Dickens Festival At Stadium

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Event Program

About Our Entertainment

Driving Directions

Open Houses

Fan's Guide


Horse & Carriage Ride

Victorian Costume Ideas

About Charles Dickens

An Event For The Entire Family!

Tacoma A.I.R.
Tacoma A.I.R.

Stage Performers

Main Stage

Tacoma A.I.R./Tacoma Artists in Resonance  Tacoma A.I.R. is a modern A Capella/Barbershop group from the Tacoma area.

Lucca Rising  This Cool Jazz group will play selections form their recently released Christmas CD.

Alex Kowalcyk - The Pike Place Juggler   Balls. Clubs. Knives. Apples. Bowling ball. Devil sticks. Fire props. Unicycle. Stilts. Ladder. Balancing. Comedy. Alex is a street performer extraordinare.

The Fabulous Filucies  The Fabulous Filucies are Americana duo, Steve and Kristi Nebel are currently promoting  their latest CD, "Raven Speaks",  recorded with their songs, and the poems of Pacific Northwest poet, Duane Niatum.  This internationally touring duo has been  performing  together for fifteen years, recorded ten albums as a duo,  and three albums as founding  members of  "The Madrones" and  "The Fabulous Filucies".  Both of the Nebels sing lead, or harmony, and both of them play instruments, Kristi; bass guitar, and Steve; guitar. 

Mr. Mario’s Secret Circus  Mario Lorenz is producer of all Dickens entertainment and entertains children of all ages. He is the founder of "Mr. Mario's Secret Circus." The versatile wit and comic interplay of Mario Lorenz mesmerizes audiences everywhere. He responds to all situations by creating improvised call-backs on the spot. From falling on a cello for the Atlanta Symphony, to being a finalist in the Captain Kangaroo competition, to producing tent shows throughout the United States, he has traveled nationwide and entertained audiences in comedy and country clubs, festivals and fairs as well as for major corporate events. Mario has appeared on "Northern Exposure" and "America's Funniest People". He has also entertained audiences for 1996 Olympic Games, Seattle Symphony and even Gophercount in Viola, Minnesota. His humor truly levitates an audience to an experience of joy and exhilaration.

Stadium High School Jazz Band  David Mulkins and the Stadium Jazz Band our a returning favorite.

The Revels  Revels celebrates the seasons and cycles of human life through the arts, the songs and dances, and the stories from traditional cultures. Audiences recognize the events, desires, and dilemmas from another place and time as their own. Spring Sing hails the renewal of life and color. Summers Day Revels glories in abundance. River Sing marks cooler, darker days. The Christmas Revels welcomes the return of the light.

Drama Dock Presents: "In the Convent" from Nun Crackers  The Nunsense Christmas Musical, NUNCRACKERS, is presented as the first TV special taped in the Cable Access Studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement. It stars the nuns you love, plus Father Virgil, and four of Mount Saint Helen's most talented students. Featuring all new songs including Twelve Days Prior to Christmas, Santa Ain't Comin' to Our House, We Three Kings of Orient Are Us and It's Better to Give than to Receive, this show is filled with typical NUNSENSE humor, some of your favorite carols, and a "Secret Santa" audience participation.

Queens Stage
Jasson Lee Middel School Strings  Director Patty Ronhovde of the Jason Lee Middle School Orchestra program brings two string ensembles from her school. All Jason Lee Students have the opportunity to take orchestra in grades 5-8 if they choose. This year we have two of the Jason Lee groups one being advanced and the other is a beginners group

Louis The Magician  Louis Foxx, magician and comic extraordinaire like Charles Dickens often entertaines family and friends with his magic tricks. Foxx's  very fresh material keeps the kids giggling and the adults laughing throughout. "I highly recommend your show to any other who is looking to book you as a part of their event." - Laurie Rose, Cultural Arts Manager, City of Auburn

Kaimiola's Polynesian Dance A Polynesian Christmas will be brought you by these graceful dancers. This group consist of  professional woman who enjoy the dance and Polynesian culture. They will be joined by their younger dancers to bring you the meaning of Christmas in their tradition.

Kings Stage

Fireside Storytelling League of Tacoma  Fireside Storytelling League of Tacoma, Washington is a service organization comprised of both men and women who are interested in the Art of Storytelling.  Chartered in 1952, Fireside is one of eighteen chapters of the National Story League. Membership in the Adult League is open to any individual over the age of eighteen who is interested in storytelling. Membership in a Junior League is open to those under age eighteen.  We are a community resource for training storytellers.
Cindy Arnold - Live Paint  Cindy Arnold is a professional actress who has performed throughout Europe. She owns the company Live Paint LLC, A multicultural theatrical art company for children. Live Paint was created in New York City and has traveled throughout Asia and the United States. Their Web site is Livepaint4kids.com.

