OPENING THIS WEEK

A LOVELY SUNDAY FOR CREVE COEUR · ReAct

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE · Everett Theatre Players

THE BELLE OF AMHERST · A Contemporary Theatre

EDUCATING RITA · RipTide Theatre

FROM THE CHARRED UNDERBELLY OF THE YULE LOG · A Contemporary Theatre

THE HABIT · Annex Theatre

HAMLET · Seattle Shakespeare Company

HAPPY HOUR · Theatre on the Rocks

ORAL SETS · Queercore

SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO · Union Garage

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN · ReAct

ONE WEEK ONLY

12 MINUTES MAX · On the Boards

BEER, BREAD AND CHEESE CABARET · Circus Contraption

EAST BY MIDDLE EAST · Nippon Kan Theater

LA PENA FLAMENCA DE SEATTLE · Nippon Kan Theater

LOCAL HEROES, A DOG STORY · The People's Theatre

MODERNWORKS · ARC Dance Productions

THEATER TEASE-O-RAMA · Theater Schmeater

CLOSING THIS WEEK

MARCEL MARCEAU · Moore Theatre

SANDY SILVA & FRIENDS · On the Boards

TABLE WORK · A Theater Under the Influence

THE WEIR · Intiman Theatre

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

42ND STREET

The classic musical about musicals. Civic Light Opera in the Jane Addams Theatre, 11051 34th NE, 363-2809. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30; $18-$22. Through Oct 21.

A LOVELY SUNDAY FOR CREVE COEUR

Infrequently produced Tennessee Williams play about four women suffering from heartbreak. Multi-ethnic casting. ReAct Theatre at Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 364-3283. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 4; $9-$12, $6 children/theater artists, $1 off with food bank donation. Through Oct 22.

*ANIMAL FARM

Animals take charge! Only some of the animals turn into totalitarian despots. "It was a really cool play. You know the dogs? When they growled, it actually sounded real, cause the people weren't saying it... and then the people had the teeth, those big dog's teeth...." (Maggie Brown, nine years old) Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30; $14.50-$22. Through Oct 28.

ATF: A BURLESQUE

A big, sprawling spew of stuff related to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, as well as the commodities themselves. Songs and spectacles. Reviewed this issue. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; $12. Through Nov 4.

*BALD FACED LIE

"Bald Faced Lie may have come close to coating sketch comedy with actual meaning with their wonderful new show." (Tamara Paris) Open Circle Theatre, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12. Through Oct 21.

THE BELLE OF AMHERST

ACT roasts another chestnut on the fire with this solo show about Emily Dickinson. But if anyone's going to bring it to life, it's Julie Harris, who created the role. Directed by Charles Nelson Reilly! A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Opens Fri Oct 13. Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, 2 pm matinees almost every Sat & Sun (call for details); $23-$42, half-price for anyone 25 and under. Through Nov 5.

EDUCATING RITA

A hairdresser and an English tutor fight for supremacy. RipTide Theatre at the Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Ave SW, 935-8420. Dinner starts at 6:30, performance starts at 7:30; Fri-Sat at 6:30; $22 with dinner. Additional performances Sun Oct 29 & Sun Nov 5. Through Nov 11.

FROM THE CHARRED UNDERBELLY OF THE YULE LOG

Playwright and NPR commentator Kevin Kling tells his family holiday stories. They better be damn funny. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Wed, Thurs, & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun matinee Oct 22 at 2; $15, $10 age 25 and under. Through Oct 29.

HAMLET

Yet another production of Shakespeare's most lauded play. See Bio Box. Seattle Shakespeare Company at the Performance Studio in the Center House, Seattle Center, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2; Thurs, Fri, & Sun: $18, $10 under 25/over 65; Sat: $22, $14 under 25/over 65. Through Oct 29.

*JAR THE FLOOR

Four generations of African American women gathering for the 90th birthday of the family's great-grandmother. "[Playwright Cheryl] West's sensibility makes for powerful theater." (Stacey Levine) Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun matinees at 2; $29. (Additional matinee Wed Oct 25, 2 pm.) Through Oct 28.

