OPENING THIS WEEK

COMEDY OF ERRORS • GreenStage

ONE FOR A MAN, TWO FOR A HORSE: A MUSICAL MEDICINE SHOW • Hokum Hall

THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF • Thistle Theater

THREE KNOCKS AND A WHISTLE • Speakeasy

WOMEN PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL 1999 • ACT

ONE WEEK ONLY

ARNALDO INNOCENTES • Asian Arts Festival

DRAG KING SHOW • Re-bar

SPIN • UW Dance Student Association

SPRING FEVER • Dance on Capitol Hill

YOKO MURAO & GOOSAY TEN • Asian Arts Festival

ZAMORA'S TOURING SIDESHOW • OK Hotel

CLOSING THIS WEEK

BONANZA • Printer's Devil

IDENTIKIT • Annex

THE LADY FROM THE SEA • Playhouse Theater

RENNIE HARRIS PUREMOVEMENT • On the Boards

UP IN YOUR GRILL • Annex

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

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.

COMEDY OF ERRORS--Twin-centered farce spun by Shakespeare experts GreenStage. Separated as babies, Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus, along with their respective twin slaves, meet up again amidst a cacophony of misunderstandings. The Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, 104 17th Ave S (at Yesler), 748-1551. Fri-Sat at 3, Sun at 3, through May 30. $18/$15.

THE CRUCIBLE--Arthur Miller's classic based on the Salem witch trials blah blah blah, here performed by ACT debut-ers Stephen Rowe, Laura Ann Worthen, and Hedy Burress. ACT, 7th & Union St, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, some matinees, through May 30. $10-$40. See review this issue.

IDENTIKIT--"When I walk into a theater's lobby before a show and find the actors placed about, striking odd poses, my first response is: uh-oh. Identikit is like a particularly ambitious episode of Zoom, or drama therapy for earnest adults, replete with cries of 'Who am I?' It doesn't help that Kresny has her cast perform as if they're inventing the wheel. Every elliptical phrase, every smirk, every elbow seems burdened by the importance of its mission, and even the silliest moments have a forced whimsy about them." (Steve Wiecking) Annex Theater, 1916 4th Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through May 15. $10.

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.

NINEHOLES99--Theater Babylon's annual revue of original 10-minute scripts, this year featuring local talent such as Bret Fetzer alongside out-of-towners. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8, through May 29. $9.99 (Thurs is pay-what-you-will).

*POONA THE FUCKDOG--"Poona reinvents every social cliché as if it were a naughty and very funny joke told by an intelligent kindergartner. It is smart, bold, and insightful, poignant without being preachy, and meaningful without being sappy. Written by Jeff Goode and directed by Basil Harris, Poona the Fuckdog is two hours of theater magic that will go down in infamy." (Adrian Ryan) Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through May 22. $10/$12.

*SHUT-IN--Piece of Meat playwrights Eric Layer and Christopher Tharp, always gritty, present the story of ex-drag queen Francis, confined to his attic room, and a young couple looking for lodging. The cast, featuring John Q. Smith, Stephen Hando, and Hillary Ketchum, promises heavyweight spectacle. Nu Black Arts West, 153 14th Ave, 860-3152. Thurs- Sat at 8, through May 29. $10. See review this issue.

*STRAIGHT--David Schmader is a funny man. Unfortunately, he was born gay. In Straight, Schmader searches for a remedy, plunging into the controversial world of "conversion therapy," where homosexuals are reputedly made "straight." "Schmader has one of the keenest sensibilities I've seen on stage, possessing an uncommon and endearing talent for telling a story, and with Straight, Schmader follows his minted formula to its apex. But considering Schmader's smarts and vast potential for politically high-stakes performance, it's a little disappointing that Straight isn't craftier. Schmader has what it takes to hit tougher targets, and he should." (Tonia Steed) Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8, extended through May 29. $10 (21 & over).

THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL--Horton Foote's play about a lonely elderly woman who takes off on a Thelma & Louise-type road trip when she forgets to take her meds. With Cynthia Jennings-White. Taproot Theater, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, through June 12. $16-$22.

TRUST--Local playwright Steven Dietz (Private Eyes) sizes up relationships and honesty, answering that ever prickly question, "What are you thinking about?" Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through May 22. $10/$8.

*WOMEN PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL 1999--Six women playwrights from across the country are showcased in a series of performances this week, opening with Brooklyn playwright Regina Porter's A Classic Misunderstanding and Gina Gionfriddo's Guinevere. ACT's Bullitt Theater, 700 Union, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through May 23. $5.

A QUESTION OF MERCY--David Rabe's off-Broadway assisted suicide hit wends its way to Seattle. A young man dying of AIDS-related complications seeks relief from a Kevorkian-esque physician. Directed by Victor Pappas. Intiman Playhouse, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Tues-Wed at 7, Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through June 5. $10-$39.

FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY

ARNALDO INNOCENTES--Watch Seattle Men's Chorus star Innocentes perform his "gender illusions," in a cabaret-style evening featuring songs from his Eartha Kitt repertoire. Theater Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S, 40-1049. Fri May 14 only, at 8. $10-$12.

BONANZA--Printer's Devil Theater's annual workshop series. Week #12 features Featherless Angels, a reading of playwright Midgalia Cruz's exploration of children and war. 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.

DRAG KING SHOW--Lots of fabulous rafflamese prizes, along with butch struttin' mommas, add up to an evening of jollies and dollies brought to you by Dyke Action. A benefit for Push, a queer women's publication. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. Wed May 19 only, at 8. Donation.

THE FABLE OF THE FOX--An Aesop's fable presented by a famous group of puppeteers from Spain, featuring a set that sprouts up flamesowers and has a real stream running through it! Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th Ave NE, 523-2579. Fri at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 1 & 3, through May 23. $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.

ONE FOR A MAN, TWO FOR A HORSE: A MUSICAL MEDICINE SHOW--A modern morality show mediating mystery, music, magic, and mirth. It just might be the tonic you're looking for. Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, 937-3613. Fri-Sat at 8, through May 29. $12/$10.

RADIO MAMBO--"The comic force and vocal prowess on display are worth the price of admission alone (including an astonishing take on an African American hard-timer), and the material simmers with a sharp awareness of where the lines are drawn in racial and social politics (when was the last time you saw a pro-Castro piece of theater?). Radio Mambo is an uneasy but welcome attempt to mesh wide appeal with political expression." (Steve Wiecking) Seattle Repertory Theater, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2, through May 23. $25-$36.

*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 July 18. $88.

THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF--Talented marionettes act out the infamous bridge crossing, with original music by Sue Ennis and puppets created by Brian Kooser. Moore Theater, Sacred Heart School, 9459 NE 14th, Bellevue, 524-3388. Sat-Sun at 2 and 4, through May 23. $5/$7.

*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.

THREE KNOCKS AND A WHISTLE--Short works in new music, theater, dance, and media populate the back room of the Speakeasy--featuring, in this edition, comic waltzes by Janet McAlpin and George Lewis; This, a film accompanied by live music; Mark Boeker as the hilariously lewd "Marvin," and more. Speakeasy Cafe, 2304 2nd Ave, 728-9773. Fri-Sat at 8, through May 22. $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.

*ZAMORA'S TOURING SIDESHOW--A one-night-only event starring former Jim Rose sidekick/current Jim Rose nemesis, Zamora the Torture King. See Zamora and his nationally-renowned collection of freaks perform mind-boggling, stomach-churning stunts including eating broken light bulbs, resisting spears thrust in the throat, standing on eggs, and, our favorite, the Bizarre Yogi internal flamesoss. Thurs May 13 at the OK Hotel, 212 Alaskan Way S. No reservations, pay at door. $10.DANCE

RENNIE HARRIS PUREMOVEMENT--Puremovement is a combination of hiphop elements like B-boy and house dancing, set in the tradition of African and African-American rhythm. Choreographer Harris brings his 10-member ensemble to the formal stage, incorporating street dance with Shakespearean narrative and live animation. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Fri-Sun May 14-16 at 8. $16-$18. See review this issue.

SPIN--UW dance students perform new works by student choreographers, ranging from belly dancing to comedy. Meany Hall, Room 267, UW Campus, 526-2348. Sat-Sun at 8, this week only. $5/$3.

SPRING FEVER--Fusion dance, combining Flamenco, Bellydance, and Salsa, with accompanying live music. Dance on Capitol Hill, 340 15th Ave E, 325-6697. Sat at 8, Sun at 7:30, this week only. $10.

YOKO MURAO & GOOSAY TEN--Murao undulates between traditional Japanese dance and folk themes in a dance in which a crane transforms into a maiden; the Butoh dance group GooSay Ten performs U-NE-RI, in a U.S. debut. Theater Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S, 340-1049. Sat May 15 at 8, Sun May 16 at 4, this week only. $10-$12.

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 Friday 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.

CALLS

RICOCHET BISCUIT THEATER--Seeking a director for upcoming production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot. Contact Ariel Basom at 956-4029.

STONE SOUP THEATER--Looking for students ages 11-21 to audition for summer show, Voices in the Wind. Call 633-1883 for more information.

WOMEN WRITERS--Seeking women writers to participate in a unique performance featuring spoken word, dramatic text, multi-media, poetry, song, etc. Send writing sample to ONYX, 1605 12th Ave #8, Seattle, WA 98122, or call 722-7109. Deadline: May 31.