Northwest New Works Festival

Extra Info

On the Boards $14-$20 Every week Saturday, Sunday from Sat., May 10 until Sun., May 18, 5:00pmEvery week Friday from Fri., May 9 until Sun., May 18, 8:00pmEvery week Saturday, Sunday from Sat., May 10 until Sun., May 18, 8:00pm

Let’s thank whatever gods may be for the continued health of the Northwest New Works Festival, which turns 25 (!) this year. Both the OtB Studio and Mainstage offer full programs this weekend, sampler plates of the region’s experimental artists, including works-in-progress, excerpts from longer works, and a few polished and honed miniatures. (And, of course, at least a couple of pieces guaranteed to activate your “Huh?” gland.) As always at OtB, dance is well represented: Left Field Revival, Esse Aficionado, Harrell Projects, and NorthWest Dance Syndrome are on the bill. Also check out the charmingly bizarre bluegrass-inspired ramblings of the Half Brothers (Awesome! members John Ackerman and David Nixon, along with guitarist Rick Miller); solo performance from Portland’s Faith Helma (a member of Hand2Mouth, who blew us away with last year’s Repeat After Me); music and video from Holcombe Waller; and a theater/movement/puppet piece helmed by Annette Toutonghi (she of the big ideas and humorously little voice). Each showcase provides you with your minimum daily requirement of tasty avant-garde art through Sun., May 11. A new program begins next weekend (see Web site for full schedule and details). On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St., 217-9888, www.ontheboards.org. $14-$20. Opens May 9. 8 p.m. Fri., 5 & 8 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends May 18. JOHN LONGENBAUGH

Living Dead in Denmark

Some people know wine and cheese. I know zombie movies. And now—zombie theater. Qui Nguyen’s Living Dead in Denmark features local sketch-comedy troupe the Pork Filled Players in a post-apocalyptic, zombie-filled future. (Zombies and the future, they go together.) The Danes here attempt to fend off human extinction by enlisting their own zombie army: Shakespeare and his fiercest female creations, which of course include the totally bad-ass zombified Lady Macbeth. A battle ensues between well-read and well-fed zombies to determine who will rule Denmark. Let’s hope it’ll be made into a movie. Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave. S., 340-1049, www.theatreoffjackson.org. $13–$15. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends May 24. ERIKA HOBART

Theater Off Jackson

$10-$15. Every week Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Thu., May 1 until Sat., May 24, 8:00pm

El Vez

Extra Info

Kirkland Performance Center Fri., May 9, 8:00pm

In 1977, Elvis finished one of his last shows saying, “’Til we meet you again, may God bless you. Adios!” He left the world that same year. Adios, Elvis. Hola, El Vez. Old-school, washed-up Elvis impersonators often inspire our mocking laughter, especially when the only thing gyrating is their beer bellies. But Seattleite Robert Lopez evokes real stomach-aching laughter in his El Vez for Prez show, which is packed with wit, political satire, and Hispanic pride. Lopez covers other artists too, and usually rewrites lyrics to reflect the current reality of the Mexican-American community. A former punk rocker, Lopez can belt “You ain’t nothin’ but a Chihuahua” like the King himself. More importantly, El Vez can work that pelvis in tight leather and mariachi boots, too. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave.,425-893-9900, www.kpcenter.org. $26. 8 p.m. JOSHUA LYNCH

According to Coyote

The most engaging part of this show, for children and adults alike, came after the performance had finished. Left to his own devices during the question-and-answer period, Gene Tagaban, Coyote’s sole performer, launched into an unscripted tale about one of his favorite mythological tricksters, the rabbit. With his enthusiasm for Native American lore, Tagaban is at ease onstage as both an actor and an educator. John Kauffman’s script, focusing on another trickster, the coyote, seems to constrain Tagaban. Though he wrote the script for a single actor in order to retain the authenticity of Native American storytelling, the effect is that the stories begin to meld together. (Coyote gets in a pickle, then in another, and another, which may or may not be related to the previous one.) Coyote’s technical elements are all beautifully done, most notably Don Yanik’s set design and Tim Wratten’s lighting; both are visually appealing and complementary without distracting from the performance. Lee Barnette Dombrowski’s costumes provide an element of transformation from modern American Indian to tribal native. BRENT ARONOWITZ Also see Longenbaugh's interview with Tagaban here. See Web site for the Byzantine weekend performance schedule through May 11.

