OPENING THIS WEEK

EGGUUS · Consolidated Works

KALEIDOSCOPE 2001 · Driftwood Players

MOMOTARO, PEACH BOY · Thistle Theatre

ROADTRIP · Centerstage Actors Studio Theatre

ONE WEEK ONLY

DANCE BFA CONCERTS · Cornish College of the Arts

SD PRISM DANCE THEATRE · On the Boards

SPIN THE BOTTLE · Annex Theatre

UNDER CONSTRUCTION · Velocity Theater

CLOSING THIS WEEK

21 DOG YEARS: DOING TIME @ AMAZON.COM · Speakeasy

THE BLUE MOON CHRONICLES · Northwest Actors Studio

THE CIVIL WAR · Paramount Theatre

DIRTY LAUNDRY: AIRING OUT THE FAMILY HAMPER · Pork Filled Players

DOOLYMOOG 2001 · Northwest Asian American Theatre

FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIRE DE LUNE · Union Garage

GOREY STORIES · Open Circle Theatre

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE · Seattle Shakespeare Company

ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD · Kirkland Performance Center

TOY STORY ON ICE · KeyArena

TURF! · On the Boards

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

1776

The song and dance story of the Declaration of Independence, featuring lots of guys in wigs and ye olde capri pants. Previews Tues-Wed March 6-7; opens Thurs March 8. 5th Avenue Theater, 1308 Fifth Ave, 625-1418. $17-$58. Tues-Sat at 8, Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2. Through March 25.

21 DOG YEARS: DOING TIME @ AMAZON.COM

Mike Daisey dishes dirt on his experiences at Amazon.com, weaving in other topics as well. "The show, much like the new economy itself, has wonderful highs but sadly some staggering lows." (Tamara Paris) Speakeasy Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 444-4336. $10. Fri-Sat at 8. Through March 3.

A KIND OF ALASKA/THE GENERAL OF HOT DESIRE/THE HAPPY JOURNEY

One-acts by Harold Pinter, John Guare, and Thornton Wilder. Stone Soup Theatre, 4035 Stone Way N, 633-1883. Thurs is pay-what-you-can; Fri-Sat $12 general/$7 students & seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through March 10.

THE BLUE MOON CHRONICLES

Three plays about the trials and tribulations of a young gay couple. This weekend: Goodnight, Blue Moon. Next weekend: Once in a Blue Moon on Friday, My Gay Son's Wedding on Saturday, and Goodnight, Blue Moon on Sunday. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. $25 for all three shows, $15 for two, $10 apiece/$8 students & seniors. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through March 4.

CATCH-22

Joseph Heller's satire of military bureaucracy, adapted by the author. Stepping Stone Productions at Nippon Kan Theatre, 628 S Washington St, 781-3905. $12 general/$10 students. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through March 10.

THE CHERRY ORCHARD

Chekhov's classic, directed by Stanislavski stud Leonid Anisimov, who's been developing a cult following for his classes at Freehold. See review this issue. The Art Theatre of Puget Sound at Cedar Park Studios, 3737 NE 135th St, 568-5893. $22 advance/$24 door. Thurs-Sun at 8. Through March 11.

THE CIVIL WAR

Larry Gatlin stars in the glossy musical about one of America's most bloody, humiliating wars. He's no Tom Wopat. Paramount Theatre, Ninth & Pine, 292-2787. $21-$50. Tues-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2, Sun at 7:30. Through March 4.

DOOLYMOOG 2001

John Paulsen creates strange, unsettling characters. Northwest Asian American Theatre, 409 Seventh Ave S, 340-1049. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through March 3.

EGGUUS

The most pompous, portentous play of all time, with a twist. See Stranger Suggests. Consolidated Works, 410 Terry Ave, 381-3218. $14 general, $12 members, $7 for "coop" seating. Thurs-Sun at 8. Through March 18.

FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIRE DE LUNE

Terrence McNally's popular play about unattractive people in love, often played by knockout actors who just feel ugly. Gifthorse Entertainment at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 219-3310. No price was listed in the press release, so it must be FREE! Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through March 3.

