OPENING THIS WEEK

GULLIVER'S TRAVELS · Consolidated Works

H.M.S. PINAFORE · Civic Light Opera

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT · Village Theatre

NEW PATAGONIA · Seattle Repertory Theatre

ONE WEEK ONLY

AWILDA VERDEJO · Kirkland Performance Center

CORNISH DANCE THEATER FALL 2000 CONCERT · Broadway Performance Hall

NOCHA FLAMENCO · UW World Series

NORTH ATLANTIC · The Wooster Group

A TRIBUTE TO OCTAVIO PAZ: EL CANTARO ROTO · Ethnic Cultural Theatre

THE WEDDING GAME · Rockhopper Dance

CLOSING THIS WEEK

DIM SUM! THE MUSICAL! · Pork Filled Players

ENCORE · Pacific Northwest Ballet

GRACE · Ursa Major

GREETINGS · Centerstage Theatre

HEDDA GABLER · Printer's Devil Theatre

MEASURE FOR MEASURE · Intiman Theatre

THE ODYSSEY · Seattle Repertory Theatre

ON THE VERGE · UW School of Drama

PERSONAL EFFECTS · Theatre Babylon

PHEDRE · Seattle University

SEX DRUGS ROCK & ROLL · Stepping Stone Productions

STILLS · Northwest Asian American Theatre

SUNKEN · Open Circle Theatre

THE WINTER'S TALE · Greenstage

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

EXPRESSIONS OF THE SPIRIT

The über-bendy UMO troupe tackles the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $12-$22. Thurs-Sun at 8, call about weekend matinees. Through Dec 16.

GRACE

A mixture of Thanksgiving, the Internet, and a magical spell gone awry. "In the end, Grace comes off as simply too conscious for its own good, like an argument whose outcome is known in advance." (Jamie Hook) Ursa Major at the Speakeasy Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 325-6500. $10 general, $8 students/ seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8 (except for the last weekend, which is Wed, Thurs, & Sat). Through Nov 18.

GULLIVER'S TRAVELS

Four chunks of Jonathan Swift's epic satire, each brought to life by a different director. Opens Fri Nov 17. See Stranger Suggests. Consolidated Works, 410 Terry Ave N, 860-5245. $14 general, $12 members. Thurs-Sun at 8. (No performance Thurs Nov 23.) Through Dec 15.

*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, Room 110, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 328-2690. Thurs-Sun at 8; $10 Thurs & Sun, $15 Fri-Sat. 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. Re-bar, 1114 Howell (at Boren), 323-0388 or 325-6500. $16. Thurs-Sun at 8. Through Feb 11.

H.M.S. PINAFORE

Another love story with a catch from Gilbert & Sullivan. Opens Thurs Nov 16. Civic Light Opera at the Jane Addams Theatre, 11051 34th Ave NE, 363-2809. $18-$22. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30. Through Dec 9. NOTE: CLO musicians are on strike. You may have to cross a picket line in order to see the show.

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. $23.50-$42. Tues-Wed & Sun at 7, Thurs-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2. Through Nov 18.

NEW PATAGONIA

A Ken Kesey-esque literary lion decides he's going to have the most spectacular death of his generation. A new play by Elizabeth Heffron. Previews through Sun Nov 19; opens Mon Nov 20. See feature this issue. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center at Second and Mercer, 443-2222. $29-$42 ($10 for anyone 25 or under). Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2. Through Dec 23.

*NORTH ATLANTIC

One of the premiere experimental theater troupes in the world comes to On the Boards for the first time in nine years. The Wooster Group at On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $25-$28. Thurs-Sun Nov 16-19, 8 pm. (NOTE: The Woosters will discuss their philosophies and working processes following the show on Fri Nov 17 and on Sat Nov 18 at 3 pm. The Saturday discussion is open to the public and free.)

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. $15-$42. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2. 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. $7-$10. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2. 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. $12, all Thurs are pay-what-you-will. Thurs-Sat at 8. 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. $8 general, $5 students/seniors. Mon-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2:30. 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. $14.50-$22. Fri-Sat at 7, Sun at 2 & 5:30. 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. $14.50-$22. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30. (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. $20-$28. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2 & 7. Through Dec 16.

SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS

A bluegrass gospel musical, set on the brink of the U.S. involvement in WWII. Previews Nov 16-Nov 22; opens Fri Nov 24. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $17-$25. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat at 2. Through Dec 30.

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. $12 general, $10 students/ seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through Nov 18.

SNOW

Highly acclaimed New York multi-media artist John Jesurun comes to Seattle. Reviewed this issue. New City Theater, 1632 Broadway in the First Christian Church, 328-4683. $12-$15. Thurs-Sat at 8. 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. Performances on Sat Nov 18 & 25 at 6.

SUNKEN

"It's a story about a man not quite ready to die; the flashes of intensity that bubble up from below Sunken's dreary surface indicate a decent play that has yet to be born." (Tom Spurgeon) Open Circle Theatre, 429 Boren Ave N, 325-6500. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through Nov 18.

A TRIBUTE TO OCTAVIO PAZ: EL CANTARO ROTO

Or, The Broken Water Jug and Other Poems. A bilingual, choral staged reading of poetry by the Nobel Prize-winning Mexican writer. Ethnic Cultural Theatre, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 543-4635. Donation suggested. Fri Nov 17, 7:30 pm.

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. Admission by donation. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through Nov 18.

DANCE

CORNISH DANCE THEATER FALL 2000 CONCERT

Choreography from Joe Good, Mary Sheldon Scott, Pat Hon, and Deborah Wolf. Cornish College for the Arts at the Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, 325-6500. $8 general, $4 students/seniors. Fri-Sun Nov 17-19, 8 pm (additional Sat matinee at 2).

ENCORE

Pacific Northwest Ballet brings 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. $15-$110. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sat mat at 2. Through Nov 18.

NOCHE FLAMENCA

Pure, unadulterated flamenco dancing. See Stranger Suggests. UW World Series, Meany Hall, 543-4880. $32. Thurs-Sat Nov 16-18, 8 pm.

STILLS

Multicultural multimedia! 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. $12 general, $10 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through Nov 18.

THE WEDDING GAME

The dance collective Rockhopper Dance presents five short pieces exploring themes of love and marriage. See Bio Box. Cedarcrest Performing Arts Center, 29000 NE 150th St, Duvall, 425-788-3928. $9 general, $6 students/seniors. Sat Nov 18, 7:30 pm.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

*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. Tues-Wed Nov 21-22, 7:30 pm: Silent Cinema Classics with Hokum; Thanksgiving Day, Thurs Nov 23, 7:30 pm: The Wizard of Oz (1925) with Andy Crow; Fri Nov 24, 8 pm: The Wizard of Oz (1933) & The Magic Cloak of Oz with Andy Crow; Sat Nov 25, 8 pm: The Patchwork Girl of Oz 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. No cover. Tues at 8:30 & 11.

*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. $6. Tues at 8.

LATE NIGHT

DIM SUM! THE MUSICAL!

Multicultural sketch comedy. "The cast's honest, prodigious effort keeps me from recommending Dim Sum! as a late-night stage version of an Ed Wood film, and makes me sincerely hope they find their intended audience." (Tom Spurgeon) Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 365-0282. $5-$8. Fri-Sat at 10:30, Sun at 4:30. 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. $7, $5 with student ID. Fri-Sat at 10:30.

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. $10. Fri-Sat at 11. 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

AWILDA VERDEJO

A solo evening with the world-renowned opera singer, performing an evening of Black spirituals in the tradition of Marion Anderson. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, 425-893-9900. $15 general, $11 students/seniors. Fri Nov 17, 7:30 pm.

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. $18 general, $15 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through Nov 18.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

One of those biblical musicals that were so popular in the '70s. Now the same stories are all being turned into feature-length cartoons. I can't decide which is the more appropriate format. Opens Thurs Nov 16. Village Theatre, 303 Front St N, Issaquah, 425-392-2202. $22-$40. Wed-Sat at 8, occasional Sun at 7 (call for details), Sun and occasional Sat at 2. Through Dec 31.

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. $19-$22 ($4 discount for students/seniors). Fri-Sat at 8:15. Through Nov 25.

*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. $10-$15. Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 3; No end in sight.

CALLS

Civic Light Opera holding auditions for Where's Charley? on Tues-Wed Nov 28-29. Call 363-4807. Note: No Sondheim allowed.

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

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 andrew_mcallister@hotmail.com.

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

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.