OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS



ANNA KARENINA

Extended. ""Helen Edmundson's script, which is propelled by meta-commentary from alternating protagonists Anna (Samara Lerman) and Levin (Chris Mayse), gets a little episodic at the end. The fault is exaggerated in an uneven production like this one, in which one strand of narration is far more compelling than the other. Lerman could probably hold up well enough against a strong partner, but she keeps being cast opposite anemic men: Aaron Ousley, in the role of her lover Vronksy, lacks all heft. Their scenes end up looking starved, especially next to the touching relationship of Mayse and Regan deVictoria (as Kitty), who inject an improbable humanity into their blandly idealistic characters." (Annie Wagner) Atlas Theatre at Open Circle Theatre, 429 Boren Ave N, 679-1565. $8-$10. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through April 9.

BEAU JEST

Opening. Timothy Hornor (who was fabulous in Taproot's Much Ado About Nothing) stars as Bob, a guy Sarah has hired to pretend to be her fiancé and convince her parents she's marrying a nice Jewish doctor. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $17-$21. Preview performance Thurs March 31 at 7:30 pm. Opening Fri Aril 1 at 8 pm. Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Wed at 7:30 pm. Through April 30.

BIRO

Opening. Empty Space re-opens with the West Coast premiere of a new play written and performed by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine. Biro addresses, among other topics, immigration and the AIDS crisis in Africa. Empty Space Theatre, 3509 Fremont Ave N, 547-7500. $10-$40. Preview performances Fri-Sat April 1-2 at 8 pm, Mon-Tues April 4-5 at 7:30 pm. Opening Wed April 6 at 7:30 pm. Through April 23.

BRENT OR BRENDA?

Extended. A remount of the crazily popular Scot Augustson play about a poor little straight dude who just wants to wear lacy underwear. Same Brent (Ben Laurance), same ensemble (Jennifer Jasper and Stacey Plum); plus an all-new Hungarian narrator (Wendy O. Henry). Ethereal Mutt at Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 325-6500. $15. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Mon at 8 pm. Through April 11.

THE CONSTANT WIFE

Opening. Kyle Donnelly directs W. Somerset Maugham's 1920s comedy about a woman named Constance (Ellen Karas) whose husband is having an affair with her best friend (local hottie Bhama Roget). Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. $10-$46. Preview performances Sat-Sun April 2-3 at 7:30 pm, Tues April 5 at 7:30 pm. Opening Wed April 6 at 7:30 pm. Through May 1.

DEATH OF A SALESMAN

Opening. David Klein stars as the put-upon Willy Loman in a slice of theater Americana by the late Arthur Miller. Aimee Bruneau directs. Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave, 325-6500. Opening Thurs March 31 at 7:30 pm. Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm. Through April 30.

DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN

This mid-'90s relic by comedian Rob Becker is about the supposed prehistoric propensities of the two sexes, and is performed by former Portlander Isaac Lamb. There was no excuse for this show then; there's none now. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $35-$39.50. Thurs-Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 5 and 8 pm, Sun at 3 pm. Tickets available through April 17.

DINNER & DREAMS

Ongoing. A new musical version of the rabidly successful dinner theater/circus hybrid opens this week, with Martha Davis of the Motels as Madame ZinZanni. Aerialist Duo Artemiev and Ukrainian contortionist Vita Radionova are still onboard--or in-tent, or whatever. Teatro ZinZanni, 2301 Sixth Ave, 802-0015. $89-$109. Thurs-Sat at 6:30 pm, Sun at 5:30 pm.

ELECTION SHOW

"The conceit is fun: Pivoting on obtuse improv topics (Silly Putty, wild squirrels, ninjas, and Charles Dickens, for example), the actors attempt to find grist for their faux presidential election as they plow through debates, scandals, polls, focus groups, pundits, attack ads, and of course, a vote (cast by the audience). This setup would pack a punch if the cast's radar were tuned to hot topical shit, but instead, we get a mildly funny take on the election process in general. " (Josh Feit) Wing-It Productions at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, 325-6500. $10. Sun at 7 pm. Through April 24.

FISSION

See Stranger Suggests, page 25, and review this issue. Final week. A new play by Ashland playwright Molly Best Tinsley, Fission is about Lise Meitner, the European Jew who contributed to the discovery of nuclear fission. Live Girls! Theater, 620 Alaskan Way, second floor, 568-1985. $12. Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through April 3.

FUNNY IMPROV! CASE CLOSED!

An improv comedy show set in the sober environs of a courtroom. Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave E, 851-7857. $7-$10. Sat at 8 pm. Through April 30.

