OPENING THIS WEEK

CENTRAL SOUL · Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center

CYMBELINE · Intiman Theatre

NO ONE IS ALONE · Cabaret at the Crêpe de Paris

SEATTLE FRINGE THEATER FESTIVAL · all over Capitol Hill

SEX IN SEATTLE · Theatre Off Jackson

SPINNING INTO BUTTER · Seattle Repertory Theatre

UNCLE TOM DE-CONSTRUCTED · Seattle Central Community College

ONE WEEK ONLY

ACTSTRAVAGANZA · A Contemporary Theatre

MY LAST YEAR WITH THE NUNS · Little Theatre

SHAVE AND A HAIRCUT · One World Theatre

WOMEN CAN'T WAIT · University of Washington Women's Center

CLOSING THIS WEEK

A KIND OF ALASKA/THE GENERAL OF HOT DESIRE/THE HAPPY JOURNEY · Stone Soup Theatre

THE BRAZILIAN · Annex Theatre

CATCH-22 · Stepping Stone Productions

THE CHERRY ORCHARD · Art Theatre of Puget Sound

HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH · Re-bar

KALEIDOSCOPE 2001 · Wade James Theatre

MASK OF THE UNICORN WARRIOR · Seattle Children's Theatre

ROADTRIP · Centerstage Actors Studio Theatre

THE SIZEMORE INTERVIEWS · Annex Theatre

WHERE'S CHARLEY · Civic Light Opera

YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU · Taproot Theatre

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. 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. EXTENDED through March 31.

AND A NIGHTINGALE SANG

A play about the turmoil of an English family during World War II, with the most sentimental title of all time. ArtsWest Theatre, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $20 adults/$17 students & seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, with 3 pm matinees on March 10, 18, 24. Through March 24.

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.

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.

CENTRAL SOUL

It's described as a "musical satire," but I can't figure out what's being satirized--it's a romance between an urban poet and a suburban grad student. The playwright says, "This story explores the deepest depths of love and the tribulations which confront all couples who share a central soul." Stop, I'm laughing already! Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, 104 17th Ave S, 461-4870. $18 general/$15 students & seniors. This weekend: Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2. Next weekend: Fri-Sat only, with stand-up comedian Rex Navarette at 7:15 and Central Soul at 8. Through March 17.

THE CHERRY ORCHARD

Chekhov's classic, directed by Stanislavski stud Leonid Anisimov. "Each line drips slowly, very slowly, almost viscously, almost Butoh-ly, with the Stanislavski acting method.... What this production does have is lots of visual beauty.... I can't imagine most American audiences would enjoy this heavily stylized production, but I'll bet fans of the Stanislavski method--and folks who want theater to be intensely intimate--will." (Rebecca Brown) 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.

CYMBELINE

One of those "problem plays" of Shakespeare that get everyone so bothered because it suggests that sometimes people aren't very nice, even people we like. Previews Fri-Tues, call for details. Opens Wed March 14. See Stranger Suggests. Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. $30-$42 general, $10 for anyone 25 or under. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2, Sun at 7:30. Through April 7.

EGGUUS

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

*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.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

The most expensively produced Shakespeare in town. Reviewed this issue. 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.

MY LAST YEAR WITH THE NUNS

Matt Smith's popular solo show, sort of a Catholic adolescent American Graffiti with a good dose of Lord of the Flies. The Little Theater, 610 19th Ave E, 329-2629. $12.50 general, $10 NWFF members. Thurs-Sun at 7. One weekend only.

NO ONE IS ALONE

A bunch of Stephen Sondheim songs about, you know, love and stuff. Cabaret at the Crêpe de Paris, Rainier Square, 1333 5th Ave, 623-4111. $42 for dinner and show, $16 for show only. Dinner starts as early as 6:30; shows start Thurs at 8, Fri-Sat at 8:30. Through May 26.

REFERENCES TO SALVADOR DALI MAKE ME HOT

A bit of magic realism from José Rivera. Adult language and sexual situations, we are warned. Reviewed this issue. 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.

SAME TIME NEXT YEAR

Once a year, an adulterous couple meet clandestinely for some annual nookie. RipTide Theatre Company at the Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Ave SW, 405-8433. $22 in advance, $25 at door, includes dinner and show. Fri-Sat at 6:30 (show starts at 7:30). Additional performances Sun March 18 & 25. Through March 31.

SEATTLE FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL

A complete list of everything in the Festival would consume the entire calendar! It's mutating and growing to tremendous size, devouring everything in its path! Aaaauugghh! See Stranger Arts this issue. The central box office is in the Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, 325-6500. Single tickets are $12, $10 after purchasing a $2 button/$6 students & seniors. Multiple performances daily; find a Festival Guide for details. Through March 18.

SEX IN SEATTLE

An episodic tale of four Asian American women and their love troubles, inspired by the similarly-titled HBO series. See Bio Box. Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 784-2154. $12. Thurs at 8, Fri-Sat at 10:30; additional performances on Fri-Sat March 23-24 at 8. 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. 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.

UNCLE TOM DE-CONSTRUCTED

It's official: Uncle Tom's Cabin is the most deconstructed text of all time! Previews Tues March 13. Seattle Central Community College Drama Department at the Little Theater Off Broadway, 1524 Harvard, 287-5544. $10 general, $8 students/seniors/under 12. Wed-Sat at 8, Sun at 3. Through March 18.

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.

WOMEN CAN'T WAIT

Poet and performance artist Sarah Jones premiered this piece--about women coping with oppressive laws in countries ranging from Uruguay to the U.S.--at a United Nations conference. Presented by the UW Women's Center. HUB Auditorium, UW Campus. Free, but all tickets have been distributed; show up at 6:30 to sign up for remaining seats; unfilled seats will be released at 7:30. Thurs March 8 only.

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.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

ACTSTRAVANGANZA

A big-ass party with food, music, improv comedy, gambling, and psychics. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $75! or purchase a "Backstage Package" for $150!! Sat March 10, 8 pm.

SHAVE AND A HAIRCUT

A small-ass party with poetry, film, performance art, and beer. See Stranger Suggests. One World Theatre at Consolidated Works, 410 Terry Ave N, 264-1735. A modest $10. Sat March 10, 10 pm.

LATE NIGHT

THE BRAZILIAN

An affectionate throwback to radio serials from the 1940s, written and directed by Gavin Cummins. See review this issue. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. $5. Fri-Sat at 11. Through March 9.

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.

ELSEWHERE

KALEIDOSCOPE 2001

Festival of new one-act plays from around Washington. Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St, Edmonds, 425-774-9600. There are four different sessions; call for times and details. $7 per session, $20 for all four. Through March 11.

ROADTRIP

A play about a road trip. Centerstage Actors Studio Theatre, 1710 South 341st, Suite B-1, Federal Way, 253-661-1444. $10 adults/$5 students & seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2. Through March 10.

CALLS

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.

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 five minutes or text marked for best five pages), brief bio and resume, and a statement of purpose to: Freehold Studio/Theatre Lab, Attn: NWDP, 1525 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122. Deadline is March 12.

Kirkland Arts Center seeks artists/performers for Summerfest (July 14-15). For applications, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Kirkland Arts Center, ATTN: Summerfest! 2001 Artist Selection Committee, 620 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033-5421. Deadline is March 16.

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.