THEATER
OPENING THIS WEEK
THE AWAKENING · Book-It Repertory Theatre
FESTIVAL OF MEN DANCING · Against the Grain
FOUR DOGS AND A BONE · Moonlight Theatre Company
I, BOHEMIA · Theatre Babylon
MONEY & RUN · Theater Schmeater
RAIN CITY ROLLERS · House of Dames
THE SHNEEDLES · Odd Duck Studio
ONE WEEK ONLY
CHASING TALES · acornDance
KALI · On the Boards
SPIN THE BOTTLE · Annex Theatre
CLOSING THIS WEEK
BLUE'S CLUES LIVE · Paramount Theatre
CIRCLE · Eddie Izzard
CORPSE · UW Ethnic Cultural Center
GOOSEFLESH & PALLOR · Open Circle Theater
LIGHT SHINING IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE · A Theater Under the Influence
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM · University of Washington
THE REAL THING · Intiman Theatre
WATUSI · Hyperion Theatre
OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS
THE AWAKENING
Book-It's adaptation of one of the first books written by a woman to be banned in the United States, about a woman's struggle for personal independence. See Bio Box. Seattle Repertory Theatre's PONCHO Forum, 155 Mercer St, 216-0833. June 2-25, Thurs-Sun at 7:30, Sun matinees at 2. $15, $10 students/seniors/groups.
BLUE'S CLUES LIVE
The popular children's show--presented live, so that they can burrow into your child's cerebral cortex before your very eyes. Paramount Theatre, Ninth and Pine, call the evil Ticketmaster at 292-ARTS. Through June 4, times vary. $11.50-$25.50.
CORPSE
A new translation of a controversial 1953 play by Brazilian writer Nelson Rodrigues, updated to contemporary Rio de Janeiro. A student production. Ethnic Cultural Theater, UW campus, 3931 Brooklyn Ave NE, 679-7046. Wed-Sun May 31-June 4 at 8, Sat-Sun matinees at 2. Free to students, suggested donation, $5-$7.
FOUR DOGS AND A BONE
Yet another satire of the movie industry. I like John Patrick Shanley, and since he's got first-hand experience (he wrote Moonstruck and wrote and directed the much maligned Joe Versus the Volcano), this might actually be funny. Moonlight Theatre Company at Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 367-2174. June 2-24, Thurs-Sat at 8. $12.
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. "The ensemble gamely lurches from one set piece to the next with very little dramatic timing and no sense of coherent storytelling." (Tamara Paris) Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. Thurs-Sat at 8, through June 3. $7.
I, BOHEMIA
This satire of a left-wing theater collective is based on playwright Marcy Redenborn's own experiences as an apprentice with the San Francisco Mime Troupe, a left-wing theater collective. If she doesn't pull her punches, this could be sharp, since god knows there's a lot to satirize with left-wing theater collectives. Theatre Babylon at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. June 2-July 1, Thurs-Sat at 8. $12.
*KALI
An experimental cross-culture opera with a libretto by Goenawan Mohamad (a prominent Indonesian writer), score by Tony Prabowo and Jarrad Powell, and choreography by Mary Sheldon Scott. Should be rapturous. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Thurs-Sun June 1-4 at 8, one weekend only. $16-$18. Discounts available. Forum discussion, featuring some of the creators, on Sun at 4 pm.
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. Reviewed this issue.
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. "Those seeking dramatic tension or a straightforward psychological conflict between characters best steer clear.... Strongest is a long, creepy final scene depicting a group of radical religious/hedonistic church dissenters." (Stacey Levine) 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. Through June 4, dates 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. "A vigilante leader manipulating a local television reporter to great advantage is funny... but militia men beating a character onstage is unrealistic melodrama." (Tom Spurgeon) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, matinees on Sun June 4 & 18 at 2, through June 24. Thurs pay-what-you-will, $12 otherwise. And if you're under 18, it's free! free! free!
*RAIN CITY ROLLERS
Bitchin' babes on skates tell the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice through song and competitive roller derby. See Stranger Suggests. House of Dames at Sand Point Naval Base, Hangar 2S, 7400 Sand Point Way NE. June 2-July 2, Thurs-Sun at 8, with 10:30 pm performances on Fri-Sat nights, June 16-July 1. $16-$20.
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. Through June 11, times vary. $23-$42, $10 for patrons 25 or under.
UNDER THE GASLIGHT
A 19th-century melodrama, souped up a bit, but it sounds like Eddie Levi Lee is forgoing the usual chainsaws and smoke machines. Includes variety acts between scenes. Empty Space, 3509 Fremont Ave, 547-7500. Tues-Sun through July 9, times vary. $18-$26.
WAIT UNTIL DARK
Taproot promises this is a "gritty contemporary mounting" of this creeeeeaky stage thriller about a blind girl and a doll full of heroin. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Times vary, through June 17. $14-$24, $10 for anyone 25 or under.
WATUSI
The latest from top-notch Seattle playwright S. P. Miskowski. "For those willing to wait for it, there's a great comedic sequence deep in the second act.... Miskowski has trapped a memorable character in a less-than-memorable play." (Tom Spurgeon) Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 781-0022. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through June 4. $12.50.
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
CHASING TALES
acornDance presents five short works by Abby Enson, Aiko Kinoshita, and KT Niehoff. One piece is danced by identical twins. A strong selection overall. Chamber Theater, Oddfellows Hall, Fourth Floor, 915 E Pine St, 781-4216. Thurs-Sun June 1-4 at 8. $10.
FESTIVAL OF MEN DANCING
Over two weekends, Against the Grain: Men in Dance will present works by 21 choreographers, including eight women. Which means there are 13 male choreographers in Seattle. I had no idea. I guess that's sort of the point. Freehold East Hall Theatre, Oddfellows Hall at 10th and Pine, 389-4945. June 1-11, Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Different program each weekend. $10-$12, a pass for both weekends is $20.
FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY
*CIRCLE
Originally famous for wearing a dress, Brit stand-up Eddie Izzard is now better known for wildly free-associative comedy. High and low subjects are treated with equal frivolity. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, $35; Fri-Sat at 8, $40, through June 3. Reviewed this issue.
*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. "I felt somehow like we were fireflies raising our tiny lights into a shimmering chorus, sharing our voices before descending into the inevitable darkness." (Tamara Paris) Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, 937-3613. Fri-Sat at 8, open-ended engagement. $12 general, $10 student/senior. Discounts available.
Julie Cascioppo Experience
Songs and characters you may grow to love. Or not. This Tuesday is a party celebrating the release of Julie's new CD. Pink Door, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11. No cover. Reviewed this issue.
*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. Reviewed this issue.
LATE NIGHT
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. Reviewed this issue.
MONEY & RUN
Everyone says the first episode of this action adventure serial was great. Here's the second. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit, 324-5801. June 2-June 24, Fri-Sat at 11. $6 (patrons under 18 free).
*THE SHNEEDLES
Bill Robison and Wolfe Bowart are astounding clowns. Not to be missed. See Stranger Suggests. Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave N, 324-1062. June 2-11, Fri-Sat at 10:30, Sun at 7. $10 suggested donation.
*SPIN THE BOTTLE
Annex's late-night smorgasbord, this time featuring Troy Mink, Sgt. Rigsby & His Amazing Silhouettes, smutty stories, eccentric songs, and more, more, more! (Full disclosure: The theater editor curates this mishmash.) Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Fri June 2 at 11, one night only. $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. Reviewed this issue.
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.