OPENING THIS WEEK

A RAISIN IN THE SUN · Intiman Theatre

AND... UH... · ACME

THE CABIRI · Ballard Art Walk

GRACE AND GLORIE · RipTide Theatre Company

THE HABIT · Annex Theatre

THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO · ArtsWest

RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET · Driftwood Players

SILK ROAD · Consolidated Works

[SOUNDAROUN(D)ANCE] · Pacific Northwest Ballet

ONE WEEK ONLY

BRUCE VILANCH: ALMOST FAMOUS! · Emerald City Arts

LETTER FROM GAZA, USA · 911 Media Arts

EASTER EGG HUNT FEATURING CLAY MARTIN'S PUPPET THEATER · Wallingford Center

TRANSGRESSIONS · Empty Space

CLOSING THIS WEEK

21 DOG YEARS · Speakeasy Backroom

INCORRUPTIBLE · Seattle Public Theater

SEX DRUGS ROCK & ROLL · Stepping Stone Productions

SPINNING INTO BUTTER · Seattle Repertory Theatre

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

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 May 12.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN

Lorraine Hansberry's classic family drama, progenitor of the "Mama on the Couch"-type plays that were so ruthlessly satirized in The Colored Museum. Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. $30-$42 ($10 for anyone 25 or under; pay-what-you-can on Thurs April 19). Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2. (Previews on April 13-14 at 8, April 15 & 17 at 7:30, $27.) Through May 19.

ART

The recent Broadway hit about three friends and a white-on-white piece of art. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222. $15-$42. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2 (Wed matinee at 2 on April 25). Through April 28.

EVITA

The impressionistic bio-operetta of the wife of an Argentinean dictator, produced by Microsoft's home-grown theater troupe. Performed in the cafeteria of Building 31 on the Microsoft campus, 3730 163rd Ave NE, Redmond, e-mail: msevita@microsoft.com. $12 (proceeds to charity). Thurs-Sat at 8. Through April 21.

GRACE AND GLORIE

A dying old woman has to cope with a sophisticated New York caretaker. Heartwarming, I'm sure. RipTide Theatre Company at Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki SW, 405-8433. $22 in advance, $25 at door (includes buffet dinner). Fri-Sun at 7:30 (dinner served at 6:30). No show on Sun April 15 & 22. Through May 12.

HAMLET

One of the most-produced plays on the face of the earth gets produced again, this time by international theater guru Peter Brook. Reviewed this issue. Mercer Arena, Fourth & Mercer, 443-2222 (Seattle Repertory Theatre's box office). $55-$75; twenty $20 tickets available first-come, first-served, day of show; rush tickets available at 7 on day of show. Tues-Sun at 7:30. Through April 19.

HEAVEN ON EARTH

Bobby Jr. debates his grandmother about the existence of God; God intercedes on her behalf and Bobby tries to take advantage of it. From the playwright of The Kentucky Cycle. Taproot Theatre Company, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $17-$25 ($10 for under 25). Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat at 2. Through May 5. (Beginning April 13, Friday performances are followed by NightCap improv comedy at 10.)

*INCORRUPTIBLE

Comic hijinx about grave-robbing medieval monks. "[The script's] humor is too broad and familiar to have any bite... but director B. J. Douglas' quick pacing gives the production vitality, as does the cast." (Stacey Levine) Seattle Public Theater, 7312 W Green Lake Dr N, 524-1300. $16-$19. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2. Through April 15.

KILLER JOE

Off-Broadway hit about violent trailer trash. Empty Space, 3509 Fremont N, 547-7500. $20-$28. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2, Sun at 7. Through May 19.

LETTER FROM GAZA, USA

An examination of Jewish-American moral identity. See Stranger Suggests. Produced by 911 Media Arts Center, presented at the Speakeasy Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 682-6552. $7 ($5 for 911 members). One night only: Thurs April 12, 8 pm.

THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO

Christopher Durang's semi-autobiographical comedy about his parents' marriage. A lesson in why you should never have children. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $20 general, $17 students/seniors/matinees. Thurs-Sat at 8; 3 pm matinees on April 15, 21, 29, and May 5. Through May 5.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

The corpulent Falstaff sends the same love letter to two women; hijinks ensue. Pure froth, Shakespeare or not. Seattle Shakespeare Company at the Performance Studio, lower level of the Seattle Center House, 733-8222. $18-$22 adults, $10-$12 students/seniors (pay-what-you-can on April 12 & 22). Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2. Through April 29.

THE OBSCENE BIRD OF NIGHT

A wealthy family surrounds their deformed child with other freaks so he'll never know that he's different. Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. $15. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through May 5.

PEARL

Office mayhem, ranging from layoffs to shootings, turns a couple of workdays into living hell. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. $12 general, $7 students. Wed-Sat at 8. Through May 5.

THE RED ROOM

Three Southern sisters grapple with memory of their dead mother; written by S. P. Miskowski. Reviewed this issue. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 325-0683. $15. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2. Through April 29.

SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL

The horrors of public school turned into goofy comedy. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $14.50-$22. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 & 5:30. Through June 10.

SPINNING INTO BUTTER

Racism and political correctness cause a frenzy at a Eastern liberal arts college. "Because of the play's hesitancy to find solutions in dialogue, any production demands patient acting and insightful direction... Seattle Repertory's production fails to meet that challenge." (Tom Spurgeon) 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.

SWEET THURSDAY

A stage version of John Steinbeck's sequel to Cannery Row. Book-It at Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave S, 325-6500. $18 general, $14 students/seniors ($5 student rate on April 18, 22, 25, & 29). Wed-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 4. No performance on Sun April 15. Through April 29.

TRANSGRESSIONS: THE McKENDALL COUNTY MURDERS

A staged reading of the latest from Scot "Sgt. Rigsby" Augustson, playwright of Intelligence and Albuquerque Wedding. Empty Space, 3509 Fremont Ave N, 547-7500. FREE. One night only: Mon April 16, 7 pm.

VOICES IN THE HEAD

A staging of writings by Samuel Beckett and a Beckett-influenced play by DJ Hamilton. Reviewed this issue. Theatre Babylon at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. $12 (Thurs is pay-what-you-will). Thurs-Sat at 8. (On April 13, Beckett's birthday, the show will be followed by a party, featuring "Beckett-style entertainment"; the whole evening is $25.) Through April 21.

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.

DANCE

AND... UH...

A contemporary movement ensemble (ACME) presents some intricate, athletic dance. See Bio Box. Freehold Theatre, 915 E Pine St, Second floor, 709-7961. $12 general, $10 students/seniors. Thurs-Sun at 8. One weekend only. (Next weekend: Cadle Theatre, 12033 NE 132nd St, Kirkland. Fri-Sat at 8.)

THE CABIRI

Wild-ass mix of dance, music, opera, and pyrotechnics. Presented during the Ballard Art Walk at Marvins Garden Park, 22nd & Ballard, 609-3212. FREE. One night only: Sat April 14, 8 & 10 pm.

SILK ROAD

A new multi-media work from A. C. Peterson Dance and House of Dames, about the stories of immigrant women in the workplace. Consolidated Works, 410 Terry Ave, 720-5252. $16. Wed-Sun at 8, Sat mat at 4. Through May 5.

[SOUNDAROUN(D)ANCE]

More short balletic works, including choreography by Kvin O'Day, Kent Stowell, George Balanchine, and Marius Petipa. Pacific Northwest Ballet at Seattle Center Opera House, 321 Mercer St, 292-ARTS. $15 and up. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sat at 2. Through April 21.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

BRUCE VILANCH: ALMOST FAMOUS!

