OPENING THIS WEEK

AIDA · Paramount Theatre

BALLYHOO · On the Boards

CHOOZE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE: THE CAVERN OF TIME · Union Garage

GUYS AND DOLLS · Kirkland Performance Center

MONEY & RUN, EPISODE 4 · Theater Schmeater

SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL · Seattle Center

THE RACKET · A Theatre Under the Influence

ONE WEEK ONLY

BODY ANTIBODY · Lelavision

2001 WOMEN PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL · A Contemporary Theatre

ARTISTS · SD Prism Dance Theatre

BOBCAT GOLDTHWAIT · Giggles

MARTIN SONDERKAMP · Velocity MainSpace Theatre

ORIGINS · Consolidated Works

THE THREE RAGTIMERS · Hokum Hall

CLOSING THIS WEEK

21 DOG YEARS: DOING TIME @ AMAZON.COM · Speakeasy Backroom

DAME EDNA: THE ROYAL TOUR · Moore Theatre

GRACE AND GLORIE · RipTide Theatre Company

NO FRILLS · Rockhopper Dance

ONCE IN EUROPA · Mottola Theatre Project

RAISED IN CAPTIVITY · Moonlight Theatre Company

RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET · Driftwood Players

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD · Village Theatre

NOTE: Auditions and calls are now listed in the Classifieds section.

SPECIAL EVENT

MARIA IRENE FORNES

One of the most compelling playwrights of the 20th century will be giving a talk on creativity and playwrighting. Cosponsored by Freehold. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 322-7030. $5 general, $3 Hugo House & Freehold members. (She's also leading a writing seminar beforehand; call Hugo House for details.) One night only: Mon May 14, 7:30 pm.

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

21 DOG YEARS: DOING TIME @ AMAZON.COM

Mike Daisey dishes dirt on his experiences at Amazon.com, weaving in other topics as well. "The show, much like the new economy itself, has wonderful highs but sadly some staggering lows." (Tamara Paris) Speakeasy Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 444-4336. $10. Fri-Sat at 8. EXTENDED through May 12.

*A RAISIN IN THE SUN

An urban black family struggles to improve their lot. "Though this story remains sadly current, the play's vitality lies more in playwright Lorraine Hansberry's incredible eye for detail." (Bret Fetzer) Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. $30-$42 ($10 for anyone 25 or under). Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2. Through May 19.

AIDA

Not the Verdi, the Disney. The press release doesn't mention the performers, so I think we can assume this is, at best, the silver cast, and at worst, zinc. Paramount Theatre, Ninth & Pine, 292-2787. $24-$60. Tues-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2, Sun at 7:30. (Additional shows Mon May 21, 8 pm and Wed May 23, 2 pm.) Through May 26.

*BALLYHOO

Player King returns with their musical science-fiction anti-consumerist fable. "[This] potential cult hit panders to its audience in an exquisite fashion." (Tom Spurgeon) See Stranger Suggests. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $10 Thurs/Sun, $12 Fri-Sat. Thurs-Sat at 9, Sun at 8. Through May 20.

BIG LOVE

Charles Mee's revision an Aeschylus tragedy, about 50 brides who decide to murder their 50 grooms. Features nudity, we are warned. Reviewed this issue. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $30-$42. Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, 2 pm matinees on May 12, 13, 19, & 20. Through May 20.

BIG MAGGIE

A widow keeps a stranglehold on her children while struggling to find herself. From a new company dedicated to producing Irish drama. Northern Lights Productions at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. $12 general, $6 students/seniors, Thurs pay-what-you-can. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through May 26.

*COME BACK TO THE RE-BAR, DINA MARTINA DINA MARTINA--THE BEST OF DINA, PARTS 1 & 2

Just the high points, split over two nights. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St (at Boren), 325-6500. $12 each show, $20 for both. Part 1: Thurs-Fri at 8; Part 2: Sat-Sun at 8. Through May 27.

FALSTAFF

The fat, cowardly, mendacious, greedy Shakespearean antihero sings! Seattle Opera, Seattle Center, 389-7676 or 800-426-1619. $31-$100. Wed, Fri, & Sat at 7:30. Through May 19.

