OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

B-MOVIE
Mad doctors, giant insects, improv. Wing-It Productions at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, www.wingitpresents.com. $8–$10. Thurs–Fri at 8 pm. Through Nov 18.

BLOOD BROTHERS
Final week. 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.

COMMITTEE
The biblical canon of Nicea in 323 A.D. recast as Glengarry Glenn Ross in 2005. It's like a 13-minute "opening act" for CHAC's 8 pm show. By Seattle School member Korby Sears. Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave. Free. Thurs at 7 pm. Through Nov 11.

THE COMPENDIUM OF NASTINESS
Extended. "Splicing Gothic romance with topical references, Compendium is a stew of sexuality and revenge: a virgin lusting after a junkie-monk, a wicked uncle slavering over his niece, and a hypersexual demon queen. The hard-working and capable Kenny jumps between personas using masks and thumb puppets. The story is wan and the symbolic passages are a little purple, but for a big Gothic romance in a small garage, Compendium is on the right track." (Brendan Kiley) The Womb (AKA Ki Gottberg's Garage), 1526 32nd Ave, tickets and directions available through www.brownpapertickets.com. $15. Fri–Sat at 8:30 pm. Through Dec 3.

DEATH OF A SALESMAN
"A story as timeless as Death of a Salesman resonates, whatever the setting. This all black version is no twist, no experiment—it is a test of the play's gospel. By that standard, this production is a consonant success." (Larry Mizell Jr.) 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 Nov 27.

DELAWARE: A SUBTLE SPECTACULAR
Final week. A theatrical concept album with "Awesome," puppets, waffles, and songs about mermaids and melancholy. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 706-4789. $14. 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).

THE END OF THE AFFAIR
Final week. "Opera is a primarily musical medium, so it's unsurprising (but still disappointing) that Affair's performances are wooden. The lead's climactic tirade against God in an abandoned church is chilling. Nevertheless, Affair is a small reckoning in a great room." (Brendan Kiley) Seattle Opera at McCaw Hall, 1020 John St, 389-7676. $41–$135. Fri Oct 28 and Sat Oct 29 at 7:30 pm.

FLIGHT
See review this issue. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $10–$54, Sun by donation. Thurs at 2 and 7:30 pm, Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 and 7:30 pm. Tues–Wed at 7:30 pm. Through Nov 13.

recommended THE GRAPES OF WRATH
See review this issue. Extended. Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St, Seattle Center, 269-1900. $27–$46. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 pm and 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, Tues at 7:30 pm, Wed at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. Through Nov 19.

H. P. LOVECRAFT: ARKHAM
"There were one or two rusty links in the ensemble chain, but Open Circle has its spooky technicals down cold—the set and lights and special effects are extra-specially spooky. Horror fans shouldn't miss it, and non–horror fans probably shouldn't, either. It's almost Halloween, for Christ's sake!" (Adrian Ryan) Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. $13. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 4 pm. Through Nov 12.

recommended THE HAINT
See Stranger Suggests, page 35. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, www.brownpapertickets.com $13. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm. Through Oct 30.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN OPERA WITHOUT REALLY TRYING
One week only. An opera/standup fusion. Northwest Actors Studio, 1110 E Pike St, howtosucceedinopera@hotmail.com. $5–$10. Fri–Sat at 8 pm.

recommended THE IKEA CYCLE: TINY DOMESTIC DRAMAS
Watch short plays in the IKEA showrooms. 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.

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.

recommended LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC
Final week. "The small but surprisingly entertaining Last Train to Nibroc has far more modest intentions, offering the audience only the pleasure of watching two well-drawn characters on a mostly bare stage as they navigate the eternal mystery of courtship. It's the darnedest joy to watch." (Tamara Paris) Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $15–$29. Fri at 8 pm. Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Wed–Thurs at 7:30 pm. Through Oct 29.

