THEATER


OPENING THIS WEEK

3 GUYS NAKED FROM THE WAIST DOWN 路 Fuzzy Bunnies, Ink

FOSSE 路 Paramount Theatre

HAMLET 路 UW School of Drama

THE TWILIGHT ZONE MARATHON VII 路 Theater Schmeater


ONE WEEK ONLY

BUTOH BENEFIT 路 Freehold

HOT GIRLS AND BOYS 路 Re-bar


CLOSING THIS WEEK

THIS VICIOUS CABARET 路 A Theater Near You


OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS


2.5 MINUTE RIDE

Lisa Kron's acclaimed monologue about amusement parks, Auschwitz, and Internet romance. "Kron is smart and charming, full of self-deprecating humor and a certain bewildered curiosity about her parents' experiences and foibles.... [Unfortunately], though I wanted to be affected... all I could do was admire her skill." (Bret Fetzer) A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Sun-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, matinees at 2 (call for dates); $23-$42, $10 under 25. Through July 30.


3 GUYS NAKED FROM THE WAIST DOWN

The most pandering title of all time, except that it's about standup comedy, not homoeroticism. A rock musical. Fuzzy Bunnies, Ink at Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 292-ARTS. Wed-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; $16.50, $13.50 students/seniors ($18, $15 Fri-Sat). Through Aug 13.


A SKULL IN CONNEMARA

New play by snotty Irish playwright Martin McDonough, featuring former Seattle actor (and recent Obie Award-winner) Christopher Evan Welch. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7660. $23 for previews. July 21-26; Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun at 7:30; Fri-Sat at 8 pm; 2 pm matinee on Sun July 23. Opens July 27. Previewed this issue.


*ALL ABOUT MEDEA

An original comedy about backstage hijinks at a drag production of Medea. "The play is light, charming, smart, sexy, and always in the twilight of saying something profound or falling apart into laughter." (Charles Mudede) Re-bar, 1114 E Howell, 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8; $12. Through Aug 6.


BALLYHOO

This hard-to-describe show (calling it a science-fiction satire of commercial culture doesn't seem to capture it) was a Fringe Fest hit, and is now being remounted for a three-week run. Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12. Through Aug 5. Reviewed this issue.


THE BOUFFANTS

Big wigs, pop songs. Cabaret de Paris, second level of Rainier Square, 1333 Fifth Ave, 623-4111. Thurs at 8, Fri-Sat at 8:30; $16 for the show, $42 for dinner too. Through Sept 30.


CLOSET LAND

Radha Bharadwaj's play about an anonymous woman tortured by an anonymous interrogator. Sensitive viewers are warned that the production contains graphic simulated torture. "An exploration of the various facets of oppression... this production has admirable points, though the 90-minute one-act is exceedingly grim." (Stacey Levine) AJ Epstein Presents at Sand Point Naval Base, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 325-6500. Thurs-Sun at 8; $15, $9 students/seniors. Through July 30.


HAMLET

See Stranger Suggests. UW School of Drama at the Playhouse Theatre, 4045 University Way NE, 685-4848. Tues-Sun July 25-30, 7:30 pm (Sun at 7, Sat late show at 10:30); $12, $8 students/seniors.


ISO... (IN SEARCH OF)

"A one-hour show that attempts, through movement and music, to sum up the state of sexuality in modern life--a rather tall order for four actors in stretch pants.... The cast playfully uses plenty of tricks to keep the audience engaged and even amused, but doesn't really offer us anything about sex we don't already know." (Tamara Paris) Burnt Studio Productions at Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 8; $10, $8 students/seniors. Through July 29.


LATE NIGHT CATECHISM

"While non-Catholics will find Sister's pathological disdain of chewing gum and broken rulers amusing, members of the faith will find it hilarious." (Adrian Ryan) A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $24.50-$29.50. Extended for eternity.


MASS APPEAL

A young priest and an old priest rub each other the wrong way. Hmm, that might not be the best way to put that. Comedy improv follows Sat performances. Taproot Theatre Company, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat matinee at 2; $16-$24. No show on July 26. Through Aug 12.


*MEDEA, THE MUSICAL

The Greek tragedy Medea presented as a gay musical, also featuring backstage shenanigans. A big hit in San Francisco and L.A. "A comedy with lots of laughs, music, and flamboyant acting, but it wants to do much more than simply entertain us--it also wants to address feminist concerns within the context of contemporary queer theater." (Charles Mudede) ArtsWest Theatre Company, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. Thurs-Sat at 8; $18-$22. Runs for as long as they can milk it.


THE ROVER

All-girl production of woman-written, 17th-century swashbuckler, performed in the parks. Theater Schmeater in Volunteer Park, near the Conservatory, 324-5801. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2; FREE. Through Aug 5.


THE SMELL OF THE KILL

Three women discover their husbands are trapped in a meat locker, can't decide whether or not to leave them there. Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Wed-Sun, call for times; $23.50-$42. Through Aug 5. Reviewed this issue.