Seattle Children's Theatre

$17-$33. Every week Friday, Saturday, Sunday from Fri., March 14 until Sun., May 11

Aurélia’s Oratorio

Extra Info

Bagley Wright Theater Sat., May 10Daily from Wed., May 7 until Sat., May 10, 7:30pm

Pity poor magic. Even when it escapes the sideshow ghetto of ventriloquism and the geek tent, it still ends up splashed in sequins and fake tans (see: David Copperfield) or dressed in the ludicrous excess of heavy metal (see: Criss Angel). But every once in a long while, magic actually aspires to something much more interesting. Presented by Seattle Rep and Seattle International Children’s Festival, Aurélia’s Oratorio—recommended for ages 10 and up—mixes comedy, dance, mime, and illusion in a show that features Aurélia Thierrée, a granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin. The show’s creator, Victoria Chaplin (Thierrée’s mother), brought her delicate and elaborately quirky Le Cirque Invisible to the Rep back in 1997, in which everyday objects morphed into things completely different—silverware becoming jewelry, pieces of apparent junk transformed into ornaments and musical instruments. From the rapturous praise of the critics then to the current production (through Sun., May 11), it sounds like the Chaplin family has again created something that’s like magic—only better. Bagley Wright Theatre, 155 Mercer St., 443-2210, www.seattlerep.org. $10–$35. 7:30 p.m. tonight through Sat., May 10; also 2 p.m. Thurs., Sat., & Sun. JOHN LONGENBAUGH

Aurélia’s Oratorio

Pity poor magic. Even when it escapes the sideshow ghetto of ventriloquism and the geek tent, it still ends up splashed in sequins and fake tans (see: David Copperfield) or dressed in the ludicrous excess of heavy metal (see: Criss Angel). But every once in a long while, magic actually aspires to something much more interesting. Presented by Seattle Rep and Seattle International Children’s Festival, Aurélia’s Oratorio—recommended for ages 10 and up—mixes comedy, dance, mime, and illusion in a show that features Aurélia Thierrée, a granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin. The show’s creator, Victoria Chaplin (Thierrée’s mother), brought her delicate and elaborately quirky Le Cirque Invisible to the Rep back in 1997, where everyday objects morphed into things completely different—silverware becoming jewelry, pieces of apparent junk transformed into ornaments and musical instruments. From the rapturous praise of the critics then to the current production (through Sat., May 10), it sounds like the Chaplin family has again created something that’s like magic—only better. Bagley Wright Theatre, 155 Mercer St., 443-2210, www.seattlerep.org. $10-$35. Opens May 7. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 2 p.m. Thurs., Sat., & Sun. Ends May 11. JOHN LONGENBAUGH

Seattle Repertory Theater

$10-$35. Wed., May 7, 7:30pmThu., May 8, 2:00pmThu., May 8, 7:30pmFri., May 9, 7:30pmSat., May 10, 2:00pmSat., May 10, 7:30pmSun., May 11, 2:00pm

Busytown

What year is it is in Busytown? Its population of cats, dogs, lions, bears, and worms dress like peasants and live in Victorian houses, but also fly around in airplanes and perform X-rays on each other. This world premiere (don’t mock the term, Longenbaugh!) radiates with simple, silly joy while bringing to life the impossible physics and interspecies harmony of Richard Scarry’s world. The breezy, confident cast dances and sings their way through a catchy mishmash of Tin Pan Alley and doo-wop numbers (by Michael Koerner, with lyrics by NPR regular Kevin Kling, who also wrote the script), and mug it up with inspired bits of physical comedy. Highlights of the latter include a squad of pig firefighters demonstrating, in rapid-fire succession, a half-dozen terrible ways to carry a ladder. The pace never lags, though there could probably be a bit more audience participation, especially given an audience that keeps up a continuous low murmur of commentary anyway. The perfect age to see this show probably ranges from 3 1/2 to 6, but older siblings are also likely to have a good time, even if they won’t admit it. Scandalized by perceived "babyishness," my own 8-year-old roommate had to be dragged to this show ("I’m not going to clap," she warned), but was observed laughing, smiling, and exhibiting other clinical signs of pleasure. Apparently even prolonged exposure to Zac Efron doesn’t make you immune to the guileless, low-key charms of Busytown. DAVID STOESZ Mostly 7 p.m. Fri., 2 & 5:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun., but double-check the Web site for the exact schedule. Ends June 15.

