THEATER LISTINGS

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

ANYTHING GOES

“In olden days a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking.”Civic Light Opera, 7400 Sand Point Way, 363–2809. $25–$35. Fri–Sat at 8 pm. Sun at 2 pm. Through May 21.

recommended CHERRY, CHERRY, LEMON

“At a brisk one hour, Cherry, Cherry, Lemon emulates its prime obsession: It is alternately tender, vigorous, and shamelessly funny, leaving us gratified, maybe a little bit raw, and wanting more.” (Brendan Kiley) Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, www.ticketwindowonline.com. $7–$12. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm. Through May 13.

CHICAGO

Opening. Fact: Bob Fosse started balding at age 17, which is why he was so fond of hats onstage. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, 292-2787. $10–$60. Opening Tues May 16 at 7:30 pm. Wed at 7:30 pm. Through May 21.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S VAREKAI

Opening. The only place in America where people actually pull themselves up by their bootstraps. (Thanks, Stephen Colbert!) Marymoor Park, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Redmond, www.cirquedusoleil.com. $24.50–$185. Thurs–Sat at 4 and 8 pm, Sun at 1 and 5 pm, Tues–Wed at 8 pm. Through June 4.

recommended THE COMPENDIUM OF NASTINESS

Final week. “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 or www.brownpapertickets.com. $20. Fri–Sat at 8:15 pm. Through May 13.

CROSSING OVER

Opening. Characters from the 1930s wander around modern-day Seattle. Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences at Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave, 676-6895. $6–$10. Opening Wed May 17 at 7 pm. Through May 20.

DEBUTANTE BALLS

Opening. See Theater News. Pat Graney Company and National Performance Network at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, www.brownpapertickets.com. $10–$15. Opening Wed May 17 at 7 and 10 pm. Through May 19.

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 May 28.

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.

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

Opening. For the children.Sprouts Children’s Theatre at SecondStory Repertory, 16587 NE 74th St, Redmond, 425-881-6777. Opening Fri May 12 at 7 pm. Sat–Sun at 1 and 3 pm. Through May 21.

HARVEST

Final week. A third-world organ-giver named Om and a first-world organ-getter named Ginnin.Ethnic Cultural Theatre, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, www.ticketwindowonline.com. $8–$12. Thurs–Sat at 7:30 pm. Through May 14.

HELLO, DOLLY

Goin’ bonkers in Yonkers. Village Theatre, 303 Front St N, Issaquah, 425-392-2202. $24–$48. Thurs–Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sunday at 7 pm, Wed at 8 pm. Through June 25.

HONUS AND ME

A tale of self-confidence and baseball, featuring Stranger Genius Award–winner Gabriel Baron. Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas St, 441-3322. $16–$31. Fri at 7 pm, Sat–Sun at 2 and 5:30 pm. Through June 11.

recommended HOUSE OF MIRTH

Final week. “Based on the Edith Wharton novel of the same name, this production is longish, tragic, and pretty good. An unmarried society woman partially digs her own grave (gambling debt and a desire to marry rich) and partially has it dug for her (repressive social mores and scheming rich bitches) but by the end, her grave is well and dug. The moral of the story? Don’t gamble. And marry the nice man of modest means while you have the chance.” (Brendan Kiley)Book-It at Center House Theater, 305 Harrison St, 216-0833. $15–$30. Thurs–Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm. Through May 13.

JUNIE B. JONES AND A LITTLE MONKEY BUSINESS

It sounds like a Belle and Sebastian song, but it’s actually a bright musical about a feisty kindergartner. Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas St, 441–3322. $16–$31. Fri at 7 pm, Sat–Sun at 2 and 5:30 pm. Through June 18.

KING HENRY

See review this issue.Ghost Light Theatricals at Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, www.brownpapertickets.com. $10–$12. Fri–Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through May 21.

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 Aug 27.

recommended MACBETH

See review this issue. Seattle Opera at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, 389-7676. $41–$135. Sat at 7:30 pm. Sun at 2 pm, Wed at 7:30 pm. Through May 20.

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 May 28.

recommended MISS AMERICA: A FUGUE BORN IN 1969

“Miss America opens with a Dostoyevskian pile of loose threads—the characters are all friends, spouses, or acquaintances—and we watch them weave together, their individual crises coming to a head in the concussion grenades and broken glass of the Battle in Seattle.” (Brendan Kiley) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 325-6500. $18, under 18 free, Thurs by donation. Thurs–Sat at 8. Through May 20.

MISS WITHERSPOON

See review this issue.ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $10–$54. Thurs at 2 and 7:30 pm, Fri–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 and 7:30 pm, Tues–Wed at 7:30 pm. Through May 28.

