ONE WEEK ONLY
CORNISH BFA DANCE CONCERTS • Cornish College
PETER & THE WOLF • Moore Theater
SCREAM! LIONDOGS • Young Composers Collective
CLOSING THIS WEEK
THE BABY CONTEST WINNER • Odd Duck
THE BOYFRIEND • Seattle Civic Light Opera
BURIED CHILD • Theater Schmeater
CAMELOT • Fifth Avenue
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION • NW Puppet Center
Dina Martina Live! • Re-bar
EDWARD II • Open Circle
POLAROID STORIES • Lori Larsen
ROMEO & JULIET • Seattle Shakespeare Festival
THE SYRINGA TREE • Pamela Gien
TRANSFORMATIONS & OTHER TALES • Cornish
WEARING THE EDGES OF BROKEN GLASS SMOOTH WITH YOUR TONGUE • Theater Babylon
OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS
THE BABY CONTEST WINNER–It’s 1976 in Seattle, and Barb and Leo Mulberry’s
15-year-old daughter has fallen in love with a black man. The answer, they decide,
is to move to the islands. Local playwright/director Katz McMullen takes on a
whirlwind of social issues. Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 547-7375. Thurs-Sat
at 8, Sun at 2, through March 6. $8-$10.
THE BOYFRIEND–The 1920s musical burlesque that launched Julie Andrews, revived by Seattle’s Civic Light Opera, with musical direction by Kim Douglass and choreography by Karen Omahen. Jane Addams Theater, Summit School, 11051 34th Ave NE, 363-2809. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30, through March 6. $14-$18.
BURIED CHILD–Cowboy Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play tracks mud all over Illinois, following the collapse of a once-so-innocent farm family torn apart by a secret. Theater Schmeater’s performance features Jerry Lloyd, Paetra October, and John Q. Smith. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through March 6. $12, under 18 free.
CAMELOT–“I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight.” Lerner & Loewe and swordplay comprise the Fifth Ave’s production of the popular Broadway musical based on the King Arthur tale The Once and Future King. Fifth Avenue Theater, 1308 Fifth Ave, 292-ARTS. Tues-Sat at 8, Sun at 7:30, Sat & Sun at 2, through March 7. $19-$48.
*DINA MARTINA LIVE!–Dina
Martina, Seattle’s treasure (though she claims to be from Las Vegas), returns
to Re-bar after a year’s absence. “Dina Martina is a kind of Frankenstein of
kitsch for thirtysomethings–she’d be drag even without the drag. Martina’s
show is packed with pop references that play to a very specific house. If you’re
not a Re-bar regular, or if you’re not in your 30s (in other words, if you didn’t
spend your high school years driving around in rusty Dodge Darts listening to
groups like Taco and Toto), Dina could seem much more freakish than funny” (Tonia
Steed). Re-bar, 1114 Howell (at Boren), 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8, through
March 7, $10. 21 and over.
DREAM OF A COMMON LANGUAGE–Heather McDonald’s play about gender, art, and destruction plays at the UW. Directed by Chazz Rose. Playhouse Theater, UW Campus, 543-4880. Tues-Sun, times vary, through March 14. $7-$8.
EDWARD II–Bertolt Brecht’s version of the Christopher Marlowe drama dates from his early years, expressing his emerging anti-bourgeois Marxist leanings, lending the play a suitably propagandist edge. Here directed by Elizabeth Eddy with masks and a live instrumental score. Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through March 6. $10/$12.
THE EMPRESS OF EDEN–Attempted Utopia goes wrong in this world premiere of Barbara Lebow’s play set in the 1930s. A German naturalist lays claim to Isla Maria in the Galapagos, announcing plans to create a self-sufficient paradise. However, when an Austrian baroness also lays claim to the island, mysterious deaths ensue. This is the first of Empty Space’s Behnke New Works Challenge program, and is directed by Rod Ceballos (Accidental Death of an Anarchist). Empty Space Theater, 3509 Fremont N, 547-7500. Days and times vary, through March 27. $16-$25.
GRACE AND PATIENCE–Local playwright Jeff Resta (The Diva Classification System) demonstrates nontraditional family values in this tale of Eric “Grace” Kearney (Patrick Rogers), his six-year-old daughter Patience, his boyfriend “Yoz,” and their struggle to stay together. Promises “campy humor, dark dreams, heroism, and magic.” Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through March 20. $10.
KEROUAC–Vincent Balestri’s long-running one-person “jazz play” about the On the Road author, punctuated by Brian Kent’s saxophone, has been leading the neo-beatnik set to Pioneer Square for over two years now. Velvet Elvis Arts Lounge, 107 Occidental Ave S, 624-8477. Thurs-Sun at 8, through March 14. $14-$18.
