THEATER


OPENING THIS WEEK

HOLD ME Liberty Deli

METAMORPHOSES Intiman Theatre

THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE Charlotte Martin Theatre

9:00 IN THE AFTERNOON Odd Duck Studio

SHUT UP AND LOVE ME 路 On the Boards

ZELDA & SCOTT 路 Richard Hugo House


ONE WEEK ONLY

CHAMBER DANCE COMPANY UW Meany Theater

DANCE THEATER OF HARLEM Paramount Theatre

I'M NOT CINDY BRADY UW Meany Theater

THE IRISH... AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY Moore Theatre

THE WEDDING GAME Broadway Performance Hall


CLOSING THIS WEEK

I REMEMBER MAPA Theatre off Jackson

NO AGENDA Market Theater

SEMI MONDE Ethnic Cultural Theater


OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS


AMADEUS

Stepping Stone Productions presents Peter Shaffer's acclaimed play about Mozart, Salieri, and how infuriating it is to watch a brilliant little bastard make his mark on the world. Nippon Kan Theater, 628 S Washington Ave, 841-2521. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through March 4. $10-$12.


APPLE TO GRANDMA

In what sounds like another one of those literary hallucinogens for kids (脿 la Lewis Carroll), Speeltheater Holland comes to Seattle with some trippy puppets in a tale of moons, caterpillars, and a big, tasty apple. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30, through April 16. $8.25-$20.50.


DOG OPERA

Its story of the friendship between a gay man and a neurotic woman is familiar territory by now, but Constance Congdon's gentle comedy (which had its first reading at the Intiman years ago) is one of the subject's better, more touching efforts. And there's a hot, half-naked guy. North-west Actors Studio, 11th and Pike, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through Feb 26. $10.


EINSTEIN'S DREAMS

Annex director Mark Gallagher teams with popular choreographer Amii LeGendre for a multi-media adaptation of Alan Lightman's time-tripping story collection-meditations on Einstein's cosmic theories as applied to an imaginary village. Actors, dancers, video, and parallel realities. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through March 11. $7-$12. See review this issue.


FAIRY TALES OF NEW YORK

J. P. Donleavy's post-World War II memory play, staged by A Theatre Under the Influence, is the gently comic story of a young man returning from the insanity of Europe to find that New York City is no haven of peace, either. Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, between Pike and Union, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8, through March 4. $11. Pay-what-you-will every Thurs.


HECUBA

The Bard excepted, nobody does juicy revenge like those wacky ancient Greek guys. Euripides goes for your gut in this UW School of Drama staging of the tale of a queen and her gnawing need for retribution after learning of a son's murder and a daughter's sacrifice. University of Washington Playhouse Theatre, 4045 University Way NE, 543-4880. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through Feb 27. $7-$10.


*FREE WILL AND WANTON LUST

Consolidated Works presents a remount of the acclaimed Printer's Devil production of Nicky Silver's dark farce, which won a 1996 Stranger SPIT award for Best Comedy the first time around. "The staging is breathlessly crisp.... With deeper rewards than you have any right to expect, Free Will is funnier when it's crying." (Steve Wiecking) Consolidated Works, 410 Terry Ave N, 860-5245. Thurs-Sun at 8, extended through Feb 26. $14, Thurs is two-for-one.


HENRY V

Seattle Shakespeare Festival, in a production directed by Festival Artistic Director Stephanie Shine, takes on Willy's chronicle of the dubious young prince who becomes a courageous, triumphant king. Passion, heroism, and 14 actors in 40 roles. Center House at Seattle Center, Performance Studio, Lower Level, 286-0728. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2, through March 5. $10-$20, pay-what-you-will on Feb 17 & 27.


HOLD ME

Jules Feiffer has been tormented locally once already (the painful Little Murders at Northwest Actors Studio), so keep your fingers crossed that RipTide Theatre does him proud by successfully staging his popular off-Broadway comedy revue. At the very least, the deli/theatre's accompanying buffet dinner should satisfy. Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Ave SW on Alki Beach, 405-8433. Fri-Sat with dinner at 6:30, show at 7:30, one Sun show on closing night, March 12. $22.


