SKYLIGHT • Intiman
SUMMER SIX PACK • City 3 Theater
TEMPORARY HELP • ACT
WAITING FOR GODOT • Ricochet Biscuit Theater Group

EDIE • Spintron
EVERYBODY'S A CRITIC • Intiman
LILY KIARA & IN THE MOMENT • Freehold

TRIPLE ESPRESSO • Performance Studio at The Children's Museum

2 WEEKS IN AUGUST—Emerging Asian American artists share the spotlight in this series organized by the Northwest Asian American Theatre, including a staged reading of Andy Lew's family dinner comic tragedy Welcome to the Wongs, alongside dance/poetry by Veronica and Lester Lee: The Woman That Was Not There ask me. ask me. ask me, and Remember Me. Theater Off Jackson, 409 7th S, 340-1049. Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through Aug 22. $5-$10.

BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE—Northern Exposure veteran Peg Phillips started Woodinville Rep last year, and with a healthy budget the playhouse has mounted traditional theater to sold out houses. Phillips herself plays an absentminded aunt with bumbling skills of witchcraft, aided by special effects and a live cat, in this light romance directed by Hal Ryder. Woodinville Repertory Theater, 19301 168th Ave NE, Woodinville, 425-481-8502. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through Aug 22. $12/$10.

COMEDY OF ERRORS—Twin mishap engenders a laff-riot in Shakespeare's most kidding of plays. Performed by Greenstage at various parks through-out the summer. Call for Location, 748-1551, www.greenstage.org. Fri & Sat at 8, through Sept 6. Donation.

*DERAILED DESIRES—"For many generations, the phrase 'funny lesbian' was an oxymoron on a par with 'compassionate conservatism.' But the ladies of Pulp Vixens have devoted themselves to demolishing that pigeonhole, wrangling together evenings of camp noir comedy that leave audiences wet with tears and shameful longings. The Vixens' newest creation, Derailed Desires, dishes up lesbian love triangles, hardened tramps, and deadly seductions, set entirely aboard a speeding train bound for trouble. Starring Jennifer Jasper, Mia Levine, and Shawn Yates, and directed by the formidable Kevin Kent." (David Schmader) Spintron, 916 E Pike, 442-2060. Fri & Sat at 8, open ended run. $10.

EVERYBODY'S A CRITIC—Courtesy of Intiman's New Voices series, budding playwright Katie Forgette receives a staged reading of her farce centered around an out-of-work actress, directed by Jeff Steitzer. Intiman Playhouse, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Mon Aug 23 at 7. $10/$8.

HAPPY PANTIES SPECIAL EDITION—Vaudeville meets romance in this comic romp, remounted after its first (short) run met with popular acclaim. Promises pratfalls and stuffed animals. "The most bare-assed naked fun I've had in a theater in a long time." (Tonia Steed) Fremont Palace (Empty Space Theater), 3509 Fremont Ave N, 425-640-5738. Thurs-Sun at 8, through Sept 5. $10.

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. ACT, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, extended for eternity. $24.50-$29.50

*MARS IS A STAR WHO DEFIES OBSERVATION—The planets are aligned and maligned in this new play by starry-eyed Bret Fetzer. The story of a sun-centered theory of the universe veers into personal agendas, including that of the author himself (as played by actress Barbi Beckett), becoming a "crazed collage of sexual politics, medieval animal law, the history of torture, and lurid sex." Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through Sept 11. $10.

*POONA THE FUCKDOG—The fable returns. "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) Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. Fri & Sun at 8, through Aug 29. $12 (21 and over).

SELF OBSESSION IN BLUE—A broken-down Pinto in the desert brings Wanda and Zoe face to face with their existential angst, in this premiere Seattle staging of Kelleen Conway Greenfield's award-winning play, produced by "Seattle's newest feminist theater company, Live Girls!" With Meghan Arnette, Jessica Pregnolato, and Kady Douglass. Freehold Theater, 1525 10th Ave, 314-2471. Thurs-Sat at 8, through Aug 28. $8/$5.

SHOPPING AND FUCKING—Sure to shock, this hit play from the Brits swims to Seattle on a tide of critical acclaim, compared for brutality to Tarantino and Scorsese. An examination of love and morality in the lives of twenty-somethings seeking "cheap sex, fast food, and designer drugs," directed by Hyperion Artistic Director Joe Seabeck. Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 781-0022. Thurs & Sun at 8, Fri & Sat at 7 & 9:30, through Aug 29. $12.50/$10. See Calendar Box.

SKYLIGHT—The 1996 talk of Broadway comes to Seattle. David Hare's play centers on Kyra, a young schoolteacher who falls for Tom, a married restauranteur. When their affair is found out, Kyra flees, only to meet up with Tom years later to, shall we say, re-engage. Intiman's production is directed by Warner Shook, with Frank Corrado as Tom and Gina Nagy as Kyra. Intiman Theater, 201 Mercer St, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Sun, Tues, Wed at 7; Thurs-Sat at 8; Sat & Sun at 2. $10-$39.

SUMMER SIX PACK—Staged readings of six local playwrights: Heidi Robbins & Elizabeth Rainer, Marcy Rodenborn, Bill Ratcliffe, G. William Zorn, Chris Schneider, Aileen O'Leary & Lydia Ratcliffe. Beer will not be provided. Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 783-2284. Thurs-Sat, Aug 19-21 & 26-28. $4.

TEMPORARY HELP—David Wiltse's psychological thriller steams up the stage. In a remote Nebraska farmhouse, "payday" takes on new intonations. Directed by Gordon Edelstein. ACT, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 7, some matinees. $10-$40.

TIMON OF ATHENS—Timon has to learn his lesson: Money might buy you a good pair of shoes but it can't buy you happiness. One of Greenstage's "Shakespeare In the Park" offerings. Call for Location, 748-1551, www.greenstage.org. Fri & Sat at 8, through Sept 5. Donation.

