 or find tickets online here. Note: The play is a murder mystery that depicts both murder and suicide, and isn’t recommended for children under 8.

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Flying Through Time with Leapin’ Louie Lichtenstein, at Alberta Rose Theatre, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m.

Circus meets science as Portland’s Leapin’ Louie presents a cowboy show about animals who fly. The master of physical comedy, who has performed in 35 countries around the world, will be trick-roping, whip-cracking, juggling, playing with puppets, and riding a six-foot unicycle in this family-friendly show with an ecological focus.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, makes its Portland premiere at Keller Auditorium, Jan. 6–11.

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond and featuring the songs that defined his career, the musical is the true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became an American rock icon. Nick Fradiani plays “Neil Diamond – Then” in the national tour directly from playing the role on Broadway since October 2023. Directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), choreographed by Olivier winner Steven Hoggett, and written by four-time Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Two Popes). Due to popular demand, an additional performance has been added for Thursday, January 8, at 1 p.m.

Nervous Laughter at 21ten Theatre, Jan. 9-24.

Paralyzed by panic attacks and shut in his apartment for three years, Peter Lundquist received an unexpected prescription from his therapist: take an improv class. The experience transformed him, and now, drawing on 100+ live Portland shows, TV and radio appearances, and a lifetime of sketch and character work, his performance is packed with stories and surprises. The local comedian, writer, and director makes his solo show debut in this exploration of anxiety, resilience, and the healing power of laughter. Directed by Brooke Totman.

Rose City Stage Company presents a staged reading of A Christmas Carol, Dec. 18-20.

This intimate fundraiser and launch event features a reading of Charles Dickens’ story inside a historic Old Town storefront – one of the many unused spaces that NoVacancy is transforming into vibrant creative spaces. Adapted for the stage by Grant Turner, the reading returns to the empathy of the original 1843 text, delivering an ensemble performance that promises to highlight the power of shared storytelling during the holiday season. The event benefits both Rose City Stage Company and Central City Concern. See it at The Starlight, 355 NW 6th Ave., where there’s street parking and a nearby paid lot. The performance is 60 minutes, followed by a 30-minute talkback.

Dog Man: The Musical at the Newmark Theatre, Jan. 9-10.

Based on the bestselling books by Dav Pilkey, the comical Dog Man: The Musical follows Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. Featuring a book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, music by Brad Alexander, and direction and choreography by Jen Wineman. Recommended for ages 6+.

Also opening in December and early January

Liberace & Liza: Regifted and Unscripted (A Tribute) at CoHo Theatre, Dec. 18-21.

The sequined show starring David Saffert and Jillian Snow is back onstage at its birthplace, CoHo Theatre, with holiday classics and some surprises.

ZooZoo, at Imago Theatre, Dec. 19-Jan. 4.

The amazing menagerie is back – penguins, frogs, aardvark and all – in a show that’s always a winner with kids and adults alike. ArtsWatch reviewed last year’s performance here.

Red Octopus Theatre Company’s The Christmas Show in Newport, Dec. 19-21.

Darcy Lawrence’s family-friendly, sketch-comedy-style holiday show is back with a cast of more than 30 performers, fresh sketches, and a new Saturday matinee. Laughter, music, Santa, and snow inside the theater are all promised.

Posada Milagro 2025, a free Christmas celebration, Dec. 21, 2 and 4 p.m.

Emceed by Milagro’s own Yosmel López Ortiz, this family-friendly cultural Christmas celebration includes a performance with a pastorela, ballet folklorico dance, and music. Performances are in the Milagro MainStage Theatre, and free tickets are first-come, first-served, starting at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Christmas with C.S. Lewis at the Newmark Theatre, 2 p.m. Dec. 21.

C.S. Lewis is at home near Oxford on Christmas Eve, hosting a group of Americans who learn how an encounter with his friend J.R.R. Tolkien convinced Lewis that his view of Christmas was more than a feel-good myth.

