OPENING THIS WEEK

ALL ABOUT MEDEA · Re-bar

BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY · Seattle Theatre Project

INTELLIGENCE · Annex Theatre

MEDEA, THE MUSICAL · ArtsWest Theatre Company

THE SCANDAL! · New City Theatre

THE SEAGULL · Printer's Devil Theatre

ONE WEEK ONLY

DANCING TO EMMY LOU · Nippon Kan Theater

FESTIVAL OF IMPROVISATION · Unexpected Productions

INDEPENDENCE · Pucker Up Productions

MEGAN MULLALLY WITH... · Seattle Men's Chorus

CLOSING THIS WEEK

WAIT UNTIL DARK · Taproot Theatre

BOLSHOI BALLET · Paramount Theatre

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

ALL ABOUT MEDEA

An original comedy about backstage hijinks at a drag production of Medea. See Stranger Suggests. Re-bar, 1114 E Howell, 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8, through Aug 6. $12.

THE AWAKENING

A woman struggles for personal and sexual independence. "By concentrating on the stage's strength for showing human beings in relation to one another, Book-It has given its audience a show with a potentially greater truth than its source material." (Tom Spurgeon) Seattle Repertory Theatre's PONCHO Forum, 155 Mercer St, 216-0833. Thurs-Sun at 7:30, Sun matinees at 2, through June 25. $15, $12 students/seniors/groups.

BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY

Third-string catcher gets fatal disease, star pitcher helps him cover it up so he can stay with the team. Sounds maudlin to me--but I never played baseball with my dad as a kid, so latent hostility must be coloring my perceptions. Seattle Theatre Project at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 382-4250. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through July 15. $15.

CRY, GODDESS, RAGE

This retelling of the Trojan War has a horrible title, but it's being mounted by EXITheatre, who staged a play in a '71 Mercedes Benz in the last Fringe Fest. Nu Black Arts West, 153 14th Ave, 779-2284. Thurs-Sat at 8, through July 1. $10. Reviewed this issue.

EASYBAKE

A surreal, dark comedy with feminist themes, set in a peep show. Speakeasy Cafe, 2304 Second Ave, 760-0870. Thurs-Sun (no show on June 21) at 8, through June 25. $10. Reviewed this issue.

THE FEVER

Wallace Shawn's self-flagellating monologue, performed by John Procaccino. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Wed, Thurs, Sun at 7:30; Fri-Sat at 8, through June 25. $15, 25 and under $10. Reviewed this issue.

FOUR DOGS AND A BONE

Yet another satire of the movie industry. I like John Patrick Shanley, and since he's got firsthand experience (he wrote Moonstruck and wrote and directed the much maligned Joe Versus the Volcano), this might actually be funny. Moonlight Theatre Company at Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 367-2174. Thurs-Sat at 8, through June 24. $12.

I, BOHEMIA

This satire of a left-wing theater collective is based on playwright Marcy Redenborn's own experiences as an apprentice with the San Francisco Mime Troupe, a left-wing theater collective. Theatre Babylon at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8, through July 1. $12. Reviewed this issue.

INDEPENDENCE

Pucker Up Productions, popular favorites at this year's Fringe Festival, mount this dysfunctional-family comedy-drama by Lee Blessing (A Walk in the Woods, Eleemosynary). Freehold's East Hall Theatre, Oddfellows Hall at 10th and Pine, 425-271-6651. Thurs-Sun June 15-18 only, 8 pm. $12 general, $10 students/seniors.

INTELLIGENCE

The latest play by Scot "Sgt. Rigsby & His Amazing Silhouettes" Augustson, about a gay man blackmailed by the State Department into getting information out of a visiting Russian physicist. See Stranger Suggests. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, Fri June 16 through July 15. $12 regular, $7 students.

Late Night Catechism

"While non-Catholics will find Sister's pathological disdain of chewing gum and broken rulers amusing, members of the faith will find it hilarious." (Adrian Ryan) A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, extended for eternity. $24.50-$29.50.

MEDEA, THE MUSICAL

The Greek tragedy Medea presented as a gay musical, also featuring backstage shenanigans. See Stranger Suggests. ArtsWest Theatre Company, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. Thurs-Sat at 8, opens Fri June 16, will run for as long as they can milk it. $18-$22.

MOTORCADE

A biting social satire, written by the guy who provided the voice of "Crow" on Mystery Science Theater 3000, Bill Corbett. "A vigilante leader manipulating a local television reporter to great advantage is funny... but militia men beating a character onstage is unrealistic melodrama." (Tom Spurgeon) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, matinee on Sun June 18 at 2, through June 24. Thurs pay-what-you-will, $12 otherwise. And if you're under 18, it's free! free! free!

ON THE VERGE

Eric Overmeyer's highly verbal adventure of three Victorian women traveling from 19th-century New England to 1955 Las Vegas, produced by GREX. Book-It Repertory Theater, 1219 Westlake Ave N, Suite 301, 985-1019. Thurs-Sat at 8, through June 24. $12 (June 15 & 22 pay-what-you-can).

*RAIN CITY ROLLERS

Bitchin' babes on skates tell the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice through song and competitive roller derby. "Nikki Appino knows everything there is to know about putting together a completely realized, excellently produced, well-designed, well-funded, stuffed-with-talented-actors show. Everything, that is, except how to make a satisfying, pleasurable piece of art out of all that." (Eric Fredericksen) House of Dames at Sand Point Naval Base, Hangar 2S, 7400 Sand Point Way NE. Thurs-Sun at 8, with 10:30 pm performances on Fri-Sat nights, through July 2. $16-$20.