GRACE AND GLORIE

A dying old woman has to cope with a sophisticated New York caretaker. RipTide Theatre Company at Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki SW, 405-8433. $22 in advance, $25 at door (includes buffet dinner). Fri-Sun at 7:30 (dinner served at 6:30). Through May 12.

GYPSY

Tale of a bawdy stripper, set to jaunty song. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 625-1418. $17-$58. Tues-Sat at 8, Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2. Through May 20.

KILLER JOE

Off-Broadway hit about violent trailer trash. "Does the script's deliberate political incorrectness go anywhere or accomplish anything besides its goal of being in our faces, so politically incorrect? I say no." (Stacey Levine) Empty Space, 3509 Fremont N, 547-7500. $20-$28. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2, Sun at 7. Through May 19.

THE LANGUAGE OF ANGELS

Three overlapping Appalachian ghost stories, from hot young playwright Naomi Iizuka. Reviewed this issue. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. $12 (under 18 free). Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2 on May 13 & 20. Through June 2.

ONCE IN EUROPA

New play about disastrous love in an Alpine village, based on a story by John Berger. The Mottola Theatre Project at Freehold Theatre, 1529 10th Ave, 729-1590. $8. Thurs-Sun at 8. Through May 13.

THE RACKET

Chicago gangster melodrama. See Stranger Suggests. A Theater Under the Influence at the Union Garage, 1416 10th Ave, 720-1942. Pay-what-you-will on Thurs; $12 otherwise. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through June 9.

RAISED IN CAPTIVITY

Yet another dysfunctional comedy by award-winning playwright Nicky Silver. "The script exhausts its cutting humor for some relatively boring platitudes in the end, and seems to exhaust even these actors' eager ambitions." (Traci Vogel) Moonlight Theatre Company at Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 367-2174. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through May 12.

SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL

The horrors of public school turned into goofy comedy. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $14.50-$22. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 & 5:30. Through June 10.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Sailor boys and hula girls belt out Broadway tunes. Civic Light Opera at the Jane Addams Theatre, 11051 34th Ave NE, 363-2809. $18-$22. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30. Through May 19. (Still plagued by that nasty strike problem, so you may have to cross a picket line to see the show.)

WINNIE-THE-POOH

Bear gets stuck in honey jar to the delight of vengeful bees. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $21-$22 adults, $14.50-$15.50 students/seniors/children. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 & 5:30. Through May 20.

DANCE

ARTISTS

SD Prism Dance Theatre presents seven ballets choreographed by Sonia Dawkins. On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St, 217-9888. $15. Fri-Sat at 8. This weekend only.

BODY ANTIBODY

Performance art and dance inspired by unwed mothers, picture brides, and goddess archetypes; also, a potluck dinner. Lelavision Gallery, 701 34th Ave, 329-3724 (limited seating, reservations encouraged). $12 or $6 with potluck dish. Sat May 12, 7 pm. This week only.

MARTIN SONDERKAMP

Internationally acclaimed solo improvisor, sharing the evening with performance ROOM and vocal maestro Reggie Watts. Velocity MainSpace Theater, 915 E Pine St, Second Floor, 325-8773 ext 2. $12. Fri-Sat at 8. This weekend only.

NO FRILLS

A stripped-down selection of short works, featuring a Ninja plumber, yodeling, and annoying children in the back seat of your car. Rockhopper Dance at Seattle Chamber Theater, 915 E Pine St, Fourth Floor, 860-5620. $10 advance, $12 at the door. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through May 12.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

2001 WOMEN PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL

Four staged readings of up and coming playwrights. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $6. Fri at 8: Visible/Invisible by Jamie Pachino. Sat at 8: The Bells by Therese Rebeck. Sun at 2: Lady Lay by Lydia Stryk. Sun at 8: Leave Me in Limbo by Valetta Anderson. This weekend only.