LITTLE WOMEN
Opening. Louisa May Alcott's story about Civil War–era 'tweens, Broadway-style. Paramount, 911 Pine St, 292-2787. $20–$65. Opening Tues Nov 1 at 7:30 pm. Wed–Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 1 and 6:30 pm. Through Nov 6.

LOLA TAROT
"Audience members come up to the stage with questions for the tarot cards. After an assistant draws three cards, the cast acts them out." (Annie Wagner) Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave, www.brownpapertickets.com. $15 (21+ w/ID required). Fri–Sat at 7:30 pm. Through Nov 12.

THE MEMORY OF WATER
Opening. A bittersweet comedy about three sisters reuniting on the eve of their mother’s funeral. LiveGirls! 2220 NW Market St, 325-6500. $8–$10. Opening Fri Oct 28 at 8 pm. Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 4 pm. Through Nov 13.

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICALâ„¢
"What makes this toweringly formulaic and very demographic-specific crap about dusty uteruses even moderately bearable? The consummate cast was ferocious and fast—they rush in, slap you around with jokes about memory lapses and no sex and saggy boobs and then they rush out. Ninety tight minutes of an insane, colorful, and sometimes actually laugh-worthy little train wreck that stops just before it starts to hurt." (Adrian Ryan)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
"Nothing is about four 11-year-olds in Hawaii (of Japanese, Korean, and Filipino descent) after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The friends have a falling out as fear and paranoia take over the community, but reunite when one of them gets into a life-threatening situation. The script, written in pidgin, balances giggly children's entertainment with difficult subject matter without being condescending. The acting is spot on." (Taysa Charnell) Honolulu Theatre for Youth at Seattle Children's Theatre, 201 Thomas St, 441-3322. $15–$30. Fri at 7 pm, Sat–Sun at 2 and 5:30 pm. Through Nov 20.

PULP VIXENS DOUBLE FEATURE
Hung by the Chimney and A Fistful of Lesbians by local playwright Scot Augustson (The Chris Schussler Incident). Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave, www.brownpapertickets.com.$15. Thurs–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 4 pm. Through Nov 13.

PURGATORIO
Opening. A riff on Jason and Medea's afterlife, in modern dress and a white room. David Esbjornson's directorial debut at Seattle Rep, featuring Charlayne Woodard (author of Flight at ACT). Seattle Repertory Theatre, Second Ave and Mercer St, 443-2224. $10–$46. Previewing Sat Oct 29 and Tues Nov 1 at 7:30 pm. Opening Wed Nov 2 at 7:30 pm. Through Nov 26.

THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND
Opening. Tom Stoppard's one-act about two theater critics who fall into a whodunit play-within-a-play. Stone Soup, 4035 Stone Way N, 325-6500. $7.50. Opening Thurs Oct 27 at 8 pm. Fri–Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 3:30, Thurs at 7:30 pm. Through Nov 19.

ROMEO AND JULIET
Opening. "Love moderately; long love doth so." Seattle Shakespeare Company at Center House Theatre, Seattle Center, 733-8222. $18–$30. Opening Fri Oct 28 at 7:30 pm. Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Nov 20.

recommended THE ROVER
Final week. "The Rover is a quintessential Restoration comedy—a wittily rambunctious, oversexed fantasia populated by rakes and wannabes, swooning prostitutes and whorish convent girls. The Rover is a delight, and should be required viewing for anyone planning to take in the very meta Amy Freed premiere, Restoration Comedy, at the Rep in December." (Annie Wagner) Ghost Light Theatricals at Freehold's East Hall Theatre, 1529 10th Ave, 325-6500. $10–$12. Thurs--Sat at 7:30 pm. Through Oct 29.

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.

SEX IN SEATTLE
Opening. Episode 12 in the lives and loves of four Asian-American women. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 323-9443. $8–$12. Opening Fri Oct 28 at 8 pm. Fri–Sat at 8 and 10:30 pm. Through Nov 19.

