Please note: Press releases for upcoming productions must be received
by The Stranger no less than two weeks before the opening date. Fax 323-7203
or e-mail traci@thestranger.com.
OPENING THIS WEEK
1918 • Theater Schmeater
DEALER’S CHOICE • Empty Space
FOUR FIRSTS • Naugahyde Productions
LOCAL UNION 608 • Little Theater
SIRENS OF SWING • Cabaret de Paris
THE WEDDING • UW Meany Studio Theater
ONE WEEK ONLY
CARLOTTA’S LATE NITE CABARET • Market Theater
COMPLEXIONS • Paramount
JOE CHVALA & HIS FLYING FOOT FORUM • Meany Theater
MONSTERS OF GRACE • Paramount
THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE • Brown Derby Reading Series
CLOSING THIS WEEK
EVER SINCE IRMA LADOUCE • Theater Off Jackson
OH, COWARD! • Seattle Rep
A PALE AND LOVELY PLACE • ACT
PU’UHONUA • Open Circle
THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY • Seattle Mime Theater
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA • UW Ethnic Cultural Theater
OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS
1918–A deadly inflamesuenza epidemic brings feverish epiphanies to a small
town in Texas: Yes, family really matters. A feel-good play by Horton Foote (The
Trip to Bountiful), directed by James Lapan. Theater Schmeater, 1500
Summit Ave, 324-5801. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through May 8. $12-$15.
DEALER’S CHOICE–From England, a poker comedy that deals with a straight
face with British slang, relationships, and the politics of money loans. This
Northwest premiere is directed by Rod Pilloud. Empty Space Theater, 3509
Fremont Ave N, 547-7500. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at
2 & 7, through May 9. $16-$25.
DESIGN FOR LIVING–Ah, the bohemian life in Paris. You love her, she
loves him, he loves his art. Noël Coward’s play is set in 1933, and was
originally written as a vehicle for himself and his two close friends Alfred
Lunt and Lynne Fontanne. The Rep’s version features Mark Chamberlin, Francesca
Farinday, Jared Reed, and Jeff Woodman. Directed by Stephen Wadsworth (An
Ideal Husband). Seattle Repertory Theater, Second & Mercer, 443-2222.
Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat & Sun at 2, through April 18. $10-$39.
EVER SINCE IRMA LADOUCE–“If you like your identity politics spoon-fed,
this is your show. Seasoned with ‘I gotta be me’ affirmations and small town
everycharacters of the haters-with-hearts-of-gold variety, Ever Since Irma
LaDouce tells the story of Francis, a woman who undergoes a midlife gender
reassignment and returns to his/her small hometown. Francis is played by Susan
Finque, who also plays the variety of characters drawn upon to comment on Francis’
female-to-male transformation. Idea-driven moments are rare, and, sadly, Ever
Since Irma LaDouce lacks the ambiguity it hopes to celebrate.” (Tonia Steed)
Theater Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S, 340-1049. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at
4, through April 10. $10.
FOUR FIRSTS–Local playwrights premiere four original shorts: Musings, by Jose Amador; Corn, by Andrew MacLean; Light from the Sun, by Paul Mullin; and The Depressionist’s Handbook, by Joe Wack. Odd Duck Studios, 1214 10th Ave, 729-4839. Thurs-Sat at 8, through April 24. $10/$8.
THE GAME OF LOVE & CHANCE–Marivaux, the French dramatist and novelist,
is apparently enjoying a revival in American theater as new translations of
his classics hit the shelves. The Game of Love and Chance, which originally
premiered in 1730, pulls the old servant/master switcheroo, resulting in all
sorts of laff riots and revelations. Directed by Joseph DeLorenzo. Nu Black
Arts West Theater, 153 14th Ave & Fir, 985-1019. Thurs-Sat at 8, through
April 17. $10.
HERSTORY OF PORN: REEL TO REAL–Annie Sprinkle brings porn to light,
including a how-to. See Arts Lead. Velvet Elvis Lounge Theater,
107 Occidental Ave S, 624-8477. Wed-Sun at 8, through April 18. $22.
IT COMES AROUND–Before playwright Y York and director Mark Lutwak
leave for new projects in Hawaii, they’re presenting one last play in Seattle.
Written by York, It Comes Around demonstrates what happens when one woman’s
powerlessness hits her in the face one too many times. Produced by Theater Under
the Inflamesuence, “a company dedicated to under-represented themes and plays.”
Union Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 720-1942. Thurs-Sat at 8, through April
24. $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. First Covenant Church, 400 E Pike, 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat
at 8, Sun at 2, extended for eternity. $24.50-$29.50.
