OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

1984

Empty Space Theatre’s adaptation attempts to capture the mood and atmosphere of the novel. Numbered in the successes: the strong performance by the lead, David Pichette; the extensive and often ingenious utilization of video technology; and the adaptation by Wayne Rawley. The primary failure is the set–it’s too modern for the grimy London described in the book. ” (Charles Mudede) Empty Space Theatre, 3509 Fremont Ave N, 547-7500. $10-$35. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 2 and 7:30 pm, Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm. Through Feb 28.

ARTHUR: THE BEGETTING

See review this issue. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $10-$28. Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Wed at 7:30 pm. Through March 6.

* BASH

Final week. “A rare combination of humility and grand ambitions. ” (Tamara Paris) New City Warehouse, 2110 Airport Way S, 271-4430. $12. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Through Feb 14.

COMEDY OF EROS III: LOVE, ON STAGE!

Final week. An evening of love-themed shorts by local playwrights. A Theater Near You at Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 425-830-5063. $12. Thurs-Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm. Through Feb 14.

DARK RIDE

See review this issue. Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 29.

THE DEVIL & BILLY MARKHAM

Shel Silverstein’s tale of a Faustian bargain. The Possibilities at Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. $12. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through Feb 28.

DREAMGIRLS

See also Theater News. Frenchie Davis of American Idol semi-fame stars in this retelling of the rise of the Supremes. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave, 292-2787. $18-$64. Thurs-Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2 and 8 pm, Sun at 1 and 7 pm, Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm. Through Feb 29.

KING LEAR

Final week. “Director John Langs turns Lear’s Fool, normally a court jester, into an imaginary friend. This conceit draws us inside Lear’s head. This wouldn’t work without a capable Lear; fortunately, Kurt Beattie is excellent. ” (Bret Fetzer) Seattle Shakespeare Company at Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St, Seattle Center, 733-8222. $18-$24. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 15.

THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER

Opening. A crotchety celebrity invalid takes up residence in a bland Ohio household. GreenStage at Sand Point Magnuson Park, Building 406, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 748-1551. Free, donations accepted. Opening Fri Feb 13 at 8 pm. Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through March 14.

THE MINEOLA TWINS

It’s possible that there’s a worse play by a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, but I can’t think of one. ” (Bret Fetzer) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 325-6500. $15. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through Feb 21.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Final week. “Marcus Goodwin’s adaptation, directed by Jane Jones, massacres Austen’s lively, humorous text. (Emily Hall) Book-It Repertory Theatre at ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 216-0833. $15-$26. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 15.

SAVING GRACE

Opening. A farce about a secretary, her lecherous boss, and a repairman. Tacoma Actor’s Guild, 901 Broadway Ave, Suite 600, Tacoma, 253-272-2145. $12.50-$28. Preview performances Thurs Feb 12 at 7 pm, Fri Feb 13 at 8 pm, Sat Feb 14 at 2 pm. Opening Sat Feb 14 at 8 pm. Sun at 2 and 7 pm, Tues at 7 pm, Wed at 2 and 8 pm. Through Feb 29.

TIBET THROUGH THE RED BOX

Based on a true story, this play recounts the travels of a Czech filmmaker in Tibet. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $12-$26. Fri at 7 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30 pm. Through March 14.

THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

Opening. William Saroyan’s drama about the regulars at a 1939 California saloon. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, Seattle Center, 443-2222. $10-$46. Preview performances Thurs-Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 and 7:30 pm. Opening Mon Feb 16 at 7:30 pm. Tues-Wed at 7:30 pm. Through March 6.

TWO BIRDS AND A STONE

See review this issue. Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave, 325-6500. $8-$22. Thurs-Sat at 8 pm. Through Feb 28.

THE WINTER’S TALE

One of the less ubiquitous offerings in the Shakespeare oeuvre. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W Greenlake Dr N, 325-6500. $10-$18. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 29.

THE WORKROOM

Final week. World War II Paris is the setting for this grim Jean-Claude Grumberg drama. Studio 201, Hutchinson Hall, UW campus, 543-4880. $6-$7. Thurs at 7 pm, Fri-Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Through Feb 15.

DANCE

THE BALANCHINE CENTENARY

Final week. Pacific Northwest Ballet joins in the celebration of the centennial of choreographer George Balanchine’s birth. McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, 292-2787. $16-$125. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 1 pm. Through Feb 15.

FADO, TANGO, & THE BLUES

One night only. Spectrum Dance Theater turns in a sultry Valentine’s performance at Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline, 417-4645. $15-$18. Sat Feb 14 at 7:30 pm.

STEPHEN PETRONIO COMPANY

See Stranger Suggests. One weekend only. Dance portrayals of urban life, with music by Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed and set pieces by Cindy Sherman. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. $22. Thurs-Sun Feb 12-15 at 8 pm.

