THE CONVENTION OF CARTOGRAPHY

A fictional story about a fictional exhibition of fictional artifacts. Written by W. David Hancock. Empty Space Theatre in an abandoned warehouse, 912 Maynard Ave S, 547-7500, $12. Thurs-Sun at 8 pm; Sat-Sun at 2 pm; additional 10 pm shows Fri July 12 & 19. Through July 21.

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.

THE GRAPES OF DELANO

A family struggles. Theatre Babylon at Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through July 13.

HOTEL: A COMIC PLAY IN 23 ACTS

Oddball people in a wacky hotel--just like life! Some Kind of Cult at the Jewel Box Theater, Rendezvous, 2320 Second Ave, CULT-333. $10. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Through July 13.

I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER AND TAKING IT ON THE ROAD

Hit 1978 feminist musical showcases Heather Jones' disgust with her '50s childhood, her failed relationships, and ever-present showbiz chauvinism. Her male manager tries to convince her to take the act apart and keep it off the road. Steeplechase Productions at Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Ave SW, 935-8420. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm, $15. Fri & Sat dinner plus show, $29. Through Aug 3.

* LACKAWANNA BLUES

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 recreation of Santiago-Hudson's childhood in Lackawanna, New York. Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. $27-$42. Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat at 8 pm; matinees Sat, Sun, & July 10 at 2 pm. Through July 13.

LITTLE WHITE PILL

A man yearns for a drug that will erase the fear of death. It was a very good idea in a novel by Don DeLillo; here it's a very good idea in a play by former critic John Longenbaugh. Ursa Major Theatre Company at Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 325-6500, $12. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, no show July 4. Through July 13.

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.

WE ARE NOT GOOD GIRLS

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. Seattle 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.

YELLOWMAN

Preview. Racial prejudice in a small Southern town. Written by and starring Dael Orlandersmith, Yellowman was a finalist for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $32.50-$44 (preview this week $27.50). Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun-Thurs 7:30 pm, matinees July 7, 14, 18, 21, 27, 28, Aug 3-4 at 2 pm.

WONDERFUL TENNESSEE

Preview. Three couples embark on a birthday trip to an island of mystery off the coast of Ireland. Upon arrival, they talk a lot. Written by Brian Friel. Taproot Theatre Company at Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707, $18-$26. Wed & Thurs at 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat at 8 pm; matinees Sat at 2 pm, no show July 24. Through Aug 10.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

A... MY NAME IS ALICE

Musical skits about contemporary women. RipTide Theatre at ArtsWest Playhouse, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-9793, $26 includes dinner and dessert. Fri-Sat at 7 pm; additional shows July 7, & July 14. Through July 20.

ANTIQUES IMPROV SHOW

Bring your own objects; these jokers will tell you what you've got. The problem with the premise is... don't you think those real appraisers are pretty much winging it too? Unexpected Productions at Market Theater, Post Alley, 781-9273. $10. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Through July 13.

* KAFTAN!

A cabaret that sends itself up. (Hey... wait a minute.) With It's Mark Mitchell, Kurt B. Reighley, Paula!, and guests. "The shtick seems to revolve around Mitchell and Reighley's decorous and 'exotic' shirts and Paula's flowing blue Middle Eastern gown.... The song selections also hinted at some elaborate conceit from Reighley's campy cross-referenced brain. 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.

TIERRA del FUEGO

This week only. Bi-lingual (Spanish and English) performance based on the works of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, starring, um, puppets. Cry of the Rooster at Seattle Public Theatre, Greenlake Bathhouse, 7312 W Greenlake Dr N, 524-1300. $7. July 6, 20 at noon and 2 pm.

LATE NIGHT

COMEDY COURT

Improv comedy... in a courtroom setting! HA! Comedy Court at Odd Duck Studios, 1214 10th Ave, 442-2044. $10. Sat at 10:30 pm. Through July 27.

SPIN THE BOTTLE

This week only. Annex Theater continues it tradition of omnibus monthly shows, this month featuring a preview of Keri Healey's new play, Parrot Fever. Annex Theatre at Velocity MainSpace, 915 E Pine St, second floor, 728-0933. $5. Fri at 11 pm.