OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

PARTS OF DESIRE
Lives of Iraqi women, pre- and post-Saddam, based on 11 years of interviews conducted by playwright Heather Raffo. Starring Najla Said, daughter of the late, great Edward Said! Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. $10–$46. Thurs–Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Tues–Wed at 7:30 pm. Through April 15.

THE ADVENTURES OF PETER RABBIT
Opening. An interactive puppet show. Moonpaper Tent, 918 64th St NE, 779-4541. $4–$5. Previewing Thurs March 23 at 7 pm. Opening Fri March 24 at 7 pm. Sat at 3 pm. Through April 1.

BEL CANTO LOVE STORIES
One night only. Love duets from Rossini, Verdi, and others. Puget Sound Opera at University Unitarian Church, 6556 35th Ave NE, no reservations required. $15 suggested donation. Sun March 26 at 5 pm.

THE COMPENDIUM OF NASTINESS
Extended. "A twisted Gothic romance with Freudian undertones performed in a velvet-lined garage, including a junkie monk, a sodomy-happy she-devil, and terrorist servants." (Brendan Kiley) The Womb, tickets and directions available at 800-838-3006. $20. Sat at 8:30 pm. Through April 7.

CUT!
"Cut! is good improv—it's funny, it's smart, it's quick. But even good improv is still, you know, improv. I'd love to see what these kids could do with a little preparation." (Lindy West) Wing-It Productions at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, 352-8291. $8–$10. Thurs–Fri at 8 pm. Through April 21.

CYRANO DE BERGERAC
See review this issue. Seattle Shakespeare Company at Center House Theater, Seattle Center, 733-8222. $18–$30. Thurs–Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through April 9.

DAME EDNA: BACK WITH A VENGEANCE
"Study French or German, where there are at least a few books worth reading, or, if you're American, try English." Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, 292-2787. $33.50–$63.50. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri at 7 pm, Sat at 5 and 9 pm, Sun at 3 pm. Through March 26.

DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN
Ongoing. A mid-'90s relic about the supposed prehistoric propensities of the two sexes. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $39.50–$45. Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 3 pm. Tickets available through April 16.

THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER
"The devil had gray hair. Some fire stuff came out his hands. I didn't like him and he didn't scare me." (Ebenezer Drake-Mudede, age 9) Seattle Children's Theatre, 201 Thomas St, 441-3322. $10–$31. Fri at 7 pm, Sat–Sun at 2 and 5:30 pm. Through April 1.

DINA MARTINA
"Back to deliver more shock and awe is Seattle's one and only Dina Martina, with an all-new multimedia show. To all those still buzzing from Dina's previous Bryman commercial, I have three words: new video segments." (David Schmader) Rendezvous, 2320 Second Ave, 448-8464. $14. Fri–Sat at 8 pm. Through April 7.

DINNER & DREAMS
Ongoing. The dinner-theater extravaganza, with European-style cirque performances as garnish. Teatro ZinZanni, 2301 Sixth Ave, 802-0015. $99–$125. Wed–Sat at 6:30 pm, Sun at 5:30 pm.

EVERY TIME A BELL RINGS
A play about four couples making a radio version of It's a Wonderful Life. Written and directed by PJ Perry. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. $8–$12. Fri–Sat at 8 pm. Through April 1.

THE IKEA CYCLE: TINY DOMESTIC DRAMAS
Keri Healey's micro-dramas staged in the IKEA showrooms. Printer's Devil Theatre at IKEA, 600 SW 43rd St, Renton. Free, no reservations required. Sat and Mon at 7 pm. Through April 1.

IN THE WABE
See review this issue. Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. $12. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm. Through April 15.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Opening. A hit sequel to the lesser-known Reuben and the Dung-Stained Burlap Sack. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, 292-2787. $20–$60. Opening Tues March 28 at 7:30 pm. Wed at 7:30 pm. Through April 2.

JULES DOT COM
Final week. The Caesar story in a modern corporate context. Next Step Theater at Seattle Center House, Seattle Center, www.brownpapertickets.com. $8–$10. Thurs–Sat at 7:30 pm. Through March 25.