Little Women: A Musical at Magenta Theater in Vancouver, Wash., through Dec. 21.

The Civil War-era story is brought to musical life in this adaptation by Sean Heartly, with lyrics by Allison Hubbard and music by Kim Oler. Directed by Shannon Cluphf. A Saturday matinee has been added for Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show, Dec. 22.

The popular show starring drag queens Ben DeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon is back for its seventh production and promises more comedy, camp, new songs and “wintertime wonder.” Ben DeLaCreme says in the show’s press, “Jinkx and I are honored and grateful to continue our favorite holiday tradition with all of you. I cannot overstate the impact that gathering with our community and allies over the years has made on my ability to keep going. To believe in a future where things are merry and bright year round.” Catch Jinkx and DeLa at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

SamFest: A reading series at CoHo Theatre celebrating the work of William S. (Sam) Gregory, Jan. 2-Feb. 1.

As reported in ArtsWatch, friends of writer William S. Gregory are producing a reading series of a number of his works, which were discovered on his laptop following his death last year. To make the performances more accessible to audiences, Talk Soon Productions is offering a SamFest Passport. The $100 pass covers admission to 15 readings of 11 different plays over five weekends.

“We don’t use the term lightly, but in our view Sam was a genius,” Gary Cole of Talk Soon says. “His command of language, in particular his ability to meld poetry and prose, was truly exceptional. As you’ll see from the descriptions of the plays we’re featuring, the range of his work was mind-boggling: from classical verse drama to contemporary farce, from bawdy romps to heart-rending tragedies. And these scripts represent less than a quarter of his total dramatic output! Not to mention the hundreds of poems he circulated with astounding regularity to his devoted circle of friends and fans.”

Readings will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. at CoHo Theater, 2257 N.W. Raleigh St. in Portland, Jan. 2– Feb. 1, 2026. Find the complete schedule, along with ticket information and a roster of actors, here.

Continuing shows

Recta’s Chris™as CareHOLE at Fuse Theatre Ensemble, through Dec. 20.

Rusty Tennant’s drag clown alter-ego, Recta Borealis, is onstage with a dark adaptation of A Christmas Carol that fuses music with video (and cartoons). Note: A 10 p.m. performance on Dec. 20 has been added.

Holidazed! at Ten Fifteen Theater in Astoria, through Dec. 20.

An irreverent show that follows Santa as he quits Christmas and sets out to discover its true meaning.

Death of a Drag Queen, at Echo Theater, through Dec. 20.

ArtsWatch previewed the solo show about an aging drag queen here. A second run of the show will be at The Board Room Cabaret, 1785 N.E. Sandy Blvd., Jan. 22–24 and Jan 29-31.

Experience Theatre Project’s A Drunk Christmas Carol, through Dec. 20.

Part scripted, part improvised: Samm Hill, returning for his third year as Scrooge, downs five shots, then performs the iconic role in Dickens’ Christmas story.

A Gift to Remember at HART, through Dec. 21.

On Christmas Eve, a snowstorm forces a train of travelers to take shelter in a small New Hampshire depot, leading to shared stories, surprising humor, and some holiday spirit.

Portland Panto Players’ Beauty and the Beast at Mission Theater, through Dec. 21.

A family-friendly event filled with slapstick, witty dialogue, music, dancing and a few jokes for the adults.

A Tuna Christmas at Bag&Baggage, through Dec. 22.

Two actors, Trevor Harter and Samuel Scott Campbell, take on more than 20 roles in this satire set on Christmas Eve in a small fictional Texas town. The show has proved to be so popular that a performance has been added for Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Read Darleen Ortega’s review for ArtsWatch here.

Christmas in Christmasville at Twilight Theater, through Dec. 21.

The 2023 show was an absolute hoot, and this new production should be perfect for those who revel in holiday rom-coms … and for those who revel in snickering at them. 

The Snow Globe at 21ten Theatre, through Dec. 21.

