OPENING THIS WEEK

CINDERELLA · Paramount Theatre

CITIES: CONVERSATIONS IN COURT OF THE KHAN · UMO Ensemble

DINNER WITH FRIENDS · A Contemporary Theatre

MEDEA · Next Step Theater

PORCELAIN · Northwest Asian American Theatre

PTERODACTYLS · Seattle Theatre Project

R. BUCKMINSTER FULLER: THE HISTORY (AND MYSTERY) OF THE UNIVERSE · Intiman Theatre

STRANGE FRUIT · Re-bar

STRAY · Printer's Devil Theatre

WHY? WHY? WHY? · Consolidated Works

ONE WEEK ONLY

12 MINUTES MAX · On the Boards

ANIMOTION · Seattle Mime Theatre/Kirkland Performance Center

DIG · Chamber Theatre

INTIMATE STAGE · Dappin' Butoh

ONE ENCHANTED EVENING · Sumner Performing Arts Center

RUMPLESTILTSKIN AND THE CURSE OF EVERMORE · Village Theatre Kidstage

CLOSING THIS WEEK

BANDIDO! · Seattle Public Theatre

FROM THE HIP · d9 dance collective

KRAPP'S LAST TAPE · Theatre Babylon

MATILDA · Emerald City Swing

MERCURY · Pacific Northwest Ballet

THE RACKET · A Theater Under the Influence

SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL · Seattle Children's Theatre

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

BALD FACED LIE

The group that started the whole damn sketch comedy tsunami. Good thing they're funny, or I'd tell them what-for. Reviewed this issue. 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. "What Bandido! serves up is an evening of politics that's fun." (Traci Vogel) 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." (Rebecca Brown) Round, Firm, and Fully Packed Productions at Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. $12. Fri-Sat at 8 & 10 (No shows Sat June 9). Through June 16.

CINDERELLA

The Rodgers & Hammerstein version, featuring Eartha Kitt (whom Orson Welles called "the most exciting woman in the world") and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (a.k.a. Meadow on The Sopranos!). Paramount Theatre, Ninth & Pine, 292-2787. $20-$54. Tues-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2, Sun at 7:30. Through June 17.

CITIES: CONVERSATIONS IN COURT OF THE KHAN

Physical theatre troupe UMO Ensemble drives me nuts with their half-baked stories, but they sure create pretty stage pictures. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $16 Thurs/Sun, $18 Fri-Sat. Thurs-Sun at 8. Through June 24.

* 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. The theater says director Katy Huisentruit is a sparkling new talent; god knows why she's doing this play. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $20 general, $17 students/seniors/matinees. Thurs-Sat at 8, 3 pm matinees on June 9, 17, & 23. Through June 23.

DEAR DIANE

The first play from improvisational poetry trio the Typing Explosion. Reviewed this issue. 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 about some friends having dinner. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $30-$42 ($10 for anyone 25 or under). Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sun at 7:30 (2 pm on June 10, 14, 17, 23, 24, 30, July 1). Through July 1.

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. Reviewed 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. Through July 15.

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. 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 mystery 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.

MASS MURDER

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

MEDEA

The Euripides play about a woman who gets really, really pissed off. Staged with a 12-person singing chorus and live percussion. Next Step Theater at the Performance Studio, Seattle Center House, 425-746-6604. $12 suggested donation. Thurs-Sat at 8, 2 pm matinees on June 9, 10, &15. Through June 16.

PORCELAIN

Sex-related murder in a London men's room! From NWAAT's new artistic director Chay Yew. Northwest Asian American Theatre, 409 Seventh Ave S, 325-6500. $12. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 4. Through July 1.

PTERODACTYLS

Hot on the heels of Raised in Captivity comes another Nicky Silver dysfunctional family play. Collect them all. Seattle Theatre Project at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 325-6500. $13 general, $10 students/seniors. Thurs-Sat at 8. Through June 30.