LATE NITE CATECHISM
Ongoing. "The real point is not the adult-catechism monologue, but the script's gaps, in which Sister Aubrey Manning dispenses tissues to cover salacious displays of flesh and kitschy prizes to reward the dumbstruck targets of her improvisations." (Annie Wagner) Cloud 9 Productions at ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $24.50–$29.50. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Tickets available through April 30.

MARVOLO THE ANTI-SMOKING MAGICIAN
Opening. "Direct from a two-week engagement at the Lion's Club in Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin!" Featuring the talents of Vince Balestri, John Longenbaugh, and others. Remember Theatre and Ursa Major Theatre at Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 323-7412. $8–$10. Previewing Thurs March 23 at 7:30 pm. Opening Fri March 24 at 7:30 pm. Sat at 7:30 pm. Through April 8.

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL™
Ongoing. "What makes this toweringly formulaic crap about dusty uteruses even moderately bearable? The consummate cast was ferocious and fast." (Adrian Ryan) ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $45. Thurs–Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 4 and 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm, Tues–Wed at 8 pm. Tickets available through April 30.

MY MOTHER'S MEDICINE
One weekend only. A new solo show by Cheryl Kaplan about her mother's move from Brooklyn to Iowa. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 NE 74th St, Redmond, 425-881-6777. $10. Fri–Sun at 8 pm.

'NIGHT MOTHER
Final week. A Pulitzer Prize–winning play about a daughter describing her imminent suicide to her mother. Sight Nine Theatre at Bathhouse Theater, 7312 W Green Lake Dr N, 524-1300. $12–$20. Thurs–Sat at 7:30 pm. Through March 25.

NOTORIOUS WOMEN
A parade of winsome wimmin, from Hawaiian Senator Patsy Mink to Billie Holiday to Aung San Suu Kyi. Live Girls!, 2220 NW Market St, brownpapertickets.com. $9–$18. Sat at 4 and 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through April 2.

THE PILLOWMAN
Opening. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $10–$54. Opening Thurs March 23 at 7:30 pm. Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 2 and 7:30 pm, Tues–Wed at 7:30 pm. Through April 16.

PRIVATE LIVES
Fact: Noel Coward wrote this comedy about couples (and coupling) in four days while recovering from the flu in a Shanghai hotel. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. $10–$46. Thurs–Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm, Tues–Wed at 7:30 pm. Through April 1.

SALOMÉ
Oscar Wilde's version of the Bible story in which John the Baptist gets his head lopped off. Straight-Edge Theatrics at Chamber Theater, 915 E Pine St, 632-9800. $8–$10. Fri–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through April 1.

THE SECRET LIFE OF BUGS
Final week. Dung beetles, spiders, and caterpillars rendered in black-light puppetry! Spyglass Theatre at Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th Ave NE, 523-2579. $7.50–$9.50. Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat–Sun at 1 and 3 pm. Through March 26.

TO GILLIAN ON HER 37TH BIRTHDAY
Opening. A rarely produced play about a secluded widower and his concerned family. ReAct at Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 364-3283. $6–$15. Opening Thurs March 23 at 7:30 pm. Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 7:30 pm. Through April 9.

THE VOICE OF THE PRAIRIE
Opening. A radio celebrity, the heart of the Midwest, and young love and adventure. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $15–$30. Previewing Thurs March 23 at 7:30 pm. Opening Fri March 24 at 8 pm. Sat at 2 and 8 pm. Through April 22.

WONDERFUL TOWN: A MADCAP MANHATTAN ROMP
Opening. Inspired by the stories of Ruth McKenney, which first appeared in the New Yorker. Scored by Leonard Bernstein and starring Stranger Genius Sarah Rudinoff. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 292-2787. $19–$71. Opening Thurs March 23 at 8 pm. Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 1:30 and 7 pm, Tues–Wed at 7:30 pm. Through April 9.

DANCE

MOVING CULTURES
One night only. Students from six Seattle elementary and middle schools, dancing their wee hearts out in a multicultural pastiche. Discover Dance at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, 441-2424. $8–$10. Sat March 25 at 2 pm.

