FOR LORNE • Annex THE HABIT • Annex OF ME I SING, BABY! • Re-bar THE PILLOW TALKS • A Theater Near You TANGO DREAMS • Broadway Performance Hall

ONE WEEK ONLY

HARMONIC ANTENNA • On The Boards INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCE • Seattle Public Theater

THE LITTLE FREIDA MYSTERIES • The Talent Family

CLOSING THIS WEEK

HELIUM • On the Boards LAKEBOAT • Northwest Actors Studio

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA--"The Complete History of America is billed as a 'completely unhinged, completely skewed, and completely hilarious' chronology of American events, beginning with Columbus' voyage and leading up to the present state of the union. What this really amounts to is a lot of wacky sketch comedy. With such a wealth of information to draw upon, and such a powerfully talented cast--Burton Curtis, Jonathan Hochberg, and Jeffrey Treadwell--I expected more. Maybe in the end American history just isn't that funny, no matter how many dick jokes and drag queens you toss in." (Adrian Ryan) Empty Space Theater, 3509 Fremont Ave N, 547-7500. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2, through July 3. $16-$25.

EVERYTHING IN THE GARDEN--It's 1967 suburbia, and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Edward Albee has his finger on the slow, well-manicured pulse of America. Money drives the drama in this least-known of his plays, directed by Craig Bradshaw. Union Garage Performance Space, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8, through July 3. $10. See review in this issue.

FOR LORNE--Playwright Ed Hawkins, "veteran of re- invention," serves up a pastiche of TV transcripts and original dialogue centered around Bewitched's Marion "Aunt Clara" Lorne. A twitch of magic brings a modern youth into this fairy-tale world, and media morality results. Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through July 17. $10.

*GOBLIN MARKET--Two sisters relive their youth in this ghostly adaptation of a 19th-century poem by Christina Rossetti. Directed by Nikki Appino, with ethereal sets by Dan Corson. The Falls Theater at ACT, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, some matinees, through July 4. $10-$40. See review this issue.

HELIUM--"Matt Smith uses his improvisatory style (he's a TheatreSports and Almost Live veteran) to relate his humorous amorous experiences as a young man living in Japan. The material is overflowing with pokes at the hubris behind Western myths and stereotypes, but Smith never responds to any subtextual tug. Helium is too good-natured to be offensive, certainly, but it begs questions about intimacy and cultural differences that should be answered, and are not." (Steve Wiecking) On The Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Thurs-Sun at 8, through Sun June 20. $10/$12.

JEFFREY--"Gemini Productions' version of Paul Rudnick's award-winning Jeffrey makes for thin theatergoing indeed. Aside from a criminal lack of staging (there was literally no set) and amateurish directorial choices, the most disgruntling flamesaw in this production lies in its obvious miscasting. With the lead's decided lack of energy and comic timing, much of the script's rapid-fire repartee is lost, and Jeffrey's wrenching struggle between passion and fear is tepid at best." (Adrian Ryan) Chamber Theater, Oddfellows Hall, Fourth Flr. Fri-Sun at 8, through June 27. $12.50.

LAKEBOAT--"Deadly dull at times, the Northwest Actors Studio's production of David Mamet's Lakeboat flamesoats on its own banality, drawing the audience into the characters' tedious world of mops and engine rooms, curses from the impetuous mate, and ever-present cigarettes, evoking an occasional laugh. In the end, the script steals the show, making the overall effect more like an off-book reading than a bona-fide performance." (Brendan Kiley) Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through Sat June 19. $10/$8.

THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO--By the author of Driving Miss Daisy, another heart-warming commentary on social hierarchy, this time set in 1939 debutante Atlanta. A wealthy Jewish family questions their heritage as their country prepares for war. Intiman Theater, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Sun, Tues, Wed at 7, Thurs-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2, through July 10. $10-$39.

