OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS
12 MINUTES MAX
One night only. A multigenre showcase, this edition of 12MM includes a “nervy sound installation” by BNSF and a dance piece called little humans, with choreography by Carla Mann. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. No advance tickets, $7 at the door. Mon Feb 23 at 7 pm.
* 1984
“Empty Space Theatre’s revival/adaptation of the George Orwell novel is not directly about current affairs, as the posters imply. Directed by Allison Narver, the play attempts to capture the mood and atmosphere of the novel, which is set in London. The result is several successes and one apparent failure. Numbered in the successes: the strong performance by the lead, David Pichette; the extensive and often ingenious utilization of video technology; and the adaptation by Wayne Rawley, which, as far as I can tell, is faithful to Orwell. The primary failure is the set–it’s too modern or clinical for the grimy London described in the book.” (Charles Mudede) Empty Space Theatre, 3509 Fremont Ave N, 547-7500. $10-$35. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 2 and 7:30 pm, Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm. Through Feb 28.
THE ACCOMPLICE
A comedic thriller about sex, murder, and mystery. Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave, Langley, 360-221-8286. $8-$12. Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 28.
ALLIE COMES HOME
Family and fanciness abound in this play about the East Coast political elite in 1976. Angry Blvd at Live Girls! Theater, 620 Alaskan Way, 218-9404. Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Mon at 8 pm. Through Feb 28.
ARTHUR: THE BEGETTING
“To its credit, the substance of the play is more psychologically complex than your average fantasy novel–playwright Jeff Berryman isn’t writing about a world where the good guys and bad guys can be sorted out by the consonants of their names. Maybe with some rigorous editing, I’d find the story more involving; as it is, I watched it all with a cold heart.” (Bret Fetzer) Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $10-$28. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Wed at 7:30 pm. Through March 6.
BLASTED
Opening. The U.S. premiere of the disturbing first play from the late UK playwright Sarah Kane. A Theater Under the Influence at Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. $10-$15. Preview performance Thurs Feb 19 at 8 pm. Opening Fri Feb 20 at 8 pm. Sat at 8 pm. Through March 13.
BRAVE LITTLE TAILOR
Opening. Children’s theater about a craftsman with a knack for fly swatting. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 NE 74th St, Redmond, 425-881-6777. $8.50. Opening Fri at 7 pm. Sat-Sun at 1 and 3 pm. Through Feb 29.
CHANGES OF HEART
Love triangles and abductions from Edmonds Driftwood Players at Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St, Edmonds, 425-774-9600. $17-$20. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 29.
CINDERELLA
Two weekends only. The classic tale of class warfare and fairy intervention. StoryBook Theater at PUD Auditorium, 2320 California St, Everett, 877-827-1100. $7.50. Sat at 11 am and 1 pm. Through Feb 29.
* DARK RIDE
“The trick is to figure out, even as the play continues to deceive you, how all the pieces fit together. You can’t, really, but the cast is so on it and so convincing and so fun to watch–and funny–that it hardly matters. The show is impossibly well directed (spotty lighting notwithstanding), driven by the very real-seeming sense that these people aren’t acting so much as being acted upon. ” (Christopher Frizzelle) Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through Feb 29.
THE DEVIL & BILLY MARKHAM
Shel Silverstein’s tale of a Faustian bargain. The Possibilities at Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through Feb 28.
DIDO & AENEAS
One night only. A concert performance of Henry Purcell’s Restoration opera. Seattle Choral Company at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 8398 NE 21st St, 363-1100. $8-$20. Sat Feb 21 at 8 pm.
THE DINING ROOM
A. R. Gurney’s sentimental comedy at Changing Scene Theatre Northwest, 5889 State Highway 303 NE, Bremerton, 360-792-8601. $10-$12. Fri-Sun at 8 pm. Through March 13.
DREAMGIRLS
Frenchie Davis of American Idol semifame stars in this retelling of the rise of the Supremes. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 292-2787. $18-$64. Thurs-Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 1 and 7 pm, Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm. Through Feb 29.
THE FOURPOSTER
Final week. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage. The eponymous bed bears witness to all of the above. Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 SE 40th St, Mercer Island, 232-4145. $8. Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm. Through Feb 22.
I DO, I DO!
Opening. A marriage musical, featuring husband Michael and wife Agnes. Civic Light Opera at Shoreline Conference Center, 18560 First Ave NE, Shoreline, 363-2809. $20-$30. Opening Thurs Feb 19 at 8 pm. Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through March 7.
AN INSPECTOR CALLS
Two weeks only. A black-box staging of the J. B. Priestley play. Exchange Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE Sixth St, Bellevue, 325-6500. $10-$25. Preview performance Thurs Feb 19 at 7:30 pm. Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 28.