*AFEST 2001

Beginning four weeks of a wide variety of work from Asian & Asian American performers. This week: Cheronne Wong and James Sie. See Bio Box. Northwest Asian-American Theatre, 409 Seventh Ave S, 340-1445. $12 general, $10 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 4 (except Sun May 13, 2 pm). Through May 28.

BOBCAT GOLDTHWAIT

The multi-octave voice behind Shakes the Clown, which curiously enough is not mentioned in his press release. Still best known as Zed in those appalling Police Academy movies. Giggles, 5220 Roosevelt Way, 526-JOKE. Cover charge is either $15 or $20; there seems to be a lot of complaints about price-switching. Fri-Sat at 8 & 10. This weekend only.

CIRCUS CONTRAPTION

Acrobatics, juggling, aerial work, shadow puppetry, original music, hoochie-coochie girls, all with a good dose of surreal performance artiness. Sand Point Naval Base, Building 30, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 442-2004. $10 door, games and concessions separate. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. (Thurs is all ages, Fri-Sat limited to 21 and over.) Through May 20.

COMEDY COURT

Improv comedy. University Heights Center, 5031 University Way NE, 442-2044. $7 general, $5 students. First and third Friday of the month at 7:30. Through August.

DAME EDNA: THE ROYAL TOUR

Barry Humphries' beloved drag persona comes to Seattle. Moore Theatre, Second and Virginia, 292-ARTS. $30-$50. Tues-Thurs at 7:30; Fri-Sat at 8; Sat-Sun at 2. Through May 13.

ORIGINS

Dance, music, physical theater, fire, stiltwalking, films, aerial ballet--a cornucopia of stuff. The Anunnaki Project at Consolidated Works, 410 Terry Ave, 609-3211. $20. Sat May 12, 6 pm to midnight (workshops available earlier in the day). This weekend only.

SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL

A more impressive collection of stuff from around the world than you'll see at most adult festivals. See preview this issue. Seattle Center, various venues, 684-7346, www.seattleinternational.org. Single tickets $10; discounts for multiple shows. Times and days vary for individual acts, call for details. May 14-19.

SPIDERBITE ODDITIES

A glam/pop mixture of music and short plays on the theme of pop culture. Sit & Spin, 2219 Fourth Ave. $8, must be 21 or over. Thurs only; doors open at 8:15, show starts at 9. Through May 24.

THE THREE RAGTIMERS

The thirty flying fingers of Dan Grinstead, Eric Shoemaker, and Hokum W. Jeebs. Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, louis@magor.com. $12 general, $10 students/seniors. Fri-Sat at 8. This weekend only.

LATE NIGHT

CABARET: THE RESURRECTION

Everything from drag queens (including host Hellen Havokk), live music, naked poetry, fire-breathers, and sword-swallowers. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 861-8233. $5. Every Saturday at midnight.

CHOOZE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE: THE CAVERN OF TIME

A live version of the book series for kids, aimed at adults. Featuring performers from a variety of Seattle's sketch comedy troupes. Serious Dogs Productions at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 444-4315. $7. Fri-Sat at 11. No closing date.

JET CITY IMPROV

The popular improvisational troupe is adding a late night performance in West Seattle. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $7 general, $5 students. Sat at 10:30, ad nauseam.

*MONEY & RUN, EPISODE 4

Big Momma Bob and all the rest return for another senses-stunning exploitation of our excessive television-watching childhoods. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. $8 (under 18 free). Thurs-Sat at 11 pm. Through June 2.

LONG RUNS

JET CITY IMPROV at University Heights Center, 781-3879.

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM from Seattle Theatre Project at A Contemporary Theatre, 292-7676.

MYSTERIAN at Illusionz Magical Entertainment Center, Issaquah, 425-427-2444.

THEATERSPORTS at the Market Theater, 781-9273.

ELSEWHERE

RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET

A rock and roll musical, based on the '50s sci-fi flick based on The Tempest. Driftwood Players, 950 Main St, Edmonds, 425-774-9600. $18 general, $16 juniors/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2. Through May 13.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Boo, Scout, and Atticus Finch. Centerstage, 3200 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, 253-661-1444. $19 general, $16 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2. Through May 13.