OPENING THIS WEEK

GHETTO · Seattle Public Theater

HEDDA GABBLER · Printer's Devil Theatre

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR · Seattle Opera

MEASURE FOR MEASURE · Intiman Theatre

THE ODYSSEY · Seattle Repertory Theatre

SAMUEL BECKETT'S HOUSE OF HORRORS · Sand Point Brig

SEX DRUGS ROCK & ROLL · Stepping Stone Productions

WEST SIDE STORY · Kirkland Performing Arts Center

ONE WEEK ONLY

AEROS · UW World Series

THE HAINT · Union Garage

IN SPITE OF WISHING AND WANTING · On the Boards

JOE GOODE PERFORMANCE GROUP · Moore Theatre

JOHN'S GOSPEL · Taproot Theatre Company

ON SUCH A NIGHT AS THIS · Showtunes! Theatre Company

PETITE MORT · Seattle Art Museum

SHAVE AND A HAIRCUT · One World Theatre

SHORT BUS BACK SEAT MAKE-OUT · Please Leave the Bronx

TICKLE TUNE TYPHOON · Everett Performing Arts Center

CLOSING THIS WEEK

42ND STREET · Civic Light Opera

A LOVELY SUNDAY FOR CREVE COEUR · ReAct

BALD FACED LIE · Open Circle Theatre

HAPPY HOUR · Union Garage

LAST LISTS OF MY MAD MOTHER · Northwest Actors Studio

OUR TOWN · ArtsWest

THE SHOW · Podunk Productions

TRANSFORMATIONS AND OTHER TALES · Theater Schmeater

TWILIGHT ZONE LIVE · Theater Schmeater

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. NOTE: CLO musicians are on strike. You may have to cross a picket line in order to see the show.

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 & 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. "After working 10 months on this inventive, wildly funny thing, the folks involved [must] have a hard time cutting stuff. But if [some] were dropped, this would be completely wonderful, as opposed to just mostly wonderful, entertainment." (Rebecca Brown) 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. 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. See review this issue. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Wed, Thurs, & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, matinee Sun Oct 22 at 2; $15, $10 age 25 and under. Through Oct 29.

GHETTO

Acclaimed play about a Jewish theater struggling under the Nazi occupation of Lithuania. See Bio Box. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse Theater, 7312 W Green Lake Dr N, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $10-$19. Through Nov 12. ALSO: On Mon Oct 23, 8 pm, as part of their "Playwrights of Conscience" series, SPT presents a reading of Naomi Wallace's Slaughter City.

*THE HAINT

Troy Mink's hit solo show, about a ghost in a small Southern town, returns for one last weekend. Union Garage, 1418 10th, 720-1942. Fri-Sat Oct 20-21, 8 pm; $12, $10 students/seniors.

HAMLET

Yet another production of Shakespeare's most lauded play. 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.

HEDDA GABLER

The Ibsen classic, done by feisty youngsters. See Stranger Suggests. Printer's Devil Theatre at the former Sand Point Naval Base, Bldg 67, Rm 110, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 328-2690. Thurs-Sun at 8; $10 Thurs & Sun, $15 Fri-Sat. Pay-what-you-can performances on Thurs Oct 26, Nov 2 & 9. Through Nov 18.

*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.

JOHN'S GOSPEL

One-man show by Paul Alexander of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th, 781-9707. ONE NIGHT ONLY: Sun Oct 22, 7 pm; $15.

*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.

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR

Forced marriage leads inevitably to boudoir homicide, as this operatic parable makes clear. Seattle Opera, Seattle Center Opera House, 389-7676. Oct 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, Nov 1, 3, 4; all performances at 7:30, except Sun performances at 2; $31-$107.

MEASURE FOR MEASURE

Kenneth Starr makes Monica Lewinsky a questionable proposal, only it's Shakespeare. Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Previews Fri-Tues Oct 20-24. Opens Wed Oct 25. Tues-Wed & Sun at 7, Thurs-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2; $23.50-$42. Through Nov 18.

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.

THE ODYSSEY

Homer's epic poem, brought to the stage by Mary Zimmerman, who turned Metamorphoses into a meditation on how wet cloth drapes over firm, young bodies. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Previews through Sun Oct 22 (call for details). Opens Mon Oct 23. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2; $15-$42. Through Nov 18.

