OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS



ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY

A musical adaptation of the children's story about an unlucky schoolboy, directed by Susan Finque ((L)imitations of Life). Cast includes Stranger Genius Award-winner Sarah Rudinoff. Seattle Children's Theatre, 201 Thomas St, 441-3322. $14-$28. Fri at 7 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30 pm. Through June 12.

BABA YAGA AND THE BAG OF GOLD

Children's puppet theater about the tricky Russian witch Baba Yaga. Shoreline Center Auditorium, 18560 First Ave NE, Shoreline, 417-4645. $5. Thurs April 14 at 2 pm.

BEAU JEST

"At the center of the dumb story (neurotic Jewess hires male escort to pretend to be her Jewish boyfriend to please her parents, falls in love, despite the fact that--wait for it--he's a goy, oy!) stands the masterfully mannered Charity Parenzini, an actress whose throaty, three-octave voice and elastic energy evoke classic screwball heroines. She and equally deft costar Timothy Hornor gamely elevate the script's tiresome formula into something almost elemental." (Sean Nelson) Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $15-$29. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Wed at 7:30 pm. Through April 30.

BIRO

See review this issue. 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. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 and 7:30 pm, Wed at 7:30 pm. Through April 23.

THE CONSTANT WIFE

"This W. Somerset Maugham comedy about the sexual double standard for adultery is a three-act joke that goes something like this: "Boys will be boys!" "No fair!" This exchange happens about 40 times, and each iteration gets a little broader and a little less funny. With such a dated script, the period details count disproportionately. At the Rep, the set (by Kate Edmunds) is disappointingly flat, and the costumes (by Anna R. Oliver) try to communicate too much about the stereotyped characters inside them. Despite a sympathetic performance by Ellen Karas as Constance and a number of cute dance interludes, The Constant Wife is forgettable entertainment. " (Annie Wagner) Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. $10-$46. Thurs-Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 and 7:30 pm, Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm. Through May 1.

DEATH OF A SALESMAN

"It's no secret that Death of a Salesman feeds some of its most pivotal and quasi-poetic lines to a lazy approximation of a lead character. In CHAC's production, Arthur Miller's total disinterest in Willy Loman's wife, Linda, is matched by a correspondingly vague and reedy performance by Sherry Narens. With the help of an actress who doesn't or can't restore some semblance of a soul to this hollow character, we see her for exactly what she is: a convenient way to develop the personalities, ethnic background, and the debts of the people who surround her." (Annie Wagner) Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave, 325-6500. $15-$18. Thurs-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 May 8.

DINNER & DREAMS

Ongoing. A new musical version of the rabidly successful dinner-theater/circus hybrid, with Martha Davis of the Motels as Madame ZinZanni. Ukrainian contortionist Vita Radionova and aerialists Duo Artemiev 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.

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.

GIANT

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. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm, Wed at 7:30 pm. Through May 1.

HELLHOUND ON MY TRAIL

Final week. "Director Rob West runs slipshod over the script's tense moments, feverishly anticipating the laughs before they arrive. When Kate Czajkowski throws her head back and gulps down pills in a waiting room, she's clownish instead of furtive. And Roy Stanton bounds out of bed with such buoyancy, it's more than a little difficult to believe he's recovering from a week-long, amnesia-inducing bender. But when the lunacy of Denis Johnson's dialogue finally kicks in, Hellhound is truly delightful. The first act's high-decibel climax alone is worth the price of admission." 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.

LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT

Eugene O'Neill's semi-autobiographical play about the highly dysfunctional Tyrone family. Susan Bradford directs. Chalkdust Productions at Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through May 1.

MATTERS OF THE HEART

Final week. Broadway star Patti LuPone (Evita) sets her vocal cords upon the work of such composers as Rogers & Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, 292-2787. $11-$47. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 1 and 6:30 pm. Through April 17.

MISS SAIGON

The musical based loosely on Madame Butterfly gets a revival. The producers want you to know that show will incorporate more than 70 individual percussion instruments. Clang! 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 292-2787. $18-$70. Thurs-Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 1:30 and 7 pm, Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm. Through April 30.

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

A family musical based on the Rosa Guy novel Love, My Love. Directed by Arts West Artistic Director Christopher Zinovitch and Deanna Shaffer. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave NW, 938-0339. $12-$24. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm. Through May 7.

OTHELLO

A "chamber" series adaptation that dispenses with the subplots. William Hall Jr. and Hans Altweiss star as Othello and Iago, respectively. Seattle Shakespeare Company at Center House Theatre, Seattle Center, 733-8222. $18-$30. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through May 1.

RED INK

See Theater News. A workshop performance of a new musical tragedy by Tim Sanders (Delaware), set in the accounting firm of Irving and Irving. Annex Theatre at Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 728-0933. $7-$10. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Through April 23.

