OPENING THIS WEEK

ATF: A BURLESQUE · Annex Theatre

MARCEL MARCEAU · Moore Theatre

THE ODD COUPLE · A Contemporary Theatre

PERFECT STRANGER · One World Theatre

THE RED BALLOON · Seattle Children's Theatre

SANDY SILVA & FRIENDS · On the Boards

ONE WEEK ONLY

ELECTRA · Cornish College of the Arts

FIESTA GALA · Friends of the Orphans--Northwest

GATHERING · SD Prism Dance Theatre

KATIE DUCK · Velocity Dance Studio

THE NEW OLD TIME CHAUTAUQUA · Centrum

SLEEPING BEAUTY · Everett Performing Arts Center

SPIN THE BOTTLE · Annex Theatre

TWO DECADES OF DANCE · Olympic Ballet Theatre

WOBBLY.COM · Chamber Theatre

WOMEN IGNITE YOUR POWER · Susan Powter

VEGAS MARTINI SOCIAL · Theatre on the Rocks

CLOSING THIS WEEK

1776 · Renton Civic Theatre

DREAMING OF MISTER PORTER · Emerald City Arts

HOW TEIRESIAS GOT THE GIFT · A Theater Near You

IOLANTHE · Peccadillo Players

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES · Tacoma Little Theatre

THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE... · Seattle Repertory Theatre

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

42ND STREET

The classic musical about musicals. Civic Light Opera in the Jane Addams Theatre, 11051 34th NE, 363-2809. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30; $18-$22. Through Oct 21.

*ANIMAL FARM

Animals take charge! Only some of the animals turn into totalitarian despots. "It was a really cool play. You know the dogs? When they growled, it actually sounded real, cause the people weren't saying it... and then the people had the teeth, those big dog's teeth...." (Maggie Brown, nine years old) Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30; $14.50-$22. Through Oct 28.

ATF: A BURLESQUE

A big, sprawling spew of stuff related to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, as well as the commodities themselves. Songs and spectacles. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Opens Fri Oct 6. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; $12. Through Nov 4.

BALD FACED LIE

Fresh off the Canadian tour circuit, the ever-popular sketch comedy troupe returns with a show inspired by having totaled their car. See review this issue. Open Circle Theatre, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12 (pay-what-you-can on Thurs Oct 5). Through Oct 21.

ELECTRA

A modern telling of the Greek tragedy. The Poncho Theater at Kerry Hall, Cornish College of the Arts, 710 E Roy. Thurs-Sat Oct 5-7, 8 pm; free.

HOW TEIRESIAS GOT THE GIFT

A faux Greek drama about the blind seer from Oedipus Rex whose gender is in question. A Theater Near You at the Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 726-9814. Thurs-Sat at 8; $8. Through Oct 7.

JAR THE FLOOR

Four generations of African American women gathering for the 90th birthday of the family's great-grandmother. See review this issue. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun matinees at 2; $29. (Additional matinee Wed Oct 25, 2 pm.) Through Oct 28.

LAST LISTS OF MY MAD MOTHER

Noted play about a woman caring for her mother, who's suffering from Alzheimer's. See review this issue. Northwest Actors Studio, 11th and Pike, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; $10. Through Oct 21.

*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.

MARCEL MARCEAU

The world's most famous mime. See Bio Box. Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, 292-ARTS. Tues-Sun Oct 10-15; Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, Sat-Sun matinees at 2; $20-$35.

THE ODD COUPLE

ACT induces artistic whiplash in its subscribers by following In the Penal Colony with the archetypal Neil Simon comedy. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, assorted matinees at 2 (call for dates); $27-$42. Through Oct 29.

OUR TOWN

Thornton Wilder's crazed combination of theatrical experimentation, transcendental philosophy, and home-spun sentiment. See review this issue. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. Thurs-Sat at 8 (also Sat at 3); $20. Through Oct 21.

PARADE

The recently acclaimed musical about a man wrongfully accused of murder. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 292-ARTS. Tues-Sat at 8, Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2; $64-$208. Through Oct 15.

PERFECT STRANGER

A new play by Carl Sander about a married couple with an unexpected guest. See Stranger Suggests. One World Theatre at the Speakeasy Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 325-6500. Thurs-Sun at 8; $12-$15, pay-what-you-can Thurs Oct 5. Additional performance Mon Oct 16, 8 pm. Through Oct 21.