*LAST LISTS OF MY MAD MOTHER

Noted play about a woman caring for her mother, who's suffering from Alzheimer's. "If you have any interest in good writing and phenomenal acting, you must see this show." (Rebecca Brown) Northwest Actors Studio, 11th and Pike, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; $10. Through Oct 21.

*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.

MARCEL MARCEAU

The master of the delicate art of mime. Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, 292-ARTS. Tues-Sun Oct 10-15; Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, Sat-Sun matinees at 2; $20-$35.

THE ODD COUPLE

ACT induces artistic whiplash in its subscribers by following In the Penal Colony with the archetypal Neil Simon comedy. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, assorted matinees at 2 (call for dates); $27-$42. Through Oct 29.

ORAL SETS

Three queer one-act plays from local writers B. Brent Burriola and Avram Katzman. Queercore at Freehold, 1525 10th Ave, Second Floor, 517-0539. Thurs-Sat at 8; $5 suggested donation. Through Oct 28.

OUR TOWN

Thornton Wilder's crazed combination of theatrical experimentation, transcendental philosophy, and homespun sentiment. Reviewed this issue. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. Thurs-Sat at 8 (also Sat at 3); $20. Through Oct 21.

*PARADE

The recently acclaimed musical about a man wrongfully accused of murder. "The show's components--music, characters, and design--come together beautifully." (Stacey Levine) 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 292-ARTS. Tues-Sat at 8, Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2; $64-$208. Through Oct 15.

PERFECT STRANGER

A new play by Carl Sander about a married couple with an unexpected guest. Reviewed this issue. One World Theatre at the Speakeasy Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 325-6500. Thurs-Sun at 8; $12-$15. Additional performance Mon Oct 16, 8 pm. Through Oct 21.

RADIO GALS

Musical about an all-girl band in the 1920s called the Hazelnuts. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat matinee at 2; $14-$24, $10 for 25 and under. Extended through Oct 28.

THE RED BALLOON

Boy meets balloon, falls in love, must protect balloon from pin-wielding bullies. A collaboration with Scottish theater troupe Visible Fictions. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30; $14.50-$22. No performance Sun Dec 24. Through Dec 30.

*THE SHOW

Something audience-interactive. "Like a night spent drinking with some funny, smart people that you really, really like, and can forgive the occasional faux pas and ridiculous comment." (Adrian Ryan) Podunk Productions at Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 297-7611. Thurs-Sat at 8; $8. Through Oct 21.

*TABLE WORK

An evening of four short plays, including plays by Bertolt Brecht and August Strindberg, all of which feature a table. "Much more touching, but by less hallowed writers, Rex by Joe Pintauro and Sam Shepard's Action were Table Work's gems." (Brendan Kiley) A Theater Under the Influence at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12, all Thursdays are pay-what-you-will. Through Oct 14.

TRANSFORMATIONS AND OTHER TALES

"[Poet Anne] Sexton had a great sense of humor, but too often her words were shouted beyond recognition, too often eight people saying the same line (almost) simultaneously lost the line.... When individual actors could get away from being part of the manic chorus, there were some fine moments." (Rebecca Brown) Theater Schmeater at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $12, anyone 18 or under is free. Through Oct 21.

*THE WEIR

Buncha Irish drunks chatting up a bird with ghost stories, until she tells them one of her own. "This production [shows] the miraculous power that storytelling has--not just to frighten, but also to bind us to one another." (Tamara Paris) Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Thurs-Sat at 8; Tues, Wed, Sun at 7; Sat-Sun matinees at 2; $27.50-$42. Through Oct 14.

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

A multi-ethnic staging of the musical based on the comic strip Peanuts. ReAct at the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, 104 17th Ave S, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $15-$18, $9 children/theater artists. Through Oct 29.