I'M NOT CINDY BRADY

Who wants to be a Brady when you can be a damn funny dyke? If you haven't experienced the lesbo-riffic onslaught of comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer, you have a chance this week to make up for lost time when she brings her new show to Seattle for one night only. Meany Theater, University of Washington, 292-ARTS, Sat Feb 19 only at 8. $18-$22.


*I REMEMBER MAPA

Alec Mapa, a gay Filipino actor with rapid-fire comic timing, muses on the resilience it takes to survive in an entertainment industry that casts Linda Hunt as a Eurasian male. Honest, involving, and truly funny, his show avoids all the traps you expect it to fall into-it's never preachy or politically correct. Theatre off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 340-1049. Tues-Sat at 8, Sun at 4, through Feb 20. $9-$15.


THE IRISH... AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY

Or, If You Loved Angela's Ashes... Open Your Wallets. Frank McCourt is not in it, though the wildly best-selling memoirist did write this irreverent tribute to the history of Irish Americans, told in song, dance, and story. McCourt's a fine writer, and "Danny Boy" is always a tear-jerker, but did the press release really have to promise "much more than a touch of blarney"? Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, 292-ARTS. Tues-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, Sat-Sun matinees at 2, Feb 22-27. $18-$35.


Late Night Catechism

And the nun goes on. This is an evening of audience participation and interactive improv theater: think Sister Windy crossed with Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You. ACT, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, extended for eternity. $24.50-$29.50.


LA VALSE

Talented, inventive Seattle playwright S. P. Miskowski is hooking up with Seattle Theatre Project (the people behind the indestructible Late Nite Catechism) for her latest work, a look at sculptor Camille Claudel and her devastating passion for both art and love. Open Circle Theatre, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through March 4. $15. See review this issue.


METAMORPHOSES

People are still raving about Mary Zimmerman's last show for the Rep-1997's dreamy Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci-and there's no reason to doubt that her latest will inspire the same devotion. It's a visual, sensual exploration of love and change, using the work of Ovid, Rilke, and others as foundation. The Rep is staging this surreal meditation at the Intiman. Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun matinees at 2, through March 6. Opens Mon Feb 21. $10-$42.


THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE

Constance Congdon (Dog Opera, Tales of the Lost Formicans) is premiering her new work at the always-reliable Seattle Children's Theatre. The play is an adaptation of Karen Cushman's award-winning book about the adventures and longings of a medieval orphan girl. Odds are she's plucky. Charlotte Martin Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30, through April 8. $13.50-$20.50.


MOREAU

H. G. Wells' creepy cautionary tale about genetic tomfoolery-which in the past has roped in everyone from Marlon Brando to South Park-holds sway over Taproot Theatre Company. A world premiere of Sean Gaffney's adaptation about an island, a doctor, and his "animals." Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat matinees at 2, through March 4. $10-$24.


9:00 IN THE AFTERNOON

A woman makes several debilitating mistakes in this original comedy-drama that swears some sex will be involved. Written and directed by Litsa Dremousis, who was responsible for last year's If I Wake before I Die. Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 284-3050. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through March 4. $5-$10.


*THE NORMAL HEART

An activist and a reporter awaken to harsh realities in the early years of the AIDS epidemic in this production directed by Sean McEnaney. "A strong ensemble cast carries through to present a satisfying evening of theater-the most enjoyable I have ever had at the Schmee." (Adrian Ryan) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, select matinees at 2, through March 4. $12.


NUNSENSE

Some zany, musical nuns try to offset the fact that this production is rather unholy: It's full of scabs, due to the fact that musicians are still striking for union recognition from the producing company, Civic Light Opera. Jane Addams Theatre, Summit School, 11051 34th NE, 363-2809. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30, through March 4. $16-$20.


