OPENING THIS WEEK

DIM SUM! THE MUSICAL! · Pork Filled Players

PERSONAL EFFECTS · Theatre Babylon

THE WINTER'S TALE · Greenstage

ONE WEEK ONLY

THE GRAVEDIGGER'S BALL · Circus Contraption

LELAVISION WITH THOMAS ARTHUR · Shoreline Community College Little Theater

NIGHT OF THE DAMNED · Odd Duck Studio

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD AMERICA · The Slugworth Chocolates Comp'ny

RADIO ACTIVITY · A Theater Under the Influence

REGIONAL THEATRE CONFERENCE · Theatre Puget Sound

SALOME · UW World Series

WOMEN IN SONG · Northwest Actors Studio

CLOSING THIS WEEK

AMY X NEUBURG & MEN · Pink Door Restaurant

ANIMAL FARM · Seattle Children's Theatre

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE · Everett Theatre

FROM THE CHARRED UNDERBELLY OF THE YULE LOG · A Contemporary Theatre

THE HABIT · Annex Theatre

HAMLET · Seattle Shakespeare Company

JAR THE FLOOR · Seattle Repertory Theatre

THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD · Village Theatre

THE ODD COUPLE · A Contemporary Theatre

ORAL SETS · Queercore

RADIO GALS · Taproot Theatre

SAMUEL BECKETT'S HOUSE OF HORRORS · Defibrillator Productions/13 Chairs Theater

WEST SIDE STORY · Kirkland Performing Arts Center

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN · ReAct

SPECIAL EVENTS

REGIONAL THEATRE CONFERENCE

"Passion for the Art" is the theme for the fourth theatre conference hosted by Theatre Puget Sound. Speakers include Jon Jory (UW's new professor of acting and directing, formerly artistic director of the Actors' Theater of Louisville) and Hal Holbrook (much beloved and long-careered stage and film actor, whose connection to Seattle or the future of theater is beyond me). Call 770-0370 or visit www.tpsonline.org for more information.

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

*ANIMAL FARM

Animals take charge! Only some of the animals turn into totalitarian despots. "It was a really cool play. You know the dogs? When they growled, it actually sounded real, 'cause the people weren't saying it... and then the people had the teeth, those big dog's teeth...." (Maggie Brown, nine years old) Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 & 5:30; $14.50-$22. Through Oct 28.

*ATF: A BURLESQUE

A big, sprawling spew of stuff related to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, as well as the commodities themselves. "After working 10 months on this inventive, wildly funny thing, the folks involved [must] have a hard time cutting stuff. But if [some] were dropped, this would be completely wonderful, as opposed to just mostly wonderful, entertainment." (Rebecca Brown) Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; $12. Through Nov 4.

THE BELLE OF AMHERST

ACT roasts another chestnut on the fire with this solo show about Emily Dickinson. But if anyone's going to bring it to life, it's Julie Harris, who created the role. Directed by Charles Nelson Reilly! A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, 2 pm matinees almost every Sat & Sun (call for details); $23-$42, half-price for anyone 25 and under. Through Nov 5.

EDUCATING RITA

A hairdresser and an English tutor fight for supremacy. RipTide Theatre at the Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Ave SW, 935-8420. Dinner starts at 6:30, performance starts at 7:30; Fri-Sat at 6:30; $22 with dinner. Additional performances Sun Oct 29 & Sun Nov 5. Through Nov 11.

*FROM THE CHARRED UNDERBELLY OF THE YULE LOG

Playwright and NPR commentator Kevin Kling tells his family holiday stories. "Funny, smart, and quirkily sexy, Kling leaves an audience so weakened with laughter and startled by insight, that they have no choice but to love him each and every way that he desires." (Tamara Paris) A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Wed, Thurs, & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8; $15, $10 age 25 and under. Through Oct 29.

GHETTO

Acclaimed play about a Jewish theater struggling under the Nazi occupation of Lithuania. Reviewed this issue. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse Theater, 7312 W Green Lake Dr N, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $10-$19. Through Nov 12.

HAMLET

Yet another production of Shakespeare's most lauded play. Seattle Shakespeare Company at the Performance Studio in the Center House, Seattle Center, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2; Thurs, Fri, & Sun: $18, $10 under 25/over 65; Sat: $22, $14 under 25/over 65. Through Oct 29.

