OPENING THIS WEEK

ENCORE · Pacific Northwest Ballet

EXPRESSIONS OF THE SPIRIT · UMO & ArtsWest

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH · Re-bar

IT AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT THE BLUES · Moore Theatre

ON THE VERGE · UW School of Drama

PHEDRE · Seattle University

PRINCE BRAT AND THE WHIPPING BOY · Seattle Children's Theatre

SNOW · New City Theater

STILLS · Northwest Asian American Theater

ONE WEEK ONLY

12 MINUTES MAX · On the Boards

BEER, BREAD AND CHEESE CABARET · Circus Contraption

CATHY SORBO · The Seattle Eagle

THE FRUIT SHOW · Manual Arts Theater

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER · 33 Fainting Spells

VISIBLE · Re-bar

CLOSING THIS WEEK

EDUCATING RITA · RipTide Theatre

GHETTO · Seattle Public Theatre

LITTLE GHOST GILROY · Northwest Puppet Center

SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL BUTOH FESTIVAL · On the Boards

SPECIAL EVENTS

TOWN MEETING

The Seattle Fringe Festival invites Fringe people to discuss moving the Festival from May to September, when it could be part of the flow of the Canadian Fringe Festival circuit. Seattle Fringe office, 1415 Third Ave, 342-9172. Sat Nov 4, 2-3:30 pm.

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

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. Through Nov 11.

EXPRESSIONS OF THE SPIRIT

The über-bendy UMO troupe tackles the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. It sounds a little too "family friendly"--which means that the darker side of the tales may be smoothed over--but there's bound to be some spectacular physical work. See Bio Box. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. Thurs-Sun at 8, call about weekend matinees; $12-$22. Through Dec 16.

*GHETTO

"Though this production isn't for the easily depressed, it's worthwhile, especially to watch how playwright Joshua Sobel constructs intertwining swathes of drama around these disturbing ideas, the blossoming of the Vilna theater company, and the Nazis' destruction of the ghetto." (Stacey Levine) 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.

GRACE

A mixture of Thanksgiving, the Internet, and a magical spell gone awry. Reviewed this issue. Ursa Major at the Speakeasy Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 8; $10 general, $8 students/seniors. (Except for the last weekend, which is Wed, Thurs, & Sat.) Through Nov 18.

*HEDDA GABLER

The Ibsen classic, done by feisty youngsters. "[The] pre-play experience of shitty weather, cold white rooms, personal self-consciousness, politely nervous group behavior, and primitive plumbing felt about as close as I've ever been to late-19th-century Norway. It was a perfect lead-in to this excellent production." (Rebecca Brown) 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 performance on Thurs Nov 9. Through Nov 18.

*HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH

Not only is this called by some the greatest rock musical of all time, it stars Nick Garrison and Sarah Rudinoff; not only can they act, their combined vocal power and finesse could tear the roof off and then nail it back down. See preview article this issue. Re-bar, 1114 Howell (at Boren), 328-0388 or 324-6500. Thurs-Sun at 8; $16. Pay-what-you-can performance on Sun Nov 12. Through Feb 11.

IT AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT THE BLUES

A musical revue from New York of, unsurprisingly, blues music. Said to be extremely rollicking. Moore Theatre, Second & Virginia, 292-ARTS. Tues-Sun Nov 14-19. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2 & 7; $20-$45.

LITTLE GHOST GILROY

A young ghost is more afraid of people than they are of him. Awww. Coad Canada Puppets at Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th Ave NE, 523-2579. Fri at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 1 & 3; $6.50 children, $7.50 seniors, $8.50 adults. Through Nov 12.

MEASURE FOR MEASURE

"As much as Measure for Measure's ideas fascinate, Shakespeare's narrative is exposition-heavy and his leads are dull as stones. Despite fine ensemble acting, Intiman's production simply never raises the dramatic stakes past idle curiosity." (Tom Spurgeon) 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.

MISS MINIDOKA 1943

In a Japanese internment camp in 1943, the detainees decide to hold a beauty pageant to stave off boredom. A musical. Reviewed this issue. ReAct at Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, 104 17th Ave S, 364-3283. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $18 general, $15 students/seniors/military/disabled, $9 children/theater artists. Through Nov 12.

THE ODYSSEY

"Very pretty... [but] we're no longer comfortable with making a killer a romantic hero, so Odysseus--one of the most complicated and contradictory characters in all of Western literature--gets whitewashed." (Bret Fetzer) Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2; $15-$42. Through Nov 18.

ON THE VERGE

This word-besotted trifle about three Victorian women explorers traveling through time is the most over-produced play on the face of the earth. This is something like the third production in the past year. UW School of Drama, Penthouse Theatre, UW near the north entrance at NE 45th St and 17th Ave NE, 543-4880. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $7-$10. Through Nov 19.

*PERSONAL EFFECTS

"Susanna Burney's fresh, original writing keeps the piece apart from memoir hell, and the piece feels whole, mature, and engaging.... Burney is an interesting and capable actress." (Stacey Levine) Theatre Babylon at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942 or www.theatrebabylon.org. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12, all Thurs are pay-what-you-will. Through Nov 18.

PHEDRE

A translation of the adaptation by the French playwright Racine of the Greek myth about a young queen who gets the hots for her hunky son-in-law. Seattle University, Vachon Room, Fine Arts Bldg, 900 Broadway, 296-5360. Opens Mon Nov 13. Mon-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2:30; $8 general, $5 students/seniors. Through Nov 19.

PRINCE BRAT AND THE WHIPPING BOY

It's not what you think, it's for kids. You should be ashamed of yourself. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Opens Fri Nov 10. Fri-Sat at 7, Sun at 2 & 5:30; $14.50-$22. Through Jan 13.