R. BUCKMINSTER FULLER: THE HISTORY (AND MYSTERY) OF THE UNIVERSE

Heady one-man show that's been knocking them dead in California and Chicago. Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Previews are $27; $30-$42 otherwise ($10 for anyone under 25); pay-what-you-can on June 14. Previews June 8-12, call for details. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri-Sat at 8, Sat-Sun at 2, Sun at 7:30. Through July 7.

* THE RACKET

"Men in rain-spattered fedoras with cigars clenched between their teeth rush resolutely around, exchanging dialogue with the rat-tat-tat of a Gatling gun.... As your ear adjusts to the outdated slang and the frantic pace, this convoluted story of Prohibition-era political corruption becomes as clear as a cup of moonshine." (Tamara Paris) 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.

SHADOWLANDS

How C.S. Lewis comes out of his middle-aged shell, thanks to attractive American poet Joy Davidman. 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. See Stranger Suggests. Printer's Devil Theatre at New City Theater, First Christian Church, 1632 Broadway, Third Floor, 860-7163. Wed pay-what-you-can, Thurs $10, Fri-Sat $12. Wed-Sat at 8. Through June 30.

WE ARE NOT GOOD GIRLS

A blues musical about the conclusion of a band's grueling tour. "I kept wishing they'd skipped the first act altogether, had better mics, and sung more sweaty blues." (Rebecca Brown) 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.

WHY? WHY? WHY?

Shadow madness from Scot Augustson, the evil mastermind of Sgt. Rigsby & His Amazing Silhouettes. See Stranger Suggests. Consolidated Works, 410 Terry Ave N, 381-3218. $14 general, $12 members. Fri-Sat at 8 & 10:30 pm. Through June 23.

DANCE

DIG

Dance work from the faculty and MFA graduates of University of Washington. Chamber Theatre, 915 E Pine St, Fourth Floor, 543-4178. $10. Thurs-Sat at 8. This weekend only.

FROM THE HIP

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

INTIMATE STAGE

Solo work, video, and food from Dappin' Butoh. Location is somewhere in the Greenlake area; call 526-5756 to learn the details. $10. Sat at 8. This weekend only.

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. Through June 9.

MERCURY

Four short ballets, featuring work 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

* 12 MINUTES MAX

The always-worthwhile, semi-regular venue for the latest in dance, music, and theater, featuring Maureen Whiting, Wade Madsen, Reggie Watts, and others, including me, Bret Fetzer, the theater editor of The Stranger, who always recommends 12 Minutes Max and sees no reason not to do so this time. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $7. Sun-Mon at 7. This weekend only.

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.

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. Comedy Underground, 222 S Main, 800-992-8499. $6. Tues at 8:30.

STRANGE FRUIT

Cabaret legend Joey Arias returns with his uncanny rendition of Billie Holiday. See Stranger Suggests. Re-bar, 1114 E Howell St, 323-0388. $15. Mon-Wed at 8. Through June 20.

LATE NIGHT

* THE HAINT

Troy Mink returns as 14 different characters telling a ghost story set in Midway, TN. A comic Southern Gothic Roshomon. "A tight and funny piece of one-man theater." (Brendan Kiley) Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 324-6328. $8. Fri-Sat at 10. Through June 16.

* 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.

LONG RUNS

CABARET: THE RESURRECTION at Coffee Messiah, 861-8233.

JET CITY IMPROV at ArtsWest, 938-0339.

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

ANIMOTION

Modern vaudeville from Seattle Mime Theatre. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, 425-893-9900. $17 adults, $13 students/seniors. Sat at 2 & 7:30. This weekend only.

ONE ENCHANTED EVENING

And a presumably enchanted afternoon. A bunch of songs from musicals and operas. Sumner Performing Arts Center, 1707 Main St., Sumner, 253-839-9693. $15 general, $12.50 students/seniors/groups; $2.50 discount for pre-paying. Sat at 7:30, Sun at 3. This weekend only.

RUMPLESTILSTKIN AND THE CURSE OF EVERMORE

That rascally little man is up to no good. Village Theatre KIDSTAGE at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave, Everett, 425-257-8600. $5. Fri-Sat at 7, Sat-Sun at 2. This weekend only.