HEDDA GABLER

The Ibsen classic, done by feisty youngsters. Reviewed this issue. Printer's Devil Theatre at the former Sand Point Naval Base, Bldg 67, Rm 110, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 328-2690. Thurs-Sun at 8; $10 Thurs & Sun, $15 Fri-Sat. Pay-what-you-can performances on Thurs Oct 26, Nov 2 & 9. Through Nov 18.

*JAR THE FLOOR

Four generations of African American women gathering for the 90th birthday of the family's great-grandmother. "[Playwright Cheryl] West's sensibility makes for powerful theater." (Stacey Levine) Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun matinees at 2; $29. Through Oct 28.

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR

Forced marriage leads inevitably to boudoir homicide, as this operatic parable makes clear. Seattle Opera, Seattle Center Opera House, 389-7676. Oct 27, 28, Nov 1, 3, 4; all performances at 7:30, except Sun performances at 2; $31-$107.

MEASURE FOR MEASURE

Kenneth Starr makes Monica Lewinsky a questionable proposal, only it's Shakespeare. Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Tues-Wed & Sun at 7, Thurs-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2; $23.50-$42. Through Nov 18.

THE ODD COUPLE

ACT induces artistic whiplash in its subscribers by following In the Penal Colony with the archetypal Neil Simon comedy. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, assorted matinees at 2 (call for dates); $27-$42. Through Oct 29.

THE ODYSSEY

Homer's epic poem, brought to the stage by Mary Zimmerman, who turned Metamorphoses into a meditation on how wet cloth drapes over firm, young bodies. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2; $15-$42. Through Nov 18.

ORAL SETS

Three queer one-act plays from local writers B. Brent Burriola and Avram Katzman. See review this issue. Queercore at Freehold, 1525 10th Ave, Second Floor, 517-0539. Thurs-Sat at 8; $5 suggested donation. Through Oct 28.

PERSONAL EFFECTS

One of the fringe theater scene's finest actresses, Susanna Burney, tells a tale of pre-natal alien possession, a communist childhood, and much more. See Bio Box. Theatre Babylon at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12, all Thurs are pay-what-you-will. Through Nov 18.

RADIO ACTIVITY

A Halloween revival of several radio shows, including Orson Welles' panic-inducing adaptation of The War of the Worlds, among others. Different shows each night; call for details. See Stranger Suggests. A Theater Under the Influence at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Sat-Tues Oct 28-31, 8 pm; $12.

RADIO GALS

Musical about an all-girl band in the 1920s called the Hazelnuts. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat matinee at 2; $14-$24, $10 for 25 and under. Extended through Oct 28.

THE RED BALLOON

Boy meets balloon, falls in love, must protect balloon from pin-wielding bullies. A collaboration with Scottish theater troupe Visible Fictions. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30; $14.50-$22. No performance Sun Dec 24. Through Dec 30.

SAMUEL BECKETT'S HOUSE OF HORRORS

It's sort of tacky associating Beckett's nihilism with cheesy Halloween horrors, but hey, whatever sells. Defibrillator Productions/13 Chairs Theater at Sand Point Brig, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 931-5629. Fri at 9:30, Sat at 8:30; $10. Through Oct 28.

SEX DRUGS ROCK & ROLL

Eric Bogosian's overrated series of character monologues, performed by Peter Dylan O'Connor. Stepping Stone Productions at Nippon Kan Theatre, 628 S Washington, 841-2521. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; $12, $10 students/seniors. Through Nov 18.

THE WINTER'S TALE

A Shakespeare play with one of his morally ambiguous endings that drive people nuts, which is always a good thing. Greenstage at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 748-1551. Thurs-Sat at 8; admission by donation. Additional performance Sun Oct 29, 7 pm. Through Nov 18.

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

A multi-ethnic staging of the musical based on the comic strip Peanuts. ReAct at the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, 104 17th Ave S, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $15-$18, $9 children/theater artists. Through Oct 29.

DANCE

LELAVISION WITH THOMAS ARTHUR

Lelavision dances with wild sculptures, many of which double as musical instruments. Thomas Arthur is a juggler doing his darndest to expand the possibilities of juggling. Shoreline Community College Little Theater, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline, 546-4606. Sat Oct 28, 7:30 pm; $12, $10 students/ seniors, $8 SCC students/children.