Seattle Children's Theatre

$17-$33. Every week Friday from Fri., April 25 until Sun., June 15, 7:00pmEvery week Saturday, Sunday from Sat., April 26 until Sun., June 15, 2:00pmEvery week Saturday, Sunday from Sat., April 26 until Sun., June 15, 5:30pm

Cirque du Soleil

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Marymoor Park $55-$210 Every week Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from Thu., April 24 until Sun., June 1, 8:00pmEvery week Friday, Saturday from Fri., April 25 until Sun., June 1, 4:00pmEvery week Friday, Saturday from Fri., April 25 until Sun., June 1, 8:00pmEvery week Sunday from Sun., April 27 until Sun., June 1, 1:00pmEvery week Sunday from Sun., April 27 until Sun., June 1, 5:00pm

Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil is bringing another big-top-on-LSD production to the Eastside (through May 25), this time telling the story of a clown in some kind of ethereal limbo watching his own theatrical funeral procession in Corteo. (Is a dead clown more or less terrifying for coulrophobiacs?) His buddies and ex-lovers pay their respects in acts both poignant and comedic acts—including a duo of “little people” who perform ballet on a vertical bar set on a pivoting platform’ a man with unnervingly good balance who climbs ladders that lean on nothing but air; and a clowness floating on six enormous helium balloons. As usual, Cirque du Soleil is the master of amassing acrobats who are really, really, ridiculously good at really, really ridiculously peculiar talents, such as whistling, teeterboarding, and rolling around in metal rings like revolving Vitruvian Men. It’s an incredible showcase of human discipline (and provocatively ornate costumes). I have never left a performance without feeling sensory overload. Marymoor Park, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway N.E., Redmond, 800-678-5440, www.cirquedusoleil.com. $55-$210. Opens April 24. 8 p.m. Tues.-Thurs, 4 & 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 1 & 5 p.m. Sun. Must end June 1. SARA NIEGOWSKI

Fathers and Sons

Unlike some of Michael Bradford’s contemporaries, whose attempts to address a variety of social issues leave the audience overwhelmed, Bradford’s Fathers and Sons is a tribute, albeit a depressing one, to the power of the theater. Though it’s billed as an exploration of what it means to be a man, the play also tackles love in a romantic but complex way and war in a straightforward yet gut-wrenching way. After Marcus Goodwater (Reginald Andre Jackson) inadvertently loses his son at the park, his wife Yvette (Tracey A. Leigh) rages off to her mother’s, insisting that Marcus kill everyone he sees until he finds her baby. His formerly non-communicative, drug-addicted father, Leon (William Hall Jr.), chooses this moment to fly in and reconcile their relationship, but he’s haunted in turn by the ghost of his own father, Bernard (Wilbur Penn). Leon is sure of his mistakes but unsure how to fix them, and Bernard seems sure he hasn’t made mistakes, though no one else would agree. While time shifts between the present, where Marcus deals with his father and searches for his son, and the past, where we see the budding romance of Marcus and Yvette, Fathers and Sons maintains nonstop, fluid motion. BRENT ARONOWITZ Mostly 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sun., 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; double-check Web site for exact schedule. Ends May 25.

