THEATER

by David Schmader


OPENING THIS WEEK

DEAR LIAR · Intiman

JANE EYRE · Book-It

THE MAGIC FLUTE · Seattle Opera

RANCHO GRANDE · Northwest Asian American Theater


ONE WEEK ONLY

*KATE CLINTON · Emerald City Arts

SANKAI JUKU · Monqui Presents

WORDS CAN KILL · Seattle Public Theater

SEATTLE ICE THEATER · The Paramount

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE · Up In Your Grill


CLOSING THIS WEEK

IMPROSIA · Wit's End

MINOTAUR · On the Boards

ROSMERSHOLM · Nordic Heritage Museum

SIDE MAN · ACT


OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS


ALL MEAT SHOW

Meat themes abound in this selection of six short plays, written and performed by local playwrights and actors, produced by A Theatre Near You. There's sure to be something for everyone, except vegetarians. The Parlour Room, 163 S Jackson, Third Floor, 287-1900. Wed-Thurs Oct 13-14; Fri-Sat Oct 22-23; Wed-Thurs Oct 27-28, at 8. $8.


THE BACCHAE

Vagabond Productions presents Euripides' classic drama of lust-driven women who abandon their homes and families to follow Dionysus -- this time set in the swinging '60s! Northwest Actor's Studio, 1100 E Pike, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through Oct 23.


BARTLEBY

You would prefer not to miss this production of Melville's pivotal story, in which a young man finds that he serves only as a symbol. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8; Sun at 7, through Nov 6. $10. See review this issue.


CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

"This fringe production sinks Williams' extravagant grace in bombastics and miscasting. Nearly all of the actors engage in the howling, mad-eyed gesticulations of a lowbrow farce, which pushes the proceedings dangerously close to camp." (Steve Wiecking) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun Oct 3 & Oct 17 at 2, through Oct 23. $12.


DEAR LIAR

Sally Smythe and the fabulous Laurence Ballard star in Jerome Kilty's play documenting the saucy correspondence and hot romance between George Bernard Shaw and some lady. Intiman Playhouse, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Opens Oct 20, plays Tues-Sun through Nov 20. $10-$39. Call for showtimes.


DEFLOWERED IN THE ATTIC

Those perverts at Re-bar molest V. C. Andrews in this world premiere parody of everyone's favorite incestuous adolescent fiction. Penned by Imogen Love and Kevin Mesher, and directed by Annex mainstay Ed Hawkins, Deflowered boasts a perfectly smashing cast, featuring the aforementioned Love and Mesher, along with Gregory Musick, Matt Whitman, Shane Wahlund, and the terrifyingly talented Nick Garrison. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8, through Nov 21. $12. See review this issue.


THE GOLDEN CHILD

Tradition and trendiness clash in David Henry Hwang's family planning play. When Andrew learns his wife is pregnant, he is visited by the ghost of his mother, who reminds him of his ancestors in China. The story of Andrew's grandfather's conversion to Westernism ensues. David Hwang won the 1988 Tony, and Golden Child has been described as "sharply comic." Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, Second & Mercer St, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2, through Oct 30. $10-$29. See review this issue.


JANE EYRE

Brainy Book-It Theater presents Charlotte Brontë's classic tale of a young girl's spooky journey to womanhood. ACT's Bullitt Theatre, Kreielsheimer Place, Seventh Ave & Union St, 216-0833. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through Nov 7. $10-$15.


THE MAGIC FLUTE

Seattle Opera teams up with L.A. Opera to present one of Mozart's best-loved works, originally performed under the filthy title, Die Zauberflöte. Seattle Center Opera House, Seattle Center (duh). Call for showtimes, 389-7676, Oct 16-30. $30-$103.


