THEATER
OPENING THIS WEEK
FAME: THE MUSICAL · Paramount
THE JULIE CASCIOPPO EXPERIENCE · Stars Restaurant
LUNCH BOX THEATER SERIES · Unexpected Productions
NEVILLE’S ISLAND · Northwest Actors Studio
ONE WEEK ONLY
RAKUGO · Japan Foundation
CLOSING THIS WEEK
COMEDY OF ERRORS · Greenstage
*HAPPY PANTIES SPECIAL EDITION · Fremont Palace
THREE · Sit & Spin
TIMON OF ATHENS · Greenstage
WAITING FOR GODOT · Ricochet Biscuit
OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS
COMEDY OF ERRORS
Twin mishap engenders a laff-riot in Shakespeare’s most kidding of plays. Performed by Greenstage at various parks throughout the summer. Call for Location, 748-1551, www.greenstage.org. Fri & Sat at 8, through Sept 6. Donation.
*DERAILED DESIRES
“For many generations, the phrase ‘funny lesbian’ was an oxymoron on a par with ‘compassionate conservatism.’ But the ladies of Pulp Vixens have devoted themselves to demolishing that pigeonhole, wrangling together evenings of camp noir comedy that leave audiences wet with tears and shameful longings. The Vixens’ newest creation, Derailed Desires, dishes up lesbian love triangles, hardened tramps, and deadly seductions, set entirely aboard a speeding train bound for trouble. Starring Jennifer Jasper, Mia Levine, and Shawn Yates, and directed by the formidable Kevin Kent.” (David Schmader) Spintron, 916 E Pike, 442-2060. Fri & Sat at 8, through Sept 25. $10.
FAME: THE MUSICAL
The hopes! The dreams! The ambitions! The auditions! New York’s High School of Performing Arts spawns a soap opera of democratic back-stabbing, stair-leaping, and starry-eyed young students. Set to music by Steve Margoshes (the Who’s Tommy). Paramount, 911 Pine St, 292-2787. Tues-Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2 & 7:30, through Sept 19. $23-$50.
*HAPPY PANTIES SPECIAL EDITION
Vaudeville meets romance in this comic romp, remounted after its first (short) run met with popular acclaim. Promises pratfalls and stuffed animals. “The most bare-assed naked fun I’ve had in a theater in a long time.” (Tonia Steed) Fremont Palace (Empty Space Theater), 3509 Fremont Ave N, 425-640-5738. Thurs-Sun at 8, through Sept 5. $10.
Late Night Catechism
And the nun goes on. Somebody really likes cute Catholics. This is an evening of audience participation and interactive improv theater: think Sister Windy crossed with Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You. ACT, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, extended for eternity. $24.50-$29.50.
LUNCH BOX THEATER SERIES
A thespian diet, composed of alternating lunchtime plays: Unexpected Productions’ Cream of Wit, an audience-interactive improv, and theater simple’s This is a Play, a comedy about actors. Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Tues-Sat at noon, through Sept 18. $5.
MARS IS A STAR WHO DEFIES OBSERVATION
The planets are aligned and maligned in this new play by starry-eyed Bret Fetzer. The story of a sun-centered theory of the universe veers into personal agendas, including that of the author himself (as played by actress Barbi Beckett), becoming a “crazed collage of sexual politics, medieval animal law, the history of torture, and lurid sex.” Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8; Sun at 7, through Sept 11. $10.
NEVILLE’S ISLAND
An “outbound team-building weekend” sets the stage for a return to the wild for four middle management businessmen, in Tim Firth’s absurdist comedy, here directed by Krista Cromwell. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike, 324-6328. Fri & Sat at 8; Sun at 7, through Sept 25. $10/$8.
OEDIPUS REX
Free, in the park, prophesy and curses! And not just from passing transients. This time it’s Theater Schmeater’s Free Classics in the Park production of the Greek definition of family dysfunction, Oedipus Rex. Directed by John Kaufmann. Fri at 7 pm, Sat & Sun at 2 pm: Gasworks Park, Aug 27- Sept 5; Warren Magnuson Park, Sept 10-Sept 19. 3 24-5801. Free.
*POONA THE FUCKDOG
But wait, the dream continues! Everyone’s favorite Big Pink Box is still open for business. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. Fri-Sat at 8pm, extended through Sept 26. $12 (21 and over).
*RAKUGO
The simplicity of storytelling is honed to riveting art in the Japanese tradition of “Rakugo.” Rakugo is what 16th century feudal lords were entertained with on rainy days: comic, character-driven sketches performed by one person kneeling on a mat. Here’s a rare chance to see Rakugo performed in English, as well as in Japanese . Stimson Auditorium, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Volunteer Park, 654-3121. Fri Sept 3 at 7:30 pm, $9. Also: Leo K. Theater, Seattle Center (for Bumbershoot), 281-7788. Sun Sept 5 at 12:30 pm, pass required.
