OPENING THIS WEEK

THE EROTICA PROJECT · Left Coast Theatre

REQUIEM AT THE PINK FLAMINGO BAR · Theatre Babylon

TARTUFFE · Theater Schmeater

ONE WEEK ONLY

COLLECTED WORKS OF 2000/2001 · Anomaly

THE FALLEN WOMEN FOLLIES · Re-bar

FORUM THEATER · Mandala Center for Awareness, Transformation, & Action

GRETA MATASSA · ArtsWest

MARTINI SOCIAL II · Theater on the Rocks

NAKED IN CANADA · Open Circle Theatre

QUICKIES, VOLUME II · Live Girls!

SAUVE-QUI-PEUT · Polyglot Players

SING FOR THE CURE · Seattle Men's Chorus

CLOSING THIS WEEK

BALD FACED LIE · Open Circle Theatre

CITIES: CONVERSATIONS IN THE COURT OF THE KHAN · On the Boards

DADDY'S DYIN' WHO'S GOT THE WILL · ArtsWest

DEAR DIANE · On the Boards

IN A SHALLOW GRAVE · Book-It

SHADOWLANDS · Fat Yeti Theatre

SKIP 'N GO NAKED · Lo Blo/Theater on the Rocks

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

BALD FACED LIE

The group that started the whole damn sketch comedy tsunami. "Well-acted comedy that isn't necessarily funny--a total of a few good moments scattered among an hour or so of filler." (Jason Pagano) Bald Faced Lie at Open Circle Theatre, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through June 23.

CITIES: CONVERSATIONS IN THE COURT OF THE KHAN

A new piece from the physical theatre troupe UMO Ensemble. "Though there are some lovely visuals and enchanting music, they don't add up to make a satisfying narrative. I wish the troupe had concentrated more on the kind of innovative movement for which they're known." (Rebecca Brown) On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $16 Thurs/Sun, $18 Fri-Sat. Thurs-Sun at 8. Through June 24.

* 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: Fri at 8; Part 2: Sat at 8. Through June 23.

COTTON PATCH GOSPEL

A retelling of the story of Jesus set in rural Georgia, in which Jesus gets stuck on a tar baby and begs Brer Fox not to throw him in that briar patch. Featuring songs by Harry Chapin. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $17-$25, student/senior discount available. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat at 2. EXTENDED through July 14.

DADDY'S DYIN' WHO'S GOT THE WILL

The theater says director Katy Huisentruit is a sparkling new talent; god knows why she's doing this play. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $20 general, $17 students/seniors/matinees. Thurs-Sat at 8, 3 pm matinee Sat June 23. Through June 23.

* DEAR DIANE

The first play from improvisational poetry trio the Typing Explosion. "A terrific entertainment--fast-moving, funny, and smart." (Rebecca Brown) On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $12 Thurs/Sun, $14 Fri-Sat. Thurs-Sun at 9. EXTENDED through June 24.

DINNER WITH FRIENDS

The Pulitzer-Prize-winning drama about some friends having dinner. Reviewed this issue. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $30-$42 ($10 for anyone 25 or under). Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7:30 (2 pm on June 23, 24, 30, July 1). Through July 1.

GREAT MEN OF SCIENCE, Nos. 21 & 22

One of the most peculiar and remarkable plays you'll ever see, from one of the most peculiar and remarkable playwrights alive. 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 July 15.

* IN A SHALLOW GRAVE

An adaptation of James Purdy's novel. "This love triangle story is hardly unique, but what Purdy and Book-It do with it is beautiful.... Book-It is faithful to Purdy's archaic and colloquial, majestic and goofy language." (Rebecca Brown) Book-It at Seattle Repertory Theatre's PONCHO Forum, 55 Mercer St, 325-6500. $18 general, $14 students/seniors (special student rate on selected dates, call for details). Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2. Through June 24.

