THEATER


OPENING THIS WEEK

ANIMAL FARM 路 Seattle Children's Theatre

GOD'S FAVORITE 路 Everett Theatre Players

LITTLE WOMEN 路 Centerstage Theatre

ON THE SIDE 路 Rockhopper Dance

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES 路 Tacoma Little Theatre

SOME KIND OF (POP) CULT(URE) 路 Some Kind of Cult

TABLE WORK 路 A Theatre Under the Influence

TRANSFORMATIONS & OTHER TALES 路 Theatre Schmeater

THE WEIR 路 Intiman Theatre


ONE WEEK ONLY

12 MINUTES MAX 路 On the Boards

BLUE NOCTURNE 路 Annex Theatre

EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOR 路 Boomer Classics

FIGGY DANCE 路 Ronly Blau

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS


CLOSING THIS WEEK

CLOSER THAN EVER 路 Planet Earth Multi-Cultural Theatre

THE EROTIC DIVINE 路 Theater Babylon

LIVING WITH BETTY 路 Speakeasy Backroom


OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS


ANIMAL FARM

Animals take charge! Only some of the animals turn out to be totalitarian despots. This adaptation was first done at the Royal National Theatre in London, so it might hold as much interest for adults as kids--perhaps more, as children aren't known to appreciate allegorical satire. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30; $14.50-$22. Through Oct 28.


BLUE NOCTURNE

A workshop performance of an unusual music-theater piece about a composer/pianist who starts to have visitations from the spirit world. Written, suspiciously enough, by composer/pianist David Mesler. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat Sept 14-16, 8 pm; $5.


THE BOUFFANTS

Big wigs, pop songs. "You too might find the wigs and songs in this extended skit about three Caucasian gals in a Motown-era girl group amusing, especially if you've been curious about the films of John Waters but don't cotton to all that vomit." (Tamara Paris) 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.


EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOR

Tom Stoppard's unique play that combines political satire with a live orchestra. Not something you see every day. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, 425-893-9900. Thurs-Fri Sept 14-15, 8 pm, $18-$22; Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, 652-4255. Sat Sept 16, 8 pm, $18-$22.


THE HAINT

Troy Mink, creator of Carlotta's Late Night Wing Ding, plays 10 different characters in this theatrical ghost story. See review this issue. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Fri-Sun at 8; $12, $10 students/seniors/Sundays. Through Oct 1.


*IN THE PENAL COLONY

New "opera theater" work from Philip Glass and JoAnne Akalaitis, based on the Kafka short story. "You can build all the metaphorical castles you want on In the Penal Colony, and you might be dead right--but ACT gives us just what we need: A work of imagination about a work of imagination." (Brendan Kiley) A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun at 7:30, $36; Fri-Sat at 8, $42; matinees at 2 (call for matinee dates); $27. Through Oct 1.


JAR THE FLOOR

This play--about four generations of African American women gathering for the 90th birthday of the family's great-grandmother--debuted less than 10 years ago at the Empty Space. Cheryl West, the playwright, also wrote the book for Play On!, the recent fusion of Shakespeare and Duke Ellington. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Previews are Mon-Sun Sept 18-24, 7:30 pm; $29. Opens Sept 25, through Oct 28. NOTE: As part of their InSights series, a panel discussion entitled "Freedom Road: The Northern Migration of African American Women and Its Effect on Cultural Tradition and the Family Unit" on Sun Sept 17, 4 pm.


JULIUS CAESAR

Shakespeare's Roman tragedy; apparently, this production is based on a 1937 production directed by Orson Welles. Which means one director is interpreting another director's interpretation of the play. See review this issue. Earth Tribe Productions and Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 8; $10, $8 students/seniors. Through Sept 23.


*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.


LIVING WITH BETTY

"Every actor wants to do [a solo show], but hardly any have the stamina and talent to pull it off. Sadly, Living with Betty never really makes it off the ground." (Tamara Paris) Ursa Major Theater Company at the Speakeasy Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12, $8 students/seniors. Through Sept 16.


PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

An adaptation of a novel by one of the finest writers in the English language, Jane Austen. See review this issue. Book-It at On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2; $18, $14 students/seniors; group rates available. Through Sept 24.


RADIO GALS

Musical about an all-girl band in the 1920s called the Hazelnuts. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat matinee at 2; $14-$24, $10 for 25 and under. No show Wed Oct 4. Through Oct 7.


THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE

Lily Tomlin will flog this thing until it dies a grisly death. Which is not to say it isn't a decent piece of work, but it has jokes about Geraldine Ferraro, for chrissakes. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun matinees at 2; $18-$45. (Special 2 pm matinee on Wed Oct 4.) Through Oct 7. NOTE: On Sat Sept 16 at 4:30 pm there will be a special interview with Lily Tomlin, as part of the Rep's StageVoices series.


SOME KIND OF (POP) CULT(URE)

Sketch comedy poking fun at '70s and '80s pop culture. Includes a round of '80s trivia. Some Kind of Cult at Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 524-KULT. Fri-Sat at 8; $6. Through Sept 23.


TABLE WORK

An evening of four short plays, ranging from Bertolt Brecht to Sam Shepard, all of which feature a table. A Theater Under the Influence at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Opens Fri Sept 15. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12 ($15 opening night), all Thursdays are pay-what-you-will. Through Oct 14.


