OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

BLACK TO MY ROOTS

Opening. Monologues and ensemble pieces about African American women and their hair (a more charged cultural politics issue than you might think). ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $10-$15. Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm; Sat at 2:30 pm. Through June 29.

DEATH AND THE MAIDEN

Opening. Ariel Dorfman's intense and intensely moral look at torture and retribution. Bridges International Repertory Theatre at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 325-6500. $25. Thurs at 7:30 pm; Fri at 8 pm; Sat at 4:30 pm and 9 pm; Sun at 2 pm. Through June 30.

DIRTY BLONDE

Mae West is the unlikely muse in this comedy about a struggling actress. Originally performed by Claudia Shear (who co-wrote it) on the other Broadway. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $32.50-$44. Sun-Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat at 8 pm, matinees June 13, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30. Through June 30.

INFORMAL INTRODUCTIONS

New plays about relationships and love and journeys and stuff. Brought to you by Stepping Stone Productions, Green Theatre Productions, and the Poet's Theatre. Nippon Kan Theatre, 628 S Washington St, 325-6500. $15. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through June 29.

IN SEARCH OF MY CLITORIS

Closing. Liberian comedienne Sia Amma brings her critically acclaimed one-woman comedy of manners, mores, and genital mutilation to the Northwest Actors Studio. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328, $15/$12. Fri-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 3 pm. Through June 16.

FULLY COMMITTED

Solo show about an unemployed actor taking reservations for an ultra-chic restaurant. Now with David Scully. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $24.50-$29.50. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Open run.

G-D DOESN'T PAY RENT HERE

"Comedian Judy Gold and co-author Kate Moira Ryan interviewed 50 Jewish mothers in a quest to answer the riveting question, 'What is the Jewish mother?' Stand-up comedians tend to harp upon their minority status for their material, but theater and standup are two very different animals, and G-d Doesn't Pay Rent Here is proof of how unworkable--not to mention sloppy, emotionally manipulative, and obvious--such an unholy hybrid can be." (Adrian Ryan) The Empty Space Theatre, 3509 Fremont Ave N, 547-7500. $22-$30. Tues-Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 7 pm, some matinees Sat-Sun at 2 pm (call for dates); no performances June 21-23. Through June 30.

HAIRSPRAY

Opening. John Waters' movie had everything: the grouchy and splendid Divine, kitsch up the wazoo, and Ricki Lake as a big girl who dances her way to the top... of Baltimore. It's been re-imagined as a musical, with all sorts of royalty attached--people who worked on The Producers and South Park. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 625-11900. $16-$58. Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm, additional 7:30 pm shows June 16, 18, 19. Through June 23.

HOLES

Young boy unjustly sentenced to hard labor; sneaky warden has a secret agenda. Seattle Children's Theatre, 201 Thomas St, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $21.50-$24.50 adults, $14.50-$17.50 for kids/seniors. Fri at 7 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 & 5:30 pm. Through June 23.

HOWARD'S END

E. M. Forster's lovely, perfect novel about the nuances of British uppercrustness, adapted to theater time. Book-It Repertory Theater at Seattle Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St, 325-6500. $19. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through June 30.

LACKAWANNA BLUES

Opening. Ruben Santiago-Hudson in over 20 roles (exhausting!), with original music by Bill Sims Jr. (bluesy!). This Obie Award-winning play (acclaimed!) performed by a Tony Award-winning actor (applauded!) is a re-creation of Santiago-Hudson's childhood in Lackawanna, New York. Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. $27-$42. Opens Wed June 19, with previews June 14-15 at 8 pm, June 16 and 18 at 7:30 pm. Tues-Thurs and Sun at 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat at 8 pm; matinees Sat, Sun, and July 10 at 2 pm. Through July 13.

MAKING HISTORY

Closing. Brien Friel's play about Hugh O'Neill, the last Earl of Tyrone. Northern Lights Productions at Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 729-6977. $14. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 7 pm. Through June 15.

THE ORCHARD

This week only. Playwright Althea Hukari presents a reading of her new work, about a family gathered post-tragedy. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 322-7030. Free. Mon June 17 at 8 pm.

RECKLESS

Closing. A woman flees the hit man her husband has hired to kill her. Oh, and it's Christmas. By Craig Lucas, author of Prelude to a Kiss and The Dying Gaul. Next Step Theater at Ethnic Cultural Theatre, 3931 Brooklyn Ave NE, 232-0198. $12 suggested donation. Thurs-Sat June 13-15 at 7:30 pm.

SCHOOL DAYS

This week only. One-act plays about education and how we learn what we know. EXITheatre at Freehold East Hall Theatre at Oddfellows Hall, 1525 10th Ave, 851-6730. $10. Thurs-Sat June 13-15 at 8 pm; Sun June 16 at 7 pm.

SLEUTH

Anthony Shaffer's award-winning mystery, originally starring Sir Laurence Olivier, who is currently unavailable. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $18-$26. Wed-Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sat-Sun matinee at 2 pm. Through June 22.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Opening. You never thought you'd hear the names Robert Goulet and James Michener in the same sentence? You just did. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine, 292-2787. $20-$56. Tues-Sat at 8 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm, Sun at 7:30 pm. Through June 23.