KEELEY & DU

A pro-life group kidnaps a working-class woman on her way to get an abortion; an investigation into the abortion debate. Reviewed this issue. Stepping Stone Productions at Nippon Kan Theatre, 628 S Washington St, 781-3905. $12 general, $10 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through June 30.

LET MY ENEMY LIVE LONG!

Tanya Shaffer tells the tale of her 12-week trip up the Niger River on her way to Timbuktu. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $16.50-$19.50 ($10 for anyone 25 or under). Wed-Thurs/Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, matinee on July 8 at 2. (No show Wed July 4.) Through July 8.

PORCELAIN

Sex-related murder in a London men's room! From NWAAT's new artistic director Chay Yew. "Political sloganeering and affected attempts at controversy squarely upstaged any true exploration of the human heart or condition." (Adrian Ryan) Northwest Asian American Theatre, 409 Seventh Ave S, 325-6500. $12. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 4. Through July 1.

PTERODACTYLS

Hot on the heels of Raised in Captivity comes another Nicky Silver dysfunctional family play. Collect them all. Reviewed this issue. Seattle Theatre Project at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 325-6500. $13 general, $10 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through June 30.

QUICKIES VOLUME II

More short plays by women, including one by Stranger theater critic Stacey Levine--so if you want to turn the tables, go see it and think your own critical thoughts. Also featuring an actress with the delightful name of Opal Peachy. Live Girls! at the Greenlake Bathhouse, 7312 W Greenlake Drive N, 568-1985 ext. 3. $12 suggested donation. Thurs-Sat at 8. This weekend only.

R. BUCKMINSTER FULLER: THE HISTORY (AND MYSTERY) OF THE UNIVERSE

Heady one-man show that's been knocking 'em dead in California and Chicago. Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Previews are $27; $30-$42 otherwise ($10 for anyone under 25). Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2, Sun at 7:30. Through July 7.

REQUIEM AT THE PINK FLAMINGO BAR

A new play by Bill Ratcliffe, about a guy who inherents a gay bar and wants to convert it to a sports bar. The patrons object. Theatre Babylon, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Thurs pay-what-you-will, Fri-Sat $12. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through July 14.

* SHADOWLANDS

How C.S. Lewis comes out of his middle-aged shell, thanks to attractive American poet Joy Davidman. "In this production, Lewis' theological concerns shine through like a bright centerpiece, framed by the low-key staging, barely-there sound design, and focused, precise acting from the entire cast." (Stacey Levine) Fat Yeti Theater at Freehold East Hall Theatre, 1525 10th Ave, Second Floor, 328-9384 (FAT-YETI, conveniently enough). $15 general, $10 students/seniors, call about group rates. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through June 24.

STRAY

A new play by Heidi Schreck, about two women in a foreign city. Reviewed this issue. Printer's Devil Theatre at New City Theater, First Christian Church, 1632 Broadway, Third Floor, 860-7163. Wed pay-what-you-can, Thurs $10, Fri-Sat $12. Wed-Sat at 8. Through June 30.

TARTUFFE

Theater-in-the-park season begins with Moliere's satire of religious hypocrisy. (Featuring one of the Schmee's founding fathers, Tim Moore.) Theater Schmeater at Volunteer Park, on the lawn between the Amphitheater and the Conservatory. Free. Fri at 7, Sat at 2 (except June 21 at 4 pm), Sun at 2 (Sun shows in July only). Through July 22.

WE ARE NOT GOOD GIRLS

A blues musical about the conclusion of a band's grueling tour. "I kept wishing they'd skipped the first act altogether, had better mics, and sung more sweaty blues." (Rebecca Brown) Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki SW, 935-8420. $22 in advance, $25 at the door. Fri-Sat, dinner at 6:30, show to follow. Through June 30.

* WHY? WHY? WHY?

Shadow madness from Scot Augustson, the evil mastermind of Sgt. Rigsby & His Amazing Silhouettes. Reviewed this issue. Consolidated Works, 410 Terry Ave N, 381-3218. $14 general, $12 members. Fri-Sat at 8 & 10:30 pm. Through June 23.

