OPENING THIS WEEK
BOLSHOI BALLET · Paramount Theatre
CRY, GODDESS, RAGE · EXITheatre
EASYBAKE · Speakeasy Cafe
THE FEVER · A Contemporary Theatre
ON THE VERGE · GREX Theatre
SOAPBOX · Northwest Actors Studio
ONE WEEK ONLY
AGAINST THE NEEDLES · 8 Limbs Yoga Center
MAKING CHOICES · Freefall
STARS & STORIES · Seattle Repertory Theatre
CLOSING THIS WEEK
FESTIVAL OF MEN DANCING · Against the Grain
THE SHNEEDLES · Odd Duck Studio
TALLEY’S FOLLY · A Contemporary Theatre
WHEN I GROW UP I’M GONNA GET SOME BIG WORDS · Seattle Children’s Theatre
OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS
THE AWAKENING
Book-It’s adaptation of one of the first books to be banned in the United States that was written by a woman, about a woman’s struggle for personal independence. Seattle Repertory Theatre’s PONCHO Forum, 155 Mercer St, 216-0833. Thurs-Sun at 7:30, Sun matinees at 2, through June 25. $15, $10 students/seniors/groups. Reviewed this issue.
CRY, GODDESS, RAGE
This retelling of the Trojan War has a horrible title, but it’s being mounted by EXITheatre, who staged a play in a ’71 Mercedes Benz in the last Fringe Fest. Nu Black Arts West, 153 14th Ave, 779-2284. Thurs-Sat at 8, through July 1. $10.
EASYBAKE
A surreal dark comedy with feminist themes, set in a peep show. See Bio Box. Speakeasy Cafe, 2304 Second Ave, 760-0870. Thurs-Sun (no show on June 21) at 8, through June 25. $10.
THE FEVER
Wallace Shawn’s self-flagellating monologue, performed by John Procaccino. See Stranger Suggests. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Wed, Thurs, Sun at 7:30; Fri-Sat at 8, June 9-25. $15, $10 for those 25 and under.
FOUR DOGS AND A BONE
Yet another satire of the movie industry. I like John Patrick Shanley, and since he’s got first-hand experience (he wrote Moonstruck and wrote and directed the much maligned Joe Versus the Volcano), this might actually be funny. Moonlight Theatre Company at Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 367-2174. Thurs-Sat at 8, through June 24. $12. Reviewed this issue.
I, BOHEMIA
This satire of a left-wing theater collective is based on playwright Marcy Redenborn’s own experiences as an apprentice with the San Francisco Mime Troupe, a left-wing theater collective. If she doesn’t pull her punches, this could be sharp, since god knows there’s a lot to satirize with left-wing theater collectives. Theatre Babylon at the Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8, through July 1. $12. Reviewed this issue.
Late Night Catechism
“While non-Catholics will find Sister’s pathological disdain of chewing gum and broken rulers amusing, members of the faith will find it hilarious.” (Adrian Ryan) A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, extended for eternity. $24.50-$29.50.
MOTORCADE
A biting social satire, written by the guy who provided the voice of “Crow” on Mystery Science Theater 3000, Bill Corbett. “A vigilante leader manipulating a local television reporter to great advantage is funny… but militia men beating a character onstage is unrealistic melodrama.” (Tom Spurgeon) Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, matinee on Sun June 18 at 2, through June 24. Thurs pay-what-you-will, $12 otherwise. And if you’re under 18, it’s free! free! free!
ON THE VERGE
Eric Overmeyer’s highly verbal adventure about three Victorian women traveling from 19th-century New England to 1955 Las Vegas, produced by GREX. Book-It Repertory Theater, 1219 Westlake Ave N, Suite 301, 985-1019. Thurs-Sat at 8, through June 24. $12 (June 15 & 22 pay-what-you-can).
*RAIN CITY ROLLERS
Bitchin’ babes on skates tell the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice through song and competitive roller derby. House of Dames at Sand Point Naval Base, Hangar 2S, 7400 Sand Point Way NE. Thurs-Sun at 8, with Fri-Sat performances at 10:30 on June 16-July 1, through July 2. $16-$20. Reviewed this issue.
SOAPBOX
Actually, this opened last week, but I only just got the press release. Formerly a late night show, Soapbox is a combination of sketch comedy and improv that also regularly features musical guests. Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike, 324-6328. Fri-Sat at 8, (no show June 17), full bar opens at 7:30, through June 24. $7.
STARS & STORIES
A whole buttload of notables read from children’s stories to benefit the Rep’s education programs. The eclectic lineup includes Lily Tomlin, John Aylward, Sandra Tsing Loh, Jean Godden, Marcie Sillman, Charles Johnson, J. A. Jance, Ron Sims, and others. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2210. Mon June 12, reception starts at 6:30, performance at 7:30, post-show cast party for “upper level ticket buyers only.” $50-$150 (“upper level”), with $25 tickets available for kids 12 and under.
TALLEY’S FOLLY
One of those two-character dramas that have entrenched themselves in regional American theater for reasons more economic than aesthetic. I’m sure this one is lovely and earnest. A Contemporary Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Through June 11, times vary. $23-$42, $10 for patrons 25 or under.