ACT Theatre

$10-$55. Every week Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from Tue., April 29 until Sun., May 25, 7:30pmEvery week Friday from Fri., April 25 until Sun., May 25, 8:00pmEvery week Saturday from Sat., April 26 until Sun., May 25, 8:00pmEvery week Sunday from Sun., April 27 until Sun., May 25, 7:30pm

Ghost Sonata

It’s unnerving to see a play in a church. The set design, lighting, and seating are already restricted; iconography, Bibles, and hymnals sit in front of the audience in the pews. And yet this setting is oddly relevant to Open Circle Theater’s 100th anniversary production of August Strindberg’s Ghost Sonata. An organ plays when the house opens, and it’s like you’re at a wake. Strindberg’s expressionist classic—which Ingmar Bergman produced a handful of times—tells the story of a student as he gets involved in more than what he bargained for and the old man that bargains for him. Director Andy Justus, in his production notes, realizes “the play breaks away from the traditional form” and that Strindberg “was less concerned with building up suspense to a final resolution and more about sustaining a mood.” There certainly is no final resolution, the mood is pervasive, and the play does take an unconventional form. Just when one might think the production should end, it continues to another act (note: there is no intermission) which is somewhat stagnant, leaving the audience slightly on edge as the play culminates in a literal prayer for salvation. IRFAN SHARIFF 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 5 p.m. Sun. Ends May 10.

All Pilgrims Christian Church

$15. Every week Sunday from Sun., April 13 until Sat., May 10, 5:00pmEvery week Friday, Saturday from Fri., April 11 until Sat., May 10, 8:00pm

The Highest Tide

I won’t lie: I’m not a fan of "Books on Tape." Being read to hasn’t appealed since puberty, so I came to Book-It’s trademark style of three-dimensional literary narration with a smidgen of skepticism. But under their aquamarine lighting, the Book-It cast animated Northwest author Jim Lynch’s The Highest Tide with hilarity and gusto (and live music, too). Miles O’Malley, a scrap of an amateur marine biologist (played by local eighth-grader Kellan Larson, who looks as though he were cast according to Lynch’s 4-foot-8 character description), relentlessly divulges the secrets of the mudflats off the Olympic peninsula with a booming, Poseidon-like voice and a quirky, endearing stage presence. Along with his muckmate Kenny (Hunter Larsen), they puzzle over man’s greatest mysteries: the cosmic pull of the tides, the elusive giant squid, the G-Spot. Between wooing his former babysitter (Sylvie Davidson) by recounting the mating practices of invertebrates and coaxing prophecies from "the old witch" (Leticia Jaramillo) on the beach, our plucky little hero kindles a nostalgia for the inquisitiveness of youth and a keen regret for the betrayed beauty of the natural world. JENNA NAND 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends May 10.

Center House Theatre

$15-$40. Every week Saturday, Sunday from Sat., April 19 until Sat., May 10, 2:00pmEvery week Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Fri., April 18 until Sat., May 10, 7:30pm

Lease

Billing itself as "Seattle’s Own Rock Opera," Lease is the improv fusion of Rent’s themes with the Emerald City’s stereotypical "characters." After requesting audience input on a Seattle location and disease du jour (opening night’s production featured narcolepsy and the Pike Place Market), the cast adapts a plotline, and musical numbers to accompany it, while you watch. Using Thursday’s performance as a sample: When trust-fund-baby-turned-landlord Jeff Paige’s ex-girlfriend peddles his possessions on the Internet in revenge, he sells his building to the Market as a part of plans to demolish the apartments, making room for longer fish throws. Lust, rather than the legal issues attending short-notice evictions or the tragic narcolepsy-related death of one of his tenants, changes Jeff’s mind about the sale in the end. "I Get So Pissed Off" and "I Called Dibs on a Life Worth Living" were among the night’s memorable musical gems. The live score by Chris Lundgren is as unobtrusive as it is skillfully executed. Nick Edwards, Douglas Willott, and Christopher A. Dewar shone last Thursday, but every performance’s dynamic is different, and the ensemble promises enough talent to share the spotlight. (Younger patrons should be advised of the show’s R rating for language.) VIRGINIA ZECH 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., May 1-23 and June 5-20.

