THE FARNDALE AVENUE TOWNSWOMEN'S PRODUCTION OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL · RipTide Theatre

THE HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GAME SHOW '99: MILLENIUM, SHLUMENNIUM · Tongueinchic/Way Out West Productions

OWEN MEANY'S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT · Book-It Repertory Theatre

YE MERRY GENTLEMEN · Seattle Men's Chorus

ONE WEEK ONLY

CHOREOGRAPHER/COMPOSER COLLABORATIVE CONCERT · UW Dance Program

HOLIDAY MADNESS LIVE! · Sketch Group 13

MLK AND THE FBI · Vincent Delaney

MRS. KLEIN · Theater Off Jackson

POETRY AND THE 1950S: HOMAGE TO THE BEAT GENERATION · Robert Briggs

*SORROW'S SISTER · 33 Fainting Spells

CLOSING THIS WEEK

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS · ArtsWest

THE PSYCHIC LIFE OF SAVAGES · Empty Space

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

*ALIENS IN AMERICA

As a monologuist, Sandra Tsing Loh has the advantage of having found both an extremely funny and likeable persona and the kind of family-interaction material that is so poignantly hilarious that it nearly makes you cry. Much of this material, including the segment wherein her elderly father searches for a Chinese mail-order bride, has been performed on NPR. Seattle Rep's Leo K. Theater, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat & Sun matinees at 2, through Jan 15. $29/$39.

BLACK NATIVITY

A gospel play that powers up Langston Hughes' poetry with narration and gospel songs. Back for a second season of popular acclaim, if Black Nativity doesn't get you in the holiday spirit, you might as well end it all now. Intiman Theater, 269-19000. Thurs-Sat at 8; Sat-Sun matinees at 2; Sun, Tues, Wed at 7, through Dec 26. $10-$38.

THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE

Adapted from Shakespeare's A Comedy of Errors, musical farce and comedic misunderstandings abound. Add your own hilarity -- bring a banana peel! Jane Addams Theatre, 11051 34th NE, 363-2809. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30, through Dec 11. $16-$20.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

ACT's yearly production of Charles Dickens' celebration of top-down management returns, with David Pichette and Peter Silbert alternating as Ebenezer Scrooge. A Contemporary Theater, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Times and days vary, through Dec 26. $12.50-$35.

CITIZEN SCROOGE

Unexpected Productions promises a holiday twist in this production described as "a cross between Orson Welles' film Citizen Kane and Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol." With Steven Grenley as Ebenezer Scrooge. Market Theatre, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Thurs-Sat at 8; Sun at 7, through Dec 23. $10.

EARTH AND SKY/MURDER IN GREEN MEADOWS

Two mystery/thriller one-acts, both by Douglas Post, twist things up at the UW. Playhouse Theatre, 4045 University Way NE, 543-4880. Wed-Thurs at 7:30; Fri-Sat at 8; Sun at 2, through Dec 12. $8-$10.

THE FARNDALE AVENUE TOWNSWOMEN'S PRODUCTION OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL

"Seattle's only deli theater," RipTide, presents its annual holiday spoof, in which an all-woman theater guild's version of the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol does not turn out quite as expected. Each performance includes a buffet dinner. Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Ave SW, 405-8433. Thurs-Sun at 6:30, through Dec 19. $22.

*THE GAME OF LOVE AND CHANCE

"It's been a while since the Seattle Rep has put its considerable resources behind a mainstage production and come up with something as valuable as its elaborate settings. Resonant, witty, and gorgeous to behold, Stephen Wadsworth's adaptation and staging of Marivaux's The Game of Love and Chance, the Rep's latest offering, is not only a complete delight but may well be one of the best things you'll see all year." (STEVE WIECKING) Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun 2 pm matinees, through Dec 11. $10-$42.

KING LEAR

"Director John Kazanjian's spare staging of King Lear sometimes illuminates the timelessness of Shakespeare's storytelling and sometimes seems as stiff as a board game. Kazanjian wrangles his players with fleet efficiency (though the show's second half wanes some until the bodies start piling up) and, for whatever doesn't work, he surges the evening forward with his clarity of action and respect for the sheer thrill of the tale." (Steve Wiecking) First Christian Church, 632 Broadway, 328-4683. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, through Dec 18. $15.

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.

