ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST

Opening. Recent graduates of the UW drama department tackle Dario Fo's farce as part of the University of Washington's Summer Arts Festival. Directed by Chuck Harper. Penthouse Theatre, UW, near the north entrance at NE 45th St and 17th Ave NE, 543-4880. $10-$12. Wed July 17 at 12:45 pm, Thurs July 18 at 7:30 pm, Fri July 19 at 12:45 pm, Sat July 20 at 12:45 pm & 7:30 pm.

THE CONVENTION OF CARTOGRAPHY

A fictional story about a fictional exhibition of fictional artifacts. Written by W. David Hancock. Empty Space Theatre in an abandoned warehouse, 912 Maynard Ave S, 547-7500. $12. Thurs-Sun at 8 pm; Sat-Sun at 2 pm; additional 10 pm shows Fri July 12 & 19. Through July 21.

FULLY COMMITTED

Solo show about an unemployed actor taking reservations for an ultra-chic restaurant. Now with David Scully. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $24.50-$29.50. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Open run.

THE GRAPES OF DELANO

Closing this week. A family struggles. Theatre Babylon at Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through July 13.

HENRY IV, PART 2

Opening. Coming of age, by way of flowery language. GreenStage Theater Company. Call for locations, dates, and times, 748-1551, www.greenstage.org. Free. Through Aug 11.

HOTEL: A COMIC PLAY IN 23 ACTS

Closing this Week. Oddball people in a wacky hotel--just like life! Some Kind of Cult at the Jewel Box Theater, Rendezvous, 2320 Second Ave, CULT-333. $10. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Through July 13.

I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER AND TAKING IT ON THE ROAD

Hit 1978 feminist musical showcases Heather Jones' disgust with her '50s childhood, her failed relationships, and ever-present showbiz chauvinism. Her male manager tries to convince her to take the act apart and keep it off the road. "The content of this feminist musical about a feminist musical remains surprisingly relevant, but the structure of the show relies upon a constant re-examination of feminism's basic themes and issues to move the story forward. The result is a repetitive, draining framework that traps the piece both thematically and musically. The pacing is inexcusably slow and the songs are fucking boring." (Lindsay Marsak)Steeplechase Productions at Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Ave SW, 935-8420. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm, $15. Fri & Sat dinner plus show, $29. Through Aug 3.

* LACKAWANNA BLUES

Closing this Week. Ruben Santiago-Hudson in over 20 roles (exhausting!), with original music by Bill Sims Jr. (bluesy!). This Obie Award-winning play (acclaimed!) performed by a Tony Award-winning actor (applauded!) is a recreation of Santiago-Hudson's childhood in Lackawanna, New York. "Santiago-Hudson embodies 20-plus characters, and each one is endearing, vivid, and colorful. It's inspiring without pandering, and moving without resorting to emotional manipulation." (Adrian Ryan) Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. $27-$42. Tues-Thurs & Sun at 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat at 8 pm; matinees Sat & Sun. Through July 13.

LITTLE WHITE PILL

Closing this week. A man yearns for a drug that will erase the fear of death. It was a very good idea in a novel by Don DeLillo; here it's a very good idea in a play by former critic John Longenbaugh. "Basically this play is an extended monologue about how much it sucks to get older, juxtaposed with an equal amount of vain overcompensation and misguided machismo. There were glimmers of good acting , but other characters made too little an impact on the story to make one on the audience." (Adrian Ryan) Ursa Major Theatre Company at Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 325-6500, $12. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through July 13.

SEX IN SEATTLE EPISODE 5: INTIMATE SECRETS

Opening. Sassy Asian American women discuss sex over a Chinese New Year celebration. No doubt funnier than Sex and the City. SIS Productions at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 325-6500. $8-$12. Fri-Sat at 8 and 10:30 pm. Through Aug 3.