SEMI MONDE

Various couplings take place in Paris' Ritz Hotel in this early No毛l Coward play. "Director David Morden tackles this rare piece, in the sense that Coward is carrying a football and Morden is preventing a touchdown despite himself; he has failed to delineate the fine line between a character posing and an actor playing dress-up." (Steve Wiecking) UW Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 985-1019. Wed-Sat at 8, Sun matinee at 2, through Feb 20. $12-$15.


SHUT UP AND LOVE ME

You probably know she smeared chocolate on herself, but chances are you've never actually seen infamous performance artist Karen Finley. Here's your chance to form your own opinion, listening to her have a field day with several American politicians and the "psychosexual relationships" she's had with them. We trust that Bill Clinton's ears are burning. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Fri-Sat at 8 and 10:30, through March 4. $20.


*STOP KISS

A first kiss between two young women in a park provokes a violent attack in this acclaimed play by Diana Son. "The play, and the Rep's tender production, is a quiet statement about the self-awareness required to both defeat the world's wearying offensives and engage in its fleeting victories. Disarmingly genuine and funny." (Steve Wiecking) Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun matinees at 2, through March 4. $10-$42.


VICKI GADGET SAVES THE WORLD

Sometimes a press release says it all: "Giddy, glittery, guerrilla-style musical theatre for the comic-book reading, eyebrow-piercing, extreme sports-playing, gender-fuck fringe." Well, alright, then. Re-bar, 1114 Howell, 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8, open-ended run. $10.


ZELDA & SCOTT

Subtitled Nine Short Plays about the Fitzgeralds, Nostalgic Company's original production focuses on everybody's favorite literary wastrels, the Gatsby author and his notoriously loony wife. The play is a development of their original correspondence, and its fine cast includes Megan Murphy, Michael Chick, and Charles Smith. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 329-0071. Thurs-Sun at 8. through March 4. $8. See Stranger Suggests.


DANCE


CHAMBER DANCE COMPANY

The first professional dance company-in-residence at the University of Washington, Chamber Dance has been around for 10 years. This event is a celebration of that landmark, as its seven member company-comprised of MFA candidates in dance at the UW-performs works by Erick Hawkins, David Parsons, and others. Meany Theater, University of Washington, 543-4880. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sat matinee at 2, Feb 24-26. $10-$12.


DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

They're one of the nation's most celebrated dance companies, currently celebrating themselves on a 30th anniversary tour. Founded by the esteemed former New York City Ballet dancer Arthur Mitchell back in 1969, the troupe quickly opened up the world of dance to bigger and broader visions, as they will most likely prove in their three days in town. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, 292-ARTS. Wed-Fri Feb 23-25 at 8. $19-$41.


THE WEDDING GAME

In an exploration of love, marriage, and all things in between, Rockhopper Dance presents an evening of old favorites and new works. Athleticism, wit, and jazz standards share the bill. Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, 860-5620. Thurs-Sat Feb 17-19 at 8, Sat matinee at 2. $12-$14.


FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY


FRENCH CABARET ON BROADWAY

Ooh la la! Local artists sing and dance like those renowned rude folk from across the ocean. Classics and originals in an intimate setting. Fri-Sat Feb 18-19 at 8, at 623 Broadway E, by the Deluxe.


NO AGENDA

Unexpected Productions rolls with the punches as actors play characters developed from audience suggestions and set loose in an improv play. Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Wed at 8, through Feb 23. $5.


*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


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.


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


SEATTLE'S MARDI GRAS 2000

All unique and unusual performers-jugglers, clowns, etc.-wanted for this year's bigger and better celebration in Pioneer Square that takes place March 1-7. Donations available for chosen performers. Send resume and photo to: Mardi Gras 2000, 315 Second Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, or call 439-2803.


Printer's Devil Theater

Seeks stage manager for upcoming production of The Seagull. Please call 860-7163, ext. 3.