OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS


ARMS AND THE MAN

Opening. Famous play by George Bernard Shaw. You should remember it from junior high school. Intiman Playhouse, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. $27-$42. Tues-Thurs and Sun at 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat at 8 pm; Sat-Sun at 2 pm. Through June 8.


UN BALLO IN MASCHERA

Or, A Masked Ball. A Verdi opera. Three hours, 15 minutes long. Seattle Opera at Mercer Arts Arena, Seattle Center, 389-7676. $35-$107. All performances at 7:30 pm. May 10, 11, 15, 17, and 18.


CALIFORNIA SUITE

Eat, and watch Neil Simon. There is a circle in hell just like this. RipTide Dinner Theatre at ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-9793. $26 (includes dinner and dessert). Fri-Sat at 8 pm (dinner at 7 pm) and Sun May 19 and 26 at 8 pm. Through June 1.


THE FOOD CHAIN

Closing. Another Nicky Silver play. I guess someone out there really thinks Nicky Silver is great. Straight-Edge Theatrics & TMCWorks at Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 632-9800. $12 general, $10 student/seniors. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Through May 11.


FULLY COMMITTED

Solo show about an unemployed actor taking reservations for an ultra-chic restaurant. Now with David Scully. "Though there are some laughs, the script is bland and mechanical--the theatrical equivalent of a bag of potato chips." (Bret Fetzer) ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $24.50-$29.50. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Open run.


GILGAMESH, IOWA

This week only. The latest play by Scot Augustson, directed by Keri Healey, in a two-night benefit performance with a reception afterward. Seattle Fringe Theatre Productions at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 342-9172. $20. Fri-Sat May 10-11 at 8 pm.


GUYS AND DOLLS

Closing. The gangster musical, starring Maurice Hines, whose bio doesn't mention his more famous brother by name. The Paramount Theatre, Ninth & Pine, 292-2787. $20-$56. Tues-Sat at 8 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm, Sun at 7:30 pm. Through May 12.


HOLES

Young boy unjustly sentenced to hard labor; sneaky warden has a secret agenda. Seattle Children's Theatre, 201 Thomas St, Seattle Center, 442-3322. $21.50-$24.50 adults, $14.50-$17.50 for kids/seniors. Fri at 7 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 & 5:30 pm. Through June 23.


I (HEART) KANT

Not quite as pretentious as it sounds. The lives of four New Jersey women intertwine. Back Pocket Theatre at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 709-2369. $12 (Thurs pay-what-you-can). Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through May 25.


THE KILLING OF SISTER GEORGE

Opening. A 1967 play by Frank Marcus, directed by Maureen Moran. A Theatre Under the Influence at Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 325-6500 or 720-1942. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through June 8.


LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

The musical about a carnivorous plant. Civic Light Opera at the Jane Adams Auditorium, 11051 34th Ave NE, 363-2809. $17-$25. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2:30 pm. Through May 18.


MARISOL

Closing. Apocalyptic magical realism about a young woman who's lost her guardian angel. UW Ethnic Cultural Theatre, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 543-4635. $12 Fri-Sat, $8 Thurs/Sun. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through May 12.


MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA

Reviewed this issue. Eugene O'Neill's interpretation of the Oresteia. Ezra! Stay out of the bath! ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $32.50-$44 ($10 for anyone 21 and under). Tues-Thurs and Sun at 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat at 8 pm, assorted matinees at 2 pm (call for details). Through May 19.


OBON: TALES OF RAIN AND MOONLIGHT

Closing. Ping Chong's mélange of puppets, music, and live actors, based on Japanese ghost stories. "As a delicate puppet dragonfly wafted to and fro, I was delighted.... Unfortunately, the storytelling is not as capable [as the puppetry]." (Bret Fetzer) Seattle Repertory Theatre, Second & Mercer, 443-2222. $15-$44. Tues-Sun at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm. Through May 15.


ROMEO & JULIET

Shakespeare's moony teens are cast with age-appropriate actors, which could be great... or not. Seattle Public Theatre at the Bathhouse Theatre, 7312 W Green Lake Dr N, 325-6500. $12 general, $8 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through May 26.


RUMORS

Opening. Neil Simon without dinner (see California Suite). ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-9793. $10-$22. Weds-Thurs 7:30 pm (no show Wed May 15); Fri-Sat 8 pm; matinees May 18, 26, and June 1 at 3 pm. Through June 1.