Historic University Theater

$8-$10. Every week Thursday, Friday from Thu., May 1 until Fri., May 23, 8:00pmEvery week Thursday, Friday from Thu., June 5 until Fri., June 20, 8:00pm

Northwest New Works Festival

Extra Info

On the Boards Daily from Fri., May 9 until Sun., May 11

Let’s thank whatever gods may be for the continued health of the Northwest New Works Festival, which turns 25 (!) this year. Both the OtB Studio and Mainstage offer full programs this weekend, sampler plates of the region’s experimental artists, including works-in-progress, excerpts from longer works, and a few polished and honed miniatures. (And, of course, at least a couple of pieces guaranteed to activate your “Huh?” gland.) As always at OtB, dance is well represented: Left Field Revival, Esse Aficionado, Harrell Projects, and NorthWest Dance Syndrome are on the bill. Also check out the charmingly bizarre bluegrass-inspired ramblings of the Half Brothers (Awesome! members John Ackerman and David Nixon, along with guitarist Rick Miller); solo performance from Portland’s Faith Helma (a member of Hand2Mouth, who blew us away with last year’s Repeat After Me); music and video from Holcombe Waller; and a theater/movement/puppet piece helmed by Annette Toutonghi (she of the big ideas and humorously little voice). Each showcase provides you with your minimum daily requirement of tasty avant-garde art through Sun., May 11. A new program begins next weekend (see www.ontheboards.org for full schedule and details). On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St., 217-9888. $14–$20. 8 p.m. JOHN LONGENBAUGH

Quickies, Volume 9

The latest in Live Girls!’ raucous theater series dishes up six short new plays by up-and-coming women writers. Bounding gleefully from ethereal suburban creepiness to sweet and goofy love, from unsettling memories to hilarious parody, these riveting and imaginative tales pack a full-course meal into a flavor-packed sampler of strong contemporary work. An expecting couple settles into the perfect neighborhood, only to discover the terrible dark price they must pay the local Elder God in Lisa Romero’s Yog Sothoth. In Your Roaring Blood, Catherine Trieschmann tells a tender story of a precocious backwoods girl, shipped off to an arranged marriage, who teases a boy at the train station with kisses and her sweet tales. Two sisters share a brief moment from their busy schedules, but a half-revealed memory spins their comfortable lives into breathless uncertainty, in Allison Moore’s A Little Test. Finally, Kristina Sutherland’s Hardy Boys “solve” the “mystery” of a stolen Egyptian statue, escaping danger with wits, dumb luck and their fat friend. Host Shermona Mitchell reanimates the stage between each piece with quizzes, contests, and the “alternate talents” of the cast and crew. NEIL CORCORAN 8 p.m. Fri., 4 & 8 p.m. Sat. (Industry night, pay-what-you-can, is Mon., May 19.) Ends May 24.

Live Girls! Theater

$5-$15. Every week Friday from Fri., May 2 until Sat., May 24, 8:00pmMon., May 19, 8:00pmEvery week Saturday from Sat., May 3 until Sat., May 24, 4:00pmEvery week Saturday from Sat., May 3 until Sat., May 24, 8:00pm

Aladdin

Sprouts Children’s Theatre presents Stan Gill and Cathy Domeck's original musical. 7 p.m. Fri., 1 & 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends May 17.

SecondStory Repertory

$8.75. Every week Friday from Fri., May 2 until Sat., May 17, 7:00pmEvery week Saturday, Sunday from Sat., May 3 until Sat., May 17, 1:00pmEvery week Saturday, Sunday from Sat., May 3 until Sat., May 17, 3:00pm

The American Pilot

In David Greig's play, the title character parachutes into, and causes conflict in, a village in an unnamed country. [See review here.] 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends May 24.

Theater Schmeater

Pay-what-you-can Thurs., $15-$18 Fri.-Sat. Every week Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Thu., April 24 until Sat., May 24, 8:00pm

Amusez

The debut of a monthly burlesque/variety showcase.

Little Red Studio

$25. Fri., May 9, 9:30pmFri., June 20, 9:30pmFri., July 18, 9:30pmFri., August 22, 9:30pm

Annie Get Your Gun

Seattle Musical Theatre presents Irving Berlin's musical. Opens May 9. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun.; also 7:30 p.m. Thurs., May 23. (No show May 24.) Ends May 25.

