ORESTEIA 路 UW School of Drama
TROUBLE IN THE CITY OF DESIRE 路 New City Theater
PHANTOM PLANET: SPACE MENACE 路 Twisted Flicks
WILL DURST 路 The Comedy Underground
THE CRUCIBLE 路 ACT
NINEHOLES99 路 Theater Babylon
ONE FOR A MAN, TWO FOR A HORSE: A MUSICAL MEDICINE SHOW 路 Hokum Hall
SALVATION AND THE SERPENT 路 Stepping Stone Productions
*SHUT-IN 路 Piece of Meat
THERE 路 The Chamber Theater
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.
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 who is 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. $12.
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).
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 clich茅 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. See review this issue.
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 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. "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 May 29. $10.
*STRAIGHT -- David Schmader is a funny man. Unfortunately, he was born gay. In Straight, Schmader searches for a remedy, throwing himself into sessions with a Bellevue psychotherapist, "ex-gay" support groups -- even venturing into Texas. In the process, he examines the ethics of conversion therapy and what it means to be "straight." Schmader, whose last play, Exploring Whoring, ran extended sold-out performances last summer at the Re-bar, has been called "tough, smart, nasty, witty, and constantly surprising" (John McFarland). Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8, through May 9. $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.
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FESTIVALS, CABARETS & COMEDY
BRAIDED TALES -- Hair and all its implications weave the tangled themes of improv experts Unexpected Productions' newest. 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.
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.
* TEATRO ZINZANNI -- An elaborate blend of European cabaret, theatrical spectacle, music, and five-courses of fine cuisine courtesy of chef Monique Barbeau, all packaged in an antique European dance hall imported from Belgium for the occasion. Seattle Center, 222 Mercer St, 281-7788 ext 700 or 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 6:30, extended through April 11. $88.
*THREE DOLLAR BILL -- Seattle's original Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual stand-up comedy show is still standing in its second year. 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.
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DANCE
THERE -- 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 with 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 May 29. $6.
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.
PHANTOM PLANET: SPACE MENACE -- A '60s space disco, with flaming popcorn, shrinking spacemen, 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.
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CALLS
BOULDER 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 Butterfly 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.
| Please note: Press releases for upcoming productions must be received by The Stranger no less than two weeks before the opening date. Fax 323-7203 or e-mail traci@thestranger.com. |