TEATRO ZINZANNI: DINNER & DREAMS

The most expensive dinner theater of all time--three hours of gluttony, lust, and eye candy. Featuring the effervescent yet earthy Kevin Kent. "Dinner & Dreams isn't a disaster. The food is great, and a handful of the performers are dazzling. But for every bit that dazzles, a half-dozen fall flat." (David Schmader) Teatro ZinZanni, Sixth & Battery, 805-0015. $89 Wed-Fri & Sun, $99 Sat (includes dinner, but not beverages or gratuity). Wed-Sat at 6:30 pm, Sun at 5:30 pm. Open run.

WE ARE NOT GOOD GIRLS

It's back! Behind and in front of the scenes on an all-women blues tour. Play and music by Kate Hart, directed by Lilli Harwood. Seattle Public Theater at Bathhouse Theater, 7312 W Green Lake Drive N, 524-1300 or 325-6500. $16-$18. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Sun matinees at 2 pm. Through July 21.

YELLOWMAN

Opening. Racial prejudice in a small Southern town. Written by and starring Dael Orlandersmith, Yellowman was a finalist for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. $32.50-$44. Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun-Thurs 7:30 pm, matinees July 14, 18, 21, 27, 28, Aug 3-4 at 2 pm. Through Aug 4.

WONDERFUL TENNESSEE

Opening. Three couples embark on a birthday trip to an island of mystery off the coast of Ireland. Upon arrival, they talk a lot. Written by Brian Friel. Taproot Theatre Company at Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707, $18-$26. Wed & Thurs at 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat at 8 pm; matinees Sat at 2 pm, no show Wed July 24. Through Aug 10.

DANCE

* BUTOH-A-GO-GO

One night only. A benefit for the deserving P.A.N. Butoh dance troupe, this event features an assortment of performers from all hues of the arts spectrum. Dance performances by P.A.N., members of the Degenerate Art Ensemble, Yoko Murao, and others. Fremont UnConventional Center, 160 N Canal St, 632-7650. $10/sliding scale. Sat July 13, 9 pm.

UPBEAT

The Chamber Dance Company is joined by Pamela Cohen, Rob Kitso, and Peter Kyle as part of the University of Washington's Jazz-heavy Summer Arts Festival. Meany Studio Theatre, UW Campus, 543-4880. $10-$12. Wed-Thurs July 17-18 at 12:45 pm, Fri July 19 at 7:30 pm, Sat July 20 at 2:30 & 7:30 pm.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

14/48 (x2)

The One World Theatre tempts fate once again with the latest installment of 14/48. Same basic premise: 48 hours + a whole mess of talented theater folks = 14 plays completed from conception to performance. This time around, they've decided to throw yet another variable into the equation: they're assembling two complete teams to perform separate works on two consecutive weekends. One World Theatre at Consolidated Works, 1100 Republican St, 381-3218. $14.48. Fri-Sat at 8 pm and 10:30 pm. Through July 20.

A... MY NAME IS ALICE

Musical skits about contemporary women. RipTide Theatre at ArtsWest Playhouse, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-9793. $26 includes dinner and dessert. Fri-Sat at 7 pm; additional show Sun July 14. Through July 20.

ANTIQUES IMPROV SHOW

Closing. Bring your own objects; these jokers will tell you what you've got. The problem with the premise is... don't you think those real appraisers are pretty much winging it too? Unexpected Productions at Market Theater, Post Alley, 781-9273. $10. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Through July 13.

THE STUNTMEN

Birthed from the successes of last year's hi, D and A Very Reggie Xmas comes the latest musically inclinded sketch implosion, the Stuntmen. Featuring Reggie Watts, Tommy Smith, Jason Webley, and Michael McQuilken, among others. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. $10. 21 and over. Fri & Sat at 8 pm. Through July 27.

LATE NIGHT

COMEDY COURT

Improv comedy... in a courtroom setting! HA! Comedy Court at Odd Duck Studios, 1214 10th Ave, 442-2044. $10. Sat at 10:30 pm. Through July 27.