The Stranger

Last week's glory was marred only by the freakish passage of California's Proposition 8, which seeks to revoke the marriage rights of the state's same-sex couples. But the outpouring of outrage that's greeted the hateful legislation (since when does the majority get to vote on the rights of a minority?) has been an awesome consolation prize, proving that marriage equality has made the leap from fringe obsession to American civil rights issue. Today, Seattle makes its feelings on the issue known. (Rally at noon in Volunteer Park, march to Westlake Center at 1 pm, rally at Westlake Center at 2 pm. Info and updates at www.jointheimpact.wetpaint.com.) by David Schmader

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The subject matter of Steven Dietz's wonderful new comedy—long-term marriage, midlife stasis, cars—could hardly be more middlebrow. But out of these mundane bits Dietz spins a rich, surprising, emotionally gratifying tale that'll crack your shit up (and should get Dietz on the Pulitzer short list). Aiding things immeasurably: an exemplary cast led by the brilliant Kimberly King and Charles Leggett, who, among many other accomplishments, create one of the most realistic families you'll ever see onstage. (ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. 2 pm, $40. Through Nov 16.) by David Schmader

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Let's not mince words: Couch is the most exciting, original debut novel to be released this fall. Benjamin Parzybok, a Portland writer and web designer, has written a book about one of the most annoying, uninteresting scenarios you can imagine—three apathetic young men moving an unwanted couch—and somehow turned it into a globe-spanning fantasy epic. Through all the battles with gun-toting villains and shark attacks, Couch tells a story of heroism and valor and outrageous acts, and somehow makes it all believable and touching. (Elliott Bay Book Company, 101 S Main St, 624-6600. 7:30 pm, free.) by Paul Constant

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Forget about Twilight. The best vampire movie of the season is this Swedish film about two alienated 12-year-olds falling in love. Let the Right One In is in many ways a classic vampire story—with outraged villagers and menacing late-night visits—but in other ways, you've never seen a love story quite like this. The slowly building terror and the weird sexuality on display make the movie a convincing analogy for the horror of becoming an adolescent. (Varsity, 4329 University Way NE, 781-5755. See movie times, www.thestranger .com, for details, $7.) by Paul Constant

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In support of their brilliantly bizarre new album, Skeletal Lamping, Of Montreal are touring with the most ornate, out-of-this-world indie-rock show this side of the Flaming Lips (and with better songs, too!). At an early tour stop in NYC, the show included: centaurs, satyrs, people in animal masks, simulated nudes, giant roller skates, an evil pope, a sexy nun, some amorphous gold idols, a saloon brawl, a paramilitary raid, a hanging, a resurrection, and a live motherfucking horse. Expect to see more or less everything except the horse. (Showbox Sodo, 1700 First Ave S, 628-0888. 8 pm, $20, all ages.) by Eric Grandy

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Because incarceration is one of the most interesting things ever, I am slightly obsessed with Lock-up on MSNBC, a medium-exploitative documentary series about the scary U.S. prison system. The film Septembers is also about prison, but it's about Spanish prison, which means it is toootally caliente! The Spanish prisoners fall in love (coed prison), get married, wear fancy outfits, eat prison wedding cake, sunbathe, sometimes cry, and sing lonely, sad songs to people on the outside. Because, yes: Prison is sad. But next time I commit a crime, I'm doing it in Spain. (Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, 829-7863. 9 pm, $9.) by Lindy West

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