KINFOLK
Two weeks only. Buried secrets in the Appalachian foothills. Centerstage Studio Theatre, 1710 341st Pl, Suite B-1, Federal Way, 253-661-1444. $12-$15. Opening Thurs Feb 19 at 7 pm. Fri-Sat at 7 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 29.
THE LARAMIE PROJECT
Documentary theater about the aftermath of the Matthew Shepard murder in Laramie, Wyoming. Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave, Everett, 425-258-6766. $7-$14. Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 29.
LIFE, A GUIDE FOR THE PERPLEXED
Opening. A Flying Karamazov Brothers show, featuring the perennial audience favorite: pies in the face. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $20-$36. Preview performances Sat-Sun and Tues (Feb 21-22 and 24) at 7 pm. Opening Wed Feb 25 at 7 pm. Through March 21.
LINE ONE
Two weekends only. An experimental show in which people outside the theater will relate, via cell phones, memories and experiences to the actors, who will then relay that narration verbatim to the audience. Annex Theatre at Chamber Theatre, 915 E Pine St, fourth floor, 728-0933. $7. Preview performance Thurs Feb 19 at 8 pm. Fri-Sun at 8 pm. Through Feb 29.
* MANSIZE
Two weekends only. The Stranger‘s own David Schmader premieres a new comedic work. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $15. Opening Thurs Feb 19 at 8 pm. Fri-Sun at 8 pm. Through Feb 29.
THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER
See review this issue. A crotchety celebrity invalid takes up residence in a bland Ohio household. GreenStage at Sand Point Magnuson Park, Building 406, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 748-1551. Free, donations accepted. Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through March 14.
MATCH GAME 78
Two nights only. A faux recording of the ’70s TV show. Bald Faced Lie and Open Circle Theater at Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. $10. Mon Feb 23 at 8 pm, Wed Feb 25 at 8 pm. Through Feb 25.
OF MICE AND MEN
An adaptation of the Depression-era classic. Tacoma Little Theatre, 210 N I St, Tacoma, 253-272-2281. $14-$18. Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 28.
THE MINEOLA TWINS
Final week. “It’s possible that there’s a worse play by a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, but I can’t think of one. ” (Bret Fetzer) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 325-6500. $15. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through Feb 21.
MOMMA DON’T HURT ME SO BAD
Two weekends only. An S&M, “rags-to-diapers” fairy tale. Center House Theater, 305 Harrison St, 933-2835. $20. Opening Thurs Feb 19 at 7 pm. Fri-Sat at 7 pm. Through Feb 28.
NIGHTSTORIES
Two weekends only. Bedtime stories for grownups, this edition with the theme “medicine.” SecondStory Repertory, 16587 NE 74th St, Redmond, 425-881-6777. $8. Fri-Sat at 8:30 pm. Through Feb 28.
SAVING GRACE
A farce about a secretary, her lecherous boss, and a repairman. Tacoma Actor’s Guild, 901 Broadway, Suite 600, Tacoma, 253-272-2145. $12.50-$28. Thurs at 7 pm, Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 and 7 pm, Tues at 7 pm, Wed at 2 and 8 pm. Through Feb 29.
SOMETHING’S AFOOT
A musical spoof of murder-mystery tales. Lakewood Players Theatre, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd, Lakewood, 253-588-0042. $10-$15. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 29.
THIS IS BURLESQUE! 3-D
One night only. Burlesque starring NYC’s *BOB* and the Atomic Bombshells. Catwalk Club, 172 S Washington St, 622-1863. $15. Thurs Feb 19 at 8:30 pm.
TIBET THROUGH THE RED BOX
Based on a true story, this play recounts the travels of a Czech filmmaker in Tibet. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $12-$26. Fri at 7 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30 pm. Through March 14.
THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE
William Saroyan’s drama about the regulars at a 1939 California saloon. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, Seattle Center, 443-2222. $10-$46. Thurs-Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 and 7:30 pm, Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm. Through March 6.
TOMMY, THE MUSICAL
One weekend only. Eastside Musical Theatre presents the Pete Townshend musical. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, 425-893-9900. $13-$20. Fri-Sat Feb 20-21 at 8 pm, Sun Feb 22 at 2 pm.
TWO BIRDS AND A STONE
“No matter what its virtues, it’s difficult to recommend any play as grindingly miserable as Two Birds and a Stone. Set in an imaginary war zone that strongly resembles the latest Balkan nightmare, the play is a chest-beating, hair-tearing pageant of torture, rape, and murder. All the characters are pitiable and everyone’s a victim.” (Brendan Kiley) Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave, 325-6500. $8-$22. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through Feb 28.
THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES
One weekend only. The Vagina Monologues is to Valentine’s Day what It’s a Wonderful Life is to Christmas. Discuss. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore, tickets available at www.virtuous.com. $12. Fri-Sat Feb 20-21 at 7 pm, Sun Feb 22 at 5 pm.
