Please note: Press releases for upcoming productions must be received by The Stranger no less than two weeks before the opening date. Fax 323-7203 or e-mail traci@thestranger.com.
OPENING THIS WEEK
ARTICHOKE • ArtsWest
THE DONK SISTERS • Cabaret de Paris
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING FUCKED UP • Fleshlab
THE LADY FROM THE SEA • Playhouse Theater
POONA THE FUCKDOG • Open Circle
ONE WEEK ONLY
POND WAY, SCENARIO, SOUNDDANCE • Merce Cunningham Dance
TATTOO • Pat Graney
VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA • Twisted Flicks
CLOSING THIS WEEK
EVISCERATION • Seattle Mime Theater
KING JOHN • Shakespeare In The Park
MAKING PORN • Ryan Idol
ROMANCE WITH DOUBLE BASS • Book-It
THEY ALL PLAYED RAGTIME • Hokum Hall
TIPS FOR GIRLS WHO STRIP • Parlour Room
OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS
1918--A deadly inflamesuenza epidemic brings feverish epiphanies to a small town in Texas: Yes, family really matters. A feel-good play by Horton Foote (The Trip to Bountiful), directed by James Lapan. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through May 8. $12-$15.
ARTICHOKE--Walter's been living in the smokehouse for 14 years, banished by his wife. They're about to be visited by a world-weary wanderer, just in time for harvest. A "charming slice-of-life comedy" by Joanna Glass, directed by Karen Kinch. The Little Theater, South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th Ave SW, 938-0339. Thurs-Fri at 8, Sat at 4 & 8, through May 22. $10-$17.
DEALER'S CHOICE--From England, a poker comedy that deals with a straight face with British slang, relationships, and the politics of money loans. This Northwest premiere is directed by Rod Pilloud. Empty Space Theater, 3509 Fremont Ave N, 547-7500. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2 & 7, through May 9. $16-$25. See review this issue.
EVISCERATION--Dialogue, dance, character, and still image give gut feeling to Sickled Cell Theater's second full-length production. With a cast of 12 fringe veterans, the company hopes to plumb the depths of passion and independence. Seattle Mime Theater, 915 E Pine St, 4th Floor, 329-6665. Thurs-Fri at 8, through May 1. $7.
IDENTIKIT--DNA twists fate in this science/fiction/ music/movement play that questions the idea of personal identity through personal ads and genetic programming. Directed by Carys Kresny (Penetralia). Annex Theater, 1916 4th Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through May 15. $10. See review this issue.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING FUCKED UP--Scott O. Moore--a man with many personalities--attempts to answer the musical question, "Huh? What?" Odd Duck Theater, 1214 10th Ave, 323-0428. Fri-Sat at 8, through May 8. $7.
THE LADY FROM THE SEA--Ibsen intense-fest casting a mysterious sailor in the role of epiphany-bringer to Ellida, a woman trapped in a sterile marriage. Playhouse Theater, 4045 University Way, 543-4880. Tues-Thurs at 7:30; Fri-Sat at 8; Sun at 2, through May 15. $7-$8.
LATE NIGHT CATECHISM--And the nun goes on. Somebody really likes cute Catholics. This is an evening of audience participation and interactive improv theater: think Sister Windy crossed with Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You. First Covenant Church, 400 E Pike, 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, extended for eternity. $24.50-$29.50.
MAKING PORN--Looking for a fun, frothy night of lite humor, misplaced drama, and gratuitous nudity? Head on down to the return engagement of Making Porn, a "comedy about the gay porn industry," fresh from a successful run off-Broadway and starring porn superstar Ryan Idol. Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 781-5714. Wed-Thurs at 8, Fri-Sat at 7 & 10, Sun at 7, through May 2. $25 (!).
*POONA THE FUCKDOG--See Calendar Box. Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through May 22. $10/$12.
ROMANCE WITH DOUBLE BASS--Book-It Repertory presents stories by Anton Chekhov, whose rightfully celebrated plays are mere piddles compared to his gorgeous, masterful short stories. Book-It bravely chooses four: "Romance with Double Bass," "Anyuta," "The Chorus Girl," and "The Grasshopper." Book-It Theater, 1219 Westlake Ave N #301, 216-0877. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through May 2. $10-$15.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: KING JOHN--A royal grass-roots summer tradition, directed by Rita Giomi. Volunteer Park, Amphitheater, 726- 5066. Fri-Sun at 3:30, through May 1. Free.
*STRAIGHT--David Schmader is a funny man. Unfortunately, he was born gay. In Straight, Schmader searches for a remedy, throwing himself into sessions with a Bellevue psychotherapist, "ex-gay" support groups--even venturing into Texas. In the process, he examines the ethics of conversion therapy and what it means to be "straight." Schmader, whose last play, Exploring Whoring, ran extended sold-out performances last summer at the Re-bar, has been called "tough, smart, nasty, witty, and constantly surprising" (John McFarland). Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8, through May 9. $10 (21 & over).
TIPS FOR GIRLS WHO STRIP--Madeline Koulouris' one-woman show based on her actual experience as a stripper in New York is sure to raise a few eyebrows... among other things. Parlour Room, 163 S Jackson, 287-1900. Wed-Sat at 8, through May 1. $10.
FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY
BONANZA --Printer's Devil Theater's annual workshop series. Week #10 features The Canard, the tale of a reluctant spy by Scot Augustson, and LadyM, a mute murder by Tricia Rodley. Speakeasy Cafe Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 860-7163. Mon-Tues at 7:30, through May 18. Donation.
DAMN YANKEES--The devil and baseball can ruin your soul, as proven in this expletive-driven musical. Directed by Rich Gray. (Warning: The musicians are on strike, so you'll have to cross a picket line.) Jane Addams Theater, 11051 34th NE (off Lake City Way), 363-2809. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30, through May 15. $14-$18.
