OPENING THIS WEEK

IN THE PENAL COLONY · A Contemporary Theatre

JULIUS CAESAR · Northwest Actors Studio

PLAYING DON JUAN · Freehold

ONE WEEK ONLY

MULLET · Dropout Dance

SOULS ON EARTH · Keiko Hamaguchi Dance Company

SPIN THE BOTTLE · Annex Theatre

CLOSING THIS WEEK

AND EVERYTHING NICE · Odd Duck Studio

HENRY IV, PART ONE · Greenstage

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING · Greenstage

DEAR PUBLICISTS:

Please, stop sending press releases to people who no longer work here--this includes Tonia Steed, Steve Wiecking, and Matt Richter, who hasn't been here for years. It just makes you look careless. Also, while a little redundancy is wise, there's no need to send five press releases to different people here; they all end up on my desk and I throw the extras away. Thanks, Bret.

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

*AND EVERYTHING NICE

Four one-woman shows. "The obvious highlight of the evening is Keira McDonald's Showerhead, an examination of body image that's so engrossing I forgot to take notes." (Stacey Levine) Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 324-1062. Thurs-Sat at 8; all performances pay-what-you-will. Through Sept 2.

BETRAYAL

Harold Pinter's oft-produced play that examines a love triangle by starting at its end and traveling backward to its beginning. See review this issue. Theatre Paradox at the Chamber Theater, Odd Fellows Hall, Fourth Floor, 915 E Pine, 568-0631. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12, $10 students. Through Sept 9.

THE BOUFFANTS

Big wigs, pop songs. "You too might find the wigs and songs in this extended skit about three Caucasian gals in a Motown-era girl group amusing, especially if you've been curious about the films of John Waters but don't cotton to all that vomit." (Tamara Paris) Cabaret de Paris, second level of Rainier Square, 1333 Fifth Ave, 623-4111. Thurs at 8, Fri-Sat at 8:30; $16 for the show, $42 for dinner too. Through Sept 30.

THE CHAIRS

"Its best moments are the silent ones, when the design--and despite their best efforts, the actors amount to little more than design elements themselves--can be enjoyed without Ionesco's bland, pedantic words getting in the way." (Bret Fetzer) Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. Call for times; $23.50-$42. Through Sept 9.

*DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS

Fly-on-the-wall perspective on moments of excruciating celebrity tabloid squalor. "Even though the stories are less than fresh, with acting this good, it was still fun to see them played out." (Adrian Ryan) Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; $12. Added performance on Wed Sept 6. Through Sept 9.

HENRY IV, PART ONE

English politics filtered through a young king's relationship with a big fat drunk. Greenstage, 748-1551. At Volunteer Park Sat-Mon Sept 2-4; all performances at 3 pm. Free.

IN THE PENAL COLONY

New "opera theater" work from Philip Glass and JoAnne Akalaitis, based on the Kafka short story. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Opens Thurs Aug 31. Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun at 7:30, $36; Fri-Sat at 8, $42; matinees at 2 (call for matinee dates); $27. Through Oct 1.

JULIUS CAESAR

Shakespeare's Roman tragedy; apparently, this production is based on a 1937 production directed by Orson Welles. Which means one director is interpreting another director's interpretation of the play. Earth Tribe Productions and Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. Opens Fri Sept 1. Fri-Sat at 8; $10, $8 students/seniors. Through Sept 23.

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM

"While non-Catholics will find Sister's pathological disdain of chewing gum and broken rulers amusing, members of the faith will find it hilarious." (Adrian Ryan) A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $24.50-$29.50. Extended for eternity.

LIVING WITH BETTY

A solo show from Heather Benton, about a young woman whose new best friend may be a rampant liar. See review this issue. Ursa Major Theater Company at the Speakeasy Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12, $8 students/seniors.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Two smartypantses fall in love while a good friend of theirs almost dies from public humiliation. Greenstage, 748-1551. At Volunteer Park Fri-Sun Sept 1-3; all performances at 8 pm. Free.

*MYSTERIAN

"After the enormously enjoyable [magic] show, we wolfed down gigantically proportioned Caesar salads in the Magicafe and then scooted into the close-up magic theatre where [magician Steffan] Soule's art continued to confound us. We could not rest until we tried the wicked air-hockey and laser tag...." (Tamara Paris) Illusionz Magical Entertainment Center at 1025 NW Gilman Blvd in Issaquah, 425-427-2444. Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 3; $10-$15. No end in sight.

PLAYING DON JUAN

Freehold presents another "laboratory investigation," this time directed by Meyerhold teacher Gennadi Bogdanov, who's quickly cultivating rabid acolytes. The production is a mix of material, taking bits of Don Juan plays by Moliere, Pushkin, Shaw, and Brecht. Freehold, 1525 10th Ave, 323-7499. Opens Sept 1. Wed-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; donation Through Sept 9.

RADIO GALS

Musical about an all-girl band in the 1920s. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Previews Wed-Thurs Sept 6-7, 7:30 pm. Opens Fri Sept 8. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat matinee at 2; $14-$24, $10 for 25 and under. No show Wed Oct 4. Through Oct 7.