MONSTERS OF GRACE–Artsy legends Philip Glass and Robert Wilson collaborate on this “digital opera in three dimensions.” Performed by the Philip Glass Ensemble, one night only. Paramount, 911 Pine St, 812-1114. Fri April 9 at 8. $20-$40.
*NORTHWEST NEW WORKS–New work from the area’s most innovative performing artists. This week’s program features brainy dance babe Amii LeGendre and hilarious monologist Matt Smith, along with Rockhopper Dance, Amy Ingram, and Lela Performance Group. On the Boards, 100 W Roy, 217-9888. Thurs-Sat at 8, through April 17. Festival passes $30, students $20. Individuals $8-$12.
*A PALE AND LOVELY PLACE–Multi-talented
Kevin Joyce’s wicked cabaret, directed by (also multi-talented) Kevin Kent. See review this issue. ACT Theater, Bullitt Cabaret, 700 Union St,
292-7676. Thurs at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 2 & 7, through April 11. $10.
PU’UHONUA–“Perceptions of race and the nature of love” fuel Maria
Glanz’s solo exploration of life outside a 1940s Japanese internment camp. See
review this issue. Open Circle Theater, 429 Boren Ave N, 382-4250.
Thurs-Sat at 8, through April 10. $10-$12.
RED, WHITE & TUNA–Tuna, Texas, is the setting for Joe Sears and Jaston Williams’ tale of redneck independence, the third in the “Greater Tuna” series. The Moore Theater, 1932 Second Ave, 292-2787, April 6-25. Call for times and prices.
ROMANCE WITH DOUBLE BASS–Book-It Repertory presents stories by Anton
Chekhov, whose rightfully celebrated plays are mere piddles compared to his
gorgeous, masterful short stories. Book-It bravely chooses four: “Romance with
Double Bass,” “Anyuta,” “The Chorus Girl,” and “The Grasshopper.” Book-It
Theater, 1219 Westlake Ave N #301, 216-0877. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through
May 2. $10-$15.
THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY–Physical theater and literature collide
in four short stories, interpreted by the masterful Seattle Mime Theater. George
Lewis directs Walter Mitty and Bailey White’s The Dance of the Chicken
Feet; Pat Graney directs Raymond Carver’s Cathedral; and Rita Biomi
creates The Buck, by Joyce Carol Oates. Chamber Theater, 915 E
Pine St, 4th Floor, 324-8788. Fri-Sun at 8, through April 11. $15/$12.
TERRA NOVA–In the race to reach the South Pole, tragedy ensues. Ted
Tally’s 1977 play based on British explorer Robert Falcon Scott’s personal journals
makes for doomed drama. Directed by Scott Nolte. Taproot Theater, 204
N 85th St, 781-9707. Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8, Sat at 2, through April
24. $20-$22.
TITANIC: A NEW MUSICAL–Horrendous tragedy is transformed into rambunctious
singing ‘n’ dancing entertainment in this multiple Tony award-winning musical.
Fifth Avenue Theater, 1326 Fifth Ave, 292-ARTS. Tues-Sun, call for times,
through April 18. $21-$65.
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA–An updated version of Shakespeare’s cross-dressing
love-fuck, directed by M. Burke Walker. UW Ethnic Cultural Center, 3940
Brooklyn Ave NE, 286-0728. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2, through April 11. $10-$18.
WALKING THE WALLS–S. P. Miskowski’s Southwestern odyssey sends two misplaced persons–an ex-con named Lloyd and a recovering repressed-memory-o-holic named Leona–rambling through the Arizona desert in a pickup truck, each looking for a second shot. Ellen Graham’s low-key direction and brilliant performances by Susan Riddiford, Mollie Jensen, and especially Josh Sebers as the Rod McKuen-reading serial strangler fuel the production for miles. Miskowski’s got a gift for verbal wrestling matches, building characters, and digging up the absurd at every mundane pit stop. But even on a collision course, at almost three hours, the play eventually runs out of gas. If she can tighten a couple of bolts in the story, Walking the Walls will be hell on wheels. (Tonia Steed) NW Actors Studio, 1100 E Pike, 324-6328. Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 7, through April 24. $10/$8.
THE WEDDING–Yury Belov, former artistic director of the Moscow Clown Theater, clowns around with Chekhov, presenting three versions of the story in comedic, absurdist, and farcical style, respectively. Belov is a recent recipient of the L.A. Drama-Logue Award for directing. Meany Studio Theater, UW Campus, 543-4880. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 2, through April 25. $7-$8.FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDYBONANZA –Printer’s Devil Theater’s annual workshop series. Week #7 features Verilee, by Kristen Palmer, a puzzle of forgetfulness. Speakeasy Cafe Backroom, 2304 Second Ave, 860-7163. Mon & Tues at 7:30, through May 18. Donation.