MLK AND THE FBI

Playwright Vincent Delaney presents his newest script, in this one-time reading, free-of-charge. MLK and the FBI chronicles Edgar Hoover's obsession with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the eyes of a black FBI agent in the early 1960s. Delaney is the author of The Robeson Tape. A Contemporary Theatre, Bullitt Cabaret, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Mon Dec 6 at 6:30. Free.

MRS. KLEIN

Psychoanalysis drives this exploration of the effect of a mysterious death on three women -- centered around Melanie Klein, the "mother" of British psychoanalysis. This Seattle premiere features Rikki Ricard, Kit Harris, and Laura Ferri, and benefits the Center for Object Relations. Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 443-9045. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, this week only. $50/$25 tax-deductible donation.

THE NUTCRACKER PUPPET BALLET

The tickets are cheaper than PNB -- and the size of the performers is about the same, too, if you think about how far back you'd be sitting in the real Opera House. Stars from the Carter Family Marionettes present Christmas puppet-style. Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th Ave NE, 523-2579. Fri at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 1 & 3, through Dec 19.

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

A fairy tale bewitched by postmodernism, Once Upon A Mattress tells the story of Princess Fred Winnefred, who is determined to marry the desirable Prince Dauntless, and will attempt to pass any test the Queen may devise. ArtsWest Playhouse, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. Through Dec 3. $12-$25.

OWEN MEANY'S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

This John Irving-approved (he actually attended last year's performance) adaptation of A Prayer for Owen Meany returns to Book-It, bringing to life all the characters from Gravesend, New Hampshire for yet another all-thumbs pageant reenactment. With Stephen Hando as Owen Meany! Stage One Theatre, on campus of North Seattle Community College, College Way N & N 92nd St, 216-0833. Thurs-Fri at 8; Sat at 2 & 8; Sun at 2; Mon-Wed Dec 20-22 at 8, ends Dec 23. $10-$15.

A PICNIC AT THE EARTH'S MOLTEN CORE

Tamara Paris is Pamela, "a big girl from a small town," who discovers that her artistic self is made up of a number of selves after she slides down a rabbit hole into the dirty worlds of Philly, San Diego, Ohio, and beyond. "Director Burton Curtis and his co-writer Paris respond well to one another, but at times they've muddled their own material. Paris, who is certainly funny, needs an even clearer sense of where her lines pay off -- there's a slight fuzziness between which laughs should be hit and which are funnier when tossed away -- and Curtis has obscured some punchlines with bits of business. But when the two of them are in the same groove, the result is wickedly subtle." (STEVE WIECKING) Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. Mon at 8, open ended run. $10.

POETRY AND THE 1950S: HOMAGE TO THE BEAT GENERATION

Poet and bookseller Robert Briggs pulls from his own experience in 1950s San Francisco and New York to present an agglomeration of beat poetry by such luminaries as Ferlinghetti, Snyder, and Ginsberg, as well as from their inspirations -- Eliot, Dylon, Langston Hughes. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 322-7030. Thurs Dec 2 at 7:30. Free.

THE PSYCHIC LIFE OF SAVAGES

A parody of poets of the mid-20th century (aww, what an easy target!) -- Sylvia, Ted, Anne, and Robert -- written by Amy Freed. "Wonderful performances abound in this layered, intelligent free-for-all.... Amy Freed's view of art and language succeeds in that rare accomplishment of illustrating the collision of brazen comedy with rich suffering." (Steve Wiecking) Empty Space Theatre, 3509 Fremont N, 547-7500. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2 & 7, through Dec 5. $18-$26.

THE SECRET GARDEN

The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company presents the sweet story of a young orphan sent to live with her creepy uncle in an apparently haunted Yorkshire mansion, and her outing of the family's secrets with the help of a prescient robin. The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1326 Fifth Ave, 292-ARTS. Through Dec 19; times vary. $19-$50.

SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS

The sentimental Sanders family (Smoke on the Mountain) returns to Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on Christmas Eve, 1941, to send son Dennis off to war armed with a round of festive bluegrass gospel music. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Wed-Sat at 8, Sat matinee at 2, through Dec 23. $16-$24.

THE SNOW QUEEN

Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale features talking crows, arrogant flowers, guardian angels, and pesky devils in this holiday adaptation by theater simple. UW Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3931 Brooklyn Ave E, 784-8647. Call for dates & times, through Dec 30. $10/$7.

THREE DEATHS IN DENMARK

Methods of revenge riddle GREX's adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, as the play's main characters explore their own motivations through speeches pulled from the original text, backed by a live Foley orchestra. The Chamber Theater, 915 E Pine St, Fourth Floor, 985-1019. Thurs-Sat at 8, through Dec 11. $12.