SEE ME NAKED

Opening. A one-woman show about (and featuring) nudity by Maria Glanz. Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. $12, or $20 for special benefit show (with music by Saeta) Sat May 11. Thurs-Sat 8 pm. Through May 18.


* SLOW CHILDREN

Something to do with doughnut-eating cops and glam-metal rockers. "A twisted love triangle that only gets funnier the more it tangles--not unlike the clawed bangs of a true glam metal survivor." (Jennifer Maerz) Bald Faced Lie at Re-bar, 1114 Howell St (at Boren), 323-0388. $12-$15. Fri-Sun at 8 pm. Through May 25.


SONG OF SONGS

Reviewed this issue. The Biblical story of Solomon, mixed with a little Dante and a little Pablo Neruda. Akropolis Performance Lab at Theatre 4, 4th floor, Seattle Center House, Seattle Center. $10 general, $8 students. Fri-Sat at 7 & 9 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through May 19.


TEATRO ZINZANNI: DINNER & DREAMS

The most expensive dinner theater of all time--three hours of gluttony, lust, and eye candy. Featuring the effervescent yet earthy Kevin Kent. Teatro ZinZanni, Sixth & Battery, 805-0015. $89 Wed-Fri & Sun, $99 Sat (includes dinner, but not beverages or gratuity). Wed-Sat at 6:30 pm, Sun at 5:30 pm. Open run.


TEXTS FOR NOTHING

Bill Irwin returns with a staging of Samuel Beckett's prose. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Second & Mercer, 443-2222. $15-$44. Tues-Sun at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm. Through May 26.


* VERA WILDE

The creative team of Chris Jeffries and Allison Narver (responsible for The Fatty Arbuckle Spookhouse Revue and I See London, I See France) tackles Oscar Wilde and Russian political activist Vera Zasulich. "Jeffries' score mixes Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's Threepenny Opera, Tin Pan Alley, kick lines, and pop opera shot through with mordant wit.... Each of the actors is distinctive and rangy with flexible voices and dance moves to match." (Nate Lippens). The Empty Space, 3509 Fremont Ave N, 547-7500. $20-$30. Tues-Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm, Sun at 7 pm. Through May 18.


VERBATIM

Reviewed this issue. A documentary theater piece about working in Seattle. Annex Theatre at Northwest Asian American Theatre (formerly Theater Off Jackson), 409 Seventh Ave S, 728-0933. $12 general, $7 students. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 4 pm. Through May 19.


THE WINDHORSE

Closing. An epic comedy about Genghis Khan. "The sincere commitment of the mostly young cast and the ambition of the production are admirable--so it's frustrating that Shunpike's reach so exceeds their grasp. Something more modest, with a little less audience discomfort, would be a wise next step." (Bret Fetzer) The Shunpike Arts Collective at Sand Point Naval Base, bldg. 67, room 110, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 795-4388. $10. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Sat at 2 pm. Through May 11.


WOMAN, MONKEY AND KABUKI JOE

Opening. The early history of Seattle's Japanese American community, told as a kind of ghost story. By Byron Au Yong and a raft of collaborators. Northwest Asian American Theatre at Nippon Kan Theatre, 628 S Washington, 340-1049. $15. Fri-Sat at 8 pm; Sun at 2 pm. Through May 19.


DANCE


5000 SOULS

Opening. A collaboration with composer Jeff Greinke, video artist Scott Johnson, and martial artist Restita De Jesus. Dappin' Butoh at Chamber Theater, 915 E Pine St, 526-5756. $14. May 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 8 pm.


AND THERE WAS CONCRETE SKIN FOR YOUR FACE

See listing in Visual Art Calendar.


BARE BONES BENEFIT

This week only. Performance, with silent auction and reception, to benefit the Seattle Festival of Alternative Dance and Improvisation. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 686-SFAD. $10-$15 suggested donation. Mon May 13 at 7 pm; silent auction at 8 pm.


CARAVANE

This week only. Dancers led by tap artist Tamango in the New Performance Series finale. Urban Tap at On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $22-$24. Thurs-Sun May 9-12 at 8 pm.


GUEST ARTIST SERIES

This week only. Seattle dancers join New York-based nicholasleichterdance. Velocity MainSpace, 915 E Pine St, 325-8773 ext. 2. $12-$14. Fri-Sat May 10-11 at 8 pm.


KALEIDOSCOPE IN CONCERT

This week only. The oldest modern dance company in Seattle is, apparently, made up of kids between the ages of 8 and 16. Here they are, directed by Anne Green Gilbert. Kaleidoscope Dance Company at Broadway Performance Hall, Broadway & Pine, 325-6500. $12. Fri May 10 at 7:30 pm; Sat May 11 at 2 and 7:30 pm; Sun May 12 at 3:30 pm.