*GOREY STORIES

A musical based on the works of the elegant, macabre Edward Gorey. "An outrageous amount of talent and creativity went into this production--all liberally sprinkled atop Gorey's own genius, always complimenting but never overshadowing." (Adrian Ryan) Open Circle Theatre, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. $15. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. EXTENDED through March 3.

*HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH

The world's greatest botched-sex-change rock musical. "I seriously question the intelligence of anyone who doesn't see this show. Twice." (Adrian Ryan) Re-bar, 1114 Howell (at Boren), 323-0388 or 325-6500. $16. Fri-Sun at 8. EXTENDED through March 11.

MASK OF THE UNICORN WARRIOR

A medieval tale of fantasy and sibling rivalry, by former Seattle playwright Y. York. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322, www.sct.org. $14.50-$22. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30. Through March 10.

*THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

A Wild West interpretation of Shakespeare. "David S. Klein spits and snarls his way through a flat-out nasty portrait of Shakespeare's most controversial character, giving the show a toxic through-line. Every mention of Shylock's hardships achieves greater poignancy against that dark backdrop." (Tom Spurgeon) Seattle Shakespeare Company at the Performance Studio, Center House, Seattle Center, 733-8222. $18-$22 general/$10-$12 students & seniors. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2. Through March 4.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

The most expensively produced Shakespeare in town. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. $15-$42 ($10 for anyone under 25). Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2. Through March 17.

MOMOTARO, PEACH BOY

A classic Japanese fairy tale, told with puppets. Thistle Theatre, 9123 15th Ave NE, 523-2579. $6.50 children, $7 seniors, $8.50 adults. Fri at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 1 & 3. Through March 18.

REFERENCES TO SALVADOR DALI MAKE ME HOT

A bit of magic realism from José Rivera. Adult language and sexual situations, we are warned. Empty Space, 3509 Fremont Ave N, 547-7500. $20-$28. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2, Sun at 7. Through March 24.

THE SIZEMORE INTERVIEWS

A network news eyewitness telephone report about the invasion of Panama is actually being made by a shill in Indiana. "I'm glad the play exists as a vehicle to get this amazing material out, but I must say the 'extra' stuff, the stuff that makes this a 'play,' weakens the material. The love story/conflict between Seifert and his wife reeks of the Hollywood need to add a little irrelevant romance." (Rebecca Brown) Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 726-0933. $12 general, $7 students. Wed-Sat at 8. Through March 10.

SPINNING INTO BUTTER

Racism and political correctness cause a frenzy at a Eastern liberal arts college. We are promised shocking secrets and shameful truths--that's a lot to promise in this day and age. Previews beginning Mon March 5; call for details. Opens Mon March 12. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. $29-$42 ($10 for anyone under 25). Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2. Through April 14.

WHERE'S CHARLEY

Ho ho! The only thing funnier than a man in a dress is a singing man in a dress! Civic Light Opera, 11051 34th Ave NE, 363-2809. $18-$22. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30. Through March 10. (NOTE: The musicians' strike is still going on, so patrons may have to cross a picket line.)

WINNIE-THE-POOH

Bear gets stuck in honey jar to the delight of vengeful bees. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $21-$22 adults/$14.50-$15.50 students, seniors, & children. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 & 5:30. Through May 20.

YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU

The Hart/Kaufmann chestnut about a wacky, wacky family. Oh, they're so wacky. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $17-$25. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat at 2. Through March 10.

DANCE

DANCE BFA CONCERTS

New graduates from Cornish College for the Arts present their work, alongside commissioned pieces from professionals. There are three separate programs: Program 1: Thurs-Fri at 8; Program 2: Sat at 2 & 8; Program 3: Sun at 2 & 8. Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, 323-1400 ext. 1018. FREE, but you have to make reservations. One weekend only.

SD PRISM DANCE THEATRE

Choreography from Artistic Director Sonia Dawkins and former Broadway dancer Alice Yearsley--who used to work with Fosse! We can only hope for "jazz hands." On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $15. Fri-Sat at 8. One weekend only.