TRIPLE ESPRESSO—In this enervating showbiz spoof, the comedy team of "Maxwell, Butternut & Bean" relives their attempts to make it big-time. A touring production with Bill Arnold, Michael Pearce Donley, and Bob Stromberg. Performance Studio at The Children's Museum, Seattle Center, 374-9490. Wed & Thurs at 7:30; Fri at 8; Sat at 1, 5, 8; Sun at 3 & 7, through Sept 2. $26.50-$29.50.

WAITING FOR GODOT—Ricochet Biscuit Theater Group takes on Beckett's yawning metaphor. Directed by Shana Bestock. The Chamber Theater, 915 E Pine St, Fourth Floor, 956-4029. Thurs Aug 19, Fri & Sat at 8, through Sept 4. $10.

LILY KIARA & IN THE MOMENT—Dutch dancer/improviser and choreographer Kiara visits to perform a solo work oriented toward time and space, followed by collaborative quartet In the Moment, which includes poet Pamela Moore Dionne, percussionist Chuck Smart, saxophonist/flautist Dan Blunck, and dancer Joan Laage. Freehold's East Hall Theater, 1525 10th Ave, Second Floor, 526-5756. Wed Aug 25 at 7 & 9, this week only. $8.

*DER FREISCHÜTZ — Der Freischütz, which translates into "The Devil's Bullet" (or is it "The Free Shoe"?), promises pre-Gothic extravagance, featuring Metropolitan Opera soprano Deborah Voigt. Seattle Opera House, Seattle Center, 389-7676. Call for dates, through Aug 21. $33-$99. See Review this Issue.

EDIE—Born in Portland, borne in New York, '60s mod-style diva Exotica Edie promises to serve up super-high kicks and show tunes. Spintron, 916 E Pike St, 568-6190. Mon Aug 23 at 11 pm, $5.

IMPROSIA—Character-driven improv based on audience suggestions. Wit's End, 770 N 34th St, tickets at the door. Saturdays at 9:30. $7.

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.

LO BLO 2000: THE FUTURE BLOS—Chicken Little is finally recognized as a prophet, in this prime time insanity known as sketch comedy. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 323-8390. Fri & Sat at 8, through Aug 28. $10.

THE PROM REUNION—The folks at Richard (Dick) Ultimate High School have decided to restage their 1970s prom, and you can be a part of it. Interactive theater in the style of Tony & Tina's Wedding, food included. Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Center, Community Hall, Lower Level, 6532 Phinney Ave N, 628-0888. Sat at 6:30, through the end of summer. $45/$35 (group rates available).

*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. Now featuring body-juggling brothers from France and the jaw-dropping Kevin Kent. Seattle Center, 222 Mercer St, 281-7788 ext 700 or 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 6:30, extended through Sept 8. $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 Min St, 324-8025. Tues at 9. $6.

TREES AND COWS AND SOMETIMES PEOPLE—Authentic turn-of-the-century marionettes from Prague string the audience along in this charming play by George Bombel. The Pearl Cafe, 4215 University Way NE. Sat & Sun at 1, through Aug 22. $1-$3.

TWILIGHT ZONE MARATHON VI—Theater Schmeater, connoisseurs of surreality, act out eerie episodes in which a doll, a camera, and a TV send their owners into… the Twilight Zone. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through Aug 21. $12.

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.

FRIDA LAYY'S PSYCHO CIRCUS—Seattle's nationally known drag personality, Miss Frida Layy, hosts "a series of freak show performers," bringing sparkle to late night. 21st Century Foxxes, 1501 E Olive Way, 720-9963. Sat at 10:30. $6 (21 and over).

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.

*SGT. RIGSBY AND HIS AMAZING SILHOUETTES—Using the tricky effects made possible by today's modern science—namely, electricity—the talented mesmerist Scot Augustson manipulates shadows to create sinister and smart storylines. Voices are provided by guest Seattle talent. This special performance includes two pieces, "The Lost Bronte Novel" and "Ivey Higgins' Tales for the Stout of Heart." Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Fri & Sat at 11 pm, through Sept 10. $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.

CALL FOR SCORES—Jack Straw Productions, Musicians Accord, and the Washington Composers Forum announce a call-for-scores to be workshopped and recorded at Jack Straw on Sun Sept 26, as part of a VirtualConcert, a multi-faceted residency project with Musicians Accord, the New York-based new music collective, and Jovino Santos Neto, composer-in-residence. Call 634-0919 or e-mail joan@jackstraw.org for application and more information.

CONSOLIDATED WORKS—Consolidated Arts, a new center for contemporary arts, is looking for volunteers to help turn a 30,000 square foot warehouse into the most exciting contemporary arts center in the Pacific Northwest. You pound the nails, paint the walls, and get free tickets. Call 860-5245 or e-mail matthew@conworks.org.

NORTHWEST ACTORS STUDIO—Now holding auditions for the two-year Conservatory Program Class of 2001. Interested students should bring one prepared monologue 1-3 minutes in length, any style, and be prepared for a half-hour interview. Auditions will be held through Sept 19. Call 324-6328 for an appointment.

SEATTLE SYMPHONY CHORALES—Auditions for the 1999-2000 season are now being held at Cornish College of the Arts. Auditions are by appointment only: call 215-4734.

THOUGHT IN THE DARK PRODUCTIONS—Seeking grips and production assistants for a short film. Must be available Aug 21, 22, 28, 29. 517-5136.

TV PILOT—Open call to actors 30-45 years old, for TV pilot to be filmed in September. Send headshot & resume to: Silver Tongue Production, 1112 N 83rd, Seattle WA 98103.