NICHOLAS NICKLEBY

A new Charles Dickens musical. Centerstage at Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, 253-661-1444. $7–$20. Fri–Sat at 8 pm. Sun at 2 pm. Through May 28.

OUT AT HOME

One weekend only. Jeff Hoyt’s monologue about his love for—and his wife’s indifference toward—sports. Erickson Theatre, 1524 Harvard Ave, 587-4184. $5–$12. Thurs–Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm.

PASSPORT

Opening. Eight 10-minute plays about love and lust and miscommunication, each set on a different continent, by Bret Fetzer. Annex Theatre at Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave, 1-800-838-3006. $5–$10. Opening Tues May 16 at 7:30 pm. Wed at 7:30 pm. Through June 14.

PIPPIN

The story of Pippin the Hunchback, son of Charlemagne. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 292-2787. $19–$71. Thurs–Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 1:30 and 7 pm, Tues–Wed at 7:30 pm. Through May 21.

REDUCED SHAKESPEARE: COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED)

The “bad boys of abridgement” do the USA. Seattle Theatre Group at the Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, 292-2787. $31. Wed at 7:30 pm. Through May 18.

ROUNDING THIRD

Final week. “Once you understand Michael and Don are The Odd Couple of Little League dads (a fact established in the first five minutes of the two-act play), there’s nowhere left to go. I didn’t even learn anything new about baseball.” (Brendan Kiley) Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. $10–$46. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm.

recommended SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

Opening. Some of the world’s finest entertainers, from Polish hardcore folk to Belgian clowns to African jazz, culled for Seattle. Seattle Center, see www.seattleinternational.org for details. Opening May 15. Through May 22.

recommended STONES IN HIS POCKETS

Extended. “This two-man show about Irish extras in a Hollywood movie is like a well-made sandwich—warm, charming, and full of cheese.” (Brendan Kiley) Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave, 388-0569. $18–$20. Thurs–Sat at 7:30 pm. Through May 27.

TALK ABOUT THE PASSION

A story about publishers making money off human tragedy. Outsiders Inn at Studio-Current, 1417 10th Ave, www.outsiders-inn.com. $8–$12. Fri–Sat at 8 pm. Through May 27.

WHAT IS SEXY?

Washington Ensemble Theatre at Little Theatre, 608 19th Ave E, www.brownpapertickets.com. $10–$15. Thurs–Mon at 8 pm. Through May 29.

DANCE

BREAKING GROUND

Final week. Dance in an improv vein by a Christian troupe. 6th Day Dance at East Hall Theater, 1525 10th Ave, 425-284-2624. $15. Fri–Sat at 8 pm. Through May 13.

ELEGANT ABSURDITY

Final week. New work by André Bouchard, Sarah Parton, and others. Walrus Dance Company at R.E.D. Performance Loft, 89 Yesler Way, www.brownpapertickets.com. $10–$15. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm. Through May 13.

KALEIDOSCOPE 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPRING CONCERT

One weekend only. A dance company of kids aged 7 to 15.Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, 325-6500. $8–$12. Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm, Sun at 3:30 pm.

KEIKO OOKA

One night only. Flamenco guitar, singing, and dancing.Amorfo Flamenco at Georgetown Ballroom, 5623 Airport Way S, 853-4277. $18. Sat May 13 at 8 pm.

MOLT

See review. Final week. A “symbolic autobiography on desire, love, and sexual identity” by Paige Barnes. Consolidated Works, 500 Boren Ave N, www.brownpapertickets.com. $10–$15. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm. Through May 13.

NEXT

One weekend only. A semi-annual program featuring four local choreographers. Velocity MainSpace Theatre, 915 E Pine, 325-8773. $10–$15. Fri–Sat at 8 pm.

OTHER JELLO

Previewing. Two actors, a ballerina, and three modern dancers. Plus set design by Etta Lilienthal. Maureen Whiting Company at Lee Center for the Arts, Seattle University, 323-9405. $10–$20. Preview performance Sat May 13 at 4 pm.

CABARET

12 MINUTES MAX: A PERFORMANCE EXHIBITION

One weekend only. Clowning, dance, and solo jazz guitar.On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, no reservations. $7. Sun–Mon at 7 pm.

BAKE SALE BURLESQUE

One night only. A fundraiser for the Exotic World Museum: It’s a little weird that a museum dedicated to erotic dancing—a surprisingly lucrative industry—would need a fundraiser, but whatever.Rendezvous, 2320 Second Ave, 441-5823. $10. Fri May 12 at 7 and 8:30 pm.

BURLESQUE BEHIND THE PINK DOOR

With Paula the Swedish Housewife. Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley. No reservations required. $10. (21+ w/ID.) Sat at 10:30 pm. Through May 27.