FESTIVALS, CABARET, & COMEDY

SANDRA BERNHARD

One night only. Ms. Bernhard presents Excuses for Bad Behavior, Part 2 for one night at the Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, 292-2787. $25-$40. Sat Feb 14 at 8 pm.

BLACK VALENTINE’S DAY

One night only. Burlesque performances from Dita von Teese and the Atomic Bombshells at the Showbox, 1426 First Ave, 325-7328. $15 adv/$20 at the door. Fri Feb 13 at 9 pm.

CAGE MATCH

Improv teams compete to win performance slots at the Seattle Festival of Improv. Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE. No advance tickets, $5 at the door. Sun at 7 pm. Through Feb 22.

FROM THE APPIAN WAY TO BROADWAY

One night only. “Classical cabaret” from Paul Linnes, spanning everything from musical theater to opera. ArtsWest Playhouse, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339. $15-$18. Fri Feb 13 at 7:30 pm.

ILLUSIONARY

Final week. Comic cabaret with Quint Eby, Amazing Grace, and others. Glamazon Follies at Vesper’s Restaurant, 212 Fifth Ave S, 223-0593. $8. Fri at 9:30 pm. Through Feb 13.

INTIMATE STAGE CABARET

One night only. A Valentine’s Day cabaret, with Butoh (!), belly dancing, and skits. Dappin’ Butoh, 2353 N 64th St, 526-5756. Sat Feb 14 at 8 pm, Sun Feb 15 at 7 pm.

LA RONDE

NorthWest goga Theatre presents an improvised play. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike St, 748-0698. $8. Sat at 8 pm. Through Feb 28.

LAUGH LOVERS BALL

One night only. A comedy showcase with Jimmy Brogan and Dwight Slade, benefiting a boat and a program to take kids out on boats. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St, 628-0888. Sat Feb 14 at 7 and 9:30 pm.

MY FUNNY VALENTINE

One night only. BurningHearts Burlesque presents a comic Valentine’s show with host Dane Ballard as Fallen Cupid. Rendezvous, 2320 Second Ave, 898-9067. $10, tickets at the door only. Sat Feb 14 at 9 and 10:30 pm.

SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON SHOW

Final week. Improv and live reenactments of classic Saturday-morning cartoons. Wing-It Productions at Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, 325-6500. $8-$10. Thurs-Fri at 8 pm. Through Feb 13.

SEATTLE FESTIVAL OF IMPROV THEATER

Opening. Three improv troupes perform on any given night. Out-of-town guests include the Neutrino Project, Johnny Lunchpail, the Josh and Tamra Show, and KOKO. Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, 781-3952. $10. Wed Feb 18 at 8 and 10:30 pm. Through Feb 22.

SEATTLE NEUTRINO PROJECT

Dedicated to the art of live, improvised movies. Market Theatre, 1421 Post Alley, 781-9273. $10. Fri-Sat at 8 pm. Through Feb 21.

JIM SHORT

One weekend only. Standup comedy at Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 628-0303. $6-$12. Thurs Feb 12 at 8:30 pm, Fri-Sat Feb 13-14 at 8:30 and 10:30 pm.

LATE NIGHT

MY HEART BELONGS TO DADDY

One night only. The cast of King Lear pays homage to vaudeville. Center House Theater, 305 Harrison St, Seattle Center, 733-8222. $15. Sat Feb 14 at 10:30 pm.

SOCCER MOMS

Opening. Love and vodka on the sidelines with the mothers of a bunch of 11-year-old athletes. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 325-6500. $10. Preview performance Thurs Feb 12 at 11 pm. Opening Fri Feb 13 at 11 pm. Sat at 11 pm. Through Feb 28.

TAPROOT IMPROV COMEDY

Christian improv? We are so there. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. $4-$5. Sat at 10:15 pm. Through March 5.

THE TEMPS

One night only. Improv comedy at ArtsWest Playhouse, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0963. $5-$7. Sat Feb 14 at 10:30 pm.

LONG RUNS
BIG WHEEL BINGO at Rendezvous, 441-5823.

* THE HOKUM HALL VARIETY SHOW at Hokum Hall, 937-3613.

JET CITY IMPROV at Historic University Theater, 352-8291.

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM from Seattle Theatre Project at ACT, 292-7676.

TEATRO ZINZANNI 2301 Sixth Ave, 802-0015.

THEATRESPORTS at the Market Theater, 781-9273.

Annie Wagner is The Stranger's former film editor. She was born and raised in Capitol Hill, but has since lived in such far-flung locales as Phoenix, AZ, Charlottesville, VA, and Wedgwood. After graduating...