CARLOTTA’S LATE NITE CABARET–Carlotta’s popular cabaret is going to
L.A., and they’d like to say goodbye. You can catch the family, friends, and
dwarf one final week. Market Theater, Post Alley, 781-9273. Fri & Sat
April 9-10 at 8. $6.
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.
OH, COWARD!–A revue of songs and plays by the post-Victorian but prolifically closeted playwright Noël Coward, featuring Joel Carlton (Annie Get Your Gun), Patti Cohenour (The Phantom of the Opera), and David Pichette (Nixon’s Nixon). Directed and choreographed by Stephen Terrell. Seattle Repertory Theater, Seattle Center, 443-2222. Tues-Sun at 7:30, Sat & Sun at 2, extended through April 10. $15-$39.
PARALLEL LIVES: THE KATHY & MO SHOW–Deli theater with a real bite,
featuring cult-wannabes the Supreme Beings. Authentic New York-style deli buffet
included. Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Ave SW, 935-8420. Fri-Sun through April
11. $20.
THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE--The second reading in the Brown Derby Series
features the classic disaster- at-sea film, starring priests, prostitutes, and
a tsunami. The script will be read by Scott Bradley, David German, Peggy Gannon,
Devastasia, and others. Re-Bar, 1114 Howell St, 233-9873. Wed April 14
at 8. $6.
SIRENS OF SWING–Seattle’s trio of hep-cat vocalists celebrates “Swango”
month (that’s a Beat word combining “Tango” and “Swing,” man) with musical numbers
from the ’20s and ’30s. Crepe de Paris, 4th & Union, 783-0093. Thurs
at 8, through April 22. $10.
*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. Worth
the price just to watch local wonder Kevin Kent work his jaw-dropping magic
on crowds of people who’d never set foot in a fringe theater. Seattle Center,
222 Mercer St, 281-7788 ext 700 or 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 6:30,
extended through May 30. $88.
*THREE DOLLAR BILL–Seattle’s original Gay/Lesbian/ Bisexual stand-up comedy show still stands in its second year. “Defying all expectations, $3 Bill is refreshingly raunchy, full of scathing goodness.” (Steven Grimm). Comedy Underground, 222 S Main St, 324-8025. Tues at 8:30. $6.DANCECOMPLEXIONS–The collaborative vision of directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson culminates in this look at “the aesthetics of contemporary society” through modern dance. Paramount, 911 Pine St, 682-1414. Sat at 8. $33.50-$60.
JOE CHVALA & HIS FLYING FOOT FORUM–Nordic percussive dance featuring
the live musical accompaniment of Swedish folk-rock group Hedningarna. It’s
a goulash of dance styles promising unrepentant paganism. Meany Theater,
UW Campus, 543-4880. Thurs-Sat at 8. $28/$19.LATE NIGHTTHE A.M. CABARET–Amoral
entertainment for insomniacs, promising naked poetry, music, strippers, and
drag queens. You may think you’re dreaming. 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.
LOCAL UNION 608–The Little Theater presents monthly serial drama pulled
from a mixed bag of live performance, video, film, and music. Episode #1, titled,
“The Death of Trotsky Out of Context,” pits outlaw garbage men from the future
against a Marxist Roto-Rooter man in a race against time and space. Written
and directed by Michael Chick. Little Theater, 608 19th Ave E, 523-3935.
Fri & Sat, Apr 9-10 at 10. $8.
LO BLO–Catholic school girls in trouble, transvestite stalkers, meaty
jewelry, and naked hippies make up this late night sketch comedy orgy. Union
Garage, 1418 10th Ave, 323-8390. Fri & Sat at 11 pm, through April 17. $5.
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 Fri 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.CALLSAIDS PREVENTION THEATER–Seeking
new producer for the 1999-2000 season. Call Bryn at 284-3909.
DAVID MAMET’S LAKEBOAT–Auditions for May production to be held
April 11, from noon-4 at the NW Actor’s Studio, 11th & Pike St. Eight men needed,
ages 20-50. Call Joel Gilman at 324-4247 to schedule a time slot.
PAT GRANEY COMPANY–Holding open auditions for experienced dancers,
Sat April 17 at the Seattle Mime Theater, 915 E Pine St, 4th Floor, from 10
am to 1 pm. The Company is seeking female dancers with strong improv skills
interested in process-oriented choreography. Please bring tennis shoes and resumes.
Call 329-3705 for more info.
STAGE MANAGER–Needed for one-act play for Northwest Asian American
Theater’s Spring Festival. Running light and audio cues. Some pay involved.
Call Mike at 425-703-2611.
VELOCITY–Show your new work in performance/ theater/choreography. Showcase May 22 & 23. Submission deadline April 23. Call Helene Lesterlin at 325-8773 for application.