Celebrate the season with music by Musica Universalis, stories, poetry, and freshly baked Christmas cake in a show described as “part play, part concert, part baking party.”

Portland Revels’ Highland Hearth: A Midwinter Revels, through Dec. 21.

Portland Revels returns to the Scottish Highlands – and its former home at the Scottish Rite Center – for a celebration of light with music, story and dance. Bobby Bermea wrote about this year’s event for ArtsWatch here. 

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Portland Center Stage, through Dec. 21.

This celebration of sisterhood tells the story of a younger writer coming into her own. Darleen Ortega reviewed it for ArtsWatch here.

Christmas in Door County, at Broadway Rose, through Dec. 21.

This musical yuletide revue was written by Dan Murphy and Rick Lewis, with vocal arrangements by Lewis. Note: The show is sold out, but you can call the box office at 503-620-5262  in case any seats open up.

Oliver! at Stumptown Stages, through Dec. 21.

Lionel Bart’s iconic musical is based on Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist. ArtsWatch reviewed it here.

Salt and Sage’s Much Ado About Nothing and The Winter’s Tale at Artists Rep through Dec. 21.

The two Shakespeare plays feature Salt and Sage regulars Alison Anderson, Bobby Bermea and Paul Susi as well as newcomer Nina Pamintuan. ArtsWatch reviewed Much Ado here.

Mean Girls, Jr. at Northwest Children’s Theatre, Dec. 20 & 21.

Catalyst: NWCT’s Youth Company presents this musical comedy about chasing popularity. Based on the film Mean Girls, with a book by Tina Fey, music by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin. Directed by Makaela Terance. Estimated run time: About 60 minutes with no intermission. Weekends at 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. Most enjoyed by ages 10+.

A Christmas Carol at Portland Playhouse, through Dec. 31.

Dmae Lo Roberts previewed the show, which features La’Tevin Alexander stars as Scrooge, for her ArtsWatch Stage & Studio podcast here.

The Wizard of Oz at Northwest Children’s Theatre, through Jan. 4.

Josie Overstreet and Emma Lombard share the role of Dorothy in this musical journey down the yellow brick road. Most enjoyed by ages 5 and up.

Theater news

H2M’s “Home/Land” will be part of the 2026 Oregon Contemporary Artist’s Biennial.

Hand2Mouth Theatre ensemble has announced that its original piece HOME / LAND, an immersive installation, has been accepted into the 2026 Oregon Contemporary Artists’ Biennial. The exhibition will explore the interconnected themes of place, power, and promise, especially as they relate to our complex relationships with the land, our histories, and our nations. Bobby Bermea wrote about it for ArtsWatch in 2023.

Oregon Contemporary Artists’ Biennial is a survey of works by visual and performing artists who are defining and advancing Oregon’s contemporary art landscape. Started by the Portland Art Museum as the Portland Biennial in 1949, Oregon Contemporary began the new iteration in 2010 and expanded it to include artists residing Oregon-wide in 2016. The 2026 biennial will be the 8th iteration, and the first to expand to include artists who were born in Oregon, educated in Oregon, or who were previous residents of the state. Special considerations are also made for artists and performers who live in the Northwest region that participate or are in community with artists and institutions in Oregon.

Winter Break Camps at Northwest Children’s Theatre runs Dec. 29-Jan.2

These camps for ages 4-14 are designed for both beginners and those who’d like to enhance their singing, dancing, and acting skills. Find schedules for the different camps here.

Winter theater classes for teens begin in January at Shaking the Tree Theatre.

Beginning in January, the Teen Ensemble at Shaking the Tree Theatre will offer classes for teens (ages 13+) of all experience levels. The program aims to create a safe, welcoming environment that allows beginning, intermediate and advanced teen actors to build skills and confidence while also having fun. Financial assistance is available for all classes. For more information about classes or financial help, contact Shaking the Tree at dani@shaking-the-tree.com.