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM--And the nun goes on. Somebody really likes cute Catholics. This is an evening of audience participation and interactive improv theater: think Sister Windy crossed with Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You. ACT, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, extended for eternity. $24.50-$29.50.

THE LITTLE FREIDA MYSTERIES--See Calendar Box. Moore Theater, 1932 Second Ave, 292-ARTS, Tues-Sun at 8, this week only. $20.

THE MISS FIRECRACKER CONTEST--Moonlight Theater Company presents Beth Henley's sparkly comedy, in which the orphan Carnelle (Natalie Symons) decides her only way out of a small town past is to win a beauty pageant. Book-It Repertory Theater, 1219 Westlake N, 3rd Floor, 367-2174. Thurs-Sat at 8 through June 26. $12.

MONTANA MOOSE, A FABLE OF THE MODERN AMERICAN WEST--Local playwright John Moe spars with nature in this comical tale of a small-town newspaper editor who is transformed by a camping trip. Directed by Andy Jensen (Zombie Temps from Outer Space). Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, some Sun matinees, through June 26. $12.

OF ME I SING, BABY!--Tom Orr is the clever-as-a-fox, nasty-as-a-porn-star lyricist behind last year's super-smash parody musical, Dirty Little Showtunes!. Now he goes it alone in this one-man musical revue that claims to take artistic self-absorption to new heights. Re-Bar, 1114 Howell (at Boren), 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8, open-ended run. $12/$10.

ON THE OPEN ROAD--A stark future is the setting for Oscar-winning author Steve Tesich's controversial dark drama, presented by the Repertory Actors Theater. The New York Post says it's "Exciting!" Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 364-3283. Thurs-Sat at 8, through June 27. $20. See review this issue.

THE PILLOW TALKS--Two relationship-oriented plays cap off a night of sex and farce at the Parlour Room. You Said It is Larry Coffin's exploration of what asses men can become; Dreamtrain is Chris Mathews' split-screen view of desire. The Parlour Room, 163 S Jackson St, Third Flr, 367-7705. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 4, Mon at 8, through June 28. $8.

*POONA THE FUCKDOG--"Poona reinvents every social cliché as if it were a naughty and very funny joke told by an intelligent kindergartner. It is smart, bold, and insightful, poignant without being preachy, and meaningful without being sappy. Written by Jeff Goode and directed by Basil Harris, Poona the Fuckdog is two hours of theater magic that will go down in infamy." (Adrian Ryan) Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. Thurs-Sat at 8, extended through Sat June 19. $10/$12. Extended through July 17.

TROUBLE IN THE CITY OF DESIRE--"Mary Ewald, playing a frazzled professor and mother named Lucy, is tempted and tormented by her licentious daughter Franci (Elizabeth Kenny), and an Annie Sprinkle-like spirit in a bustier named BB (Ki Gottberg). The pair want Lucy to be a modern superwoman, but she can barely balance her work and home. Clothes and accessories drop on lines from the ceiling, relating to various life choices Lucy could have made. Plates rattle on the walls. Franci shows up in a wedding dress covered with menstrual blood. Taken alone, many of these bits are wonderful to watch, but added together they sound and look like formula: off-the-rack components for DIY contemporary performance." (Eric Fredericksen) Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 328-4683. Thurs-Sat at 8, through June 26. $15.

FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY

BRAIDED TALES--Hair and all its implications weave the tangled themes of improv experts Unexpected Productions' newest production. Market Theater, Post Alley (Pike Place Market), 781-9273. Fri-Sat at 8, through June 26. $10.

*THE DONK SISTERS--Travel from frills to feminism with three country gals. Karen Kay Cody, Bobbi Kotula, and Vickielee Wohlbach reprise their roles as the Donk Sisters, honky-tonking their way through favorites such as "Listen to a Country Song," and "Harper Valley PTA" in the Cabaret de Paris dinner show. Crepe de Paris Restaurant, 1333 Fifth Ave at Union (Rainier Square), 623-4111. Thurs at 8, Fri-Sat at 8:30, through June 26. $40/$16.

