OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

recommended ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST
Final week. "Accidental Death of an Anarchist is 98 percent brilliant political farce and 2 percent distracting, patronizing brouhaha." (Lindy West) Strawberry Theatre Workshop at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, www.brownpapertickets.com. Thurs at 7:30 pm, by donation. Fri–Sun at 7:30 pm. $15–$20. Through Oct 9.

recommended AXOLOTL
Opening. "After reading a list of guidelines, participants are blindfolded and led into a room for a two-hour 'performance experience,' where they interact with objects, performers, and one another in deliberately unspecified ways. There's certainly a physical aspect, and some participants spent their time doing contact improvisation or holding hands with strangers. (I wouldn't be at all surprised if someone tried to commission a private, Ecstasy-enhanced Axolotl performance.) I was more affected—disconcerted, even—by the experience of having someone else know more about what I was doing or saying than I did myself. Answers I gave to questions were reincorporated into events later on; performers noticed what I was doing (hoarding stuffed animals, for example—don't ask) and encouraged my pursuits. It was infantilizing and weird and extremely interesting." (Annie Wagner) Chamber Theater, 915 E Pine St, 790-1645. $12–$18 adv/$15–$20 DOS. Opening Fri Oct 7 at 8 pm. Fri–Sun at 8 pm. Through Oct 16.

B-MOVIE
Opening. Mad doctors, giant insects, improv. Wing-It Productions at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, www.wingitpresents.com. $8–$10. Preview performances Wed–Thurs Oct 5–6 at 8 pm by donation. Opening Fri Oct 7 at 8 pm. Thurs–Fri at 8 pm. Through Nov 18.

BAGUETTE
Opening. A play about scuzzy L.A. actors doing a hiphop version of Waiting for Godot. By Tom Scanlon. Stone Soup Theater, 4035 Stone Way, 309-8947. $5–$10. Opening Fri Oct 7 at 8 pm. Fri–Sat at 8 pm. Through Oct 15.

BLOOD BROTHERS
A musical hit from London examining social and class issues vis-à-vis twins separated at birth. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $12–$28. Thurs–Sat at 7:30 pm (occasional matinees). Through Oct 29.

CAMPFIRE
Creepy audience stories spun into campfire tales by improv performers. Unexpected Productions at Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley in Pike Place Market, 781-9273. $10. Sat at 8 pm. Through Nov 5.

CATHAY: THREE TALES OF CHINA
Final week. "The puppets are pretty, but the story is thin—I wish writer Ping Chong had spent as much time on the text as the Shaanxi Folk Art Theater did on the visuals." (Brendan Kiley) Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. $10–$46. Thurs–Sat at 7:30 pm, Sat–Sun at 2 pm, Tues–Wed at 7:30 pm. Through Oct 9.

recommended CRAVE
Extended. "Crave is less a play than a prose-poem about lust, longing, and repulsion. The scenic design is fantastic—we can hear a pool of water collecting at the actors' feet, and see them getting increasingly soaked as they pop in and out of our letterbox view." (Brendan Kiley) Washington Ensemble Theatre at Little Theatre, 608 19th Ave E, Seattle, 800-838-3006 or www.brownpaperticket.com. $10–$15. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm. Through Oct 8.

DEATH OF A SALESMAN
The Miller classic with an all African-American cast. Directed by Jacqueline Mouscou. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave S, 684-4758. $10–$18. Thurs–Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm. Through Nov 6.

DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN
Ongoing. A mid-'90s relic about the supposed prehistoric propensities of the two sexes. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $39.50–$45. Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 3 pm. Tickets available through Oct 30.

DELAWARE: A SUBTLE SPECTACULAR
Opening. Music, waffles, and dreaminess with "Awesome," actors, and me. Written by Tim Sanders and directed by Matt Fontaine. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 706-4789. $14. Opening Fri Oct 7 at 8 pm. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm. Through Oct 29.