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 x-ray of small-town America. "By the third act... an ache of loss and grief cuts through any lingering sentiment, and the play's emotions become as stark as its staging." (Bret Fetzer) ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. Thurs-Sat at 8 (also Sat at 3); $20. Through Oct 21.

PERFECT STRANGER

"When the three unlikely friends climb onto the living room couch to simulate a sailboat trip, the evocative soundscape makes for a really lovely effect, effortless and dreamy. But as a whole, [the] script takes the long way to arrive at its surprise ending." (Stacey Levine) One World Theatre at the Speakeasy Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 325-6500. Thurs-Sun at 8; $12-$15. Through Oct 21.

PETITE MORT

A multi-media theater work from Mil Kit, presented as part of SAM's Thursday Afterhours series. Seattle Art Museum, 100 University Ave, 290-0211. Thurs Oct 19, 5:30 pm; free with museum admission.

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.

SAMUEL BECKETT'S HOUSE OF HORRORS

It's sort of tacky associating Beckett's nihilism with cheesy Halloween horrors, but hey, whatever sells. Defibrillator Productions/13 Chairs Theater at Sand Point Brig, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 931-5629. Pay-what-you-can preview on Thurs Oct 19, 9:30 pm. Fri at 9:30, Sat at 8:30; $10. Through Oct 28.

SEX DRUGS ROCK & ROLL

Eric Bogosian's overrated series of character monologues, performed by Peter Dylan O'Connor. Stepping Stone Productions at Nippon Kan Theatre, 628 S Washington, 841-2521. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; $12, $10 students/seniors. Through Nov 18.

*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.

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.

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

*AEROS

Spectacular dance event featuring Olympic medal-winning Romanian gymnasts. See Stranger Suggests. Meany Hall, University of Washington, on 15th Ave NE, 543-4880. Fri-Sat Oct 20-21, 8 pm; $28.

*IN SPITE OF WISHING AND WANTING

Amazing Belgian director/choreographer collaborates with David Byrne. See Stranger Suggests. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Thurs-Sun Oct 19-22, 8 pm; $21 Thurs & Sun, $23 Fri-Sat.

*JOE GOODE PERFORMANCE GROUP

The acclaimed dancer/choreographer uses gay-rights activist Harry Hay as a springboard for an investigation into gender construction. See Stranger Suggests. The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, 292-ARTS. Fri-Sat Oct 20-21, 8 pm; $18.50-$25.50.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

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.

*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 20-21, 8 pm: Keith Terhune in Concert; Tues-Wed Oct 24-25, 7:30 pm: Silent Cinema Classics with 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 Restaurant, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11; no cover.

ON SUCH A NIGHT AS THIS

Buncha show tunes. Showtunes! Theatre Company at Town Hall, corner of Eighth and Seneca, 322-1777. Mon Oct 23, 8 pm; $30, $15 students/seniors/theater artists.

*SHAVE AND A HAIRCUT

Cornucopia of theater, dance, poetry and more, featuring a strong lineup including Bald Faced Lie, Juliet Waller, K. Brian Neel, and more. One World Theatre at Consolidated Works, 410 Terry Ave N. ONE NIGHT ONLY: Sun Oct 22, 8 pm; $10.

SHORT BUS BACK SEAT MAKE-OUT

Jesus Christ, Seattle doesn't have enough sketch comedy troupes of its own, now we're importing them?! Despite their name, this crew is from San Francisco. Please Leave the Bronx at On the Boards, 100 W Roy, 217-9888. Fri-Sat Oct 20-21, 10 pm; $10.

*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 HABIT

One of Seattle's sharpest sketch comedy troupes. 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.

*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.

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. See review this issue. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Fri-Sat at 11; $10. Runs until it loses steam.

*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.

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.

*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." (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. NOTE: The performance on Sun Oct 22 will take place at 4:30 pm.

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.

TICKLE TUNE TYPHOON

The children's music troupe that has probably sold more records than Pearl Jam. Everett Performing Arts Center, Everett, 425-257-8600. Sat Oct 21 at 1, 4, & 7 pm; $12 adults, $10 kids.

WEST SIDE STORY

A great American musical, even if the plot is ripped off. Kirkland Performing Arts Center, Kirkland, 425-893-9900. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2; $20, $18 students/ seniors. Through Oct 28.