*NORTH STREET–Printer’s Devil presents Aaron Thomas’ psychological and linguistic meltdown, North Street. Tonia Steed says, “Having deftly fashioned a group of characters from his native north (specifically Vermont), Thomas equips each of them with gloomy wit, an aimless outlook, and the sort of passion that always vents itself in noisy, sporadically articulate, aching ache. The playwright’s blunt sense of this ache–and of these characters–reopens Robert Frost’s familiar fire/ice question like a forgotten wound. And as funny as Thomas’ dialog is, there is no way to dodge the wounded in North Street.” Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 860-7163. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through March 13. $10.
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST–Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel finds a well-added home with Theater of Relativity, directed by John Marengo. Belltown Theater Center, 115 Blanchard St, 728-7609. Thurs-Sat at 8, through March 20. $12.
POLAROID STORIES–Lori Larsen (La Boheme, Seattle Opera) directs the drama that won writer Naomi Iizuka the 1998 PEN Award for Dramatic Writing. Polaroid Stories is inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphosis, casting characters as homeless wanderers in an urban wasteland. Ned Skinner Theater, 1501 10th Ave E, 726-5066. Thurs & Sat March 4 & 6 at 8, Sun March 7 at 2. $7/$4.
ROMEO & JULIET–The Seattle Shakespeare Festival promises “dangerous swordplay, lavish costumes, and fast-paced action” in their staging of the Bard’s teenage-love-gone-bad poison-popper. Featuring Emily Grogan as Juliet, Jos Viramontes as Romeo, Hans Altwies as Mercutio, and Peter Jacobs as Capulet. Children’s Museum Theater, Center House at Seattle Center, 286-0728. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2, through March 7. $18/$10.
THE SYRINGA TREE–Actress/writer Pamela Gien plays over two dozen characters of various ages and backgrounds in this drama-with-a-conscience set in South Africa. Directed by Larry Moss. Bullitt Cabaret, ACT, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through March 7. $10.
TRANSFORMATIONS & OTHER TALES–Anne Sexton’s poetry provides a dark wash for the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Directed by Sheila Daniels of Seattle’s Immediate Theater. Ned Skinner Theater, 1501 10th Ave E, 726-5066. Sat Feb 27, Wed March 3, & Fri March 5 at 8; Sun Feb 28 & Sat March 6 at 2. $5/$3.
WEARING THE EDGES OF BROKEN GLASS SMOOTH WITH YOUR TONGUE–Two one-acts
by William R Cole, follow-ing that cursed couple, Adam and Eve, from sin’s inception
through time’s collapse. Theater Babylon asks, “What better way to celebrate
the approaching millennium?” Directed by James Venturini. Union Garage,
1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8, through March 6. $9.99.
FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY
BONANZA –Printer’s Devil Theater’s annual workshop series, curated this
year by company members Deron Bos and Tricia Rodley, will feature pieces in
different stages of development over 12 weeks, performed as readings, staged
readings, or workshop productions. Speakeasy Cafe Backroom, 2304 Second
Ave, 860-7163. Mon & Tues at 7:30, through May 18. Donation.
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION–Fifth-generation master puppeteer Yang Feng and his daughter Yang Xie Zheng present the story of the Chinese New Year in this world premiere. Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th Ave NE, 523-2579. Fri at 7:30; Sat & Sun at 1 & 3, through March 7. $5.50-$7.50.
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.
OH, COWARD!–A revue of songs and plays by the post-Victorian but prolifically closeted playwright Noël Coward, featuring Joel Carlton (Annie Get Your Gun), Patti Cohenour (The Phantom of the Opera), and David Pichette (Nixon’s Nixon). Directed and choreographed by Stephen Terrell. Seattle Repertory Theater, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat & Sun at 2, through April 4. $15-$39.
PARALLEL LIVES: THE KATHY & MO SHOW–Deli theater with a real bite, featuring cult-wannabes the Supreme Beings. Authentic New York-style deli buffet included. Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Ave SW, 935-8420. Fri-Sun, call for time, through April 11. $20.
SCREAM! LIONDOGS–The Young Composers Collective Orchestra presents the world premiere Haruko Nishimura’s movement theater piece, scored by Joshua Kohl, Adam McCollom, and Ian Rashkin. Written in the wake of the 1992 slaying of an Asian-American youth by neo-Nazis in Olympia, the work presents a stark abstraction. On The Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Thurs-Sat March 4-6 at 8. $13-$15.