DANCE

COLLECTED WORKS OF 2000/2001

New work from this unique dance company for teens, featuring choreography by Paige Barnes, Rob Kitsos, Mary Sheldon Scott, Freya Wormus, and many others, as well as guest performers. Anomaly at Velocity MainSpace Theater, 915 E Pine St, Second Floor, 325-8773 ext. 2. $10 general, $5 students/seniors. Sat-Sun at 7. This weekend only.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

B-SIDES

A bunch of sketches with no unifying theme, just for kicks. Some Kind of Cult at the Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 524-5858. $7. Fri-Sat at 8. Through June 30.

BLACK EYED BLONDE

Improvised film noir, based on audience suggestions. Unexpected Productions at the Market Theatre, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $10. Fri-Sat at 8. Through June 30.

BROADWAY'S GREATEST MALADIES!!!

Yes, they put three exclamation points in their title. Songs from flop musicals and songs that were cut from hit musicals. Cabaret in Crepe de Paris, Rainier Square, 1531 5th Ave, 623-4111. Dinner & show, $45; show only, $16. Wed-Thurs at 8, Fri-Sat at 8:30 (no shows on June 22 or July 4). Through July 14.

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.

THE FALLEN WOMEN FOLLIES

A pungent mix of erotic gymnastics, skits, and politics. See Stranger Suggests. Re-bar, 1117 Howell St, no reservations taken. $10, adults only, ID required. Wed at 8. This week only.

FORUM THEATER

A performance and "community dialogue" based on the techniques of Augusto Boal's Theater of the Oppressed, an interactive process by which the audience attempts to improvise solutions to the problems presented in short plays. Mandala Center for Awareness, Transformation, & Action at the Chamber Theatre, 915 E Pine St, Fourth Floor, 715-3500. Free. Fri at 7:30. This weekend only.

NAKED IN CANADA

A bash to raise funds to send Maria Glanz's See Me Naked on a Canadian tour. Also featuring a raffle, beer, food, and the music of Player King. Open Circle Theatre, 429 Boren Ave, 382-4250. $15 for the evening, $10 for Player King only. Friday only; See Me Naked at 8, Player King at 9:30.

SAUVE-QUI-PEUT

Or, "Every man for himself." A bilingual cabaret featuring torch songs, magic acts, vaudeville, drag, just a whole ton of stuff. Polyglot Players at Fusion Dance Studio, 340 15th Ave E, 323-6983. No admission, they will pass the hat afterward. Sat at 8 & 10:30. This weekend only.

SING FOR THE CURE

A 50-minute "symphonic choral cycle" about breast cancer created by librettist Pamela Martin and 10 different composers from across the U.S. Also featuring Kristin Chenowith, the 4'11" Broadway star whose new sitcom has been critically trashed. Seattle Men's Chorus at the Paramount Theatre, Ninth & Pine, 323-2992. $10-$30. Thurs-Sat at 8. This weekend only.

LATE NIGHT

THE EROTICA PROJECT

Pretty pretentious title for a bunch of smut. The script knocked 'em dead in NYC. Performed cabaret-style by four women and a musician. Left Coast Theatre, 1100 E Pike St, Third Floor (above NW Actors Studio), 325-6500. $18 general, $14 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 10. Through June 30.

GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS!

Actually, boys in girls' clothing. Drag divas, including Arnaldo!, Phoebe Fabu, Sable Lake, and Tina. Northwest Asian American Theatre, 409 Seventh Ave S, 325-6500. $10 (includes complimentary wine). Fri-Sat at 10:30. Through June 30.

GRETA MATASSA

The popular local chanteuse performs late night at ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $10. Fri at 10:30. This weekend only.

SKIP 'N GO NAKED

Tawdry drunken squalor in the guise of leering sketch comedy. Also featuring live music from San Pedro Circus. Theater on the Rocks and Lo Blo combine forces at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 851-3920. $5. Fri-Sat at 11. Through June 23.