OPENING THIS WEEK

ARACT • Pacific Northwest Ballet
DESIGN FOR LIVING • Seattle Repertory Theater
TITANIC: A NEW MUSICAL • Fifth Avenue Theater
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA • Seattle Shakespeare Festival


ONE WEEK ONLY

POWER DYNAMIC • Theater of Liberation


CLOSING THIS WEEK

BRAVE NEW FRINGE • Seattle Fringe Theater Festival
GRACE AND PATIENCE • Annex Theater
MOTEL LOVEY DOVEY • Rendezvous
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST • Belltown Theater
SCREAM QUEEN • Annex Theater


OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

DESIGN FOR LIVING--Ah, the bohemian life in Paris. You love her, she loves him, and he loves his art. Noël Coward's play is set in 1933, and was originally written as a vehicle for him and his two close friends Alfred Lunt and Lynne Fontanne. The Rep's version features Mark Chamberlin, Francesca Farinday, Jared Reed, and Jeff Woodman. Directed by Stephen Wadsworth (An Ideal Husband). Seattle Repertory Theater, Second & Mercer, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat & Sun at 2, through April 18. $10-$39.

DINA MARTINA LIVE!--Dina Martina, Seattle's treasure (though she claims to be from Las Vegas), returns to Re-bar after a year's absence. "Dina Martina is a kind of Frankenstein of kitsch for thirtysomethings--she'd be drag even without the drag. Martina's show is packed with pop references that play to a very specific house. If you're not a Re-bar regular, or if you're not in your 30s (in other words, if you didn't spend your high school years driving around in rusty Dodge Darts listening to groups like Taco and Toto), Dina could seem much more freakish than funny" (Tonia Steed). Re-bar, 1114 Howell (at Boren), 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8, through April 4, $10. 21 and over.

THE EMPRESS OF EDEN--Attempted Utopia goes wrong, in this world premiere of Barbara Lebow's play based in the 1930s. A German naturalist lays claim to Isla Maria in the Galapagos, announcing plans to create a self-sufficient paradise. However, when an Austrian baroness also lays claim to the island, mysterious deaths ensue. This is the first of Empty Space's Behnke New Works Challenge program, and is directed by Rod Ceballos (Accidental Death of an Anarchist). Empty Space Theater, 3509 Fremont N, 547-7500. Days and times vary, through March 27. $16-$25.

GRACE AND PATIENCE--Local playwright Jeff Resta (The Diva Classification System) demonstrates nontraditional family values in this tale of Eric "Grace" Kearney (Patrick Rogers), his six-year-old daughter Patience, his boyfriend "Yoz," and their struggle to stay together. Promises "campy humor, dark dreams, heroism, and magic." Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through March 20. $10.

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM--And the nun goes on. Somebody really likes cute Catholics. This is an evening of audience participation and interactive improv theater: think Sister Windy crossed with Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You. First Covenant Church, 400 E Pike, 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, extended for eternity. $24.50-$29.50.

MOTEL LOVEY DOVEY--In this comedy by John Linton, a pistol-packin' poet and an all-out singer concoct a plan to turn ninety dollars into fame. Will a mysterious third character spoil their success? Seattle premiere. Rendezvous Jewel Box Theater, 2320 Second Ave, 325-7870. Fri & Sat at 9, March 19 & 20. $5. 21 & over.

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST--Dale Wasserman's adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel finds a well-padded home at Theater of Relativity, directed by John Marengo. Belltown Theater Center, 115 Blanchard, 728-7609. Thurs-Sat at 8, through March 20. $12.

POWER DYNAMIC--Interactive theater with a new social cause every month: this time it's all about sexual harassment. Seattle Public Theater, 915 E Pine St, 328-4848. Fri at 8. Donation.

TITANIC: A NEW MUSICAL--Epic hydraulics and a huge cast brought five Tony Awards to the original Broadway production, a sinking feeling regardless. Watch out for the tea cart! Fifth Avenue Theater, 1326 5th Ave, 292-ARTS. Tues-Sun, call for times, through April 18. $21-$65.

TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA--An updated version of Shakespeare's cross-dressing love-fuck, directed by M. Burke Walker. UW Ethnic Cultural Center, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 286-0728. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2, through April 11. $10-$18.


FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY

BONANZA --Printer's Devil Theater's annual workshop series, curated by company members, features pieces in different stages of development over 12 weeks, performed as readings, staged readings, or workshop productions. Week #4 features John A. Klein's Gold, a "futuristic western inside Hansel and Gretel." Speakeasy Cafe Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 860-7163. Mon & Tues at 7:30, through May 18. Donation.

BRAVE NEW FRINGE--Various small companies offering theatricality in the form of plays, circuses, readings, dance, and storytelling, all representative of non- mainstream performance. Venues in Capitol Hill Area; call for schedule: 322-0218. Through March 21.

THE HAROLD--Unexpected Productions extends performances of its freeform improv jive monologue dialogue audience-participation thing, baby. Market Theater, Post Alley, Pike Place Market. Wed at 8, extended through Mar 31. $5.

JULIE CASCIOPPO EXPERIENCE--Songs and characters you may grow to love. The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11. No cover.