SKYLIGHT
The 1996 talk of Broadway comes to Seattle. David Hare’s play centers on Kyra, a young schoolteacher who falls for Tom, a married restauranteur. When their affair is found out, Kyra flees, only to meet up with Tom years later to, shall we say, re-engage. Intiman’s production is directed by Warner Shook, with Frank Corrado as Tom and Gina Nagy as Kyra. Intiman Theater, 201 Mercer St, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Sun, Tues, Wed at 7; Thurs-Sat at 8; Sat & Sun at 2, through Sept 18. $10-$39. See review this issue.
TEMPORARY HELP
David Wiltse’s psychological thriller steams up the stage. In a remote Nebraska farmhouse, “pay-day” takes on new intonations. Directed by Gordon Edelstein. ACT, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 7, some matinees, through Sept 12. $10-$40. See review this issue.
THREE
Billed as a “Magical Mystery Show,” the plotline of this Amy Ingram play certainly sounds psychedelic: Three muses murder the “pleasant and feminine Betty,” and find themselves in an afterworld that resembles a hellish carnival, featuring “a penis reader, Everlasting X-Ray Eyes, and a gravity defying aerialist with a monkey on her back.” Sit & Spin, 2219 Fourth Ave, 441-9484. Tues-Sun at 8, through Sept 8. $8.
TIMON OF ATHENS
Timon has to learn his lesson: Money might buy you a good pair of shoes but it can’t buy you happiness. One of Greenstage’s “Shakespeare In the Park” offerings. Call for Location, 748-1551, www.greenstage.org. Fri & Sat at 8, through Sept 5. Donation.
WAITING FOR GODOT
Ricochet Biscuit Theater Group takes on Beckett’s yawning metaphor. Directed by Shana Bestock. The Chamber Theater, 915 E Pine St, Fourth Floor, 956-4029. Fri & Sat at 8, through Sept 4. $10.
FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY
IMPROSIA
Character-driven improv based on audience suggestions. Wit’s End, 770 N 34th St, tickets at the door. Saturdays at 9:30. $7.
Julie Cascioppo Experience
Songs and characters you may grow to love. The Pink Door, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11. No cover. At Stars Restaurant with Ben fleck on piano, top floor Pacific Place Mall, 600 Pine St, 264-1112, Fri Sept 3 & Sept 17, 7 pm-11 pm, free.
THE PROM REUNION
The folks at Richard (Dick) Ultimate High School have decided to restage their 1970s prom, and you can be a part of it. Interactive theater in the style of Tony & Tina’s Wedding, food included. Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Center, Community Hall, Lower Level, 6532 Phinney Ave N, 628-0888. Sat at 6:30, through the end of summer. $45/$35 (group rates available).
*TEATRO ZINZANNI
Three hours of fancy food and thrilling spectacle from the world over, presented in an antique European dance hall imported from Belgium for the occasion. Now featuring body-juggling brothers from France and the jaw-dropping Kevin Kent. Seattle Center, 222 Mercer St, 281-7788 ext 700 or 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 6:30, extended through Dec 31. $88.
*THREE DOLLAR BILL
Seattle’s original gay/lesbian/bisexual stand-up comedy show is still standing in its second year. Comedy Underground, 222 S Min St, 324-8025. Tues at 9. $6.
LATE NIGHT
THE A.M. CABARET
Amoral entertainment for insomniacs; promising naked poetry, music, strippers, and drag queens. You may think you’re dreaming. This week features Lana Caprina and her Chanel suit and cake-batter-face, singing Piaf. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 860-7377. Sat from 2-4 am. $5.
Jet City Improv
Improv comedy and music based on audience suggestions. Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 781-3879. Fri & Sat at 10:30.
*SGT. RIGSBY AND HIS AMAZING SILHOUETTES
Using the tricky effect made possibly by today’s modern science — namely, electricity — the talented mesmerist Scot Augustson manipulates shadows to create sinister and smart storylines. Voices provided by guest Seattle talent. This special performance includes two pieces, “The Lost Bronte Novel” and “Ivey Higgins’ Tales for the Stout of Heart.” Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Fri & Sat at 11 pm, through Sept 10. $5. See review this issue.
SPIN THE BOTTLE
Annex’s late-night performance is a slumgullion of juggling, dance, singing, and silhouettes, cultivated by the finely tuned Bret Fetzer. Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 729-0933. first Friday of every month. No reservations. $5.
Theater Sports
Improv comedy with a competitive edge, brought to you by Unexpected Productions. Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Fri & Sat at 10:30, $9. Sun at 7, $5.
CALLS
CIVIC LIGHT OPERA
Volunteers are needed for the 1999-2000 season. Come to the volunteer orientation on Sept 14, from 7-9 pm, in the Jane Addams Theater auditorium at 11051 34th Ave NE, or call 325-1590.