GIANT

Previewing. An adaptation of Edna Ferber's 1952 tale of a wealthy Texas ranching family, told through the point of view of a young Virginia intellectual who marries into the clan. Book-It Artistic Director Myra Platt directs. Book-It Repertory Theatre at Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 216-0833. $15-$30. Preview performances Tues-Wed April 5-6 at 7:30 pm. Through May 1.

HELLHOUND ON MY TRAIL

See review this issue. Denis Johnson (best known for Jesus' Son, a book of short stories adapted into a movie by Alison Maclean) wrote this play about "a sexual-misconduct investigator who misconducts herself sexually," a renegade Jehovah's Witness, and other inhabitants of the American West. Rob West (A Eulogy for Citizen, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) directs. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. $15. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through April 16.

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM

Ongoing. Long-running interactive Catholic-school comedy, in which a nun tells you everything you need to know about your everlasting soul. Cloud 9 Productions at ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $24.50-$29.50. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm.

MOMMIE QUEEREST

See Stranger Suggests, page 25. One weekend only. What if Joan Crawford were a man? This campy (duh) drag (duh) play stars Jamie Morris and Brooks Braselman as Joan and her daughter, and is directed by Christopher Kenney (AKA "Edie"). Rendezvous, 2320 Second Ave, 800-838-3006. $15. Thurs-Sun March 31-April 3 at 8 pm.

MURDER AT MYSTERY MANSION

One night only. Upscale, scary dinner theater at the turn-of-the-century mansion. Stimson-Green Mansion, 1204 Minor Ave, 624-0474. $85. Thurs March 31 at 7 pm.

MY BOAT TO BAINBRIDGE

Extended. "This one-man show by Matt Smith is an extremely low-key tribute to a middle-aged crisis of heterosexual masculinity. Mainly this tired theme takes the form of a creepy obsession about his pet dog's severed testicles, but there's also a good deal of lame nostalgia for the Seattle of yore, and frequent mimicking of birdcalls. " (Annie Wagner) Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $15. Fri at 8 pm. Through June 2.

NORTHWEST NEW WORKS FESTIVAL

See Stranger Suggests, page 25. This new works showcase comprises four shows, plus two installations. This weekend, you get two of the shows and a half-time installation (the Saturday and Sunday programming is identical). At 5:00 p.m., catch an interdisciplinary theater piece about censorship by Charter77, dancer/theater about love by Alianna Jaqua, and a solo performance/video by Khaela Maricich of the Blow. The 8:00 p.m. performance features music from Erin Jorgensen, a dance work by Portland choreographer Gregg Bielemeier, theater and film by the Possibilities Ensemble, and the premiere of a new basketball/chamber music hybrid by Stranger Genius Award-winners Seattle School. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $14 (single show)-$20 (both). Sat-Sun April 2-3 at 5 pm (studio) and 8 pm (main stage). Through April 10.

SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON SHOW

Get your Scooby Snacks in the evening hours thanks to this improv show. Jet City Improv at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, 781-3879. $8-$10. Thurs-Fri at 8 pm. Through May 20.

SAUCY JACK AND THE SPACE VIXENS

Opening. Witness the power of disco as a crime-fighting tool in this musical set on the planet Frottage III. BS Productions at Timberline Spirits, 1828 Yale Ave, 325-6500. $24. Opening Fri April 1 at 8 pm. Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through May 21.

SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO; SURE THING

Final week. A double feature of plays directed by Laura J. Parkening (The Pickle). David Mamet's Sexual Perversity in Chicago is about a pair of lovers and their meddling confidants; David Ives' Sure Thing explores what a first encounter might be like if the two flirts made no false starts. Paper Trail Productions at Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. $12. Fri-Sun at 8 pm. Through April 3.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD

The Tony Award-nominated musical is based on the children's books by Arnold Lobel, with music by Robert Reale and book and lyrics by Willie Reale. Seattle Children's Theatre, 201 Thomas St, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $14-$28. Fri at 7 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30 pm. Through June 5.

DANCE



5 1/2

Final week. A semi-anniversary performance, with dances by Holly Eckert, Dominique Gabella, and more. Next Stage Dance Theatre at Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway Ave, 325-6500. $12-$16. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Through April 2.

FADE

Final week. "This evening-length work starts promisingly, with an impressive confluence of set and music and choreography that's all too rare in Seattle dance. Etta Lilienthal's oceanic plastic tarp and Yann Novak's electronic score give a primordial gravity to the opening sequences, and distract from the shortcomings of the dancers, who (with the exception of Chay Norton) tend to soften the choreography. As the work wears on, movements become more and more scattered, and there are frequently three or four people onstage engaged in their own closed circuits of gesture." (Annie Wagner) Crispin Spaeth Dance Group at Consolidated Works, 500 Boren Ave N, 381-3218. $12-$15. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Through April 2.