RADIO GALS

Musical about an all-girl band in the 1920s called the Hazelnuts. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat matinee at 2; $14-$24, $10 for 25 and under. Extended through Oct 28.

THE RED BALLOON

Boy meets balloon, falls in love, must protect balloon from pin-wielding bullies. A collaboration with Scottish theater troupe Visible Fictions. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Opens Fri Oct 6. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30; $14.50-$22. No performance Sun Dec 24. Through Dec 30.

THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE

"It's still funny--writer Jane Wagner has a fine grip on her wry, conceptual twists, and Lily Tomlin is Lily Tomlin--but in a comfortable, familiar way, not a surprising, different-perspective way." (Bret Fetzer) Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun matinees at 2; $18-$45. Through Oct 7.

*THE SHOW

Something audience-interactive. "Like a night spent drinking with some funny, smart people that you really, really like, and can forgive the occasional faux pas and ridiculous comment." (Adrian Ryan) Podunk Productions at Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 297-7611. Thurs-Sat at 8; $8. Through Oct 21.

*TABLE WORK

An evening of four short plays, including plays by Bertolt Brecht and August Strindberg, all of which feature a table. "Much more touching, but by less hallowed writers, Rex by Joe Pintauro and Sam Shepard's Action were Table Work's gems." (Brendan Kiley) A Theater Under the Influence at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12, all Thursdays are pay-what-you-will. Through Oct 14.

TRANSFORMATIONS AND OTHER TALES

"[Poet Anne] Sexton had a great sense of humor, but too often her words were shouted beyond recognition, too often eight people saying the same line (almost) simultaneously lost the line.... When individual actors could get away from being part of the manic chorus, there were some fine moments." (Rebecca Brown) Theater Schmeater at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $12, anyone 18 or under is free. Through Oct 21 (NOTE: No performances Thurs-Sun Oct 5-8).

*THE WEIR

Buncha Irish drunks chatting up a bird with ghost stories, until she tells them one of her own. "This production [shows] the miraculous power that storytelling has--not just to frighten, but also to bind us to one another." (Tamara Paris) Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Thurs-Sat at 8; Tues, Wed, Sun at 7; Sat-Sun matinees at 2 pm; $27.50-$42. Through Oct 14.

WOMEN IGNITE YOUR POWER

An evening with former exercise/diet queen turned motivational speaker Susan Powter. Insert your own joke here. Freehold Theatre, 1525 10th Ave, 800-4POWTER. Fri-Sat Oct 6-7, 7:30 pm; $25-$35.

DANCE

FIESTA GALA

A benefit to support Neustros Pequenos Hermanos, who build homes for orphaned and abandoned children in Latin America and Haiti. Performances by Ballet Folklorico and Haitian Rhythm Dance Ensemble. Friends of the Orphans--Northwest at the Piggot Building of Seattle University, E Marion St between 10th and 11th Ave, 425-646-3935. Sat Oct 7, 7:30 pm (a silent auction begins at 6:30 pm).

GATHERING

Four multi-cultural ballets by Sonia Dawkins, Astrit Zejnati, and Alice Yearsley. SD Prism Dance Theatre at On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Fri-Sat Oct 6-7, 8 pm; $15. (Also on Sat Oct 7, 5 pm, a fundraising event at Figaro Bistro followed by the performance; $100.)

KATIE DUCK

Noted visiting choreographer/teacher will cap a week-long improvisation/composition workshop with performances. Velocity Theater, 915 E Pine, Second Floor, 325-8773 ext. 2. Sat-Sun Oct 7-8, 8 pm; $12.

SANDY SILVA & FRIENDS

The most percussive feet in town. See Stranger Suggests. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Thurs-Sun at 8; $12-$14. Through Oct 14.

TWO DECADES OF DANCE

Twenty years of ballet from Olympic Ballet Theatre. Sat Oct 7 at the Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, 292-ARTS. Sat Oct 14 at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave, Everett, 292-ARTS. Both performances at 7:30 pm; $12, $18 students.