MINOTAUR

The tale of the Minotaur and the maze offers a juicy metaphor for modern politics, and writer David Russell takes the bull by the horns for this clever update. King Minos is a slick politician, but even he can't keep rumblings of his wife's meaty affair from the tabloids ("Rumors of Monster Child Rock Palace"). Add multimedia (even scents!) and fancy sets and you've got a promising satire. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Thurs-Sun at 8, through Oct 17. $10-$12. See review this issue.


MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

The Seattle Shakespeare Festival trots out this sharp-tongued comedy by Generation X's favorite playwright. Ethnic Cultural Center, 39th & Brooklyn, 286-0728. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2, through Oct 31. $18-20.


OLIVER

A touching musical about a malnourished orphan child sent through the grueling London underground where, aside from lice, he also picks up pickpocketing tips. Added dramatic bonus: Audience members get to cross a picket line of striking Civic Light Opera musicians! It's scab-tastic! Jane Addams Theater, 11051 34th NE, 363-2809. Thurs-Sat at 8; Sun at 2:30, through Oct 23. $16-$20.


ORPHANS

Remember The Boxcar Children? Orphans runs along the same lines: Two brothers, Treat and Phillip, live an edgy existence, parentless in a mean, mean city. When the brothers kidnap drunk businessman Harold, they find a parent figure who "heralds encouragement and hope." Partial proceeds of this Stepping Stone Production benefit the Seattle Children's Home, Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Street, and Camp Opportunity. Freedom Hall, 3815 Fifth Ave NE, 841-2521. Thurs-Sat at 8; Sun at 7, extended through Oct 23. $12 ($2 off with donation of a pair of clean socks or clean blanket).


RANCHO GRANDE

The ambitious Northwest Asian American Theater presents Eugenie Chan's dark comedy blending Chinese mythology and American Wild West iconography to tell the tale of a Chinese-American girl's sexual awakening. Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave 340-1049, Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through Nov 7. $10-$12.


ROSMERSHOLM

Living in sin with the companion of his late wife, John Rosmer's political aspirations fall further and further away as his conservative neighbors spread wildfire gossip. One of Ibsen's lesser-known plays, this new translation of Rosmersholm is offered up by the Nordic Heritage Museum as part of its first season of Scandinavian drama. Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 NW 67th St, 789-5707. Fri-Sat at 8; Sun at 1, through Oct 16. $8/$10.


*THE ROYAL FAMILY

A stage family from Broadway's golden age brings nostalgic fun to the Intiman, in this revival of George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber's theatrical classic. Intiman Playhouse, Seattle Center, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. Sun, Tues, & Wed at 7; Thurs-Sat at 8; Sat-Sun 2 pm matinees, through Nov 14. $10-$39.


SEVENTY SCENES OF HALLOWEEN

Seattle's Hyperion Theater presents Jeffrey Jones' surreal comedy chronicling a couple's Halloween night spent sitting on a couch. Freehold's East Hall Theater, 1529 10th, 675-2945. Fri-Sat at 7:30 and 10, Sun at 8, though Oct 31. $10-$12.50.


SIDE MAN

Described by The New York Times as "sentimental and darkly funny," Side Man follows a family falling apart because of a father's obsession. ACT's performance is directed by Mladen Kiselov. "Sometimes boisterous, sometimes melancholy, and sometimes, deftly, both these qualities at once, ACT's Side Man often resembles the vital music it celebrates. Blessed with Narelle Sissons' set and Eric Chappelle's sound design surrounding the audience in memory, Mladen Kiselov's production is a rewarding, if imperfect, evening of theater." (Steve Wiecking) ACT, Kreielsheimer Place, Seventh Ave & Union St, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, some matinees, through Oct 17. $10-$40.


WIT

A Donne scholar who has spent her life dissecting poetry suddenly finds herself on the other end of the 'scope when she is diagnosed with cancer. Margaret Edson's award-winning script tries to find the human side to analysis. With Megan Cole as Vivan Bearing, Ph.D. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Second St & Mercer, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30; Sat-Sun matinees at 2, through Nov 20. $29-$42.


