OPENING THIS WEEK

AFEST 2001 · Northwest Asian American Theatre

THE ARABOOLIES · Youth Theatre Northwest

BIG MAGGIE · Northern Lights Productions

CIRCUS CONTRAPTION · Sand Point

FALSTAFF · Seattle Opera

NO FRILLS · Rockhopper Dance

SPIDERBITE ODDITIES · Sit & Spin

ONE WEEK ONLY

12 MINUTES MAX · On the Boards

COME CLEAN · LeGendre Performance

COMEDY COURT · University Heights Center

HALF & HALF · Unexpected Productions

LELAVISION & THOMAS ARTHUR · Kirkland Performance Center

ROSEMARY CLOONEY WITH... · Seattle Men's Chorus

SOME KIND OF CULT · Two Bells Tavern

SPIN THE BOTTLE · Annex Theatre

CLOSING THIS WEEK

HEAVEN ON EARTH · Taproot Theatre Company

THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO · ArtsWest

THE MASTER AND MARGARITA · theater simple

THE OBSCENE BIRD OF NIGHT · Open Circle Theatre

PEARL · Annex Theatre

SILK ROAD · A. C. Petersen Dance/House of Dames

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

An urban black family struggles to improve their lot. "Though this story remains sadly current, the play's vitality lies more in playwright Lorraine Hansberry's incredible eye for detail." (Bret Fetzer) Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. $30-$42 ($10 for anyone 25 or under). Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2. Through May 19.

BIG LOVE

Charles Mee's revision an Aeschylus tragedy, about 50 brides who decide to murder their 50 grooms. Features nudity, we are warned. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $30-$42. Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, 2 pm matinees on May 3, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20. Through May 20.

BIG MAGGIE

A widow keeps a stranglehold on her children while struggling to find herself. From a new company dedicated to producing Irish drama. Northern Lights Productions at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. $12 general, $6 students/seniors, Thurs pay-what-you-can. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through May 26.

*COME BACK TO THE RE-BAR, DINA MARTINA DINA MARTINA--THE BEST OF DINA, PARTS 1 & 2

Just the high points, split over two nights. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St (at Boren), 325-6500. $12 each show, $20 for both. Part 1: Thurs-Fri at 8; Part 2: Sat-Sun at 8. Through May 27.

FALSTAFF

The fat, cowardly, mendacious, greedy Shakespearean antihero sings! Opens Sat May 5. Seattle Opera, Seattle Center, 389-7676 or 800-426-1619. $31-$100. Wed, Fri, & Sat at 7:30, with a 2 pm matinee on Sun May 6. Through May 19.

GRACE AND GLORIE

A dying old woman has to cope with a sophisticated New York caretaker. 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). Through May 12.

GYPSY

Tale of a bawdy stripper, set to jaunty song. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 625-1418. $17-$58. Tues-Sat at 8, Sun at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2. Through May 20.

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. (Friday performances are followed by NightCap improv comedy at 10.) Through May 5.

KILLER JOE

Off-Broadway hit about violent trailer trash. "Does the script's deliberate political incorrectness go anywhere or accomplish anything besides its goal of being in our faces, so politically incorrect? I say no." (Stacey Levine) 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.

THE LANGUAGE OF ANGELS

Three overlapping Appalachian ghost stories, from hot young playwright Naomi Iizuka. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. $12 (under 18 free). Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2 on May 13 & 20. Through June 2.

*THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO

Christopher Durang's semi-autobiographical comedy about his parents' marriage. "Most of the cast inhabit their characters with gratifying gusto; in particular, the women play female masochism and suffering in disturbing, effective ways." (Stacey Levine) ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $20 general, $17 students/seniors/matinees. Thurs-Sat at 8; 3 pm matinee on Sat May 5. Through May 5.

*THE MASTER AND MARGARITA

This wildly popular adaptation of the Bulgakov novel returns. "Razor sharp and air-tight." (Matthew Sweeney) From theater simple at the Brig, Bldg 406, Sand Point Naval Reserve, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 325-6500. $15 general, $13 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2. Through May 5.

*THE OBSCENE BIRD OF NIGHT

A wealthy family surrounds their deformed child with other freaks so he'll never know that he's different. "The intersecting plots and many layers of myth and fantasy unfold like a flower to reveal at its heart nothing more or less than what it means to draw breath and dream." (Tamara Paris) Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. $15. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through May 5.

ONCE IN EUROPA

New play about disastrous love in an Alpine village, based on a story by John Berger. The Mottola Theatre Project at Freehold Theatre, 1529 10th Ave, 729-1590. $8. Thurs-Sun at 8. Through May 13.

*PEARL

Office mayhem, ranging from layoffs to shootings, turns a couple of workdays into living hell. "Pearl delivers a very funny, and very entertaining, bottom line." (Traci Vogel) Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. $12 general, $7 students. Wed-Sat at 8. Through May 5.

RAISED IN CAPTIVITY

Yet another dysfunctional comedy by award-winning playwright Nicky Silver. "The script exhausts its cutting humor for some relatively boring platitudes in the end, and seems to exhaust even these actors' eager ambitions." (Traci Vogel) Moonlight Theatre Company at Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 367-2174. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through May 12.