STIMULUS
They call it long-form improv and, according to the press release, "We will not get audience suggestions, we will not do improv games, we will not wear funny wigs." Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. $10. Sat at 10:30 pm. Through Nov 12.

SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Opening. See Theater News. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 292-2787. $19–$71. Opening Thurs Oct 27 at 8 pm. Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 1:30 and 7 pm, Tues–Wed at 7:30 pm. Through Nov 13.

THE TOASTER
Final week. See review this issue. New City Theater at On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Thurs–Sun at 8 pm. Through Oct 30.

THE UGLY DUCKLING
One day only. A musical comedy for the 3–9 set. StoryBook Theater at Museum of History and Industry, 2700 24th Ave E, 877-827-1100. $8. Sat Oct 29 at 11 am and 1 pm.

VERBATIM VERBOTEN
Ongoing. "This succession of minimally staged scenes brings 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.

VIRTUAL SOLITAIRE
See review this issue. CHAC Lower Level, 1621 12th Ave, www.brownpapertickets.com. $10. Thurs–Sat at 7:30 pm. Through Nov 26.

DANCE

ASHES/ASHES
Final week. A 12-person piece by Mary Sheldon Scott/Jarrad Powell Performance. Velocity MainSpace Theater, 915 E Pine St, 760-2555. $10–$15. Fri–Sun at 8 pm. Through Oct 30.

DAY OF DANCE: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARTHA GRAHAM
One day only. Lecture and demonstration by Susan McLain, former dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company. Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, no reservations. Free. Sun Oct 30 at 2 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.

DIVAS!
One night only. A tribute to divas. Thumper's, 1500 E Madison St, 328-3800. No cover. Sun Oct 30 at 8:30 pm.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MEOW: A MACHA MONKEY HALLOWEEN CABARET
One night only. Comedy, music, et al. on the middle school theme—scary. Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave, 860-2970. $10 (21+ w/ID required). Thurs Oct 27 at 8 pm.

TIGER LILLIES
One night only. The cirque noir superstars, with members of Circus Contraption performing in the lobby before the show. Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, 292-2787. $23.50. Sat Oct 29 at 8 pm.

IMPROV & COMEDY

DON FRIESEN at Comedy Underground, 222 Main St, 800-325-7328. $15 (21+ w/ID required). Fri–Sat at 8:30 and 10:30 pm.

DWIGHT SLADE at Giggles Comedy Club, 5220 Roosevelt Way NE, 526-5653. $12. Fri–Sat Oct 14–15 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 Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $8–$12. Sun at 7 pm.

UNHINGED at Mirabeau Room, 529 Queen Anne Ave N. $6. Wed at 8 pm.

SEATTLE COMEDY FESTIVAL
Final week. Paramount Theatre and Moore Theatre, www.ticketmaster.com or www.theparamount.com for tickets and details, respectively. Through Oct 28.

LATE NIGHT

PSYCHOPOMP PRESENTS
Final week. "A Grand Guignol for the soul." Three world-premiere shorts by Paul Mullin, Louis Broome, and Stephanie Timm. Psychopomp Cooperative at Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave, www.brownpapertickets.com. $10 (21+ w/ID required). Thurs at 11 pm, Sat–Mon at 11 pm. Through Oct 31.

SPECIAL EVENTS

PHILIP AUSLANDER
One night only. A lecture on live performance and mass media by the author of Liveness (published by Routledge). On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $12. Tues Nov 1 at 7 pm.

SEATTLE FOLLIES: ELECTION EDITION
One night only. With Dan Savage, Reggie Watts, Sarah Rudinoff, and more. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, 652-4255 or www.townhallseattle.org. $13–$18. Thurs Oct 27 at 7:30 pm.

ZOMBIE WALK
One day only. Your chance to dress up like a zombie and walk from Capitol Hill to Pike Place Market—you'll blend right in with the drug addicts. Cal Anderson Park, www.livejournal.com/users/cleozombie. Free. Mon Oct 31 at 4 pm.