OPENING THIS WEEK

GUYS AND DOLLS • Fifth Ave ORESTEIA • UW School of Drama

TROUBLE IN THE CITY OF DESIRE • New City Theater

ONE WEEK ONLY

HOTHOUSE '99 • Annex Theater

PHANTOM PLANET: SPACE MENACE • Twisted Flicks

WILL DURST • The Comedy Underground

CLOSING THIS WEEK

COMEDY OF ERRORS • Greenstage

THE CRUCIBLE • ACT

NINEHOLES99 • Theater Babylon

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

SALVATION AND THE SERPENT • Stepping Stone Productions

*SHUT-IN • Piece of Meat

THERE • The Chamber Theater

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

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 amid a cacophony of misunderstandings. Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, 104 17th Ave S (at Yesler), 748-1551. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through Sun May 30. $18/$15.

THE CRUCIBLE
"Drawing, as Arthur Miller did, a parallel between the witch trials and the communist trials seemed brilliant in 1953: in both cases, a perceived threat to the status quo resulted, ironically, in chaos. Watching Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein's production of The Crucible at ACT, however, I was struck by how hollow the play seems without an apt contemporary scaffold on which to hang itself. Edelstein's direction is competent, the acting is proficient, but the production lacks purpose." (Tonia Steed) ACT, Seventh Ave & Union St, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, some matinees, through Sun May 30. $10-$40.

GUYS AND DOLLS
Gambling and the reforming power of love drive this Broadway musical classic, featuring hits such as "Luck Be A Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat." With Trapper John, MD's "Gonzo," Gregory Harrison, as high roller Sky Masterson, Bob Dorian as Nathan Detroit, and Kim Lindsay as Sarah Brown. Fifth Ave Theater, 1308 Fifth Avenue, 292-2787. Tues-Fri at 8; Sat at 2 & 8; Sun at 2 & 7:30, through June 13. $19-$50.

HOTHOUSE '99
Taste theatrical talent with Annex Theater's Niblet winners: playwrights Joshua Furst, Elizabeth Heffron, Peggy Stafford, and Anne Washburn worked with established directors to create brand-new plays in the "laboratory-like setting at Annex," and they present them here. Annex Mainstage, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, this week only. $5.

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.

MONTANA MOOSE, A FABLE OF THE MODERN AMERICAN WEST
Local playwright John Moe spars with nature in this comical tale of a small-town newspaper editor transformed by a camping trip. Directed by Andy Jensen (Zombie Temps from Outer Space). Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, some Sun matinees, through June 26. $12. See review this issue.

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 Sat May 29. $9.99 (Thurs is pay-what-you-will).

ORESTEIA--Bare bones Greek revival that follows family drama through murder, adultery, and revenge. Playhouse Theater, 4045 University Way NE, 543-4880. Tues-Thurs at 7:30; Fri & Sat at 8; Sun at 2, through June 6. $7/$8.

*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 (except Sat May 29--private party), extended through June 19. $10/$12.

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-$12.

SALVATION AND THE SERPENT
A duo of one-acts gathers for a biblically titled evening from Seattle's Stepping Stone Productions: Rupert's Birthday and Cemetery Man by Ken Jenkins and 12 Male Bonding Techniques by Alex Hansen. Odd Duck Studio, between Union & Madison on 10th Ave, 324-2744. Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through Sat May 29. $10/$8.

*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. "Though they focus almost exclusively on their characters' flamesaws, the playwrights and actors combine to conceive the most realistic group of 20-something losers I've ever seen. But Piece of Meat is not particularly interested in realism. Their shows continually strive to hit all the extremes of vulgarity. It's clear that Piece of Meat is working within a mainstream theatrical tradition dating back at least as far as Aeschylus, and taking that tradition to great places." (Eric Fredericksen) Nu Black Arts West, 153 14th Ave, 860-3152. Thurs-Sat at 8, through Sat May 29. $10.

*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 onstage, possessing an uncommon and endearing talent for telling a story; with Straight, he follows his minted formula to its apex." (Tonia Steed) Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8, final extension through June 12. $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.

TROUBLE IN THE CITY OF DESIRE
So this woman's got some problems, but who doesn't? Trouble-with- a-capital-T haunts the alleyways in the City of Desire, a new comedy by Mary Ewald, Ki Gottberg, John Kazanjian, and Elizabeth Kenny. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 328-4683. Thurs-Sat at 8, through June 26. $15.FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDYBRAIDED TALES--Hair and all its implications weave the tangled themes of improv experts Unexpected Productions' newest production. Market Theater, Post Alley (Pike Place Market), 781-9273. Fri-Sat at 8, through June 26. $10.

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. See review this issue.

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 meditating 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 Sat May 29. $12/$10.

*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.

*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.

WILL DURST
American Comedy Award nominee Durst launches shards of political satire and hits some pretty funny targets in his stand-up performance. The Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 628-0303. Thurs-Fri at 9. $12.DANCETHERE--Three local dancers step minutely through time, in an artistic exploration of the short commodity. Holly Eckert, Chris Kaufman, and Alissa Wehrman, all of whom have worked in award-winning local productions, make up the ensemble. The Chamber Theater, Oddfellows Hall, 915 E Pine, Fourth Floor, 781-0394, Fri-Sat at 8, through Sat May 29. $6.LATE NIGHTTHE 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.

PHANTOM PLANET: SPACE MENACE
A '60s space disco, with flamesaming popcorn, shrinking spacement, and aliens dressed in surgical scrubs, provides film background for Twisted Flicks' hilarious live dialogue re- creations. UW Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 781-3879. Fri & Sat at 10:30, this week only. $7/$5.

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.CALLSBOULDER MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART--Open call for one act plays for Playwrights 2000 Award. Three plays will be chosen for production in January, 2000; each playwright will receive a $300 honorarium. Deadline is August 15. Write to BMoCA, 1750 13th St, Boulder CO 80302 for submission guidelines.

RAINIER VALLEY YOUTH THEATER
-Auditions for The Butterflamesy Dream, a traditional Chinese play, will be held Thurs June 10 from 6-9 pm. Call 725-7169 for appointment.

SHY PRODUCTIONS
Three male actors between 23 and 30 needed for a feature-length independent film that will be shot in late July for two weeks. Send photo and resume to Shy, PMB 758, 1122 E Pike St, Seattle WA 98122-3934. Also seeking production crew; send sample of work.

TONGUEINCHIC PRODUCTIONS
Auditions for Christmas musical comedy The 1999 Holiday Survival Game Show will be held Mon June 17 from 6-10:30 pm. Singing actors needed. Prepare two-minute comedic monologue and one song. Call 447-6130 for appointment.

VARIETY CABARET--Monthly variety cabaret seeks performers, dancers, magicians, whatever. Wacky and wild only need apply. Info: 281-7892.