POINTS OF VIEW
Final week. Dumais, Balanchine, and Caniparoli. Pacific Northwest Ballet at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, 441-2424. $20–$134. Thurs–Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through March 26.

STEVE PAXTON
One night only. A bigwig on the contact improvisation—AKA "groping"—circuit. Freehold Theatre, 1525 10th Ave, no reservations required. $5–$10. Fri March 24 at 8 pm.

TAPAS
One weekend only. Twelve short pieces. Next Stage Dance Theatre at Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, 713-1955. $14–$18. Fri–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm.

CABARET

DIRTY LITTLE SHOWTUNES
Old songs, new lyrics, gay jokes. Thumpers, 1500 E Madison St, 328-3800. $12, 21+ w/ID. Sun at 7:30 pm. Through April 2.

GENDERLICIOUS: WHAT'S YOUR FLAVOR?
One night only. Multi-gendered drag and burlesque. Northwest Network at Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 233-9873. $10–$15, 21+ w/ID. Sat March 25 at 8 pm.

LADY SINGS THE BREWS
Final week. A remount of the nostalgic coffee-themed cabaret Sylvia O'Stayformore performed at Re-bar. Thumpers, 1500 E Madison St, 328-3800. $15, 21+ w/ID. Fri–Sat at 8 pm. Through March 25.

MOISTURE FESTIVAL
An incredible assemblage of old- and new-school vaudeville talent from Fyodor Karamazov to Frank Olivier to Circus Contraption. Hale's Palladium, 4301 Leary Way NW, 800-838-3006. $7.50–$20. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri–Sat at 7:30 and 11 pm, Sun at 3 and 7:30 pm, Wed at 7:30 pm. Through April 9.

SONDHEIM, NEWMAN, AND WEILL
That's Randy Newman, one of the greatest songwriters ever. Steve and Kurt were pretty okay, too. Black Box Opera at Columbia City Theatre, 4916 Rainier Ave S, 800-838-3006. $15 adv/$20 DOS. Fri at 7:30 pm. Through April 21.

TOGETHER WHEREVER WE GO
"Three girls, two guys, and a cabaret." Thumpers, 1500 E Madison St, 328-3800. $10. Wed at 8 pm. Through April 5.

IMPROV & COMEDY

Don Friesen at Comedy Underground, 222 Main St, 800-325-7328. $6–$15 (21+ w/ID required). Thurs at 8:30 pm, Fri–Sat at 8:30 and 10:30 pm. Darryl Lennox at Giggles Comedy Club, 5220 Roosevelt Way NE, 526-5653. $12. Fri at 8 and 10:15 pm, Sat at 6 and 10:15 pm. Jet City Improv at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, 325–6500. $8–$10. Fri at 8 and 10:30 pm. Sat at 10:30 pm. Theatresports at Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $8–$12. Fri–Sat at 8 pm. Comedy Night at Mirabeau Room, 529 Queen Anne Ave N, www.prokomedy.com. $5. Wed at 9 pm.

KATE CLINTON
One night only. "A retro pomo homo promo from Major Lesbo Domo." Benaroya Hall, 200 University St, 292-2787. $27–$30. Fri March 24 at 8 pm.

SEATTLE FOLLIES
One night only. With "Awesome," Sally Clark, Erica Barnett, and Carlotta Sue Philpott. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, ticketweb.com. $13–$18. Wed March 29 at 7:30 pm.

LATE NIGHT

BURLESQUE BEHIND THE PINK DOOR
Paula the Swedish Housewife hosts. Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. $10, 21+ w/ID. Sat at 10:30 pm. Through March 25.

VERBATIM VERBOTEN
Word-for-word readings of celebrities' illicitly recorded conversations, private e-mails, and voice mails. Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, 624-4455. $10. Fri at midnight. Through April 28.

SPECIAL EVENTS

ALFRE WOODARD
One day only. The Desperate Housewives actress speaks at a benefit luncheon for the YWCA. Seattle Convention Center, 800 Convention Pl, 461-4450. Thurs March 23 at noon.

OPEN BOX
One night only. A monthly open mic for playwrights. Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave, no reservations required. $3. Sat March 25 at 4:30 pm.