Bruce got a detached retina in February and had to postpone until after the Oscars. I didn't see the awards ceremony this year, but if it was funny, he wrote most of the jokes. If it wasn't funny, well, he still wrote most of the jokes. Meany Theatre, UW campus, 323-2992. $28-$32 (tickets issued for the Feb 3 performance will be honored and do not require exchange). One night only: Fri April 13, 8 pm.

EASTER EGG HUNT FEATURing CLAY MARTIN'S PUPPET THEATER

Clay Martin is the kind of classic puppet storyteller you don't see much of anymore, and he's worth seeing. See Stranger Suggests. Wallingford Center, N 45th St & Wallingford Ave N, 517-7773. FREE. One show only: Sat at 10 am for the egg hunt, 10:30 am for Clay Martin.

LIFE AND LOVE

From first kiss to kiss-off, in song. Cabaret at the Crêpe de Paris, second level of Rainier Square, 1333 Fifth Ave, 623-4111. $42 dinner and show, $16 show only (limited seating). Fri-Sat at 8:30. Through April 28.

*NORTHWEST NEW WORKS

One of the best opportunities every year to check out the rising stars of Seattle's dance and performance scene. This weekend: BetterBiscuitDance, VIA, Alice de Muizon, Lori Goldston & Lynn Shelton, John Kaufmann. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Dates, times, and prices vary; call for details. The festival runs through April 21.

THE SHOW FORMERLY KNOWN AS SOAPBOX

A fervid mix of improvisation and sketch comedy. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike, 324-6328. $7. Fri-Sat at 8. Through April 21.

LATE NIGHT

CABARET: THE RESURRECTION

Everything from drag queens (including host Hellen Havokk), live music, naked poetry, fire-breathers, and sword-swallowers. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E. Olive Way, 861-8233. $5. Every Saturday at midnight.

*THE HABIT

"Sketch comedy so hilarious, it can only be described in italics." (Jason Pagano) Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, www.thehabit.org. $7, $5 students. Fri-Sat at 11. Though April 28.

SEX DRUGS ROCK & ROLL

Revival of Eric Bogosian's overrated series of monologues, performed with gusto by Peter Dylan O'Connor. Stepping Stone Productions at Nippon Kan Theatre, 628 S Washington St, 781-3905. $10. Fri-Sat at 10:30. Through April 13.

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

NOISES OFF

The popular backstage farce, featuring some strong Seattle talent like Shawn Belyea, K. Brian Neel, and Burton Curtis. Village Theatre, 303 Front St N, Issaquah, 425-392-2202. $8-$40. Wed-Sat at 8, Sun at 2 (some Sat matinees and Sun evenings, call for details). Through April 22.

RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET

A rock and roll musical, based on the '50s sci-fi flick based on The Tempest. The Driftwood Players, 950 Main St. Edmonds, 425-774-9600. $18 general, $16 juniors/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2. Through May 13.

CALLS

BigShowCity is accepting submissions of performance works for a festival that runs June 7-10 in Olympia, WA. Submissions forms are available at www.olywa.net/bigshowcity. Send submissions to: BigShowCity, 1520 Hays Ave, Olympia, WA 98502. Deadline is April 17.

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

Seattle Children's Theatre holding season auditions between April 16-27. For appointments, send picture and resume, copy of equity card (if you have one), and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Auditions, Seattle Children's Theatre, 201 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109. Equity members will receive audition slots before non-equity actors.

Serious Dogs Productions looking for fun, motivated people for upcoming show in May. Need help especially with PR, props, house/stage management. Call 324-9977.

Theatre Babylon holding auditions on April 17 for Requiem at the Pink Flamingo Bar; rehearsals start May 1 for performances in June. Callbacks on April 18; call 360-405-1785 or e-mail Willyrat@hotmail.com.

Young Shakespeare Workshop & New World Children holding auditions for their FREE seven week summer session. YSW is open to students between 14-18; NWC is open to students between 9-16. Auditions will be held through April; call 527-4278.