OPENING THIS WEEK

GOOSEFLESH & PALLOR · Open Circle Theater

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM · University of Washington

MOTORCADE · Theater Schmeater

TALLEY'S FOLLY · A Contemporary Theatre

WAIT UNTIL DARK · Taproot Theatre

ONE WEEK ONLY

2000 DANCE MAJORS CONCERT · University of Washington

57 VARIETIES OF MOVEMENT · Chamber Theatre

BARE BONES · Seattle Festival of Alternative Dance and Improvisation

JULIE TOLENTINO: THE BOTTOM PROJECT · On the Boards

SEATTLE MEN'S CHORUS & NELL CARTER ARE MISBEHAVIN' · Seattle Men's Chorus

CLOSING THIS WEEK

BIG BOSS, OR THE INNER LIFE OF EVERYTHING · New City Theatre

THE COLLABORATORS · ArtsWest Theatre Company

KISS ME, KATE · University of Washington

PRINTER'S DEVIL 2000 BONANZA · Printer's Devil Theatre

SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL · Seattle Center

SOME KIND OF CULT · Odd Duck Studio

UMBRELLA, LIGHT, LANDSCAPE, SKY · Lelavision

UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT · Northwest Actors Studio

CORRECTION

In the May 4-10 theater calendar, the listing for 14/48 (the world's shortest theater festival, in which eight playwrights write 16 10-minute plays over two successive nights) read: "Most of [the plays] suck...." The listing should have read: "Most of [the plays] will probably suck...." As it turns out, most of the plays did not suck, and the calendar editor is eating crow.

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

AS YOU LIKE IT

Shakespeare tackles gender dysphoria. Kind of like Boys Don't Cry, but with a happy ending. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun matinees at 2, through May 25. $10-$42.

*BIG BOSS, OR THE INNER LIFE OF EVERYTHING

Billed as "a play with music," writer/director Ki Gottberg's new work concerns the tangled lives of two sisters, one an obsessive, the other a cynic--accompanied by live percussion. "An embrace of poetic language and energetic performances over naturalistic acting and narrative... [but] unlike many stylized plays, Big Boss has an easily discernible story." (Tom Spurgeon) First Christian Church, 1632 Broadway, 328-4683. Fri-Sat May 19-20 at 8. $10-$12.

THE COLLABORATORS

Any press release that starts, "In one zany mix-up after another..." sends chills down my spine. "An ordinary insulation company is mistaken for a weapons supplier..." doesn't bolster my confidence. And "cockamamie collision of characters will cause giggles and guffaws..." confirms my worst fears. ArtsWest Theatre Company, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. Thurs-Sun at 8, 3 pm matinee on Sat May 20, through May 20. $19, $16 students/seniors.

FOREVER PLAID

Writer/choreographer/director Stuart Ross' Plaid is a lighthearted celebration of those four-part-harmony boy groups from the late '50s and early '60s. Squeaky-clean renditions of "Three Coins in the Fountain" and other pop fare sung by "teen angels." Much gayer than it knows. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Fri at 8, Sat at 8:30, Sun at 2, Sat matinees at 5, Sun matinees at 2, through June 25. $37-$42.

GOOSEFLESH & PALLOR

Subtitled A Journey through Fear, this is a workshop presentation of a gumbo of techniques (dance, music, comedy, aerial work) used to explore what makes our flesh creep. I'm tempted to say that it's projects like this one, but G & P actually sounds interesting. Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. Thurs-Sat at 8, through June 3. $7.

KISS ME, KATE

Cole Porter's backstage view of The Taming of the Shrew, performed by the fresh-scrubbed faces of UW students. Meany Theatre, UW campus, 543-4880. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, through May 20. $10-$15.

Late Night Catechism

An evening of audience participation and interactive improv theater: Think Sister Windy crossed with Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, extended for eternity. $24.50-$29.50.

LIGHT SHINING IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

If there's anyone who can condense the religious and political awakening in medieval England into an engaging play, it's Caryl Churchill, one of the finest playwrights alive. A Theatre Under the Influence, at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave between Pike and Union, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8, through June 3. Fri-Sat $12, Thurs pay-what-you-will.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

Everyone's favorite sex comedy, performed by clear, smooth faces and taut, young bodies. Playhouse Theatre, 4045 University Way NE, 543-4880. Opens Wed May 24, through June 4, days and times vary. $7-$10.

MOTORCADE

A biting social satire, written by the guy who provided the voice of "Crow" on Mystery Science Theater 3000, Bill Corbett. Is that a good or a bad sign? Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, opens Fri May 19, matinees on Sun June 4 & 18 at 2, through June 24. Thurs are pay-what-you-will, $12 otherwise ($15 opening night). And if you're under 18, it's free! free! free!

THE REAL THING

This Tom Stoppard play got hailed to the heavens when it opened on Broadway, but now it looks like a modest trifle. Still, Stoppard's always smart and witty. Have someone under 25 buy your ticket so you can see it for $10. Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, Tues-Wed at 7, through June 3. $10-$42.

TALLEY'S FOLLY

One of those two-character dramas that have entrenched themselves in regional American theater for reasons more economic than aesthetic. I'm sure this one is lovely and earnest. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $23-$42, $10 for patrons 25 and under.

UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT

A solo play about a man and his autistic son, written and performed by the father himself, Anthony Curry. "When Curry focuses on the details of his child's development... and his own incremental sense of dread, UFO fascinates... [but] a compelling one-act show may be lost in the unwieldy universe Curry brings to the stage." (Tom Spurgeon) Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through May 20. $10 ($8 students/seniors).

WAIT UNTIL DARK

Taproot promises this is a "gritty contemporary mounting" of this creeeeeaky old stage thriller about a blind girl and a doll full of heroin. See Bio Box. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Opens Fri May 19, times vary, through June 17. $14-$24, $10 for anyone 25 and under.

WATUSI

The latest from top-notch Seattle playwright S. P. Miskowski. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 781-0022. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through June 4. $12.50. Reviewed this issue.

WHEN I GROW UP I'M GONNA GET SOME BIG WORDS

Seattle Children's Theatre closes out its season with a world premiere exploring the inspirational give-and-take between activists in the Civil Rights Movement and their courageous leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. An ambitious work culled from letters, essays, speeches, and diary entries. Charlotte Martin Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30, through June 11. $13.50-$20.50.

DANCE

2000 DANCE MAJORS CONCERT

One of these undergraduate choreographers could be the next Mark Morris--or the next Debbie Allen. Meany Studio Theater, University of Washington, 543-4880. Thurs-Sat May 18-20 at 8; Sun May 21 at 2. $6-$8.

57 VARIETIES OF MOVEMENT

A smorgasbord of stuff, all more or less dance. See Stranger Suggests. Chamber Theater, Oddfellows Building, 915 E Pine, Fourth Flr, 368-9446. Thurs-Sat May 18-20 at 8. $10 advance, $12 at the door.

BARE BONES

A benefit dance concert for the Seattle Festival of Alternative Dance & Improvisation. See Stranger Suggests. Dance on Capitol Hill's Underground Theater, 340 15th Ave E, 329-5104. Sat May 20 at 8. $10 suggested donation.

JULIE TOLENTINO: THE BOTTOM PROJECT

It seems to be about sexual submissives, rather than the human backside or the donkey-headed guy from Shakespeare. See Stranger Suggests. On the Boards, 100 W Roy, 217-9888. Thurs-Sun May 18-21 at 8. $10-$12.

UMBRELLA, LIGHT, LANDSCAPE, SKY

Kinetic musical sculpture, dance, and physical theater--a combination of vague, wonky themes and precise, imaginative theatrics. Ela Lamblin's instruments (which double as props, costumes--you name it) can create some gorgeous, breathtaking sounds. Lela Studio, 701 34th Ave, 329-3724. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, matinee on Sun May 21 at 2, through May 21. $12. Seating is limited, reservations are advisable.

FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY

A-FEST 2000

A wide-ranging mix of Asian/Pacific Islander theater, dance, music, and performance art. This weekend: all kinds of music, including the Degenerate Art Ensemble, LOUD, and Seattle Kokon Taiko. Northwest Asian American Theatre, Theatre off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 340-1049. Traces is Thurs-Sun at 8; dates and times vary for upcoming performances. A-Fest 2000 runs through May 28. $9-$15.

*HOKUM'S RAGTIME NICKELODEON REVUE

Professor Hokum W. Jeebs returns with an evening of ragtime, silent cinema, classic vaudeville, and the big sounds of the mighty 1929 WurliTzer Theatre Pipe Organ. An experience like no other. Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, 937-3613. Fri-Sat at 8, open-ended engagement. $12 general, $10 student/senior. Discounts available. Reviewed this issue.

PRINTER'S DEVIL 2000 BONANZA

The workshop/reading series comes to a glorious conclusion with Kate Honeynuts (a crumpled allegory) by Sheila Callaghan. A great opportunity to see plays as they grow. Consolidated Works, 410 Terry Ave N, 328-2690. Mon-Tues May 22-23 at 7:30. No reservation needed, pay what you will.

RUN LO BLO RUN

Seattle's most self-congratulatorily vulgar sketch comedy troupe returns. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave between Pike and Union. Fri-Sat at 11, through May 27. $5.

*SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL

For sheer stunning variety and richness of quality and spectacle, only the Seattle International Film Festival can compare. Closes this weekend. Seattle Center and other venues, call 684-7346 for info, through May 20. Times and prices vary.

SEATTLE MEN'S CHORUS & NELL CARTER ARE MISBEHAVIN'

Sounds more like they're doing the same tired stuff they've been doing for years. Benaroya Hall, 323-2992. Sat May 20 at 8; Sun May 21 at 2 & 7. $9-$26.50.

SOME KIND OF CULT

Two weekends of sketch comedy by yet another sketch comedy troupe. My God, how many sketch comedy troupes can one town sustain? Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 524-5858. Fri-Sat at 8, through May 20. $6.

*THREE DOLLAR BILL

Seattle's original gay/lesbian/bisexual stand-up comedy night is still standing in its third year. Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 628-0303. Tues at 8. $6.

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.

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. $7, $5 with student ID.

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.

UP IN YOUR GRILL

The Grill folks are tearing it up weekly with fast and furious comic sketches. Speakeasy, 2304 Second Ave, 444-4336. Sat at 11 (opening acts at 10:30). $7.

CALLS

ANNEX THEATRE

Auditions for ATF, a project directed by Tom Wiseley. Seeking 3-5 performers for rigorous physical theater piece. Audition on Tues May 23. Call 517-0399 for further information or to schedule an audition.