SAVION GLOVER

One night only. The very famous tap dancer, who won a Tony in 1996 for choreographing Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk, performs Improvography II. Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, 292-2787. $20-$45. Thurs March 31 at 7:30 pm.

LINES BALLET

One weekend only. Alonzo King's San Francisco troupe presents Before the Blues, a ballet that traces the trajectory of American music from spirituals to hiphop. UW World Series at Meany Theatre, UW campus, 543-4880. $37. Thurs-Sat March 31-April 2 at 8 pm.

PYRAMID LOUNGE

One night only. Infusion Tribal Belly Dance at High Dive, 513 N 36th St. Free (21+ w/ID required). Mon April 4 at 9 pm.

RAPUNZEL: A RADICAL AERIAL RETELLING

Opening. Maria Glanz directs this tissu acrobatics adaptation of the classic fairy tale. UMO Ensemble at Velocity Dance Studio, 915 E Pine St, second floor, 463-2128. $10-$20. Opening Fri April 1 at 8 pm. Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 7 pm. Through April 24.

SI MOLESTO CON MI CANTO

One weekend only. An evening of political dance theater with choreography by Carla Barragan, Dorothy Cosby, and more. Edge Theatre Productions at Chamber Theatre, 915 E Pine St, fourth floor, 800-838-3006. $12-$14. Fri-Sat April 1-2 at 8 pm, Sun April 3 at 2 pm.

CABARET



BRUNCH WITH DINA MARTINA

A cabaret pick-me-up from Seattle's own demented diva, Dina Martina (also known, sans makeup and garish dresses, as Grady West). Thumper's, 1500 E Madison St, 328-3800. $10. Sun at noon and 3 pm. Through April 10.

MOISTURE FESTIVAL

A comedy/variety festival that ranges from burlesque to family-oriented panto performances. For details, see www.moisturefestival.com. Hale's Palladium, 4301 Leary Way NW, www.brownpapertickets.com. $5-$20. Thurs at 8 pm, Fri at 7 and 10 pm, Sat at 3, 8, and 11 pm, Sun at 3 and 8 pm, Tues-Wed at 8 pm. Through April 10.

MUSICA VITAE! CABARET

Final week. A cabaret about the search for a musical holy grail. Century Ballroom, 915 E Pine St, 325-6500. $15 (under 21, cabaret only)-$55 (dinner, cabaret, dancing). Sat at 7:30 pm. Through April 2.

WHEN PIGS FLY

A grab bag of songs, dances, and running gags, directed by Rick Anderson (best known for the excruciating Party). Gaydar Productions at Thumper's, 1500 E Madison St, 328-3800. $15. Fri-Sat at 8:30 pm. Through April 9.

LATE NIGHT



EXOTICA

Burlesque from the Atomic Bombshells. Mirabeau Room, 529 Queen Anne Ave N. $10 (21+ w/ID required). Wed at 10 pm. Through May 18.

SPIN THE BOTTLE

One night only. This month's mélange of theater, improv, and music features lonely cowgirl songs from Rick Miller and Macha Monkey and improvisation by GIA. Annex Theatre at Freehold's East Hall Theater, 915 E Pine St, second floor, 728-0933. $7. Fri April 1 at 11 pm.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE: LIVE!

See review this issue. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 325-1600. $10. Preview performance Thurs March 24 at 11 pm. Thurs-Sat at 11 pm. Through April 16.

IMPROV & COMEDY

JET CITY IMPROV at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, 325-6500. $8-$10. Fri at 10:30 pm, Sat at 8 and 10:30 pm. SISTERS OF SAL (improv) at Bathhouse, 7312 Green Lake Dr N, 524-1300. $5-$7. Sat at 10:30 pm. THEATRESPORTS at Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $8-$10. Fri-Sat at 10:30 pm, Sun at 7 pm. BENGT WASHBURN at Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 800-325-7328. $6-$12. Thurs at 8:30, Fri-Sat at 8:30 and 10:30.

SPECIAL EVENTS



ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE ARTS: A PUBLIC FORUM

One night only. A panel discussion sponsored by Shunpike about accountability in theater and other arts organizations, with Empty Space Artistic Director Allison Narver, ACT Managing Director Susan Trapnell, and more. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St. Free. Mon April 4 at 7 pm.

THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES

One night only. A reading of the John Guare play about a Queens family during the visit of Pope Pius XII to New York in 1956. Long Point Productions at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 322-7030. $5. Fri April 1 at 7:30 pm.

SWEET NECTAR

One night only. A Middle Eastern dance benefit to help pay the medical bills of local dancer Elizabeth Dennis. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave S, 324-3248. $27. Fri April 1 at 7:30 pm.