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.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Sailor boys and hula girls belt out Broadway tunes. Civic Light Opera at the Jane Addams Theatre, 11051 34th Ave NE, 363-2809. $18-$22. Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30, through May 19. (Still plagued by that nasty strike problem, so you may have to cross a picket line to see the show.)

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

COME CLEAN

The latest from Amii LeGendre. See preview this issue. LeGendre Performance at On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $15 general, $12 students/seniors. One weekend only: Thurs-Sun at 8.

NO FRILLS

A stripped-down selection of short works, featuring a Ninja Plumber, yodeling, and annoying children in the back seat of your car. Rockhopper Dance at Seattle Chamber Theater, 915 E Pine St, Fourth Floor, 860-5620. $10 advance, $12 at the door, pay-what-you-can on Thurs, May 3. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through May 12.

*SILK ROAD

"The poetic and sensitive performance is contradicted by the hard and industrial interior of Consolidated Works. As a consequence, the dance and the space seem strange and unfamiliar, in the same way that a boxing match in a beauty school would defamiliarize both the brutal fight and its elegant context." (Charles Mudede) Consolidated Works, 410 Terry Ave, 720-5252. $16. Wed-Sun at 8, Sat matinees at 4. Through May 5.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

*12 MINUTES MAX

There are few finer opportunities to see upcoming performers. Featuring dance, theater, songs, and part of a rock opera. Not to be missed. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $7. Two nights only: Sun-Mon at 7.

*AFEST 2001

Beginning four weeks of a wide variety of work from Asian & Asian American performers. This week: The Three Yells. See Stranger Suggests. Northwest Asian-American Theatre, 409 Seventh Ave S, 340-1445. $12 general, $10 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 4 (except Sun May 13, at 2). Through May 28.

CIRCUS CONTRAPTION

Acrobatics, juggling, aerial work, shadow puppetry, original music, hoochie-coochie girls, all with a good dose of surreal performance artiness. Sand Point Naval Base, Building 30, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 442-2004. $10 door, games and concessions separate. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm (late night bacchanal on Sat May 12, 11 pm, all seats $5, must be 21 or over; family matinee on Sun May 20, 2 pm; kids 12 and under $5). Through May 20.

COMEDY COURT

Improv comedy. University Heights Center, 5031 University Way NE, 442-2044. $7 general, $5 students. First and third Friday of the month at 7:30. Through August.

*DAME EDNA: THE ROYAL TOUR

Barry Humphries' beloved drag persona comes to Seattle. Moore Theatre, Second and Virginia, 292-ARTS. $30-$50. Tues-Thurs at 7:30; Fri-Sat at 8; Sat-Sun at 2. Through May 13.

HALF & HALF

An improvised tale, half in one style and half in another. This week: 1/2 Chekov, 1/2 Disaster Film. Unexpected Productions at the Market Theatre, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $10. One weekend only: Fri-Sat at 8.

ROSEMARY CLOONEY WITH SEATTLE MEN'S CHORUS

One of the great interpreters of popular songs, made a star by the hit "Come On-a My House" in 1951. See Stranger Suggests. Paramount Theatre, Ninth & Pine, 323-2992. $15-$36. One weekend only: Sat at 8, Sun at 2.

SPIDERBITE ODDITIES

A glam/pop mixture of music and short plays on the theme of pop culture. See Bio Box. Sit & Spin, 2219 Fourth Ave. $8, must be 21 or over. Thurs only; doors open at 8:15, show starts at 9. Through May 24.

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.

JET CITY IMPROV

The popular improvisational troupe is adding a late night performance in West Seattle. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $7 general, $5 students. Sat at 10:30, ad nauseam.

SOME KIND OF CULT

Sketch comedy in the extremely tiny confines of the Two Bells Tavern, 2313 Fourth Ave. Free. One night only: Sat May 5, 10 pm.

SPIN THE BOTTLE

Annex's monthly cabaret, featuring smut, shadow puppets, and god knows what else. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. $5. One night only: Fri May 4, 11 pm.

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

THE ARABOOLIES

A musical based on the popular children's book The Araboolies of Liberty Street. Performed by kids, ranging from 7 to 16. Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 SE 40th, Mercer Island, 206-232-2202. $9 general; $12 opening night; group discounts (pay-what-you-will 2 pm matinee on Sat May 5). Fri-Sat at 7:30, Sat-Sun at 2. Through May 20.

RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET

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

TINTYPES

Musical about the turn of the century. 1899-1900, that is. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S Third St, 425-226-5529. $20 general, $15 students/seniors. Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 2. Through May 27.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Boo, Scout, and Atticus Finch. Centerstage, 3200 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, 253-661-1444. $19 general, $16 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2. Through May 13.

WEST SIDE STORY

Romeo & Juliet in song, with an ethnic twist. Village Theatre, 303 Front St N, Issaquah, 425-392-2202. $22-$40. Wed-Sat at 8, Sun and selected Sats at 2, selected Suns at 7. Through June 24.