THE TRESTLE AT POPE LICK CREEK

A dangerous pact in a small town leads two teenagers to the heart of drama, poverty, and friendship. Theater Schmeater presents this Northwest premiere of Naomi Wallace's play. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun matinee Dec 12 at 2, through Dec 18. $15.

DANCE

CHOREOGRAPHER/COMPOSER COLLABORATIVE CONCERT

UW Dance MFA candidates and student composers present original work danced by undergraduate dance students in this showcase of young talent. Meany Studio Theater, Meany Hall, UW Campus, 543-4880. Dec 1, 3 & 4 at 8; Dec 5 at 2. $8/$6.

*SORROW'S SISTER

Don't miss this remount of dance troupe 33 Fainting Spell's 1997 success, Sorrow's Sister, in which the constraints of wartime lend the life of three women a surreal and claustrophobic grace, and objects take on a life of their own. On the Boards, First Ave W & W Roy St, 217-9888. Thurs-Sat Dec 2-4 at 8 pm. $15/$13.

FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY

HOLIDAY MADNESS LIVE!

A sketch debut full of holiday spoofs, directed by James Venturini of A Theatre Under the Influence. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8, through Dec 18. $8.

THE HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GAME SHOW '99: MILLENNIUM, SHLUMENNIUM

Sketch comedy with audience-member participation in a "real" game show (for prizes worth tens of dollars!), with comedian Peggy Platt and others. Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, 709-7994. Tues-Sat at 8; Sat & Sun 2 pm matinees, through Dec 26 (no show Dec 25). $17-$19.99.

IMPROSIA: COMEDY OF THE GODS

Performing character-driven scenes based on audience suggestions. Wit's End, 770 N 34th St, 547-2330. Sat 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.

TEATRO ZINZANNI

Five months ago, this show was a true delight, boasting an array of highly accomplished and charming performers and surprisingly decent food. Now, it's a grating mess, with several key performers replaced by charmless, baby-talking howler monkeys and a little less decent food. However, the show still features the utterly amazing Kevin Kent, as well as Ann Wilson and that cute Russian juggler. Seattle Center, 222 Mercer St, 281-7788 ext 700 or 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 6:30, extended through Dec 30. $95.

*THREE DOLLAR BILL

Seattle's original gay/lesbian/bisexual stand-up comedy night is still standing in its second year. Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 324-8025. Tues at 8. $6.

YE MERRY GENTLEMEN

This year's Seattle Men's Chorus Holiday concert features new arrangements of favorites such as O Holy Night, We Need a Little Christmas, and Angels We Have Heard on High, as well as a commissioned Hanukkah song, Over the Skies of Israel, so put on your sparkly shirt and come on down. Benaroya Hall, 323-2992. Dec 8, 12, 13, 18 & 19 at 7. $12.50-$30.

LATE NIGHT

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.

COMEDY IN THE KEY OF SKETCH

Sketch comedy full of evil geniuses -- including Andrew Lloyd Webber -- presented by so-talented-they're-addictive the Habit. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 819-6006. Fri-Sat at 11, through Dec 17. $5.

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.

SOAPBOX

Late night holiday fun that promises cabaret acts and improv games. Features a full bar, hosted by the inimitable Michael Leonard. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike, 324-6328. Sat at 11, through Dec 25. $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.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE LIVE

Theater Schmeater twists The Twilight Zone to further dimensions as it takes on two new episodes: "Night of the Meek," and "Nightmare as a Child." Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Fri-Sat at 11, through Dec 18. $8.

CALLS

FIGGY PUDDING CAROLERS

Recruitment for Figgy Carolers is going on now -- you don't have to be a good singer, you just need to gather a group of five or more friends and register as soon as possible. The deadline for participation is Dec 6; registration is $25. Call 728-2773 for more information.

PRINTER'S DEVIL THEATER

Now accepting submissions for 2000 Bonanza workshops (March-May). Deadline is 12/15/99. Send one copy of script (not previously produced), or a detailed plot summary to Bonanza/Printer's Devil Theater, P.O. Box 20536, Seattle, WA 98102.

SLIPPERY FISH PRODUCTIONS

Auditions for Nine O'Clock in the Afternoon will be held Sun Dec 12, 10 am-2 pm, at Odd Duck Studios, 1214 10th Ave. 2 women, 3 men, mid 20s-early 30s. $75 stipend. Call 284-3050 for appointment and info.