UNDER THE GASLIGHT
A 19th-century melodrama, souped up a bit, but it sounds like Eddie Levi Lee is foregoing the usual chainsaws and smoke machines. Includes variety acts between scenes. Empty Space, 3509 Fremont Ave, 547-7500. Tues-Sun, through July 9, times vary. $18-$26. Reviewed this issue.
WAIT UNTIL DARK
Taproot promises this is a “gritty contemporary mounting” of this creeeeeaky stage thriller about a blind girl and a doll full of heroin. Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, 781-9707. Through June 17, times vary. $14-$24, $10 for anyone 25 or under.
WHEN I GROW UP I’M GONNA GET SOME BIG WORDS
Seattle Children’s Theatre closes out its season with a world premiere exploring the inspirational give-and-take between activists in the Civil Rights Movement and their courageous leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. An ambitious work culled from letters, essays, speeches, and diary entries. Charlotte Martin Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. Fri at 7, Sat-Sun at 2 and 5:30, through June 11. $13.50-$20.50.
DANCE
AGAINST THE NEEDLES
A solo performance by Hugh Bigney, a former principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet and world champion Scottish Highland dancer. This piece, however, is “based on tidal patterns along the wilderness coast of Washington state,” and will include “original music, spoken word, old recordings, and samplings of birds, whales, eagles….” 8 Limbs Yoga Center, 500 E Pike, no number given for reservations. Fri June 9 & 23 at 8. No price given, a donation will probably be requested.
BOLSHOI BALLET
This is a pretty big deal if you like ballet; this notable Russian troupe will be performing Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. See Stranger Suggests. Paramount Theatre, Ninth and Pine, no phone number given, so it’s probably through Ticketmaster at 292-ARTS. June 14-18, Wed-Fri at 7, Sat at 2 and 8, Sun at 2. $26-$126.
FESTIVAL OF MEN DANCING
Against the Grain: Men in Dance will present works by 21 choreographers, including 8 women. Which means there are 13 male choreographers in Seattle. I had no idea. I guess that’s sort of the point. Freehold East Hall Theatre, Oddfellows Hall at 10th and Pine, 389-4945. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through June 11. Different program each weekend. $10-$12, passes are $20.
MAKING CHOICES
An improvisational trio called Freefall “combine dance, storytelling, and theater,” according to their very brief press release. Could be anything. On the Boards Studio Theater, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. Fri-Sat June 9-10 at 8. $12.
FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY
*HOKUM’S RAGTIME NICKELODEON REVUE
Professor Hokum W. Jeebs returns with an evening of ragtime, silent cinema, classic vaudeville, and the big sounds of the mighty 1929 WurliTzer Theatre Pipe Organ. “I felt somehow like we were fireflies raising our tiny lights into a shimmering chorus, sharing our voices before descending into the inevitable darkness.“ (Tamara Paris) Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, 937-3613. Fri-Sat at 8, open-ended engagement. $12 general, $10 student/senior. Discounts available.
Julie Cascioppo Experience
“Cascioppo has confidently tossed schmaltz, a Casio keyboard, a couple of exhausted-looking wigs, naughty banter and… songs you thought you hated into a furiously agitating blender. The cocktail concocted goes down shockingly smooth.” (Tamara Paris) Pink Door, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11. No cover.
*THREE DOLLAR BILL
“Like most disreputable arts, standup now offers a more compelling product for its lack of adoration. Billed as a gay- and lesbian-oriented show, Three Dollar Bill also works as a low-cost current comedy primer.” (Tom Spurgeon) Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 628-0303. Tues at 8. $6.
LATE NIGHT
Jet City Improv
Improv comedy and music based on audience suggestions. “The show goes down really smoothly. One only wishes for better direction.” (Tom Spurgeon) Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 781-3879. Fri-Sat at 10:30. $7, $5 with student ID.
MONEY & RUN
Everyone says the first episode of this action adventure serial was great. Here’s the second. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit, 324-5801. Fri-Sat nights at 11, through June 24. $6 (patrons under 18 free). Reviewed this issue.
*THE SHNEEDLES
Bill Robison and Wolfe Bowart are astounding clowns. Not to be missed. Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave N, 324-1062. Fri-Sat at 10:30, Sun at 7, through June 11. No price given, probably $5-$7. Reviewed this issue.
TheatRESports
“The only improvisational show I’ve ever seen where the women performers were clearly better than the men–a welcome change from the over-aggressive scene-stealing of many male-driven troupes.” (Tom Spurgeon) Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Fri-Sat at 10:30, $9; Sun at 7, $5.
UP IN YOUR GRILL
The Grill folks are tearing it up weekly with fast and furious comic sketches. Speakeasy Cafe, 2304 Second Ave, 444-4336. Sat at 11 (opening acts at 10:30). $7.
CALLS
New improv troupe seeks performers. Auditions on Sat June 10, 3 pm, at TPS studios in Seattle Center. Call 442-2044 for more information or to register.
Teen actors! The Immediate Theatre’s master class in commedia dell’arte still has openings. Class runs June 26-30, 1-5 pm each day at Phinney Ridge Center in Greenwood. $150 per student. Call 301-9945 for more information or to register.