DINNER & DREAMS
Ongoing. The dinner theater extravaganza, with European-style cirque performances as garnish. Teatro ZinZanni, 2301 Sixth Ave, 802-0015. $99. Thurs–Sat at 6:30 pm, Sun at 5:30 pm (some additional Wed shows).

DON QUIXOTE
"Act 1 proves disastrous and insulting: A sort of CliffsNotes version of the first half of Don Quixote, reduced to repetitive, lackluster slapstick. Fortunately, Act 2 is a radical improvement. The narrative turns in on itself with layers of self-referentiality, which proves to be engagingly theatrical and emotionally complex." (Bret Fetzer) Book-It Repertory at Seattle Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St, 216-0833. $15–$30. Wed–Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Oct 16.

FROG AND HIS FRIENDS
One day only. Theater for the kiddies with puppets and actors by Dutch group Theater Terra. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave, 425-893-9900. $10–$17. Sat Oct 8 at 11 am and 2 pm.

THE FRONT PAGE
See review this issue. Annex Theatre at Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave, www.brownpapertickets.com. $10–$15. Thurs–Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Oct 22.

recommended FROZEN
See Stranger Suggests, page 23. Empty Space Theatre, 3509 Fremont Ave N, 547-7500. $10–$30. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 and 7:30 pm, Wed at 7:30 pm. Additional show Sat Oct 22 at 2 pm. Through Oct 23.

THE GRAPES OF WRATH
Previewing. The Steinbeck classic with 21 actors, directed by Children's Theatre artistic director Linda Hartzell. Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. $27–$46. Preview performances Fri–Sat Oct 7–8 at 8 pm and Tues–Wed Oct 11-12 at 7:30 pm. Through Nov 12.

H. P. LOVECRAFT ARKHAM
Opening. A new triptych of terror by the deceased Rhode Island occultist: The Shunned House, Cool Air, and Shadow Over Innsmouth. Directed by Open Circle artistic director Ron Sandahl. Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. $13. Opening Fri Oct 7 at 8 pm. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 4 pm. Through Nov 12.

HELIUM
Matt Smith's monologue about Japan, sex, and STIs. Unexpected Productions at Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley in Pike Place Market, 781-9273. Fri at 8 pm. $15. Through Nov 4.

recommended THE IKEA CYCLE
See a show, buy a lamp. Written and directed by Keri Healey. Printer's Devil Theater at IKEA, 600 SW 43rd St, Renton. Free, no reservations. Mon and Wed at 7 pm. Through Nov 9.

THE KING & I
Final week. "The King & I is dated and trite and tuney and über-corny and pretty much confirms that the entire oeuvre of Rodgers & Hammerstein is much like an aged aunty, only to be wheeled out on occasion for sentimental reasons—no one you'd hang out with just because you wanted to." (Adrian Ryan) 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 292-2787. $10–$71. 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 Oct 9.

THE KING STAG
See review this issue. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. $10–$46. Thurs–Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm, Tues–Wed at 7:30 pm. Through Oct 22.

LATE NITE CATECHISM
Ongoing. "The real point is not the adult-catechism monologue, but the script's gaps, in which Sister (Aubrey Manning) dispenses tissues to cover salacious displays of flesh and kitschy prizes to reward the dumbstruck targets of her improvisations. What distinguishes Late Nite from the walking cartoons at Disneyland is that your name, your background, and your behavior become the crux of the performance." (Annie Wagner) Cloud 9 Productions at ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $24.50–$29.50. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm.

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Extended. A Jewish wannabe novelist and Catholic wannabe actress meet, fall in love, and sing about it. ReAct Theatre at Freehold's East Hall Theater, 915 E Pine St, second floor, 364-3283. $12–$18. Fri–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Oct 8.

LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC
A romantic comedy about a would-be missionary and a soldier who meet on a train in December 1940. With Charity Parenzi and Timothy Hornor (the talented stars of Beau Jest). Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $15–$29. Fri at 8 pm. Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Tues–Thurs at 7:30 pm. Through Oct 29.

