OPENING THIS WEEK
A PALE AND LOVELY PLACE · ACT
TERRA NOVA · Taproot
ONE WEEK ONLY
FALLEN WOMEN FOLLIES · Re-Bar
STEVE PAXTON & FRIENDS · On The Boards
STREET SURVIVORS · Seattle Public Theater
THE VULGAR LIBRARIAN · Manual Arts Theater
CLOSING THIS WEEK
THE HAROLD · Unexpected Productions
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 March 7, $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.
EVER SINCE IRMA LA DOUCE -- During puberty, Hal realizes that his mother and he are becoming men at the same time. Now Hal is 20, and his mother Francis affects the lives of a random cast of small-towners. Former casting director for Northern Exposure Laurie Thomas writes and directs what she describes as "a comic romp of uniquely American personalities." With Susan Finque as Francis. Theater Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S, 340-1049. Thurs, Fri, Sat at 8, Sun at 4, through April 10. $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.
*A PALE AND LOVELY PLACE -- Innovative Kevin Joyce impersonates the twisted and wicked. See calendar box. ACT Theater, Bullitt Cabaret, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2 & 7, through April 11. $10.
STREET SURVIVORS -- Interactive theater with a new social cause every month, this time presenting a play workshopped by homeless youth. Seattle Public Theater, 915 E Pine St, 328-4848. Sat March 27 at 8. Donation.
TERRA NOVA -- In the race to reach the South Pole, tragedy ensues. Ted Tally's 1977 play based on British explorer Robert Falcon Scott's personal journals makes for doomed drama. Directed by Scott Nolte. Taproot Theater, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat at 2, through April 24. $20-$22.
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.
THE VULGAR LIBRARIAN -- Dipping into trash romance, Webster's, and Dostoyevsky, playwright Vanessa DeWolf (Secretary's Handbook) and Manual Arts Theater concoct erotica in the most imaginative of places: the library. Here, obsession, categorization, and expressionism lead the librarians to plumb their subtext. A visual art exhibit of paintings, prints, and sculpture on the theme of literature and vulgarity is offered in conjunction. Oddfellow's Hall, basement, 915 E Pine, 325-0426. Fri-Sun March 26-28 at 8. $8.
FESTIVALS, CABARETS & COMEDY
BONANZA -- Printer's Devil Theater's annual workshop series, curated this year by company members Deron Bos and Tricia Rodley, will feature pieces in different stages of development over 12 weeks, performed as readings, staged readings, or workshop productions. Speakeasy Cafe Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 860-7163. Mon & Tues at 7:30, through May 18. Donation.
FALLEN WOMEN FOLLIES -- "Seattle's Hottest Erotic Variety Group" presents their ninth year of flying women, trained cats, almost trained dogs, and the "Pole Parade." Re-Bar, 1114 Howell (at Boren), 323-0388. Wed March 31 at 8. $7-$10.
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, Pike Place Market, 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-Sun, call for time, 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 April 11. $88.
THERE'S NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT HUNGER -- The third annual benefit for Food Lifeline, featuring 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 and 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, through March 6. $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-influenced 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.
CARNIVALE! -- Seattle's ever-popular UMO ensemble invites you to a masquerade featuring Samba, hurricane drinks, and a preview of their upcoming show, Millennium Circus. Century Ballroom, 915 E Pine, 463-2128. Sat March 27 at 8. $25 single/$40 couple.
STEVE PAXTON & FRIENDS -- Paxton, internationally known for innovative dance and a frequent participant in the Diverse Dance Research Retreat on Vashon, is featured along with disabled dance artist Emery Blackwell and others, in this benefit for the Seattle Festival of Alternative Dance & Improv. On The Boards, 100 W Roy, 217-9888. Sat March 27 at 8. $10-$25.
LATE NIGHT
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.
SPRING FEVER: WE'VE GOT CRABS! -- Catholic school girls, transvestite stalkers, meat jewelry: all typical props for late-night philandering, brought to you by sketch comedy troupe Lo Blo. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 323-8390. Fri-Sat at 11, through April 17. $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
AIDS PREVENTION THEATER TROUPE -- Now hiring a producer for its 1999-2000 season. For information, call Bryn at 284-3909.
BAMF PRODUCTIONS -- Seeking actors and actresses 21 and over, of all ethnic types, for a short 16mm film. Please provide a headshot, resume, and a 1-3 minute contemporary monologue. No pay, meals provided. Call 256-0648.
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.
SEATTLE CHILDREN'S THEATER -- Auditions for the 1999-2000 season will take place on various afternoons between April 5-14 at the Charlotte Martin Theater at Seattle Center. For an appointment, send picture, resume, photocopy of AEA card, and SASE to "Auditions," P.O. Box 9640, Seattle, WA 98109.
