OPENING THIS WEEK

BALD FACED LIE · Bald Faced Lie

CHERRY CHERRY LEMON · Annex Theatre

DEAR DIANE · The Typing Explosion

FROM THE HIP · d9 dance collective

GREAT MEN OF SCIENCE, Nos. 21 & 22 · Empty Space

THE HAINT · Northwest Actor's Studio

IN A SHALLOW GRAVE · Book-It

KEELEY & DU · Stepping Stone Productions

MASS MURDER · Northwest Actor's Studio

MATILDA · Emerald City Swing

SHADOWLANDS · Fat Yeti Theater

ONE WEEK ONLY

DEAF KIDS DRAMA FESTIVAL · Seattle Children's Theatre

HERO · EXITheatre

MERCURY · Pacific Northwest Ballet

MOTHERBEAT/THE FREMONT CUT · PUMA Dance Theatre

RAISED ON FILM · SmileWide Productions

SPIN THE BOTTLE · Annex Theatre

CLOSING THIS WEEK

CHOOZE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE · Union Garage

HENRY V · Kirkland Performance Center

THE LANGUAGE OF ANGELS · Theater Schmeater

MONEY & RUN, EPISODE 4 · Theater Schmeater

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

BALD FACED LIE

The group that started this whole damn sketch comedy tsunami returns with an all-new show. Good thing they're actually funny, or I'd really tell them what-for. Bald Faced Lie at Open Circle Theatre, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8 (late night shows on June 9 & 16 at 11). Through June 23.

BANDIDO!

A melodramatic retelling of the exploits of a legendary Mexican bandit in post-gold rush California. Reviewed this issue. Seattle Public Theater at the Green Lake Bathhouse, 7312 W Greenlake Drive N, 325-6500. $16-$19. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2. Through June 10.

* CHERRY CHERRY LEMON

"An intelligent, funny, and moving exploration of love, friendship, and sex... [Keri] Healey's writing is so beautiful, wise, and hilarious, it may as well be the first time this story has ever been told. Amy Augustine and Keira McDonald are fine actresses with excellent timing." (Rebecca Brown) See Bio Box. Round, Firm, and Fully Packed Productions at Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. $12. Fri-Sat at 8 & 10 (no 10 pm show on June Fri 1, no performances Sat June 9). Through June 16.

* 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 June 24.

COTTON PATCH GOSPEL

A retelling of the story of Jesus set in rural Georgia, in which Jesus gets stuck on a tar baby and begs Brer Fox not to throw him in that briar patch. Featuring songs by Harry Chapin. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $17-$25, student/senior discount available. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat at 2. Through June 23.

DADDY'S DYIN' WHO'S GOT THE WILL

One of those lowest common denominator comedies that crop up constantly at community theaters. Toothless and full of "love-heals-all" pablum. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $20 general, $17 students/seniors/matinees. Thurs-Sat at 8, 3 pm matinees on June 3, 9, 17, & 23. Through June 23.

DEAR DIANE

The first play from improvisational poetry trio the Typing Explosion. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $12 Thurs/Sun, $14 Fri-Sat. Thurs-Sun at 9. Through June 17.

DINNER WITH FRIENDS

The Pulitzer-Prize-winning drama, in previews. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Previews are $25, Sun-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, June 1-6. Opens June 7.

GREAT MEN OF SCIENCE, Nos. 21 & 22

One of the most peculiar and remarkable plays you'll ever see, from one of the most peculiar and remarkable playwrights alive. Previewed this issue. 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(previews June 1-5: Fri-Sat at 8, Mon at 7:30, Tues at 7:30; all shows $18 except Mon, which is pay-what-you-can). Through July 15.

HERO

A workshop of a new piece by Michael Lindgren about a woman grappling with how the media has colonized her imagination. EXITheatre at Yard Space, on Pike St & 11th Ave, behind the Wildrose Tavern, 779-2284 (Yard is tiny, so reservations are recommended). $10. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. This weekend only.

IN A SHALLOW GRAVE

An adaptation of James Purdy's novel, about a disfigured Vietnam veteran who returns home to his Virginia plantation and tries to rekindle a childhood romance. Talk about Southern Gothic, sheesh! Book-It at Seattle Repertory Theatre's PONCHO Forum, 55 Mercer St, 325-6500. $18 general, $14 students/seniors (special student rate on selected dates, call for details). Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2. Through June 24.

KEELEY & DU

A pro-life group kidnaps a working-class woman on her way to get an abortion; an investigation into the abortion debate by playwright Jane Martin, widely rumored to be a certain new UW professor. Stepping Stone Productions at Nippon Kan Theatre, 628 S Washington St, 781-3905. $12 general, $10 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through June 30.

THE LANGUAGE OF ANGELS

Three overlapping Appalachian ghost stories, from hot young playwright Naomi Iizuka. "The audience is provided no concrete object or idea to stand upon.... Trying to figure out who did and said what to whom requires a family tree, or at least more of a mnemonic device than is provided here.... The one solid point... turns out to be Julie Rawley, as Danielle." (Traci Vogel) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. $12 (under 18 free). Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun May 20 at 2. Through June 2.

