W(h)ackedSeattle playwright Stephanie Timm's "immorality play" about five murderous women. Live Girls! Theater, 2220 N.W. Market St., 800-838-8006, www.livegirlstheater.org. $10-$15. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 4 & 8 p.m. Sat. Ends Sat. Nov. 18.
The Winter's Tale Shakespeare's story of jealousy and forgiveness is pushed into the realm fantastic with director Mark Harrison's masterful reimagining. Stark, evocative sets and skilled use of color set the Bard's story free on an open but rich stage, and deliver a beautiful fairytale with real heartwarming power. Strong performances by Paul Stetler and Jayne Muirhead, with the comic genius of Troy Fischnaller and a fine supporting cast, are powerfully enhanced by the minimal design, nuanced costumery, and delicate lighting. They suggest an unplaceable pan-asian aesthetic that lends a timeless quality, while the use of paper cranes, puppetry, and sailing ships conjures an air of fantasy. The bear alone should not be missed. The strong production team very effectively maximized the Center House Theatre's intimate setting with original work, and propelled this lesser-known comedy into a wonderfully memorable tale. Center House Theatre at Seattle Center, 206-733-8222, www.seattleshakespeare.org. $18-$32. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends Sun. Nov. 19.NEIL CORCORAN
Cabaret & Variety
The Bedroom 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 DoorUpcoming performers include Babette La Fave and Miss Indigo Blue. 21 and over. The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, 206-443-3241, www.thepinkdoor.net. $10. 10:30 p.m. Sat. Open run.
Capitol StepsPolitical satire and song from this long-running troupe. Part of the "American Voices" series. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., www.foolproof.org. $25-$75. 7:30 p.m. Wed. Nov. 8.
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.
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.
Spin the Bottle Annex Theatre's monthly cabaret presents "60 Seconds Max!": over 50 minute-long acts, from tap dance to spoken word, banjo to opera, Miss Mamie Lavona to Seattle School, spontaneous painting, competitive tattoo application, toy pianos, and a professional Britney Spears impersonator. Freehold's East Hall Theater at the Oddfellows Hall, 915 E. Pine St., 2nd floor, 206-728-0933, www.annextheatre.org. $9. 11 p.m. Fri. Nov. 3 only.
Teatro ZinZanni: The Trickster's TrunkThe latest installment of the big-top dinner theater stars actor/singer/dancer Melanie Stace and opera singer Rachel DeShon. Teatro ZinZanni, 2301 Sixth Ave., 206-802-0015, dreams.zinzanni.org. $104-$155. 6:30 Thurs.-Sun. Ends Jan. 21.
Sketches & Stand-Up
Comedy Underground The long-running humor hangout this week hosts semifinal rounds in the Seattle Comedy Competition. 222 S. Main St., 206-628-0303, www.comedyunderground.com, www.nonprofitcomedy.com. $6-$15. See Web site for dates and times. Competition 8:30 p.m. Mon. Nov. 6-Tues. Nov. 7.
Giggles Comedy Club Stand-up comedians and other entertainers. Thurs. at 9 p.m. is a free open-mike night; Sun. at 9 p.m. is a free "Comedy Showcase"; Fri. and Sat. at 8 & 10 p.m. feature headliners. 5220 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-526-JOKE, www.gigglescomedyclub.com. See Web site for specific date, time, and price info.
Jet City ImprovFunny, fast-paced theater based on audience suggestions, including Cupcake, Fridays at midnight:30, and "Twisted Flicks," bad movies with improvised dialogue. Historic University Theater, 5510 University Ave. N.E., 206-352-8291, www.jetcityimprov.com. See Web site for dates and times. Open run.
Pork Filled PlayersGo East, Young Ham! is this Asian-American sketch comedy troupe's latest show. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 206-325-6500, www.ticketwindowonline.com, www.porkfilled.com. $6-$9. 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends Fri. Nov. 17.
Seattle Comedy CompetitionRound 1, Night 3 of the 27th annual event (32 competitors, 23 shows, 26 days, 17 different venues throughout the state) features 16 comedians performing for 5 minutes each. 21 and over. Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave., 800-838-3006, www.brownpapertickets.com, www.capitolhillarts.com. $15. 7:30 p.m. Sat. Nov. 4.
Best of Train of Thought The greatest hits from four years of shows by this comedy trio. Northwest Actor's Studio, Cabaret Theater, 1100 E. Pike St., 3rd floor, www.trainofthought.info. $8-$10. Opens Fri. Nov. 3. 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends Sat. Nov. 18.
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 Web site for dates, times, and prices. Open run.