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.

REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY

Ludlam's 1980 farce about a married pair of psychologists having affairs with each other's patients, cast with some of the most inspired farceurs in town. Empty Space, 3509 Fremont N, 547-7500. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2 & 7; $20-$28. Through Dec 16.

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 general, $10 students/seniors. Through Nov 18.

SNOW

Highly acclaimed New York multi-media artist John Jesurun comes to Seattle. See Stranger Suggests. New City Theater, 1632 Broadway in the First Christian Church, 328-4683. Thurs-Sat at 8; $12-$15. Through Dec 16.

SOUPTALKS SEATTLE

Three short puppet plays inspired by world arms talks, with a meal (soup, of course). Not your typical Punch-and-Judy show. Puppetsoup at the Sand Point Brig, 7400 Sand Point Way, 568-1000. $50 general, $35 for CoCA members; prepaid reservations are required. Pay-what-you-can open rehearsals of single shows on Thurs-Fri Nov 9-10 at 7:30. Performances on Sat Nov 11, 18, & 25 at 6.

SUNKEN

A heartwarming slasher play for the holidays. Reviewed this issue. Open Circle Theatre, 429 Boren Ave N, 325-6500. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7; $12. 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. Through Nov 18.

DANCE

ENCORE

Pacific Northwest Ballet bring back some audience favorites, including something described as a "slash and burn" ballet by William Forsythe, along with some Balanchine pieces and something lighter from Kent Stowell. Seattle Center Opera House, 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sat mat at 2; $15-$110. Through Nov 18.

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER

The latest from one of Seattle's most engaging dance/theater troupes, 33 Fainting Spells. See Stranger Suggests. Moore Theatre, Second & Virginia, 292-ARTS. Fri-Sat Nov 10-11, 8 pm; $10-$23.

SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL BUTOH FESTIVAL

More Butoh than you ever knew existed. More Butoh than you can imagine. Butoh, Butoh, Butoh. On the Boards, 100 W Roy, 325-6500 for tickets, 526-5756 for information about workshops. Dates and times vary for individual performances (call for specifics); $8-$15. Through Nov 12.

STILLS

Multicultural multi-media! Choreography from 84,000 Rays of Light, videography from Lucas Allen, poetry and music from the Isangmahal Arts Kollective. Northwest Asian American Theater at Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 340-1445. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 4:30; $12 general, $10 students/seniors. Through Nov 18.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

*12 MINUTES MAX

OTB's semi-regular artistic buffet! Worth seeing every damn time. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Sun-Mon Nov 12-13, 7 pm; $7.

BEER, BREAD AND CHEESE CABARET

Circus-inflected variety show, possibly containing offensive, mature, or immature content. Circus Contraption at Sand Point, Building 30, 442-2004. Sat Nov 11, 9 pm; $10.

CATHY SORBO

Free-associative standup comedy from the nervy Cathy Sorbo. The Seattle Eagle, 314 E Pike St, 621-7591. Fri Nov 10, 10 pm (but arrive early); $5, ID required.

THE FRUIT SHOW

Improvised movement and multi-disciplinary performance on the theme of fruit. Manual Arts Theater is mounting a series of free performances at various times and locations--call 860-4883 for information.

*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 Nov 10-11, 8 pm: Organmania! fund-raising gala; Sun Nov 12, 3 pm: Sentimental Journeys with Keith and Hokum; Tues-Wed Nov 14-15, 7:30 pm: Silent Cinema Classics with Hokum.

*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.

*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.

VISIBLE

Poetry, drag, music, etc., from queer performers of color, including Chrystos, Sarah Sharpe, members of Milky Way, and many, many more. Curio Productions at Re-bar, 1114 Howell (at Boren), 354-7547. Wed Nov 15, 8 pm; $5-$10 sliding scale.

LATE NIGHT

DIM SUM! THE MUSICAL!

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

*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.

MANDATORY PICNIC

A new series of late-night sketches from Up In Your Grill. The opening performance is "A Night of Gothishness." Speakeasy Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 444-4336. Sat at 11; all performances pay-what-you-will (reservations recommended).

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

GREETINGS

A "stunning and touching play for all seasons." That's all the press release says about it. Seems to have some religious/spiritual theme. Centerstage Theatre at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, 253-661-1444. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2; $18 general, $15 students/seniors. Through Nov 18.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

The campy musical about a man-eating plant. SecondStory Repertory, next to Redmond Town Center, call 425-881-6777 for directions. Fri-Sat at 8:15; $19-$22, $4 discount for students/seniors. Through Nov 25.

CALLS

Centerstage in Federal Way are holding season auditions for actors age 14-70 on Sun-Mon Nov 12-13. Call 253-661-1444 for information and appointments.

Consolidated Works is holding auditions for Keenan Hollahan's production of Equus on Sat Nov 18, from 10 am-6 pm. Call 381-3218 for information and appointments.

Locally shot feature film, Shag Carpet Sunset, seeks non-SAG actors; kids (7-12) and adults (22 and up). Auditions in mid-Nov, shooting starts in Feb. Call Andy at 789-7550 or andrewmcallister@hotmail.com for information and appointments.

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

Pomegranate Productions seeks actors of all ages and ethnic types for a short sound film. Non-union, no pay, meals provided. Send a head shot and resume to: P.O. Box 9304, Seattle, WA 98109.

Wovie is auditioning actresses for a feature-length movie about group therapy; all colors, ethnicities, and sexual preferences are encouraged. Also seeking crew. Send resumes and head shots to Wovie, P.O. Box 341, Olympia, WA 98507-0341