TRANSFORMATIONS AND OTHER TALES

Artistic director Sheila Daniels presents her own adaptation of the fairy-tale-influenced poetry of Anne Sexton. See Stranger Suggests. Theater Schmeater at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 324-5801. Pay-what-you-can-preview on Thurs Sept 14. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $12 ($15 opening night), anyone 18 or under is free. Through Oct 21 (no performances Thurs-Sun Oct 5-8).


THE WEIR

Buncha Irish drunks chatting up a bird with ghost stories, until she tells them one of her own. Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Previews Fri-Tues Sept 15-19. Opens Wed Sept 20. Thurs-Sat at 8, Tues, Wed, Sun at 7, Sat-Sun matinees at 2; $23.50 for previews, $27.50-$42 otherwise. Through Oct 14.


DANCE


*FIGGY DANCE

Quirky dancer/choreographer Ronly Blau presents an evening of short works. See Stranger Suggests. Chamber Theater, 915 E Pine, Fourth Floor, 567-4140. Thurs-Sat Sept 14-16 at 8; $10.


ON THE SIDE

The second time around for Rockhopper Dance's annual program of new work by local choreographers. Featuring BetterBiscuitDance, Scott Davis, Shawn Hove, Pamela Gregory, Deborah Wolf, and the ever-lovin' Wade Madsen. See Stranger Suggests. Freehold Theatre, 915 E Pike St, Second Floor, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 8; $10 advance, $12 at the door. Through Sept 23.


STOMP

It's "the international percussion sensation" that has appeared on TV shows ranging from Late Night with David Letterman to Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 292-ARTS. Tues-Fri at 8, Sat at 5 & 9, Sun at 3 & 7; $24.50-$39.50. Through Sept 24.


FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY


*12 MINUTES MAX

On the Boards' frequent but irregular mix of dance, theater, music, and god knows what. I don't know what will be in this one, but I've never known 12 Minutes Max to be a waste of time. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Sun-Mon Sept 17-18, 7 pm; $7.


*HOKUM HALL

Prof. Hokum W. Jeebs presents such an abundance of programming this fall we can't keep up with it. Ragtime, silent films, Pianomania!, the mighty WurliTzer organ--just let it be said the pleasures of vaudeville, both broad and delicate, are kept alive at Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, 937-3613. Prices vary per event, but are almost never more than $12. Thurs Sept 14, 7:30 pm: Rev. Chumleigh & the Blue Rags. Fri Sept 15, 8 pm: Evergreen Classic Jazz Band. Sat Sept 16, 3 & 8 pm: Ragtime Variety Extravaganza. Sun Sept 17, 3 pm: Sentimental Journeys with Keith & Hokum.


*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.


RINGLING BROS. and BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS

In the wake of Cirque du Soleil and the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus comes the mother of them all. KeyArena, Seattle Center, 628-0888. Sept 14-17 only: Thurs-Fri at 7:30; Sat at 11:30 am, 3:30, and 7:30; Sun at 1:30 and 5:30; $12.75-$19.75.


*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


THE EROTIC DIVINE

Extended from the Mae West Fest, this collection of short plays, monologues, and poetry attempts to distinguish between eroticism and pornography. See review this issue. Theatre Babylon at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 283-3841. Fri-Sat at 11; $8. Through Sept 16.


*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.


*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 overaggressive 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.


ELSEWHERE


1776

Founding fathers sing! Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S Third St, Renton, 425-226-5529. Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $20, $15 students/seniors. Through Oct 8.


CLOSER THAN EVER

A musical revue about, uh, life. And change. Sounds pretty sweeping. Planet Earth Multi-Cultural Theatre at the Moore Theatre at the Sacred Heart Church, 9460 NE 14th St, Bellevue, 243-6773. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $12, $10 students/seniors. Pay-what-you-can on Thurs Sept 14. Through Sept 17.


GOD'S FAVORITE

Neil Simon re-writes the book of Job, about a theater critic forced to watch Neil Simon's re-write of the book of Job. Everett Theatre Players at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave, Everett, 425-258-6766. Opens Fri Sept 15. Fri-Sat at 8; Sun at 2; $12, $9 students/seniors/ military, $5 age 10 and under. Additional performance on Thurs Sept 28, 8 pm. Through Oct 1.


LITTLE WOMEN

An original adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's popular book. Centerstage Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, 253-661-1444. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $18 general, $15 students/seniors. Through Sept 30.


*MYSTERIAN

"After the enormously enjoyable [magic] show, we wolfed down gigantically proportioned Caesar salads in the Magicafe and then scooted into the close-up magic theater where [magician Steffan] Soule's art continued to confound us. We could not rest until we tried the wicked air-hockey and laser tag...." (Tamara Paris) Illusionz Magical Entertainment Center at 1025 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, 425-427-2444. Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 3; $10-$15. No end in sight.


PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES

A country and western musical, with a wee bit of rock-n-roll thrown in for spice. Tacoma Little Theatre, 210 North "I" St, Tacoma, 253-272-2281. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $15, $13 students/seniors. Through Oct 7.


CALLS

Seattle Repertory Theatre seeks child actor, 4-7 years old, for new play by Elizabeth Heffron to be directed by Sharon Ott. Rehearsals begin in Oct; show runs Nov 13-Dec 23. Fax or mail a resume, attn: Chris Sheilds. No phone calls please. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109. Fax: 423-2225.

Stone Soup Theatre is holding auditions through September for Rumi, based on the writings by the poet of that name. Call 633-1833 for information or appointments.