Magnuson Community Center

$25-$35. Every week Friday, Saturday from Fri., May 9 until Sun., May 25, 8:00pmEvery week Sunday from Sun., May 11 until Sun., May 25, 2:00pmThu., May 22, 7:30pm

Big Love

Charles Mee's "explosive" updating of Aeschylus. [See review here.] 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends May 17.

Balagan Theatre

$12-$20. Every week Sunday from Sun., April 27 until Sat., May 17, 2:00pmEvery week Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Thu., April 24 until Sat., May 17, 8:00pm

Comedy Underground

The long-running humor hangout spotlights seasoned pros as well as up-and-comers. Tuesday at 8:30 is Non-Profit Comedy ($6-$12, www.nonprofitcomedy.com), benefiting a revolving list of causes and institutions. See Web site for times and shows.

Comedy Underground

$6-$15. Daily

The Diary of Anne Frank

A stage adaptation of the well-known Holocaust memoir. [See review here.] Generally 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sun.; check Website for exact schedule. Ends May 17.

Intiman Theater

$10-$50. Every week Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from Fri., March 21 until Sat., May 17

Fair Play

Reality and fantasy melt together, thanks to a bottle of absinthe at a gathering of old friends, in Anna Rosa Parker's play. Premiered by the UW School of Drama. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends May 11.

Meany Studio Theater

$8-$15. Sun., April 27, 7:30pmTue., April 29, 7:30pmEvery week Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Wed., April 30 until Sun., May 11, 7:30pmEvery week Sunday from Sun., May 4 until Sun., May 11, 2:00pm

Giggles Comedy Club

Stand-up comedians and other entertainers Friday and Saturday and open mike Thursday and Sunday. On May 9-10, Duane Goad and Andrew Sleighter; May 16-17, Robert Kelley and Lukas Seeley. See Web site for program details.

Giggles Seattle

Every week ThursdayEvery week Friday, SaturdayEvery week Sunday

The Hairy Baby

The premiere of Ki Gottberg’s fantastical fable. Opens May 8. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sun., May 11, 2:30 p.m. Sun., May 18. Ends May 18.

Seattle University (Lee Center for the Arts)

$6-$10. Every week Saturday from Sat., May 10 until Sun., May 18, 2:30pmEvery week Saturday from Sat., May 10 until Sun., May 18, 7:30pmSun., May 11, 7:30pmEvery week Thursday, Friday from Thu., May 8 until Sun., May 18, 7:30pmSun., May 18, 2:30pm

Late Nite Catechism

Maripat Donovan’s one-woman show explains everything you wanted to know about the Catholic faith, but were too scared you’d get rapped across the knuckles to ask. Open run. In February the show celebrated its 10th anniversary in Seattle; see Longenbaugh's article here.

ACT Theatre

$24.50-$29.50. Every week Friday, Saturday, 8:00pmEvery week Sunday, 2:00pm

Laughs

Open mike Tues. at 8:30 p.m. ($6), stand-up and other comedy Thurs.-Sat. (usually $15). On May 8-10, David Crowe; May 15, Turuly Impossible Magic; May 16-17, Alonzo Bodden. See Web site for complete schedule.

Laughs Comedy Spot

Every week Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

London Suite

Bellevue Civic Theatre presents Neil Simon’s hotel-set comedy. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends May 10.

Meydenbauer Center

$28. Fri., May 2, 8:00pmSat., May 3, 8:00pmSun., May 4, 2:00pmThu., May 8, 7:30pmFri., May 9, 8:00pmSat., May 10, 8:00pm

Mainstage Comedy Club

On May 8-10, Dwight Slade; May 14-17, Dat Phan. 8 & 10:30 p.m. See Web site for complete show details.

Mainstage Comedy & Music Club

$20. Every week Friday, 8:00pmEvery week Friday, 10:00pmEvery week Saturday, 8:00pm

Medea Knows Best

Workshopped in Seattle last year (SW's Irfan Shariff had nice things to say), and fresh from the SF premiere of the revision, is this fabulous-'50s take on Euripides. Opens May 8. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sun. Ends May 25.