THE DONK SISTERS--Travel from frills to feminism with three country gals. Karen Kay Cody, Bobbi Kotula, and Vickielee Wohlbach reprise their roles as the Donk Sisters, honky-tonking their way through favorites such as "Listen to a Country Song," and "Harper Valley PTA" in the Cabaret de Paris dinner show. Crepe de Paris Restaurant, 1333 Fifth Ave at Union (Rainier Square), 623-4111. Thurs at 8; Fri-Sat at 8:30, through June 26. $40/$16.
EVITA --Andrew Lloyd Webber's paean to the power of a strict hairdo, Eva Peron's eminence grise. The 20th anniversary tour features an all-new cast of Latino actors in the leading roles. Paramount Theater, 911 Pine St, 682-1414. Tues-Sat at 8, Sat & Sun at 2, Sun at 7, through May 9. $23-$48.50.
JULIE CASCIOPPO EXPERIENCE--Songs and characters you may grow to love. The Pink Door, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11. No cover.
RADIO MAMBO--The Seattle Rep presents Latino comedy troupe Culture Clash in this revue of comedic interviews with select citizens of Miami: Cuban exiles, Anglo art dealers, Haitian Americans, and drag queens all get a glitter and grin treatment "in the spirit of the Marx Brothers." Seattle Repertory Theater, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat & Sun at 2, through May 23. $25-$36. See review this issue.
*TEATRO ZINZANNI--Three hours of fancy food and thrilling spectacle from the world over, presented in an antique European dance hall imported from Belgium for the occasion. Worth the price just to watch local wonder Kevin Kent work his jaw-dropping magic on crowds who've never set foot in a fringe theater. Seattle Center, 222 Mercer St, 281-7788 ext 700 or 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 6:30, extended through May 30. $88.
THEY ALL PLAYED RAGTIME--A ragtime revue of a uniquely American music that traverses the century. Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, 937-3613. Fri-Sat at 8, through May 1. $12/$10.
*THREE DOLLAR BILL--Seattle's original Gay/ Lesbian/Bisexual stand-up comedy show still stands in its second year. "Defying all expectations, $3 Bill is refreshingly raunchy, full of scathing goodness" (Steven Grimm). Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 324-8025. Tues at 8:30. $6.
WOMEN ON TAP--Local playwright Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates' musical drama was inspired by Jeni LeGon, the first African American woman to sign with a major studio (MGM). LeGon's journey from Chicago to Broadway is portrayed through drama, music, and tap dance; now 80 years old, she still teaches tap in Vancouver, B.C. You go, girl! Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, 104 17th Ave S (at Yesler), 684-4757. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through May 22. $18-$15.
DANCE
POND WAY, SCENARIO, SOUNDDANCE--Of the three works presented for the first time in Seattle by the inflamesuential Merce Cunningham, Scenario is the most anticipated, featuring costumes by Comme des Garçons fashion designer Rei Kawakubo. Cunningham, a Cornish graduate, soloed with Martha Graham before turning to choreography. He has collaborated with John Cage, who compares Cunningham's style to abstract painting, where each element "is in and of itself expressive." Meany Theater, UW Campus, 543-4880. Thurs-Sat at 8, one week only. $32.
TATTOO--Preview Pat Graney's newest work (which premieres at its full length next January) in a one-evening show. Tattoo features Graney's collaboration with Ellen Fullman on "electronic skirts," using "monofilament and amplified miniature microphones to create sound triggered by the dancers' movement." Century Ballroom, Oddfellows Bldg, 915 E Pine St, 2nd Floor. Sun May 2 at 2, one show only. $2 suggested donation, tickets at door.
LATE NIGHT
THE A.M. CABARET--Amoral entertainment for insomniacs; promising naked poetry, music, strippers, and drag queens. You may think you're dreaming. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 860-7377. Sat from 2-4 am. $5.
JET CITY IMPROV--Improv comedy and music based on audience suggestions. Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 781-3879. Fri-Sat at 10:30.
SPIN THE BOTTLE--Annex's late-night performance is a slumgullion of juggling, dance, singing, and silhouettes, cultivated by the finely tuned Bret Fetzer. Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 729-0933. First Fri of every month. No reservations. $5.
THEATER SPORTS--Improv comedy with a competitive edge, brought to you by Unexpected Productions. Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Fri-Sat at 10:30, $9; Sun at 7, $5.
UP IN YOUR GRILL--The fourth annual comedy cabaret from those shameless folks on the fringe comedy circuit. Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 325-5743. Fri-Sat at 11, through May 14. $5.
VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA--Twisted Flicks' recreated sound track to the submarine classic pits Frankie Avalon, Barbara Eden, Floyd the Barber, and Peter Lorre against a burning ring of fire. UW's Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 781-3879. Fri-Sat at 10, one week only. $7-$5.
CALLS
E.N.S. PRODUCTIONS--Seeking four male actors in their 20s-30s, and one female actor in her 20s-30s, for an independent film. Shooting will begin in early May. For appointment call 738-7657.
PUMP BOYS & DINETTES--Oregon Cabaret Theater in Ashland is casting male singer/actors who are also proficient musicians for a summer production. Particularly seeking pianist and lead guitarist. Pay is $1,200/mo plus rent stipend. Rehearsals begin May 26. Call 541-488-8349.
SCI-FI FILM--Seeking female actors to film last scene of a completed sci-fi feature. Scene is of a tasteful, erotic vision requiring some nudity. Will receive copy of film. Call John at 729-9855.
TELEVISION PILOT--Independent production company seeking actors for pilot to be filmed this summer. Send resume and headshot to S.T. Productions, PO Box 130, Clinton, WA 98236, or call 478-9584 for more information.