KEUR FOUTA

This week only. West African dance. Seattle Art Museum, 100 University St, 654-3255. $15-$20. Sat May 11 at 7:30 pm.


SEATTLE TANGO MARATHON

This week only. Classes and performance with Argentinean and local dancers. Various events and locations; for more information go to www.geocities.com/tangomarathon. Events are $5-$15. Fri-Sun May 10-12.


FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY


CLOWN CHAOS

Burning clowns. Cirque de Flambé at COHO/NOMS School, North Playground, 1818 NW 65th, no reservations. $15 general (includes parking), $10 students, children under 12 free. Fri-Sat at 9 pm. Through May 18.

IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE

Like Shakespeare, but made up. The new trend in improv. Unexpected Productions at Market Theatre, Post Alley (you know, down below the pig), 781-9273. $10. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Open run.


JUDY & LIZA: A TRIBUTE

Exactly what you think it is, with Ann Evans and Katie Tomlinson. Crêpe de Paris, 1333 Fifth Ave, 2nd floor, 623-4111. $18 (show only) or $45 (dinner and show). Thurs at 8 pm, Fri-Sat at 8:30 pm. Through June 1.


MOTHER, MAY I?

This week only. Improv based on your family stories; Mom gets in free to watch the resulting carnage. Playback Theater NW at the Phinney Ridge Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N, 2nd floor, 726-1415. $10 (if you're not a mother). Fri May 10 at 8 pm.


RAMPANT

This week only. A series of works from the popular "physical theater" ensemble. UMO Ensemble at Freehold Studio/Theatre Lab, 1525 10th Ave, 463-2128. $12-$15. Wed-Sun May 8-12 at 8 pm.


SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL

Opening. Hyperactive performance from all over the world--drums, puppets, and the like. Seattle Center, 325-6500. $7-$12. Opens May 13, with performances pretty much all day; for schedule information go to www.seattleinternational.org. Through May 18.


VERSE AND REFRAIN, REPRISE

This week only. A new series in a new performance space, with song, poetry, and other, less-definable stuff. This week with Jo Miller, Nova Devonie, Corey Kaiser, Rebecca Brown, Anna Mockler, and Doug Nufer. Capitol Hill Café, 216 Broadway E, 324-6379. $5 suggested donation. Thurs May 9 at 8 pm.


WOMEN PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL

This week only. Four works-in-progress, presented in partnership with the Hedgebrook writers' retreat. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $8 per performance, or $25 for all four. Thurs May 9 at 7:30 pm (Slow Fast Walking on the Red Eye by Caridad Svich); Fri May 10 at 8 pm (One Woman, One Child by Leanna Brodie); Sat May 11 at 2 pm (Katzman and the Mayor by Jessica Goldberg); and Sat May 11 at 8 pm (Wait! by Julie Jensen).


LATE NIGHT


ARNALDO!

Drag chanteuse Arnaldo sings songs from the Judy Garland songbook. You can't get more gay. Thumper's, 15th & Madison, 328-3800. $12. Fri-Sat at 10 pm. Through June 1.


COMEDY COURT

Improv in a legal setting. Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 442-2044. $10 general, $7 students. Sat at 10:30 pm. Through May 25.


* ESCURIAL

Closing. A sick king bickers with his jester. "A very relaxing and intimate night of good theater.... If you go for deeper, darker, more cerebral fare, Escurial is exactly what you're looking for." (Adrian Ryan) Hoi Polloi Productions at Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike, 3rd floor, 324-6328. $10. Thurs-Sat at 10 pm. Through May 11.


PINE NUTS

Opening. Sketch comedy about Pine Street, including what promises to be a HILARIOUS parody of a Stranger editorial meeting. Outcast Productions at Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 325-6500. $10. Fri-Sat at 11 pm. Through May 25.


LONG RUNS

CABARET: THE ResERECTION at Coffee Messiah, 861-8233.

JET CITY IMPROV at ArtsWest, 938-0339; at the Ethnic Cultural Theater, 781-3879.

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM from Seattle Theatre Project at ACT Theatre, 292-7676.

MYSTERIAN at Illusionz Magical Entertainment Center, Issaquah, 425-427-2444.

QUEER AS A THREE-DOLLAR BILL at the Comedy Underground, 800-992-8499.

THEATERSPORTS at the Market Theater, 781-9273.