WORDS CAN KILL

Seattle's Theater of Liberation Ensemble presents a night of interactive community theater exploring the violent ramifications of hate speech. Fri Oct 15 at 8. Seattle Public Theater, 915 E Pine St, Fourth Floor, 328-4848. Pay what you can.


DANCE

SANKAI JUKU

The world famous Butoh dance company led by Ushio Amagatsu presents a single performance of their sumptuous new work, Hibiki. Wed Oct 20, Paramount Theater, 901 Pine St, 628-0888. $19.50-$40.


FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY


CAMPFIRE!

Those wacky improvisers at Unexpected Productions present a long-form improv based on chilling campfire tales -- and inspired by actual audience occurrences with the occult! Market Theater, Pike Place Market, 781-9273. Fri-Sat at 8 through Oct 30. Special Halloween performance Sun Oct 31 at 7. $10.


*KATE CLINTON

America's foremost political humorist (who is also a big ol' dyke) brings her new show, Correct Me If I'm Right, to the Meany Theater for a one-night-only performance, brought to you by Emerald City Arts. Sat Oct 16 at the Meany Theater, University of Washington campus, 292-ARTS. $18-$22.


IMPROSIA

Character-driven improv based on audience suggestions. Wit's End, 770 N 34th St, tickets at the door. Sat at 9:30, through Oct 15. $7.


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.


FEEL YOU UP

A self-help seminar parody: Humor is the best remedy, you know. Ensemble improv with audience participation. Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Wed at 8, through Oct 27. $5.


*TEATRO ZINZANNI

Three hours of fancy food and thrilling spectacle from the world over, presented in an antique European dance hall imported from Belgium for the occasion. Now featuring body-juggling brothers from France and the jaw-dropping Kevin Kent. Seattle Center, 222 Mercer St, 281-7788 ext 700 or 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 6:30, extended through Dec 31. $88.


*THREE DOLLAR BILL

Seattle's original gay/lesbian/bisexual stand-up comedy night is still standing in its second year. Comedy Under- ground, 222 S Main St, 324-8025. Tues at 8. $6.


LATE NIGHT


THE HABIT

Your fix is back, and this sketch comedy troupe has a whole new bag of tricks, from musical oddities to TV commercial parodies. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Fri-Sat at 11, through Oct 30. $5.


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.


A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Acclaimed comedy troupe Up In Your Grill chews up and spits out Tennessee Williams' timeless classic of abusive Polacks, drunk whores, and love letters yellowing with antiquity. One weekend only; reservations strongly recommended. Union Garage Theater, 1418 10th Ave, 444-4336. Oct 15-17, call for showtimes. Pay what you want.


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.


TWILIGHT ZONE LIVE ON STAGE

Surreality serves you well when you're in...The Twilight Zone. Theater Schmeater presents two new episodes: "The Sixteen Millimeter Shrine," in which an aging Hollywood actress finds herself caught up in her old films; and "A Kind of a Stopwatch," in which a watch that actually stops time is found to be less of a blessing than might be thought. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit between Pike and Pine, 324-5801. Fri-Sat at 11, through Oct 23. $8, under 18 is free.


CALLS


RICOCHET BISCUIT

Local theater group seeks new plays by local playwrights. Send scripts to Ricochet Biscuit, 5318 24th Ave #301, Seattle, WA 98105.


SPIRIT OF PUGET SOUND

Christmas season auditions for Spirit of Puget Sound Harbor Cruises will be held Oct 18. Interested singers/dancers/ ventriloquists should call 674-3499.


THEATER BABYLON & INSIGHT AMERICA

For everyone who's ever dreamed of touring Europe while spouting cuss words, Theater Babylon is holding auditions for their production of David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow, which will tour Europe from mid Feb to mid April 2000. Seeking one man 35-45. Auditions Oct 16-17, call for an appointment, 720-1942.


SHORT FILMS

Now seeking independent short films for a new screening series called "Focal Length," a forum for independent film. For more information, call 585-0497.