TEATRO ZINZANNI: DINNER & DREAMS

The most expensive dinner theater of all time--three hours of gluttony, lust, and eye candy. Featuring the effervescent yet earthy Kevin Kent. Teatro ZinZanni, Sixth & Battery, 805-0015. $89 Wed-Fri & Sun, $99 Sat (includes dinner, but not beverages or gratuity). Wed-Sat at 6:30 pm, Sun at 5:30 pm. Open run.

THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

See Stranger Suggests. A talky play by talky William Saroyan, directed by Rita Giomi. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. $12-$18. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, matinee June 23 at 2 pm. Through June 29.

UNCLE VANYA

Closing. Chekhov, with buffet. Steeplechase Productions at Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Ave SW, 935-8420. Dinner and show $29, with a limited number of $15 show-only tickets. Fri-Sat dinner at 6:30 pm. Through June 15.

WE ARE NOT GOOD GIRLS

Opening. It's back! Behind and in front of the scenes on an all-women blues tour. Play and music by Kate Hart, directed by Lilli Harwood. Settle Public Theater at Bathhouse Theater, 7312 W Green Lake Drive N, 524-1300 or 325-6500. $16-$18. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Sun matinees at 2 pm. Through July 21.

THE WHOLE FAMNDAMILY

Closing. Patrick Scott sends up the family, which should make him very popular with the KVI crowd. GREX at Open Circle Theatre, 429 Boren Ave N, 985-1019. $10-$12. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through June 15.

DANCE

INTIMATE STAGE

This week only. Performer Ishan Vernallis and video-text artist Scott Johnson on the collective unconscious (doesn't it seem like most dance claims to be about the collective unconscious?); with a new work by Joan Laage. Dappin' Butoh at 2353 N 64th St, 526-5756. $12. Sat June 15 at 8 pm; Sun June 16 at 7 pm.

MUSIC

This week only. Solo dancers and musical duets. Choreographed by Deborah Hay, with Amelia Reeber and Amy Windecker. Chamber Theatre, 915 E Pine St, 632-2309. $10. Fri-Sat June 14-15 at 8 pm.

NEW DANCES AND FILMS

This week only. New work--much of it about dance itself--by choreographer/directors Kim Root and Karn Junkinsmith. Velocity MainSpace Theatre, 915 E Pine, 755-4622. $12. Fri-Sun June 14-16 at 8 pm.

TANGO CABARET

This week only. Fabian Salas (star of The Tango Lesson) and Carolina Del Rivero, plus local dancers. Sexy! The Century Ballroom, 915 E Pine St, 325-6500. $20 includes dancing after the show, but dinner is extra. Fri-Sat June 14-15 at 8 pm.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

2002 IMPROVATHON

This week only. Fifthty-two hours of non-sthop improv thkits! Unexpected Productions at the Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $5-$20. Fri June 14 at 6 pm, Sat-Sun June 15-16 at 10 pm.

FALLEN WOMEN FOLLIES

With a different mix of performers each night. You might be lucky enough to catch the erotic trapeze act... foxy, as always. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. $15. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Through June 22.

IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE

Like Shakespeare, but made up. The new trend in improv. Unexpected Productions at Market Theatre, Post Alley, 781-9273. $10. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Open run.

KAFTAN!

A cabaret that sends itself up. (Hey... wait a minute.) With It's Mark Mitchell, Kurt B. Reighley, Paula!, and guests. The pianist, Victor Noriega, was flawless--playing with deceptively lazy precision. The singing troupe ought to take the energy down a notch to tap the Sunday-night vibe better, but Kaftan! is a nice-enough dose of free entertainment." (Josh Feit) Swedish Housewife at ING, 1530 Bellevue Ave, 329-5388. Free. Sun at 9 pm. Ongoing.

LA MOME PIAF: THE LIFE AND SONGS OF A FRENCH LEGEND

The life and work of Edith Piaf, with dinner, unless you say, "Je ne mange rien." Cabaret at Crêpe de Paris, 1333 Fifth Ave, second floor, 623-4111. $45 for dinner and show, $20 for show only. Fri-Sat at 8:30 pm. Through June 29.

LATE NIGHT

CHINCHILLA

This week only. A discourse on divadom by Chinchilla vonSchwamp. ArtsWest Playhouse, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $7. Fri June 14 at 10:30 pm.

DR. JOHN

Behind the scenes at a soap opera. Soapy! Stepping Stone Productions at Nippon Kan Theatre, 628 S Washington St, 325-6500. $5-$6. Fri-Sat at 10:30 pm. Through June 29.

IMPROV SURVIVOR

Theater games with a nasty voting-off-the-island twist. Comedy Court at Odd Duck Studios, 1214 10th Ave, 442-2044. June 15, 22, 29 at 10:30 pm.

NIGHTCAP COMEDY IMPROV

Following Friday-night performances of Sleuth. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $5. June 14, 21 at 10:15 pm. Through June 21.

EVENTS

YEAR END SHOWCASE

This week only. Celebrating the work of Arts Corps, bringing art to kids in schools where they are otherwise inundated with things that appeal to the other side of the brain. Seattle Art Museum, 100 University St, 329-4442. $5 suggested donation. Mon June 17 at 6 pm.