LES ROMANESQUES
Final week. The French play that spawned The Fantasticks. Act 1 is in French; Act 2 is the same thing in English. Steeplechase Productions at Chapel Theatre, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, 935-8261 or www.brownpapertickets.com. $10–$16. Thurs at 8 pm, by donation. Fri at 8 pm. Sat at 4 and 8 pm. Through Oct 8.

LOLA TAROT
Opening. "Audience members come up to the stage with questions for the tarot cards. After an assistant draws three cards, the cast acts them out. There is nothing remotely interesting about the process... In retrospect, I realize this was the worst show I saw during my tenure as theater editor. Also: The show is re-opening on my birthday, which must be the Fates' way of spiting me for my simultaneously vicious and incredulous review." (Annie Wagner) Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave, www.brownpapertickets.com. $15 (21+ w/ID required). Opening Fri Oct 7 at 7:30 pm. Fri–Sat at 7:30 pm. Through Nov 12.

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL™
See review this issue. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $45. Thurs–Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 4 and 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm, Tues–Wed at 8 pm. Through Nov 6.

NOTHING IS THE SAME
Opening. The lives and friendships of four 11-year-olds of Korean, Japanese, and Filipino descent living in Hawaii just after the Pearl Harbor bombing, performed in Hawaiian Pidgin. Honolulu Theatre for Youth at Seattle Children's Theatre, 201 Thomas St, 441-3322. $15–$30. Opening Fri Oct 7 at 7 pm. Fri at 7 pm, Sat–Sun at 2 and 5:30 pm. Through Nov 20.

SCAB
Sheila Callaghan's play about a grad-school love triangle (two chicks and a dude, if you're counting). Also featuring a malevolent statue of the Virgin Mary. Live Girls! Theater, 2220 NW Market St, www.brownpapertickets.com. $9–$12. Fri–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Oct 16.

SEUSSICAL
A Dr. Seuss tribute musical by Ahrens and Flaherty, who created the score for Ragtime. Seattle Children's Theatre, 201 Thomas St, 441-3322. $15–$30. Thurs–Fri at 7 pm, Sat–Sun at 2 and 5:30 pm. Through Nov 18.

recommended STARBALL
"Starball, which John Kaufmann and Dan Dennis have performed in planetariums from Chicago to Spain, is a sparkling goulash of astronomy, music, and choreographed chaos." (Brendan Kiley) Smith Planetarium, Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave N, 352-1777. $12–$17. Thurs at 8 pm, Fri at 10 pm, Sat–Sun at 8 pm. Through Oct 23.

STIMULUS
"They call it long-form improv—which I heartily recommend as a party game but, like any party game, it's more fun to play than to watch." (Brendan Kiley) NW Actor's Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. $10. Sat at 10:30 pm. Through Nov 12.

TUXEDO MAN
Final week. A character study of nightclub singer Nick Sands, written and performed by Zach Hoffman. Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 706-0086. $12. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm. Through October 9.

VERBATIM VERBOTEN
Ongoing. "Verbatim Verboten is a succession of minimally staged scenes bringing dirty voice mails, court transcripts, and other modes of celebrity embarrassment to life. Hilarity abounds, but just as often the actors don't interpret the transcripts so much as read them aloud." (Mariesa Bus) Clove Productions and Quade Productions at Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave, 624-4455. $10–$12. Thurs at 8 pm.

WE'RE NO ANGELS
Final week. A stage adaptation of the 1955 movie that was a film adaptation of a stage comedy about three escaped convicts who help a needy family. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 NE 74th St, Redmond, 425-881-6777. $18–$24. Fri–Sat at 8:15 pm. Through Oct 8.

WIT
A 1999 Pulitzer-winning play about a literature professor battling cancer and "changing lives along the way." Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W Green Lake Dr N, 524-1300. $12–$20. Thurs–Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Oct 23.