TOY STORY ON ICE

Like our recent presidential election, this transcends satire. KeyArena, Seattle Center, 628-0888. $12.75 and up. Wed-Sat at 7:30, Sat at 1 & 3:30, Sun at 1 & 4:30. Through March 4.

TURF!

Multi-media, hiphop-influenced dance and spoken word. See review this issue. On the Boards, 100 W Roy, 217-9888. $12-$14. Thurs-Sun at 8. Through March 4.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

New work from a whole bunch of people, including Paige Barnes & Pablo Cornejo, Stacey Horton, Karn Junkinsmith, Alex Martin, Michele Miller, and Cheronne Wong. Velocity MainSpace Theatre, 915 E Pine, Second Floor, 325-8773 ext. 2. $7. Sat-Sun at 8. One weekend only.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

DIRTY LAUNDRY: AIRING OUT THE FAMILY HAMPER

Sketch comedy skewering the American family. Pork Filled Players at Northwest Asian American Theatre, 409 Seventh Ave S, 365-0282. $8 general/$6 students & seniors (group discounts). Fri-Sat at 10:30, Sun at 6:30. Through March 4.

LATE NIGHT

THE BRAZILIAN

An affectionate throwback to radio serials from the 1940s, written and directed by Gavin Cummins. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. $5. Fri-Sat at 11. (No show Fri March 2.) Through March 9.

SPIN THE BOTTLE

Annex's monthly late night cabaret, featuring rising star Jason Trachtenburg, Sgt. Rigsby's special "for the children" shadow puppetry, magic, music, and more, more, more. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. $5. Friday at 11. One weekend only.

LONG RUNS

JET CITY IMPROV at University Heights Center, 781-3879.

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM from Seattle Theatre Project at A Contemporary Theatre, 292-7676.

MYSTERIAN at Illusionz Magical Entertainment Center, Issaquah, 425-427-2444.

THEATERSPORTS at the Market Theater, 781-9273.

CALLS

Bumbershoot is taking applications. Download an application from www.bumbershoot.org or call 281-8111. Deadline for performing artists is March 1.

Centerstage Actors Studio Theatre in Federal Way holding auditions for To Kill a Mockingbird on Sun-Mon March 4-5. Call 253-661-1444.

The Driftwood Players seek directors for pre-selected productions in their 2001-02 season. Send resumes to: Director Selection Committee, The Driftwood Players, P.O. Box 385, Edmonds, WA 98020. Questions? 425-774-9600.

Encore Playhouse holding auditions for The Sisters Rosenzweig on March 3-4 at TPS in the Center House, Seattle Center. Contact 425-453-1690 or encorepl@aol.com.

5th Avenue Theatre needs kids for Gypsy, age 12 and under, by appointment only. Call Michael at 625-1418.

Freehold Theatre Lab seeks new works-in-progress from playwrights, choreographers, and interdisciplinary or physical theater artists for their New Works Development Project. Send a one-page treatment of your project, a work sample (videotape cued to best 5 minutes or text marked for best 5 pages), brief bio and resume, and a statement of purpose to: Freehold Studio/Theatre Lab, Attn: NWDP, 1525 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122.

Live Girls! seeks plays written by women for spring workshops. Contact Meghan Arnette at megspaz@hotbot.com or 568-1985.

Lotus Productions seeks actors for feature length movie shooting in Seattle in August. Send photo/brief bio to P.O. Box 1109, Clinton, WA 98236.

Pierce County Playwrights Festival seeks directors; send letter of interest & resume to PCPF, 3702 N 15th St, Tacoma, WA 98406 or call Becca Rex at 253-779-4247 or e-mail to pcpffolks@aol.com. Guidelines available at geocities.com/pierceplaywrights.

Theatre Babylon accepting submissions for Mae West Fest V, a festival of plays (15 minutes to an hour in length) written and directed by women. Performances in mid-July. For info, go to www.maewestfest.org or contact Heidi Heimarck at 325-0423. Send submissions to Theatre Babylon, 1418 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, attn: Mae West Fest. Deadline is March 15.