ST. NICHOLAS

Sounds like a Christmas show, but it's actually a vampire story. Starring Laurence Ballard. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Wed, Thurs, Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, matinee on Sun Sept 3 at 2; $15. Through Sept 10.

DANCE

MULLET

A dance program named after the most hideous hairstyle on earth, and for that alone they've got me intrigued. See Stranger Suggests. Dropout Dance at UW Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 325-5399. Thurs-Sat Aug 31-Sept 2, 7:30 pm; $8-$6.

SOULS ON EARTH

The Keiko Hamaguchi Dance Company presents a piece with nine dancers from Japan and nine dancers from Seattle. See Stranger Suggests. Velocity Theater, 915 E Pine St, Second Floor, 325-8773 ext. 1. Sat-Sun Sept 2-3, 8 pm; $12. (Also appearing at Bumbershoot on Sun Sept 3, 3 pm.)

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

THE BINDLESTIFF FAMILY CIRKUS

The low-budget, slightly sleazy alternative to Cirque du Soleil. At the former Sand Point Naval Base, Workshop 30, 7400 Sand Point Way NE; call 442-2004 for directions. Only one performance left: Thurs Aug 31, 9 pm; $12 general, $10 for clowns in makeup.

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. "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; $12, $10 students/seniors, discounts available. Open-ended engagement.

JULIE CASCIOPPO EXPERIENCE

"Cascioppo has confidently tossed schmaltz, a Casio keyboard, a couple of exhausted-looking wigs, naughty banter, and... songs you thought you hated into a furiously agitating blender. The cocktail concocted goes down shockingly smooth." (Tamara Paris) Pink Door, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11. No cover.

THREE DOLLAR BILL

"Like most disreputable arts, standup now offers a more compelling product for its lack of adoration. Billed as a gay- and lesbian-oriented show, Three Dollar Bill also works as a low-cost current comedy primer." (Tom Spurgeon) Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 628-0303. Tues at 8; $6.

LATE NIGHT

EVERYTHING NOT FORBIDDEN IS PERMITTED (AND VICE VERSA)

A collection of quirky short plays and monologues by N.Y. playwright Anne Washburn, formerly of Seattle. See review this issue. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Fri-Sat at 11; $5 (free if you saw the prime-time show). Through Sept 8 (no show on Fri Sept 1).

JET CITY IMPROV

Improv comedy and music based on audience suggestions. "The show goes down really smoothly. One only wishes for better direction." (Tom Spurgeon) Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 781-3879. Fri-Sat at 10:30; $7, $5 with student ID.

SPIN THE BOTTLE

Annex's monthly late-night cavalcade of music, theater, and stories. This month: Reggie Watts from Maktub, the Trachtenburg Family Players, perverse shadow puppetry from Sgt. Rigsby & His Amazing Silhouettes, and more, more, more! Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. One night only: Fri Sept 1, 11 pm; $5.

THEATER SPORTS

"The only improvisational show I've ever seen where the women performers were clearly better than the men--a welcome change from the overaggressive scene-stealing of many male-driven troupes." (Tom Spurgeon) Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Fri-Sat at 10:30, $9; Sun at 7, $5.

CALLS

Northwest Actors Studio is holding auditions for The Blue Moon Chronicles, a gay romantic comedy. Auditions on Sat Sept 9, callbacks on Sun Sept 10. Call 324-6328 for information and appointments.

Open Circle Theater is looking for actors, singers, designers, and musicians for their upcoming production of a musical based on the work of Edward Gorey. Call 382-4250 for information and appointments.

Pork-Filled Players is holding auditions for Dim Sum! The Musical! on Sat Sept 9. Call Roger at 221-5621 (days) or 365-1282 (evenings) or e-mail gwangung@u.washington.edu for information or appointments.

Seattle Fringe Festival has applications available for the next Fringe Fest, but they won't start accepting them until Sept 23. And since it's first come, first served, you'll want to get in there on that day, assuming you want to take part in this event to begin with. Call 526-1959 and talk to Wesley Middleton about it.

Seattle Repertory Theatre is looking for teaching artists for their School Membership Program. Paid positions; all levels of experience encouraged to apply. Send headshot/resume to: Education Dept, Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer, Seattle, WA 98109.

Shenanigan Films is holding auditions for a 16mm short film, Jack Strange, Literary Hero. Call Dave at 324-2977, or go to www.shenaniganfilms.com.

Seattle Repertory Theatre seeks child actor, 4-7 years old, for new play by Elizabeth Heffron to be directed by Sharon Ott. Rehearsals begin in Oct; show runs Nov 13-Dec 23. Fax or mail a resume, attn: Chris Sheilds. No phone calls please. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109. Fax: 423-2225.

New City Theater seeks non-union, male, ethnic actor for production directed by John Jesurun. No age restriction. Weekly salary, from Sept 18-Dec 19. Audition on Wed Sept 6, 7-9 pm. Call 328-4683 for appointments or information.

Tacoma Little Theatre holding auditions for Christmas drama Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus, on Sun Sept 3 and Tues Sept 5. Call 253-272-2281 ext. 53 for information and appointments.