DANCE

EAST BY MIDDLE EAST

One of two benefit dance concerts for Dance on Capitol Hill, focusing on Russian, East European, Gypsy, Jewish, and Middle Eastern music and dance. Nippon Kan Theater, Sixth Ave and Washington St, 722-5300. Sun Oct 15, 7:30 pm; $10.

LA PENA FLAMENCA DE SEATTLE

The other benefit for Dance on Capitol Hill, this one filled with the music and dance of Spain and the Gypsies. Nippon Kan Theater, Sixth Ave and Washington St, 722-5300. Fri Oct 13, 8 pm; $10.

MODERNWORKS

A mix of modern dance, Afro-Caribbean dance, neo-classical ballet, and more. ARC Dance Productions at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, Shoreline, 352-0798. Sat Oct 21, 7:30 pm; Sun Oct 22, 2 pm; $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

SANDY SILVA & FRIENDS

The most percussive feet in town. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Thurs-Sun at 8; $12-$14. Through Oct 14.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

*12 MINUTES MAX

On the Boards' irregularly presented but consistently intriguing performance grab bag. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Sun-Mon Oct 15-16, 7 pm; $7.

AMY X NEUBURG & MEN

Electronic avant-cabaret from a singer who gets compared to Kate Bush a lot, which sounds promising. Pink Door Restaurant, 1919 Post Alley, no reservations taken. Wed-Thurs at 8, Fri-Sat at 9; no cover. Through Oct 28.

BREAD, BEER AND CHEESE CABARET

Circus Contraption launches what they describe as "a punk version of Teatro Zinzanni" on the second Saturday of every month. Circus Contraption at the former Sand Point Naval Base, Building 30, 442-2004. Sat Oct 14, 9 pm (doors at 8:30); $10.

*HOKUM HALL

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. Fri-Sat Oct 13-14, 8 pm: Andy Crow w/ Eric Bernhoft's slides; Sun Oct 15, 3 pm: Sentimental Journeys meet PSTOS with Keith and Hokum; Sun Oct 15, 7:30 pm: Overton Berry Trio.

THEATER TEASE-O-RAMA

An evening of 10-minute previews from Seattle's absurd wealth of fringe theaters. See Stranger Suggests. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 985-1019. Mon Oct 16, 7 pm; $6.

LATE NIGHT

*THE HABIT

One of Seattle's best sketch comedy troupes. See Stranger Suggests. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Fri-Sat at 11; $5. Through Oct 28.

HAPPY HOUR

Another sprawling cabaret from Theatre on the Rocks, featuring the band San Pedro Circus. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 851-3920. Fri-Sat at 11; $5. Through Oct 21.

SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO

David Mamet's play about gender strife, in which he demonstrates how much better he writes for men than for women. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Fri-Sat at 11; $10. Runs until it loses steam.

TWILIGHT ZONE LIVE

Two more episodes of the popular TV show put on the stage: The Lateness of the Hour and The Silence. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Fri-Sat at 11; $8. Through Oct 21.

ELSEWHERE

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE

A serial killer comedy, produced at damn near every community theater in the U.S. on a daily basis. Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave, Everett, 425-258-6766. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $9-$12, $5 age 10 and under. Additional performance Thurs Oct 26, 8 pm. Through Oct 29.

LOCAL HEROES, A DOG STORY

An evening of music and stories honoring the blue-collar hero. Proceeds to benefit the People's Theatre. Isadora's Antiques and Cafe, 8062 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, 425-888-1345. Wed Oct 18, 8 pm; $10 suggested donation.

THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

Tony-winning musical adaptation of Dickens' unfinished novel, composed by the guy who did "The Piña Colada Song." Village Theatre, 303 Front St N, Issaquah, 425-392-2202. Wed-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $22-$40. Through Oct 29.

CALLS

Choreofest is holding auditions on Sat Oct 14. Call 722-5300.

Fright Gallery 2000 needs volunteer actors, makeup assistants, wardrobe helpers, and more. The haunted house opens on Fri Oct 13. Call 770-0110.