Rock Theater originators, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), will be performing their larger-than-life Christmas show in Seattle at Key Arena in two performances this Saturday. The annual holiday show highlights the theater troupe’s unique combination of story-telling, expert musicianship and outstanding production. TSO will rock 120 US markets this holiday season with its two troupes, performing the timeless classic Christmas Eve and Other Stories in its entirety, followed by excerpts from the future Rock Theater installment, Gutter Ballet and the New York Blues Express. The latter will be showcased in its entirety this February, when TSO will unleash its spring tour with Beethoven’s Last Night, bringing the music and the story of the celebrated composer’s battle for his eternal soul. Bring earplugs—this is not Handel’s Messiah!

Formerly known as primarily a holiday touring act, the group has expanded to a year-round touring schedule, performing what producer Paul O’Neill has dubbed “Rock Theater”. A new PBS documentary, The Birth of Rock Theater, focuses on O’Neill’s vision. Featuring live performances from Beethoven’s Last Night, as well as music from their most recent album Night Castle, which debuted at the fifth position on the Billboard charts, the documentary will debut on PBS channels in 2012.