THE WINTER’S TALE
See review this issue. One of the less ubiquitous offerings in the Shakespeare oeuvre. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W Greenlake Dr N, 325-6500. $10-$18. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 29.
WIT
A dying cancer patient reevaluates her life, with Barbara Kerr in the role Emma Thompson made famous. Longview Stageworks at Pepper Studio Theatre, 1345 Commerce Ave, Longview, 888-575-8499. $11-$17. Thurs-Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 29.
DANCE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
One day only. Step dancing from the Original Seattle Steppers and pan-African dance from Maya Soleil Traditions. Unity Church of Kent, 218 State Ave, Kent. Free. Sat Feb 21, 11 am-7 pm.
BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL
One night only. Eduardo Mendonÿa and Show Brazil at the Mountaineers, 300 Third Ave W, 425-643-4181. $15-$30. Sat Feb 21 at 8 pm.
FADO, HIP-HOP, AND THE BLUES
One weekend only. Artistic Director Donald Byrd examines the impact of the African diaspora on Western pop music. Intiman Playhouse, Seattle Center, 269-1900. $10-$30. Thurs-Fri Feb 19-20 at 8 pm, Sat Feb 21 at 2 and 8 pm, Sun Feb 22 at 2 pm.
MAUREEN WHITING COMPANY
One weekend only. Performance art with a video component at Seattle University’s Fine Arts Building, 12th Ave and Union St, 296-5360. $8. Fri-Sat Feb 20-21 at 7:30 pm.
FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY
THE CABARET OF DR. CALIGARI
One night only. Magic, mayhem, and mirth at Rendezvous, 2320 Second Ave, 853-7336. $8-$10. Sun Feb 22 at 7 pm.
DAVID CROSS
See Stranger Suggests. One night only. Half of Mr. Show unloads the funny at the University of Washington HUB Ballroom, UW campus, 1-800-325-7328. $20/$12 UW students. Sat Feb 21 at 7 pm.
GIGGLES COMEDY CLUB LAUGH-OFF
Standup comedy competition at Giggles Comedy Club, 5220 Roosevelt Way NE, 526-5653. $10. Fri-Sat at 8 and 10 pm.
CLINTON JACKSON
One weekend only. Standup comedy at Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 628-0303. $6-$12. Thurs at 8:30 pm, Fri-Sat at 8:30 and 10:30 pm.
LA RONDE
NorthWest goga Theatre presents an improvised play. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 748-0698. $8. Sat at 8 pm. Through Feb 28.
MARDI GRAS
One week only. Thumper’s Cabaret on the Hill winds up for Mardi Gras with “Love, Again” featuring Miss Bea Haven and Sylvia O’Stayformore Fri-Sat Feb 20-21 at 9 pm, Jimmy Hoard with Murl Allen Sanders Sun Feb 22 at 8:30 pm, “Kick Start” with Larry Knapp Mon Feb 23 at 8 pm, and “Mardi Gras Party” with Victor Janusz and friends Tues Feb 24 at 8:30 pm. Thumper’s Restaurant and Bar, 1500 E Madison St, 328-3800. $10.
SEATTLE FESTIVAL OF IMPROV THEATER
One weekend only. Three improv troupes perform on any given night. Out-of-town guests include the Neutrino Project, Johnny Lunchpail, the Josh and Tamra Show, and KOKO, plus Cage Match and the Seattle Neutrino Project will wrap up their shows during the festival. Historic University Theatre, 5510 University Way NE, 781-3952. $10. Thurs-Sun Feb 19-22, for more details see www.seattleimprov.com.
LATE NIGHT
SOCCER MOMS
See review this issue. Love and vodka on the sidelines with the mothers of a bunch of 11-year-old athletes. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 325-6500. $10. Thurs-Sat at 11 pm. Through Feb 28.
STANDUP COMICS SHOWCASE
One night only. Standup comedy at ArtsWest Gallery, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0963. $5-$7. Sat Feb 21 at 10:30 pm.
TAPROOT IMPROV COMEDY
Christian improv? We are so there. This show follows selected performances of Arthur: The Begetting at Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $4-$5. Sat at 10:15 pm. Through March 5.
SPECIAL EVENTS
SPOTLIGHT NIGHT: THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
One night only. Get a sneak peek at the new 5th Avenue show. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave. Free, no advance reservations. Mon Feb 23 at 7 pm.
LONG RUNS
BIG WHEEL BINGO at Rendezvous, 441-5823.
DON’T TELL MOMMA at Thumper’s, 328-3800.
* THE HOKUM HALL VARIETY SHOW at Hokum Hall, 937-3613.
JET CITY IMPROV at Historic University Theatre, 352-8291.
LATE NIGHT CATECHISM from Seattle Theatre Project at ACT, 292-7676.
TEATRO ZINZANNI 2301 Sixth Ave, 802-0015.
THEATRESPORTS at the Market Theater, 781-9273.