WOBBLY.COM

Three new pieces from choreographer Jean Campbell, ranging from "Jazz Devil" to "Banjo Beauties." Chamber Theatre, 915 E Pine St, Fourth Floor, www.twirl.org. Fri Oct 6, 8 pm; Sat Oct 7, 8 & 10:30 pm; Sun Oct 8, 2 pm; $10.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

AMY X NEUBURG & MEN

Electronic avant-cabaret from a singer who gets compared to Kate Bush a lot, which sounds promising. Pink Door Restaurant, 1919 Post Alley, no reservations taken. Wed-Thurs at 8, Fri-Sat at 9; no cover. Through Oct 28.

DREAMING OF MR. PORTER

Cheryl Bentyne of the Manhattan Transfer sings a bunch of Cole Porter. Emerald City Arts at Benaroya Hall, 200 University St, 323-2992. Wed-Fri Oct 4-6, 8 pm; $24.

*HOKUM HALL

The pleasures of vaudeville, both broad and delicate, are kept alive at Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, 937-3613. Prices vary per event, but are almost never more than $12. Fri-Sat Oct 6-7 at 8 pm & Sun Oct 8 at 3 pm: Cornucopia Concert Band; Tues-Wed Oct 10-11 at 7:30 pm: Silent Cinema Classics with Hokum.

*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 Restaurant, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11; no cover.

THE NEW OLD TIME CHAUTAUQUA

Buncha new vaudevillians, including the Flying Karamazov Brothers, the Royal Famille du Carnivaux, Christian Swenson, and a yodeling cowgirl named Dusty Rodz. Centrum, Fort Worden State Park Conference Center, Port Townsend, 360-385-5320. Sat Oct 7, 7 pm; $12, $8 children.

*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

*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 smorgasbord. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. NOTE: Sat Oct 7, 11 pm; $5 (instead of the usual Friday).

*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.

TWILIGHT ZONE LIVE

Two more episodes of the popular TV show put on the stage: The Lateness of the Hour and The Silence. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Fri-Sat at 11; $8. Through Oct 21.

VEGAS MARTINI SOCIAL

The former "Beer Theatre" returns with a new name and musical guest Joey Kline. Theatre on the Rocks at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 851-3920. Fri-Sat Oct 6-7, 11 pm; $5.

ELSEWHERE

1776

Founding fathers sing! Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S Third St, Renton, 425-226-5529. Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $15-$20. Through Oct 8.

IOLANTHE

Gilbert & Sullivan's operetta about British politics and fairy folk. Peccadillo Players at the Meydenbauer Center Theatre, 11100 NE Sixth St, Bellevue, 325-6500. Fri-Sat at 8; $10-$40. (Additional matinee Sun Oct 8, 3 pm.) Through Oct 8.

*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 theater where [magician Steffan] Soule's art continued to confound us." (Tamara Paris) Illusionz Magical Entertainment Center at 1025 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, 425-427-2444. Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 3; $10-$15. No end in sight.

THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

Tony-winning musical adaptation of Dickens' unfinished novel, composed by the guy who did "The Piña Colada Song." Village Theatre, 303 Front St N, Issaquah, 425-392-2202. Wed-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $22-$40. Through Oct 29.

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES

A country and western musical, with a wee bit of rock-n-roll thrown in for spice. Tacoma Little Theatre, 210 North "I" St, Tacoma, 253-272-2281. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $13-$15. Through Oct 7.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

A stage version of the fairy tale, from the California Theatre Center. Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave, Everett, 425-257-8600. $12, $10 children. Sat Oct 7 at 1, 4, & 7 pm. (Special Family Gala following the 4 pm performance, $25 per person or $100 per family.)

CALLS

A Contemporary Theatre is looking for kids for A Christmas Carol. Auditions held on Sat Oct 7; for information or appointments, call Margaret Layne at 292-7660 ext. 1226 on weekdays between 2-5 pm.

PUMA Dance Theatre Company is holding auditions for two male and two female trained dancers and one to two actors who move well on Fri Oct 13; callbacks on Sat Oct 14. Call 387-6849 for information and appointments.

Theater Schmeater is holding general auditions for its 2001 season on Sun Oct 8. They are not auditioning anyone they saw at their 2000 generals or the TPS Spring 2000 generals. Call 324-5621 ext. 3 for appointments or information.