COLUMBIA CITY CABARET

Ongoing.A “saucy” cabaret, hosted by Tamara the Trapeze lady. Columbia City Theatre, 4916 Rainier Ave S, no reservations required. $15 (21+ w/ID). Fri at 9 pm.

COME FLY WITH ME

A Rat Pack revue by David Jon Wilson. Thumpers, 1500 E Madison St, 328-3800. $10. Tues at 8 pm. Through May 16.

TREY PARKER’S CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL GAY CABARET EDITION

Final week. The infamous slasher spoof by Trey Parker (of South Park) recast as gay cabaret dinner theater. “The most surprising, insane, and ultimately tragic thing about Cannibal! was the actual presence, in the actual audience, of the actual Trey Parker. Quiet, cordial, and extremely focused on whatever he was eating, Parker spent most of the evening not laughing, not smiling, and somehow not openly weeping.” (Lindy West) Thumpers, 1500 E Madison St, 328-3800. $15. Fri–Sat at 7 pm. Through May 13.

IMPROV & COMEDY

Jim Short 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. Aries Spears at Giggles Comedy Club, 5220 Roosevelt Way NE, 526-5653. $12. Fri–Sat at 8 and 10 pm. Jet City Improv at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, 325–6500. $8–$10. Fri at 10:30 pm. Sat at 8 and 10:30 pm. Theatresports at Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $8–$12. Fri–Sat at 10:30 pm, Sun at 7 pm. Comedy Night at Mirabeau Room, 529 Queen Anne Ave N, www.prokomedy.com. $5. Wed at 8 pm.

86’D

Improv actors from Jet City, Seattle goga, Live Girls, etc., in an improv “jam.” Jerk Alert Productions at Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. $3. Sun at 8:30 pm. Through May 21.

recommended THE CODY RIVERS SHOW WITH FRESH MEAT

Final week. A sketch comedy double-header with the athletic gents from the Cody Rivers Show and NYC’s Fresh Meat. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, www.brownpapertickets.com. $12. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm. Through May 13.

KAZOO! MOSTLY ERECT

One night only. Sketch comedy.Rendezvous, 2320 Second Ave, 441-5823. $5. Sat at 7:30.

REALITY WORLD: SEASON 2

A reality show that’s actually improvised. Wing-It Productions at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, www.wingitpresents.com. $10. Thurs–Fri at 8 pm. Through June 23.

SANCTUARY ART CENTER BENEFIT FOR HOMELESS YOUTH

One night only. Benefit comedy show by Jet City Improv and Sensible Shoes. Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, TK. $TK. Wed at 7 pm.

STIMULUS

Improv that “elicits a physiological or psychological response.” Jerk Alert Productions at Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. $10. Sat at 10:30 pm. Through May 20.

LATE NIGHT

BURNING BRIDGES

A multimedia sketch comedy show about the Ave.Wing-It Productions at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, www.wingitpresents.com. $5. Fri at 12:30 am. Through June 30.

CUPCAKE

Extended. A dirty, drinky improv where two fellas enact the audience’s “wildest dreams.” Wing-It Productions at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, www.wingitpresents.com. $5. Sat at midnight. Through May 28.

THE STAY UP LATE SHOW

One night only. Featuring dancer Pat Graney, transgender performance artist Scott Turner Schofield, film director Chris Diani, and more. Hosted by Rebecca M. Davis. Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave, no reservations. $10. Sat May 13 at 10 pm.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE: LIVE!

The late-night hit returns with “Third from the Sun” and “A Short Drink from a Certain Fountain.” Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 325-6500. $12. Fri–Sat at 11 pm. Through May 20.

SPECIAL EVENTS

IN THE ABSENCE OF SPRING

One weekend only. A staged reading of a play about the relatives of the victims of an airline bombing.Mirror Stage Company at Pigott Auditorium, Seattle University, 686-3729. Free ($5 suggested donation). Sun May 14 at 2 pm. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 686-3729. Mon May 15 at 7 pm.

KRISTIN FLANDERS

One night only. Kristin is an actor. She will talk about what it’s like to be an actor. Intiman Playhouse, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. $10. Mon May 15 at 7:30 pm.

NIGHTSTORIES: BEGINNINGS

One night only. Short stories read by actors. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 NE 74th St, Redmond, 425-881-6777. $8. Sat May 13 at 8:30 pm.

OPEN BOX

Short new works by local playwrights. Rendezvous, 2320 Second Ave, 441-5823. $3. Sat May 13 at 4:30 pm.

REACT OPEN HOUSE

Repertory Actors Theatre at Primavera Arts Center, 112 Fifth Ave N, 364-3283. Free. Sat at 4 pm.