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

"Despite moments of realizing its campy, innuendo-ridden nature (see especially the number "Glitter Boots Saved My Life"), Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens fails to establish any coherent identity. The middle of the play focuses on developing a formulaic murder-mystery plot. When the Space Vixens report to Saucy Jack's Cabaret to help catch a serial killer, love affairs entangle just about everyone. The characters' motivations become unclear as they make their way to a disappointing climax. Redeeming moments, such as the singing and dancing in the final musical number, are outweighed by the slow and predictable exposition." (Weston Clay) BS Productions at Timberline Spirits, 1828 Yale Ave, 325-6500. $24. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through May 21.

SYLVIA

The A. R. Gurney play about a Manhattan couple who adopt a stray dog. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 NE 74th St, Redmond Town Center, 425-881-6777. $16-$20. Fri-Sat at 8:15 pm. Through April 30.

THE WALL

This new play by Elena Hartwell is not an adaptation of the Sartre short story, but instead addresses the legacy of the Vietnam war. Rainier Valley Ensemble Theatre at Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 3515 S Alaska, 723-2590. Donation. Thurs at 8 pm, Sat at 8 pm. Through April 24.

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



AMERICAN CHOREOGRAPHERS

Opening. The premieres of two new works by PNB principal dancer Paul Gibson and Christopher Stowell (son of departing artistic directors Kent Stowell and Francia Russell), plus José Limòn's The Moor's Pavane and Val Ciniparoli's Lambarena. Pacific Northwest Ballet at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, 441-2424. $20-$137. Opening Thurs April 14 at 7:30 pm. Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm. Through April 24.

CORNISH DANCE THEATER SPRING 2005 CONCERT

One weekend only. Works choreographed by Cornish faculty members Wade Madsen and Gérarad Théorét and guest choreographers José Limòn and Peter Kyle. Cornish Dance Theater at Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway Ave, 325-6500. $4-$8. Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm.

DOOR STORIES

Opening. This movement-theater work exploring "life's parallels through revolving doors" is by a new company comprising Jessica Jobaris, George Lewis, and John Paulsen. threeCompany at Freehold's East Hall Theatre, 1525 10th Ave, second floor, 322-6604. $12-$15. Preview performance Thurs April 14 at 8 pm. Opening Fri April 15 at 8 pm. Sat at 8 pm. Through April 30.

RAPUNZEL: A RADICAL AERIAL RETELLING

See review this issue. UMO Ensemble at Velocity Dance Studio, 915 E Pine St, second floor, 463-2128. $10-$14. Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 7 pm. Through April 24.

CABARET



BRUNCH WITH DINA MARTINA

Extended. 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 May 15.

SEATTLE FOLLIES

One night only. The Seattle-politics cabaret, this edition featuring Mike Egan, John Carlson, and Joni Balter. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, 866-468-7623, www.ticketweb.com, $15. Wed April 20 at 7:30 pm.

THIS IS BURLESQUE #5

One night only. A benefit show for the Exotic World Burlesque Museum in Helendale, CA. Performers include Miss Indigo Blue, Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Trixi Lane, and many more. The Swedish Housewife at Catwalk, 172 S Washington. $10. Mon April 18 at 8 pm.

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.

STAY UP LATE SHOW

One night only. The monthly late-night variety show, this edition featuring Grady West of Dina Martina fame. Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave. Tickets available at the door only, $10 (21+ w/ID required). Sat April 16 at 10 pm.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE: LIVE!

Final week. "The second episode, about an alien who blends in with the customers at a diner, is exactly what you'd expect: ridiculous plot, slightly wooden ensemble acting, cheesy twist ending. The first episode, entitled "The Invaders," is where things get authentically, comically unnerving. The slapstick battles against puppet aliens help distract from the fact that the main character hasn't uttered a single word of English, instead favoring a steady stream of fearful, feral grunts. When the trademark ironic ending clears up that little discrepancy, it's amusing--but I couldn't help but feel embarrassed at how easily my urban condescension led me astray." (Annie Wagner) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 325-1600. $10. 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. OFF LIMITS (improv) at Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave, 441-5823. $5. Sun at 4 pm. JIM SHORT (standup) at Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 800-325-7328. $12. Fri-Sat at 8:30 and 10:30 pm. THEATRESPORTS, MATTHEW DARLING, ALMA VILLEGAS at Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave, 441-5823. $10. THEATRESPORTS at Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $8-$10. Fri-Sat at 10:30 pm, Sun at 7 pm.

SPECIAL EVENTS



MUSIC FROM A SPARKLING PLANET

One night only. A staged reading of a play by Douglas Carter Beane about three men looking for the woman who introduced them to the afternoon cartoons of their youth. Mirror Stage Company at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 686-3729. Free. Mon April 18 at 7:30 pm.

WOMEN PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL

Final week. Readings of plays by women playwrights. The Aerodynamics of Accident, by Deborah Isobel Stein, is about the ghost of a girl who crashes to her death in an experimental flying machine. Thurs April 14 at 7:30 pm. Scooping the darkness empty, by Alva Rogers, is about a young woman who grieves for her dead mother by breeding roses. Fri April 15 at 7:30 pm. Hardball, by Victoria Stewart, is about an aspiring political pundit named Virginia Eames. Sat April 16 at 7:30 pm. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. $10 (single ticket)-$30 (festival pass). Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm. Through April 16.