MASS MURDER

A deconstruction of the celebrity of serial killers; the production in Portland got a lot of good press. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. $12 general, $10 students/seniors. Fri-Sun at 8. Through June 16.

THE RACKET

Chicago gangster melodrama. Reviewed this issue. A Theater Under the Influence at the Union Garage, 1416 10th Ave, 720-1942. $12. (Pay-what-you-can Thurs.) Thurs-Sat at 8. Through June 9.

RAISED ON FILM

A play about a struggling screenwriter trying to decipher why the movie industry has such a grip on his creative impulses. SmileWide Productions at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 284-5445. $8. Thurs-Sat at 8. This weekend only.

SHADOWLANDS

How C.S. Lewis comes out of his middle-aged shell, thanks to attractive American poet Joy Davidman. See Stranger Suggests. Fat Yeti Theater at Freehold East Hall Theatre, 1525 10th Ave, Second Floor, 328-9384 (FAT-YETI, conveniently enough). $15 general, $10 students/seniors, call about group rates. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Through June 24.

* SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL

The horrors of public school turned into goofy comedy. "Flat-out one of the most entertaining shows I've seen in quite a while, for any age." (Bret Fetzer) Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $14.50-$22. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 & 5:30. Through June 10.

STRAY

A new play by Heidi Schreck, about two women in a foreign city, in previews. Printer's Devil Theatre at New City Theater, First Christian Church, 1632 Broadway, Third Floor, 860-7163. Previews are pay-what-you-can on Fri-Sat June 1-2 and Wed-Thurs June 6-7, 8 pm. Opens June 8.

WE ARE NOT GOOD GIRLS

A blues musical about the conclusion of a band's grueling tour. Reviewed this issue. Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki SW, 935-8420. $22 in advance, $25 at the door. Fri-Sat, dinner at 6:30, show to follow. Through June 30.

DANCE

FROM THE HIP

Four new dances from the d9 dance collective. See Stranger Suggests. Velocity MainSpace, 915 Pine St, Second Floor, 781-7746. $14 general, $12 in advance/students/seniors. Fri-Sun at 8. Through June 10.

MATILDA

A retrospective of swing dance in the 20th century. Emerald City Swing at the Seattle Art Museum, First & University, www.emeraldcityswing.com. $10. Sat at 7:30, June 2 & 9.

MERCURY

Four short ballets, featuring works by Lynn Taylor-Corbett, Vicente Nebrada, George Balanchine, and a world premiere of a piece by Val Caniparoli. Pacific Northwest Ballet at the Seattle Center Opera House, Seattle Center, 292-ARTS. $15-$110. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sat at 2. Through June 9.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

BLACK EYED BLONDE

Improvised film noir, based on audience suggestions. Unexpected Productions at the Market Theatre, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. $10. Fri-Sat at 8. (No shows on June 9, 15, or 16.) Through June 30.

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.

DEAF KIDS DRAMA FESTIVAL

More than 50 deaf students from local schools will perform short plays in American Sign Language. Voice interpretation provided. Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $9 adults, $6 children under 12/seniors. Sat June 2, 4 & 7 pm. This weekend only.

QUEER AS A THREE DOLLAR BILL

This queer-themed comedy night comes back to life under the guidance of Jennifer Jasper, of Pulp Vixens fame. (Interested performers should call Ms. Jasper at 320-0470.) Comedy Underground, 222 S Main, 800-992-8499. $6. Every Tues at 8:30.

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 Sat at midnight.

* CHOOZE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE: THE CAVERN OF TIME

A live version of the book series for kids, aimed at adults. "It's about archetypes and jamming them up with over-the-top parody and sly, irreverent throw-away lines.... Good entertainment, even better if you're coming from a bar." (Stacey Levine) Serious Dogs Productions at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 444-4315. $7. Fri-Sat at 11. Through June 2.

* THE HAINT

Troy Mink returns as 14 different characters telling a ghost story set in Midway, TN. A comic Southern Gothic Roshomon. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. $8. Fri-Sat at 10. Through June 16.

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.

* KRAPP'S LAST TAPE

Jerry Lloyd, one of the fringe scenes strongest talents, plays the Samuel Beckett character as Richard Nixon, playing obsessively with tape recordings. A remount of the extremely popular 1996 production. Theatre Babylon at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. $8 general, $5 students/seniors. Fri-Sat at 11, Sun at 7:30. Through June 8.

* MONEY & RUN, EPISODE 4

"The excitement level of a Money & Run show is usually reserved for major sporting events and strip shows: a noisy, good-natured anticipation, featuring loud whoops, stomping feet, spontaneous eruptions of applause." (Adrian Ryan) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. $8 (under 18 free). Thurs-Sat at 11 pm. Through June 2.

SPIN THE BOTTLE

Annex's monthly late night cabaret--the last one in their current space, before they move out into the cold, nasty world of renting theater spaces. Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. $5. Fri June 1, 11 pm. This weekend only.