DANCE

recommended DAYLIGHT
Final week. "Sarah Michelson's work challenges the boundaries not only of what qualifies as dance but of what constitutes the very architecture where the work is performed." (Nate Lippens) On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $22. Thurs–Sun at 8 pm.

NEW FORMULA
One week only. An evening of work by Mark Haim, Wade Madsen, Rob Kitsos, and Michael Foley. d9 Dance Collective at Velocity MainSpace, 915 E Pine St, 781-7746. $12 adv/$14 DOS. Fri–Sun at 8 pm.

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY NOTEBOOK
One week only. Sleeping Beauty as allegory with music by Tchaikovsky. Spectrum Dance Theater at Moore Theater, 1932 Second Ave, 292-2787. $24.50–$29.50. Fri–Sat at 8 pm.

CABARET

THE ATOMIC BOMBSHELLS BURLESQUE
Tits, ass, and sassafras. Mirabeau Room, 529 Queen Anne Ave N, www.ticketswest.com. $12 adv/$15 DOS. Thurs at 8 pm. Through Dec 15.

SWINGING RADIO HOUR
Dinner cabaret modeled after an old-time radio show. Century Ballroom, 915 E Pine St, 325-6500. $20–$25 (show only), $60 (w/dinner included). Show starts Fri–Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Nov 19.

IMPROV & COMEDY

ROBERT DUBAC at Comedy Underground, 222 Main St, 800-325-7328. $6–$12 (21+ w/ID required). Thurs at 8:30 pm, Fri–Sat at 8:30 and 10:30 pm. ROD LONG at Giggles Comedy Club, 5220 Roosevelt Way NE, 526-5653. $12. Fri–Sat Sept 16–17 at 8:30 and 10 pm. 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. Fri–Sat at 8:30 and 10 pm. THEATRESPORTS at Market Theatre, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $8–$12. Sun at 7 pm. UNHINGED at Mirabeau Room, 529 Queen Anne Ave N. $6. Wed Oct 5 at 8 pm.

LATE NIGHT

THE STAY UP LATE SHOW
One night only. Seattle’s only live, late-night talk show with host Rebecca Davis and guests Sean Nelson (Harvey Danger), Peter Steinbrueck (City Council member), Brandon Whitehead (brilliant actor), and singer/actor Ade. Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave, no reservations. $10 (21+ w/ID required). Sat Oct 8 at 10 pm.

SCATTERBRAINS
One night only. Improv at ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $5–$7. Sat Oct 8 at 10 pm.

SPIN THE BOTTLE
One night only. Tiny dances by Juliet Waller and Stephen Hando, songs by Mark Siano and Susan McIntyre, literary smut by Keri Healey, and more. Annex Theatre at Freehold's East Hall Theater, 915 E Pine St, 728-0933. $7. Fri Oct 7 at 11 pm.

SPECIAL EVENTS

ACCOUNTABILITY & THE ARTS: BOARD BASICS
A workshop that promises to teach nonprofits how to assemble and manage a board. ACT Theater, 700 Union St, www.theshunpike.org. Free. Mon Oct 10 at 7 pm.

BENEFIT FOR NOLA MUSICIANS, ARTISTS & PERFORMERS
With burlesque, music, and El Vez! Catwalk, 172 South Washington St, www.swedishhousewife.com. $15 donation (21+ w/ID). Fri Oct 7 at 9 pm.

OKTOBERFEST
Toi Sennhauser invites participants to drink her homemade beer—brewed with a trace amount of her vaginal yeast. No joke. Crawl Space, 504 E Denny Way #1, 322-5752. Free. Sat Oct 8 at 6 pm.

SAY YES TO NEW ORLEANS
Music, improv, and spoken word for Habitat for Humanity's Louisiana division. Market Theatre, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $10 donation. Mon Oct 10 at 8 pm.TELLING OUR STORIESA conversation with actress and playwright Charlayne Woodard, author of Flight. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Free. Sat Oct 8 at 8 pm.