Chamber Theater

$10-$15. Every week Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from Thu., May 8 until Sun., May 25, 8:00pm

The Monkey King

Chinese instruments and authentic costumes help to tell this classic folktale. 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends May 10.

Youth Theater Northwest

$13-$15. Every week Sunday from Sun., April 27 until Sat., May 10, 2:00pmEvery week Friday from Fri., April 25 until Sat., May 10, 7:00pmEvery week Saturday from Sat., April 26 until Sat., May 10, 2:00pmEvery week Saturday from Sat., April 26 until Sat., May 10, 7:00pm

Phaedra

Not Racine's, but Matthew Maguire's, presented by Outsider's Inn Collective. Opens May 8. 8 p.m. Thurs., May 8 and Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends May 17.

Stone Soup Theater

$15. Thu., May 8, 8:00pmEvery week Friday, Saturday from Fri., May 9 until Sat., May 17, 8:00pmSun., May 11, 3:00pm

Revival!

Poets Against the War founder Andrew Himes recounts his journey from fundamentalist upbringing to revolutionary adulthood. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. Ends May 24.

Capitol Hill Arts Center

$20-$25. Every week Friday, Saturday from Sat., May 3 until Sat., May 24, 7:30pm

S2

Annex Theatre presents Edward Mast's futuristic satirical thriller. Opens May 9. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends June 7.

Gail Stellner Theatre

$5-$12. Every week Friday, Saturday from Fri., May 9 until Sat., June 7, 8:00pm

The Shaft

Jonathan Shock's play asks "How much civilization can there be in an elevator after two hours?" Presented by Eclectic Theater Company. Opens May 9. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends May 24.

Odd Duck Studio

$10-$18. Every week Friday, Saturday from Fri., May 9 until Sat., May 24, 8:00pm

Teatro ZinZanni

Their new dinner-theater show is called "A Suitcase Named Desire." 6:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 5:30 p.m. Sun. Open run.

Teatro ZinZanni

$104-$155. Every week Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 6:30pmEvery week Sunday, 5:30pm

TheatreSports

The long-running improv comedy show.

Market Theater

$10-$12. Every week Friday, Saturday, 10:30pmEvery week Sunday, 7:00pm

Unexpected Stories

SecondStory Repertory and Unexpected Productions team up for a night of improv. 8:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Ends May 17.

SecondStory Repertory

$10. Every week Friday, Saturday from Fri., May 2 until Sat., May 17, 8:30pm

Well

Lisa Kron's semi-autobiographical meta-play, presented by ReAct Theatre. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends June 1.

Richard Hugo House

$6-$15. Every week Friday, Saturday from Fri., May 2 until Sun., June 1, 8:00pmEvery week Sunday from Sun., May 4 until Sun., June 1, 2:00pmEvery week Sunday from Sun., May 4 until Sun., June 1, 7:00pm

To Do List

Friday, May 9

Broken Disco 2.2 Gone Fishin' with Mochipet, Lusine, Codebase, Recess, Dr. Mr. M'Chateau, the Googly, Jake J., visuals by KIlling Frenzy
As Mochipet, Daly City, Cali's David Y. Wang is a man who wears a purple di... More>>
Chop Suey, Fri., May 9, 9:00pm, $10 adv./$12

Northwest New Works Festival
Let’s thank whatever gods may be for the continued health of the North... More>>
On the Boards, Every week Saturday, Sunday from Sat., May 10 until Sun., May 18, 5:00pmEvery week Friday from Fri., May 9 until Sun., May 18, 8:00pmEvery week Saturday, Sunday from Sat., May 10 until Sun., May 18, 8:00pm, $14-$20

The Naked Gun 2 1/2
OJ is still free. Leslie Nielsen is still alive (and co-star George Kennedy... More>>
Egyptian, Fri., May 9, 11:59pmSat., May 10, 11:59pm, $6.75-$9.25

161 more things to do today>>