THE SCANDAL!

Topnotch solo performer Kristen Kosmas returns, only it's not a solo show. Still looks good. See Stranger Suggests. New City Theatre, First Christian Church, 1632 Broadway, 328-4683. June 16-24, Fri-Sat, $10; June 29-July 8, Thurs $10, Fri-Sat $12. All shows 8 pm. Pay-what-you-can performance Mon June 26.

THE SEAGULL

Seattle's cutest and feistiest theater troupe tackles Chekhov, staging the play on the Kalakala ferry. Printer's Devil Theatre at the Kalakala, 2555 N Northlake Way (note: street parking, only), 328-2690. Wed-Sun at 8, Wed June 21 through July 21. Fri-Sat, $12; other nights, $10. Pay-what-you-want Thurs June 22, Wed June 28, and Wed July 12. See Bio Box.

SOAPBOX

Formerly a late-night show, Soapbox is a combination of sketch comedy and improv that also regularly features musical guests. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 8 (full bar opens at 7:30), through June 24 (no show June 17). $7.

UNDER THE GASLIGHT

"It's hard to believe any theater company in the year 2000 would produce a two-hour Carol Burnett sketch and attempt to pass it off as a celebration of a discarded theatrical form." (Tom Spurgeon) Empty Space, 3509 Fremont Ave, 547-7500. Tues-Sun, times vary, through July 9. $18-$26.

WAIT UNTIL DARK

Taproot promises this is a "gritty contemporary mounting" of this creeeeeaky stage thriller about a blind girl and a doll full of heroin. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Through June 17, times vary. $14-$24, $10 for anyone 25 or under.

DANCE

BOLSHOI BALLET

This is a pretty big deal if you like ballet; this notable Russian troupe will be performing Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet. If you don't like ballet, the temptation of muscular dancers in tights may not be enough to get you through the evening. Paramount Theatre, Ninth and Pine, 292-ARTS. Thurs-Fri at 7, Sat at 2 and 8, Sun at 2, through June 18. $26-$126. Free lecture/demonstration on Fri June 16, 11 am, first come, first served.

DANCING TO EMMY LOU

A play about personal loss and planetary responsibility combined with five dances set to the music of Emmy Lou Harris. A joint benefit for the Gaia's Witness Project and the Lesbian Cancer Project. Produced by Earth Arts Performance and Dance on Capitol Hill. Nippon Kan Theater, Sixth & Washington, 325-6697. Sat June 17 at 8; Sun June 18 at 7:30. $10 advance, $12 at the door.

FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY

FESTIVAL OF IMPROVISATION

Improvisers from all over the world convene for a week of performances and workshops from Enrique Pardo, Rachel Rosenthal, and Avery Schreiber. Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Thurs-Sun at 8. $10.

*HOKUM'S RAGTIME NICKELODEON REVUE

Professor Hokum W. Jeebs returns with an evening of ragtime, silent cinema, classic vaudeville, and the big sounds of the mighty 1929 WurliTzer Theatre Pipe Organ. "I felt somehow like we were fireflies raising our tiny lights into a shimmering chorus, sharing our voices before descending into the inevitable darkness." (Tamara Paris) Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, 937-3613. Fri-Sat at 8, open-ended engagement. $12 general, $10 student/senior. Discounts available.

Julie Cascioppo Experience

"Cascioppo has confidently tossed schmaltz, a Casio keyboard, a couple of exhausted-looking wigs, naughty banter and... songs you thought you hated into a furiously agitating blender. The cocktail concocted goes down shockingly smooth." (Tamara Paris) Pink Door, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11. No cover.

MEGAN MULLALLY WITH SEATTLE MEN'S CHORUS

The sassy costar of Will & Grace shows off her musical theater roots. Benaroya Hall, Third and Union, 323-2992. Tues-Wed June 20-21 at 8. $17.50-$50.

*THREE DOLLAR BILL

"Like most disreputable arts, standup now offers a more compelling product for its lack of adoration. Billed as a gay- and lesbian-oriented show, Three Dollar Bill also works as a low-cost current comedy primer." (Tom Spurgeon) Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 628-0303. Tues at 8. $6.

LATE NIGHT

Jet City Improv

Improv comedy and music based on audience suggestions. "The show goes down really smoothly. One only wishes for better direction." (Tom Spurgeon) Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 781-3879. Fri-Sat at 10:30. $7, $5 with student ID.

MONEY & RUN

"A hybrid Three's Company meets Natural Born Killers--in a good way. While you may think you have more entertaining things to do at 11 pm on a Friday or Saturday night, trust me. You don't." (Adrian Ryan) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit, 324-5801. Fri-Sat at 11, through June 24. $6 (patrons under 18 free).

Theater Sports

"The only improvisational show I've ever seen where the women performers were clearly better than the men--a welcome change from the over-aggressive scene-stealing of many male-driven troupes." (Tom Spurgeon) Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Fri-Sat at 10:30, $9; Sun at 7, $5.

UP IN YOUR GRILL

The Grill folks are tearing it up weekly with fast and furious comic sketches. Speakeasy, 2304 Second Ave, 444-4336. Sat at 11 (opening acts at 10:30). $7.