Clay Martin's Puppet Theater  One of the finest puppeteers in the Pacific NW Clay Martin's Puppet Theater will perform THE PUNCH & JUDY SHOW. From its origins, over 350 years ago The Punch & Judy Show has become the most popular puppet show of all time and the longest-running show in the English language.  Hours of research and study have gone into making this production "....every bit as clever and good as seen on the streets of London."  Of special interest is the use of the "swazzle," an ancient and secret device used to create Mr Punch's distinctive voice.  This most subversive of plays is a treat for all ages and a fascinating chapter from the history of theater.


Tacoma Revels
Tacoma Revels
Clay Martin's Punch & Judy
Clay Martin's Punch & Judy
The Dickens Carolers
Roving and Street Performers

The Dickens Carolers
  Adorned in elegant Victorian dress, each a cappella quartet consists of two ladies in luxurious velvet and two gentlemen wearing handsome tailcoats and top hats. Your holiday favorites, both ... traditional and contemporary, are sung in beautiful four-part harmony. The sights and sounds of The Dickens Carolers are indeed a holiday treat.

Fort Lewis Skies Unlimited Theatre Program: This year students from the Fort Lewis Skies unlimited theatre program will be joining the Dickens Festival. The theatre students rehearsed how to speak in an English accent and created a character to perform as they rove among audience members and help with a craft project.

The Nutcracker, Jo Emery's Tacoma Performing Ballet Company  Costumed members of the cast of The Stadium Nutcracker will provide roving entertainment throughout Business District.

Lady Donna
Our Victorian Seer is Donna Seebo, international talk show host, award winning author and psychic who will do mini-consultations for 5 or 10 minutes on a fee basis.  She will be at King's Books from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Miss Havisham  played by Lenny Granger is a Dickens favorite. Where is her bridegroom? That's the mystery. Everyone tries to help.

Bob and the Cratchitts  This trio will play some of you Christmas favorites. Saxophone, clairinet and percussion.

Belle  Did you know Ebeneezer Scrooge almost got married?  Meet his fiance, Belle, who broke off their engagement because of his change of heart and greed.

Alex Kowalcyk - The Pike Place Juggler   entertains with juggling and stiltwalking.

Susan Johnson plays the Hammer Dulcimer. Come experience the magic of one the world's most ancient musical instruments. 

First Creek Middle School Carolers   Under the direction of Ms Kristin Oliver returns again for the 6th Dickens Festival and has been here every year of the Festival. They are composed of 6th 7th and 8th Grade Students that love to sing.  We really appreciate the participation of the First Creek Middle School Caroler and director Kristin Oliver.

Jason Lee Middle School
  Director Patty Ronhovde of the Jason Lee Middle School Orchestra program brings two string ensembles from her school. All Jason Lee Students have the opportunity to take orchestra in grades 5-8 if they choose. This year we have two of the Jason Lee groups one being advanced and the other is a beginners group

Deanna Riley with her Victorian hoops is the Owner of Humble Creations.  She invented a unique and original design of Collapsable Happy Hoop hula hoops. That started the company. Since then, She branched out into running a entertainment troop. Deanna's particular performance in the troop involves Art, Beauty,and skillful grace of Dance while she weaves the danger of fire around her body. This Death-defyingly Beautiful spectacle  captures the eyes gaze, while keeping you in a state of wonderment as she wields: Fire Poi, Umbrella, Bull Whip, Fire Snakes.  And just when you thought it couldn't get any more Zany, Then she starts Eating and Blowing fire, and when she smile while taking a bow; there is not a patron in the crowd.  This is a Spectacle not to be missed.

