Thom Pain (based on nothing)SEE BOX.
* Tick, tick . . . BOOM!Before tragically dying of an aortic aneurism at 36, Rent creator Jonathan Larson wrote an autobiographical dramatic monologue about trying to succeed as a rock composer. After Larson's death Tick, Tick . . . Boom! was made over into a musical for three actors. It is a reflection on the importance (or not) of making it before the clock strikes 30, with equal parts indulgent brooding and vaudevillian camp. As Honest Abe once said, "People who like this sort of thing will find this the sort of thing they like." Actors Nick DeSantis (Jonathan), John W. Bartley (Michael), and Jessica Skerritt (Susan) are obviously talented, deftly morphing into characters who range from Jon's emphysemic agent to his well-intentioned pipe-smoking father. The explosive energy of ambitious twentysomethings (going on 30) would have been better conveyed in a larger space that allowed for more expansive choreography, but Tick, Tick . . . Boom! nevertheless works well as a letter to a young playwright—warts and all. As a historical predecessor to what was Larson's one and only Broadway sensation, it aptly demonstrates the bumps that occur on the road to success. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., www.artswest.org. $10-$29. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.; 2 p.m. matinees Sat. Oct. 21 & 28, Sun. Oct. 22 & 29, Sat. Nov. 4. Ends Sat. Nov. 4.SUZANNE BEAL
Cabaret & Variety
The Bed Room ClubA show harkening back to the heyday of burlesque, featuring live music, sketch comedy, and dessert. Burning Hearts Burlesque at the Northwest Actors Studio, 1100 E. Pike St., 206-898-9067, www.bedroomclublive.com, www.burningheartsburlesque.com. $10-$15. 10 p.m. Thurs. Open run.
Burlesque Behind the Pink DoorVariety show featuring a revolving cast of performers including Babette La Fave, the Fremond Players, and Pa-Ooh-La the Swedish Housewife. 21 and over. The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, 206-443-3241, www.thepinkdoor.net. $5. 10 p.m. Sat. Open run.
Columbia City CabaretYou might expect that with a high-flying hostess like Tamara the Trapeze Lady, this naughty show would feature artists suspended in the air, and you'd be right, as Scotty Walsh presents some "aerial comedy" alongside a bevy of other suggestive performers. Columbia City Theatre, 4916 Rainier Ave. S., 206-605-9920. $15. 6 p.m. Sun. Oct. 22. Open run.SANDRA KURTZ
Mark CotterThis New York City crooner, a graduate of the Eugene O'Neill Center's Cabaret Symposium, will make his Seattle debut with a six-night run. Crepe de Paris, 1333 Fifth Ave., 206-623-4111. Opens Thurs. Oct. 19. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends Sat. Oct. 28.
Fall Student Graduation RecitalHosted by Academy of Burlesque headmistress Miss Indigo Blue. 21 and over. Jewelbox Theater at the Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., 206-441-5823, www.academyofburlesque.com. $10. 7 & 8:30 p.m. Sun. Oct. 21 only.
Le Faux Julia's newest drag show, starring Seattle's finest female impersonators. Julia's on Broadway, 300 Broadway E., 206-334-0513, www.eatatjulias.com. $10. 10:30 p.m. Sat. Ends Nov. 25.
Garrison KeillorThe master raconteur and creator of A Prairie Home Companion brings the old-timey entertainment of Lake Wobegon Days to Seattle. Seattle Theater Group at the Paramount Theater, 911 Pine St., 206-292-2787, www.theparamount.com. $22.50-$72.50. 7:30 p.m. Thurs. Oct. 19 only.
One Night OnlyA gala evening of cabaret to benefit Diverse Harmony, the nation's first gay/straight alliance youth chorus. (Thumper's will close its doors the following night, Sat. Oct. 21, with a "Last Call" party.) Thumper's, 1500 E. Madison St., 206-328-3800, www.diversharmony.org. $50. 7 p.m. Fri. Oct. 20 only.
Sinner Saint BurlesqueWeekly revue hosted by Mr. Dane Ballard. SSB at Noc Noc, 1516 Second Ave., www.sinnersaintburlesque.com. $5. 10 p.m. Thurs. Open run.
Teatro ZinZanni: The Trickster's TrunkLatest installment of the big-top dinner theater, featuring "triple threat" actor/singer/dancer Melanie Stace and opera singer Rachel DeShon. Teatro ZinZanni, 2301 Sixth Ave., 206-802-0015, http://dreams.zinzanni.org. $104-$155. 6:30 Thurs.-Sun. Ends Jan. 21.
Sketches & Stand-Up
Comedy Underground The long-running humor hangout spotlights seasoned pros as well as up-and-comers. Tuesday at 8:30 is Non-Profit Comedy ($10), benefiting a revolving list of causes and institutions. 222 S. Main St., 206-628-0303, www.comedyunderground.com, www.nonprofitcomedy.com. $6-$15. See website for dates and times.
Giggles Comedy Club Stand-up comedians and other entertainers from around the area and across the country. Thurs. is a free open-mike night; Sun. is a free "Comedy Showcase"; Fri. and Sat. feature headliners. 5220 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-526-JOKE, www.gigglescomedyclub.com. See website for specific date, time, and price info.
Jet City ImprovFunny, fast-paced theater based on audience suggestions. Historic University Theater, 5510 University Ave. N.E., 206-352-8291, www.jetcityimprov.com. $8-$10. All ages. See website for dates and times. Open run.
Unexpected ProductionsVarious shows including TheatreSports, competitive improv since 1983, and Market Fresh Improv. Market Theatre, 1428 Post Alley, 206-587-2414, www.unexpectedproductions.org. See website for dates, times, and prices. Open run.
Brent WeinbackThis San Francisco stand-up comic was called a "name to watch" by New York Magazine. Jewelbox Theater at the Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., 206-441-5823. $7. 7:30 p.m. Tues. Oct. 24 only.