*TEATRO ZINZANNI–An elaborate blend of European cabaret, theatrical spectacle, music, and five courses of fine cuisine courtesy of chef Monique Barbeau, all packaged in an antique European dance hall imported from Belgium for the occasion. Seattle Center, 222 Mercer St, 281-7788 ext 700 or 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 6:30, extended through April 11. $88.
THERE’S NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT HUNGER–The third annual benefit for Food Lifeline, featuring comedians Sue Murphy, Dana Gould, and others. The Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 628-0303. Thurs at 8:30, through March 26. $6, or free with six non-perishable food items. 21 and over.
*ULALUME/WHEN LILACS LAST
IN THE DOORYARD BLOOM’D–Following last year’s successful private-residence
poetry performances, New City Salon presents Edgar Allan Poe’s Ulalume,
Walt Whitman’s When Lilacs Last In the Dooryard Bloom’d, Shakespeare’s
Sonnets 29, 116, and 129, and T. S. Eliot’s Burnt Norton (from the Four
Quartets), performed in multiple environments with maximum audiences of 20 people.
“Although the New City’s selections beg a few interesting questions (such as
why three young women would opt to read four old men to us), the evening is
still very worthwhile… imbued with subtle, simple pleasures: warm rooms, coffee
with cream, and the vibrant sound of live voices curling and rolling over fine,
fine words” (Tonia Steed). Call for location, 328-4683. Thurs-Sat at
8, through March 6. $12.
DANCE
CORNISH BFA DANCE CONCERTS–Graduating Cornish seniors show their stuff
in a series of dance concerts. Also includes performances of works by guest
choreographers such as Amii LeGendre and Wade Madsen. Broadway Performance
Hall, 1625 Broadway, 726-5066. Thurs-Sun March 4-7 at 8; Sat & Sun matinees
at 2. Free; reservations required.
PETER & THE WOLF–The Olympic Ballet coordinates Peter, the Wolf, and
Madeline and the Bad Hat at the Circus in this production of two children’s
classics. Youthful audience members will be treated to a deconstructivist critique
(behind-the-scenes tour) between acts. Moore Theater, 1932 Second Ave,
292-ARTS. Sat March 6 at 2. $12/$8.
LATE NIGHT
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.
SCREAM QUEEN–The talented Bret Fetzer brings more darkness to late night in this one-act black comedy featuring Lyssa Browne as Dotty Parker, a B-movie star who hurls herself from sexploitation to lesbian vampirism. Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Fri & Sat at 11, through March 19. $5.
SPIN THE BOTTLE–The Annex’s newest late-night performance is a slumgullion of juggling, dance, singing, and silhouettes, cultivated by the finely tuned Bret Fetzer. Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 329-8270. First Fri of every month. No reservations. $5.
THEATER on the Spot–A new sketch comedy show, with audience participation, featuring the Wheel of Improv. Belltown Theater Center, 115 Blanchard St, 728-7609. Sat at 11. $6.
THEATER SCHMEATER–The seventh season of Theater Schmeater finds them back in The Twilight Zone, Live on Stage, with two classic episodes: “The Jeopardy Room,” written by Rod Serling, and “Perchance to Dream,” written by Charles Beaumont. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave (between Pike & Pine), 324-5801. Fri & Sat at 11, through March 6. $8; 18 and under free.
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–From the roots of experimental comedy Mike Daisey,
Cory Jess Nealy, Val Bush, and Jean-Michele Gregory cultivate their brand of
“attention deficit” late-night. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942.
Fri & Sat at 11, through March 5. Pay what you want.
CALLS
ANNEX THEATER–Call for playwrights to participate in Hothouse ’99,
a creative workshop hosting writers in residence, May 16-30. Works will be performed
on the Annex Mainstage. Call 728-8081 for information.
INTIMAN/ACT/FREEHOLD JOURNEYMAN PROGRAM– Now accepting applications for 16-week intensive mentorship session starting in Sept ’99, with a stipend of $3,000. Contact Cyndi Pock, Program Administrator, 624-3570. Deadline is March 20.
NAUGAHYDE PRODUCTIONS–Seeking original scripts for an evening of short plays to be produced in April. Submissions should be 10 to 40 minutes in length. Deadline is March 5. Send submissions to: Joe Wack, 555 16th Ave, Seattle, 98122. Inquiries: 322-3879.
SEATTLE REP–Now taking applications for its Professional Arts Training Program for the 1999-’00 season, offering young professionals practical experience. Applications accepted through April 15; internships available in various areas. Call 443-2210 ext. 1200 for information and an application.