HALF & HALF--Improv that really cuts up--presenting two mismatched halves of plays, shoved obstinately together. Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Wed at 8 through June 30. $5.

HARMONIC ANTENNA--Four distinct musical voices--David Hykes, Trey Gunn, Bill Rieflin, and Greg Gilmore--acrobat through octaves, combining harmonic singing with touch guitar with synthetic percussion. On The Boards, 100 W Roy, 217-9888. Fri-Sat June 19 & 20 only, at 8. $15.

INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCE--The monthly Theater of Liberation studio series takes up themes to illuminate social discourse. This month's theme is "Interactive Performance." Seattle Public Theater, 915 E Pine St, Fourth Flr, 328-4848. Fri at 8, Fri June 18 only. Donation.

JULIE CASCIOPPO EXPERIENCE--Songs and characters you may grow to love. The Pink Door, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11. No cover.

THE PROM REUNION--The folks at Richard (Dick) Ultimate High School have decided to restage their 1970s prom, and you can be a part of it. Interactive theater in the style of Tony & Tina's Wedding, food included. Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Center, Community Hall, Lower Level, 6532 Phinney Ave N, 628-0888. Sat at 6:30, through the end of summer. $55/$45.

ROBIN HOOD--A comic operetta with dubious ethics but all-out romance, reprised by the New Savoy Opera. Bastyr University, St. Edward's State Park, 526-4969. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 3, through June 26. $10-$14.

*TEATRO ZINZANNI--Three hours of fancy food and thrilling spectacle from the world over, presented in an antique European dance hall imported from Belgium for the occasion. Worth the price just to watch local wonder Kevin Kent work his jaw-dropping magic on crowds who've never set foot in a fringe theater. Seattle Center, 222 Mercer St, 281-7788 ext 700 or 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 6:30, extended through July 18. $88.

DANCE

TANGO DREAMS--The Argentine tango in its political context is performed alongside adaptations set to jazz and rock. Dancers El Indio and Mariana from Buenos Aries are featured. Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, 522-6524. Wed-Sun at 8, June 23-27. $10/$12.

LATE NIGHT

THE A.M. CABARET--Amoral entertainment for insomniacs; promising naked poetry, music, strippers, and drag queens. You may think you're dreaming. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 860-7377. Sat from 2-4 am. $5.

THE HABIT--Addictive sketch comedy that mainlines musical oddities and parodies of commercials, fresh from the Fringe Festival. Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Fri-Sat at 11, except July 2, through July 16. $5.

JET CITY IMPROV--Improv comedy and music based on audience suggestions. Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 781-3879. Fri-Sat at 10:30.

SPIN THE BOTTLE--Annex's late-night performance is a slumgullion of juggling, dance, singing, and silhouettes, cultivated by the finely tuned Bret Fetzer. Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 729-0933. First Friday of every month. No reservations. $5.

THEATER SPORTS--Improv comedy with a competitive edge, brought to you by Unexpected Productions. Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Fri-Sat at 10:30, $9, Sun at 7, $5.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE LIVE ON STAGE--Two classic episodes, "Twenty Two" and "Time Enough at Last," bring a little surreality to your late night. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave at Pike, 324-5801. Fri-Sat at 11, through June 26. $8.

CALLS

THEATER PUGET SOUND GENERAL AUDITIONS--Applications must be postmarked by Fri June 18. Auditions to be held June 28-July 1. Send a photo, current resume, and copy of union card (if applicable) to TPS Auditions, 1111 E Madison PMB 275, Seattle WA 98122.

WOODINVILLE REPERTORY THEATER--Auditions for the comedy Bell, Book and Candle will be held on Sat June 26 from 3-10 pm. Please come prepared with two contrasting monologues. Parts for three men and two women. Honorarium. Call 425-481-8502 for appointment.