Jarrid Thompson  Jarrid Thompson has been a professional freelance dancer for 10 years. He has done a plethora of church, community, and professional modern dance shows. He picked up Stilt walking last year and gladly took a job as a steady Stilt Walker for Humble Creations. Jared is ready to Wow you with his smooth character and lightining dance move.  When you're ready to get your party started; Jared is your man.  And when he's Not as the Fish house getting his signature sandwich, a Catfish sandwich with no cheese and Extra onions, you can find Jared Playing drums For CME Church in Good Ol' Tacoma Wa..  
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Neil Bonney  Neil Bonney is a laugh a minute professional Jester/Juggler.  He started his career at an early age in the local Bonnie lake area.  His High Jinx brand of Juggling gives you the impression like he's about ready to lose control, but don't let the ruse fool you; He has it totally under control.  As the Fire wizzes by his head he manages to pull through yet another exciting performance with his Burn-Defying fire pins; Bringing the oooos and ahhh's as he pulls off his tricks that no one thought possible.   He also hangs his hat At Humble Creation and is eager to   push the bounderies provided the crowd blockade is a safe enough distance away.

Shelly Magnusen duo  Shelley Magnussen is a seasoned musician who with her husband Paul will be performing at this years Dickens Festival. She has performed at churches, weddings, Nursing Homes, and done caroling throughout the Tacoma area. We look forward to having her perform her music at this years Dickens Festival at Stadium

Adam Brock
plays the town crier

Cathy Marcotte, Fire Dancer  with her drummers.



Alex Kowalcyk
Alex Kowalcyk
Deanna Riley
Deanna Riley
Artists & Booths

Thy Likeness for a Shilling' Tacoma artist Mike Figueroa  Quite in the same manner as that of a caricature artist, Mike will make a Victorian-themed character out of you using authentic costumes & accessories, then create a hand-drawn portrait made of the shadow you cast! Save your image for posterity with a delightful keepsake. Up to three people can be in a single portrait.

From start to finish, a portrait will take between 2 and 5 minutes to complete. Customers (if not already in Victorian costume) may choose from a number of props & costume items to create a memorable themed character for their portrait.

Tacoma Public Library   Two librarians will be with us at the Dickens Festival   and they are  Cheryl Towne and Catalyst Cook Tacoma Public Library will have the opportunity to Get your very own library card,  learn about upcoming programs for kids and families and you will have the opportunity to pick up a Tacoma Public Library  Coloring Book at the booth for more info on our Library system go to www.tacomapublic.org They will be located at the Main Stage.

Kathleen Worthington
  Kathleen Worthington will be showing her work she does amazing landscapes and portraits in graphite and watercolor. See her at the Main Stage.

Community Produce
  Community Produce  Is a Startup community fresh produce company created by Deanna Riley of Humble Creations, and TW Smith of Renagade Bikes.  We are a very community inspired company with a weekly residential delivery service of produce boxes that are $10 dollars.  We also have Produce stands, two and counting, in local Tacoma neighborhoods.  We are simple people with a simple plan; provide great produce locally and pass that savings along to Everyone  in these hard times.  We also service commercial accounts too.  CPC are proud to be a local company that not only provides job opportunities in this down economy, but we are also in the process of applying for our 501C3 status. (Non-profit organization)  This will allow Community Produce the ability to donate produce to all the local food banks.  That way, no one in Tacoma ever has to go hungry.  We are an ambitious group  working hard in Tacoma; to Make this city the best it can be! 

Last Meal Catering
  Serving Dickens Dogs, Nifty Noel Nachos, Christmas Chili, and Havishams Hot Links.

District 32 Toastmasters  Become a Better Speaker. Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to effectively express yourself in any situation. By learning to formulate and convey your ideas, you open a new world of possibilities. You will be more persuasive and confident when giving presentations and you will improve your one-on-one dealings with others. Learn about Toastmasters from the Tacoma Toastmaster International District 32. Visit their booth at Kings Books.

Stand Up for Kids
  At Kings Books learn more about Stand Up For Kids  a 501(c)(3) founded in Atlanta,GA in 1990 to help rescue homeless and at-risk youth. Its Tacoma chapter is run almost entirely by volunteers. Homeless teens are located and directed to social service programs serving their needs for housing, health services, job training, and food coupons.

United for Peace and Justice
   "United for Peace of Pierce County, WA - We nonviolently oppose the reliance on unilateral military actions rather than cooperative diplomacy." Learn more about this movement at their booth at Kings Books

Lynne Farren   inspired by the design and inventiveness of Mexican art and architecture Lynne makes mixed-media art with paint,paper,glue,and found materials. She has been making art for as long as she can remember and works in a studio in downtown Tacoma.


Moonrise - A sample of Mike Figueroa's work
Moonrise - A sample of Mike Figueroa's work
Stand up for Kids at the Dickens Festival
Stand up for Kids at the Dickens Festival
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 If you are interested in becoming a Friend of Dickens, and helping at the event please email: info@dickensfestival.net