SALOME

The Sydney Dance Company perform their version of this tale of a beheading, inspired by the Oscar Wilde play. See Stranger Suggests. UW World Series at Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880. Thurs-Sat Oct 26-28, 8 pm; $32.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

AMY X NEUBURG & MEN

Electronic avant-cabaret from a singer who gets compared to Kate Bush a lot, which sounds promising. Pink Door Restaurant, 1919 Post Alley, no reservations taken. Wed-Thurs at 8, Fri-Sat at 9; no cover. Through Oct 28.

THE GRAVEDIGGER'S BALL

A holiday bash from the deranged circus troupe, also featuring Baby Gramps and Jason Webley. See Stranger Suggests. Circus Contraption at the OK Hotel, 212 Alaskan Way S, 442-2004. Fri Oct 27, 9 pm; $10, $8 with costume.

*HOKUM HALL

The pleasures of vaudeville, both broad and delicate, are kept alive at Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, 937-3613. Prices vary per event, but are almost never more than $12. Fri-Sat Oct 27-28, 8 pm: Classic Jazz Soundies; Sun Oct 29, 3 pm: Sentimental Journeys with Keith and Hokum; Tues-Wed Oct 31 & Nov 1, 7:30 pm: Halloween Cinema Classics with Andy Crow.

*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 Restaurant, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11; no cover.

NIGHT OF THE DAMNED

A bunch of short plays with an otherworldly theme. See Stranger Suggests. Bombast Productions and A Theater Near You at Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 244-9191. Thurs-Sun & Tues Oct 26-29 & 31, 8 pm; $8.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD AMERICA

Some strange fusion of a haunted house and socio-political commentary. See Stranger Suggests. The Slugworth Chocolates Comp'ny at yARD Theater, 11th and Pike, down the stairs behind the Wildrose Tavern, 325-0401. Fri-Sat Oct 27-28, 8 pm; $10.

*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.

WOMEN IN SONG

A fundraiser for the Seattle Lesbian Cancer Project, featuring such local talents as Lisa Welch, Hot Flash, and Sally Eckert. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 328-6328. Fri-Sat Oct 27-28, 8 pm; $8-$12.

LATE NIGHT

DIM SUM! THE MUSICAL!

The multi-cultural sketch comedy troupe Pork Filled Players returns with parodies of Broadway standards, among other things. Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 365-0282. Fri-Sat at 10:30, Sun at 4:30; $5-$8. Through Nov 19.

*THE HABIT

One of Seattle's sharpest sketch comedy troupes. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Fri-Sat at 11; $5. Through Oct 28.

*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.

SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO

David Mamet's play about gender strife. "I'm really at a loss as to why anybody would go to the trouble of producing this mean-spirited and misogynist one-act about dating, mating, and moving on." (Tamara Paris) Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Fri-Sat at 11; $10. Runs until it loses steam.

*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 overaggressive 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.

ELSEWHERE

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE

A serial killer comedy, produced at damn near every community theater in the U.S. on a daily basis. Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave, Everett, 425-258-6766. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $9-$12, $5 age 10 and under. Additional performance Thurs Oct 26, 8 pm. Through Oct 29.

*MYSTERIAN

"After the enormously enjoyable [magic] show, we wolfed down gigantically proportioned Caesar salads in the Magicafe and then scooted into the close-up magic theater where [magician Steffan] Soule's art continued to confound us." (Tamara Paris) Illusionz Magical Entertainment Center at 1025 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, 425-427-2444. Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 3; $10-$15. No end in sight.

THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

Tony-winning musical adaptation of Dickens' unfinished novel, composed by the guy who did "The Piña Colada Song." Village Theatre, 303 Front St N, Issaquah, 425-392-2202. Wed-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $22-$40. Through Oct 29.

WEST SIDE STORY

A great American musical, even if the plot is ripped off. Kirkland Performing Arts Center, Kirkland, 425-893-9900. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2; $20, $18 students/seniors. Through Oct 28.

CALLS

Mirror Productions seeks one male actor for a short film. Call Casey at 529-8415 for information or appointments.

Woodinville Repertory Theatre is holding auditions for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on Sat-Sun Nov 4-5. They need adults and children. For information or appointments call 425-481-8502 or see www.woodinvillerep.org.

A Theatre Under the Influence will hold auditions Mon Oct 30 from 6-10 for Christmas at the Ivanov's. For details and appointments, call 723-2235.