MIDNIGHT MYSTERY THEATER--Candlestick. Billiard room. Mrs. Peacock. Belltown Theater Center, 115 Blanchard, 728-7609. Every third Wed at 7. $6.

OH, COWARD!--A revue of songs and plays by the post-Victorian but prolifically closeted playwright Noël Coward, featuring Joel Carlton (Annie Get Your Gun), Patti Cohenour (The Phantom of the Opera), and David Pichette (Nixon's Nixon). Directed and choreographed by Stephen Terrell. Seattle Repertory Theater, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat & Sun at 2, through April 4. $15-$39.

PARALLEL LIVES: THE KATHY & MO SHOW--Deli theater with a real bite, featuring cult-wannabes the Supreme Beings. Authentic New York-style deli buffet included. Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Ave SW, 935-8420. Fri, Sat, Sun through April 11. $20.

*TEATRO ZINZANNI--An elaborate blend of European cabaret, theatrical spectacle, music, and five courses of fine cuisine courtesy of chef Monique Barbeau, all packaged in an antique European dance hall imported from Belgium for the occasion. Seattle Center, 222 Mercer St, 281-7788 ext 700 or 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 6:30, extended through May 30. $88.

THERE'S NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT HUNGER--The third annual benefit for Food Lifeline, with comedians Sue Murphy, Dana Gould, and others. The Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 628-0303. Thurs at 8:30, through March 26. $6, or free with six non-perishable food items. 21 & over.

THREE DOLLAR BILL--Seattle's original Gay/Lesbian/ Bisexual stand-up comedy show is still standing in its second year. Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 324-8025. Tues at 8:30. $6.

*ULALUME/WHEN LILACS LAST IN THE DOORYARD BLOOM'D--Following last year's successful private- residence poetry performances, New City Salon presents Edgar Allan Poe's Ulalume, Walt Whitman's When Lilacs Last In the Dooryard Bloom'd, Shakespeare's Sonnets 29, 116, and 129, and T. S. Eliot's Burnt Norton (from the Four Quartets), performed in multiple environments with maximum audiences of 20 people. "Although the New City's selections beg a few interesting questions (such as why three young women would opt to read four old men to us), the evening is still very worthwhile... imbued with subtle, simple pleasures: warm rooms, coffee with cream, and the vibrant sound of live voices curling and rolling over fine, fine words" (Tonia Steed). Call for location, 328-4683. Thurs-Sat at 8, extended through March 28. $12.

YEOMAN OF THE GUARD--Gilbert and Sullivan and the Tower of London, tripping off the tongues of Seattle's New Savoy Opera. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Bothell, 526-4969. Fri & Sat at 7, through March 28. $14/$12.


DANCE

ARACT, RASSEMBLEMENT, THEME & VARIATIONS--Choreographed by Kevin O'Day, Aract was a popular part of PNB's 1997 program, so they've brought it back. Featuring "inventive" and abstract movement, culled from O'Day's childhood in Detroit. To be performed alongside Voodoo-inflamesuenced Rassemblement and Balanchine's classic Theme & Variations. Seattle Center Opera House, Seattle Center, 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat March 18-20 & 25-27 at 7:30, Sat March 20 & 27 at 2. $16-$100.


LATE NIGHT

COLLECT ALL FOUR--Select comedians from the Comedy Underground's Three Dollar Bill stand-up show perform at Thumper's Cabaret through the month of March. Thumper's, 1500 E Madison, 328-3800. Fri & Sat at 11. $8.

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.

SCREAM QUEEN--The talented Bret Fetzer brings more darkness to late night in this one-act black comedy featuring Lyssa Browne as Dotty Parker, a B-movie star who hurls herself from sexploitation to lesbian vampirism. Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Fri & Sat at 11, through March 19. $5. See Calendar Box.

SPIN THE BOTTLE--The Annex's newest late-night performance is a slumgullion of juggling, dance, singing, and silhouettes, cultivated by the finely tuned Bret Fetzer. Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 729-0933. First Fri of every month. No reservations. $5.

THEATER ON THE SPOT--A new sketch comedy show, with audience participation, featuring the Wheel of Improv. Belltown Theater Center, 115 Blanchard St, 728-7609. Sat at 11. $6.

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.


CALLS

ENTCO--Seeks celebrity look-alikes for local special events. Call 425-670-0888.

FREEHOLD THEATER LAB--Applications now available for Diversity Scholarships, offering full tuition to actors of color. Deadline: May 13. Call 323-7499 for more information.

SCATTERBRAINS--Olympia's improv comedy troupe is holding auditions for performers on March 27. Must be at least 21. Call 360-753-6096 for more info.

SEATTLE REP--Now taking applications for its Professional Arts Training Program for the 1999-00 season, offering young professionals practical experience. Applications accepted through April 15; internships available in various areas. Call 443-2210 ext. 1200 for more information and an application.

SHORT FILM--16mm short film seeks two male and two female actors, 20-30ish. Must have headshot/resume/ short monologue. Call 930-4688 for info.

SPIRIT OF PUGET SOUND--Seeking professional performers for full-time contracted entertainment position. Auditions March 21 from 10-2 pm. Call 674-3499 to set up an appointment.