THIS VICIOUS CABARET

Tawdry, lurid variety show featuring "Texas-style" standup comedy, a musical tribute from Jesus & Satan, and the farewell performance of TransElvistite. Sex and squalor are promised. A Theater Near You at the Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 726-9814. Thurs-Sat at 9; $7. Through July 22.


THE TWILIGHT ZONE MARATHON VII

See Bio Box. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 325-6500. Opens Fri July 21. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; $12, under 18 free ($15 for gala opening). Pay-what-you-can preview on Thurs July 20. Through Aug 26.


VIA DOLOROSA

David Hare took a vacation, got in the middle of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and wrote a big monologue about it. Performed by David Pichette. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Wed, Thurs, & Sun at 7:30; Fri-Sat at 8; 2 pm matinee on Sun July 30; $15. Through July 30.


THE YEOMAN OF THE GUARD

Snippy rhymes and sprightly music from Gilbert & Sullivan. Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society at the Bagley Wright Theater at Seattle Center, 341-9612. Thurs-Sat at 8 (Sat matinee at 2); $24, $15 seniors. Through July 29. Reviewed this issue.


DANCE


BUTOH BENEFIT

A whole smorgasbord of music and dance featuring local and international performers. A benefit for the upcoming Butoh Festival in November. Freehold, 1525 10th Ave, 526-5756. Sun July 23, 7 pm; $10-$20. (Also featuring a Butoh workshop by Joan Laage at noon. Call for information or registration.)


FOSSE

Jazz hands and tight butts until you weep. A celebration of the asshole who, for better or worse, changed the face of Broadway dance. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, 682-1414. Opens Tues July 25. Tues-Sat at 8, Sun at 7:30 (Sat-Sun matinees at 2); $21-$52. Through Aug 6.


FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY


HOKUM'S RAGTIME NICKELODEON REVUE

Professor Hokum W. Jeebs returns with an evening of ragtime, silent cinema, classic vaudeville, and the big sounds of the mighty 1929 WurliTzer Theatre Pipe Organ. "I felt somehow like we were fireflies raising our tiny lights into a shimmering chorus, sharing our voices before descending into the inevitable darkness." (Tamara Paris) Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, 937-3613. Fri-Sat at 8; $12, $10 students/seniors, discounts available. Open-ended engagement.


*HOT GIRLS AND BOYS

See Stranger Suggests. Re-Bar, 1114 Howell, 233-9873. Wed July 26, 8 pm; $10 suggested donation.


JULIE CASCIOPPO EXPERIENCE

"Cascioppo has confidently tossed schmaltz, a Casio keyboard, a couple of exhausted-looking wigs, naughty banter, and... songs you thought you hated into a furiously agitating blender. The cocktail concocted goes down shockingly smooth." (Tamara Paris) Pink Door, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11. No cover.


SALTIMBANCO

This actually started last week, but they failed to let us know in time. I guess they don't need much publicity, seeing as this is one of the most acclaimed circus troupes in the world, and their tickets range from $22.50 (children's rate for the crappy seats) to $160 (for the super-duper "VIP" treatment, including a private entrance and gift merchandise). Plus, for some inexplicable reason, the entire tour is sponsored by the Lincoln LS (the "featured vehicle"--what, do a million clowns come crawling out of the trunk of one?). The show itself is no doubt great--I've heard nothing but amazing things about Cirque du Soleil shows--but the circus used to be aimed at all classes, and this is increasingly a rich folk's amusement. Their Big White Tent is next to the Renton Boeing plant, off exit 5 on I-405. Call 800-675-5440 for tickets. Through Aug 13. Reviewed this issue.


THREE DOLLAR BILL

"Like most disreputable arts, standup now offers a more compelling product for its lack of adoration. Billed as a gay- and lesbian-oriented show, Three Dollar Bill also works as a low-cost current comedy primer." (Tom Spurgeon) Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 628-0303. Tues at 8; $6.


LATE NIGHT


JET CITY IMPROV

Improv comedy and music based on audience suggestions. "The show goes down really smoothly. One only wishes for better direction." (Tom Spurgeon) Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 781-3879. Fri-Sat at 10:30; $7, $5 with student ID. ALSO: Through August, Jet City performs live with Fremont Friday Night Outdoor Movies, improvising dialogue and sound effects for B movies shown without sound. See Movie Times for details.


THEATER SPORTS

"The only improvisational show I've ever seen where the women performers were clearly better than the men--a welcome change from the over-aggressive scene-stealing of many male-driven troupes." (Tom Spurgeon) Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Fri-Sat at 10:30, $9; Sun at 7, $5.


CALLS

Bellevue Opera holds auditions for Gilbert & Sullivan's Iolanthe on Mon July 24 & 31. Call 425-545-1906 for information and appointments.

New City Theater seeks union and non-union ethnic performers for fall production of a new piece by NY multi-media artist John Jesurun. Auditions on Sat July 22; call 328-4683 for appointments and further information.