Stage

Openings & Events

Dinosaurs Before Dark This adaptation of Mary Pope Osborne’s children’s book transports Jack and Annie back in time. Way back. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St., Renton, hi-liners.org. $12. 7 p.m. May 1, 2, 8; 3 p.m. May 3 & 9.

The Edge Bainbridge Island’s own improv troupe. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, theedgeimprov.com. $12–$16. 7:30 p.m. Sat., May 2.

The Feast When the world’s meat disappears and everyone’s an involuntary vegetarian, one particular dinner party doesn’t end well in Celine Song’s satire. The Schmee, 2125 Third Ave., 800-838-3006, map-­theatre.com. Name your own price. Preview April 30, opens May 1. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. plus Mon., May 11. Ends May 16.

The Ghosts of Tonkin Steve Lyons’ play dramatizes the origins of the Vietnam War. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676, acttheatre.org. $10–$25. Opens May 2. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends May 10.

Jasper in Deadland The title musician embarks on underworld adventures to seek his true love in this brand-new rock musical. The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., 625-­1900, 5thavenue.org. $29 and up. Previews begin April 30, opens May 14. 7:30 p.m. Tues.–Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends May 24.

Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally America’s most awesome showbiz couple bring an evening of music and comedy. Their “Summer of 69: No Apostrophe” Tour makes it quite clear they’re not referring to the year. The Moore, 1932 Second Ave., 877-­STG-­4TIX, stgpresents.org. $37.50. 7 & 9:30 p.m. Fri., May 1.

Outside Mullingar Lovelorn and single, Anthony and Rosemary are forced to let go of a longtime land feud, and romantic hesitancy, to find happiness in John Patrick Shanley’s recent Tony winner. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, ­443-­2222. $17–$102. Opens April 29. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sun. plus some Wed. & weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends May 17.

Othello Again with the Moor, the jealousy, the murder, and Iago whispering in our ears. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, ­733-­8222. $25–$48. Previews April 29–30, opens May 1. Runs 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat. plus some weekend matinees and Sun. evenings; see seattleshakespeare.org for exact schedule. Ends May 17.

The Phantom of the Opera Andrew Lloyd Webber’s touring musical features all the hit songs, plus revamped stagecraft. The Paramount, 911 Pine St., 877-­STG-­4TIX, stgpresents.org. $30 and up. Opens April 30. 7:30 p.m. Tues.–Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 1 & 6:30 p.m. Sun., plus 1 p.m. May 1 & 7. Ends May 24.

Pinkalicious the Musical Eating too many cupcakes can have unforessen consequences! SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St., Redmond, 425-881-6777, secondstoryrep.org. $16. Opens May 2. 1 & 3 p.m. Sat.–Sun. (except May 3). Ends May 24.

Playwrights Festival Premieres of one-acts and full-lengths; see burienactorstheatre.org for lineup and schedule. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien, 242-­5180.­ $10. Opens May 1. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends May 24.

R.A.F.T. That stands for Rabbits Afloat From Thuringia in Jonah Von Spreecken and Ali el-Gasseir’s all-ages live-action cartoon series about two bunnies’ seagoing adventures (with special adult performances 10:30 p.m. Fri., May 8 & 22). 12th Avenue Arts, 1620 12th Ave., washingtonensemble.org. $5–$10. Opens May 2. 11 a.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends May 24.

Spin the Bottle Annex Theatre’s late-night variety show. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., 728-0933, annextheatre.org. $5–$10. 11 p.m. Fri., May 1.

The Tall Girls Young women seek to escape the Dust Bowl via basketball in WET’s presentation of a new play by Meg Miroshnik. 12th Avenue Arts, 1620 12th Ave., washingtonensemble.org. $15–$25. Opens May 1. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Mon. Ends May 18.

Tilt Angel Dan Dietz’s play “about a ghost-­mom, an outsized agoraphobic son, a third-generation auto-repair dad and a heavenly messenger with unfinished business.” And live blues. West of Lenin, 203 N. 36th St., theatersimple.org. $15–$25. Preview April 30, opens May 1. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus 8 p.m. Mon., May 11. Ends May 17.

CURRENT RUNS

Alice in Wonderland Andre Gregory’s avant-garde take on Carroll, from 1970. Stone Soup Theater, 4029 Stone Way N., 633-1883, stonesouptheatre.org. $15–$25. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends May 3.

Angry Housewives SEE REVIEW, PAGE TK. deal with it by forming a punk band in this musical, which ran in Seattle for most of the ’80s. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., 938-0339, artswest.org. $17–$36.50. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends May 24.

Bunnies Inspired by the true events of the Woodland Park bunny infestation is Keiko Green’s tale of revenge and cannibalism, based on The Bacchae. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., 728-0933, annextheatre.org. $5–$20. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. plus Mon., May 11. Ends May 16.

Bus Stop William Inge’s play throws strangers together during a snowstorm. Jones Playhouse, 4045 University Way N.E., 543-­4880, drama.uw.edu. $10–$18. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends May 3.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof SEE REVIEW, PAGE TK.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle Bertolt Brecht’s political allegory. (I know, that doesn’t exactly narrow it down.) Ballard Underground, 2200 N.W. Market St., 395-­5458, ghostlighttheatricals.org. $12–$15. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sun. Ends May 2.

Che/The Gate Leonard D. Goodisman’s pair of one-acts. Eclectic Theater, 1214 10th Ave. $12–$25. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends May 9.

Claim of Thrones Add you own flourishes to every geek’s favorite TV saga. Jet City Improv, Jet City Improv, 5510 University Way N.E., jetcityimprov.org. $12–$15. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri. Ends May 22.

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Dina Martina—Tonight! All-new songs, stories, and videos from the incomparable, indescribable entertaineress, with Chris Jeffries on keyboard. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $20–$25. 8 p.m. Fri–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. EXTENDED through May 3.

Don Nordo del Midwest CAPSULE TK Nordo’s Culinarium, 109 S. Main St., cafenordo.com. $75 ($100 w/wine flight). 7:30 p.m. Thurs. & Sun., 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends May 31.

Flamingo The Can Can’s all-new tropical themed cabaret. Can Can, Pike Place Market, 877-280-7831. $30–$85. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see thecancan.com for exact schedule. Ends Oct. 11.

Flushed In his solo show, Stokley Towles assumes the character of Ron, a treatment plant manager, to explore the question of sewage. (“Produced by 4Culture in partnership with King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division.”) New City Theater, 1404 18th Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., noon Sun. Ends May 10.

H.P. Lovecraft: Stand-Up Comedian! The cult horror author gets a comedy-club spin. “Can Howie pull off one last sold-­out gig before the human race is destroyed?” Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., 728-0933, annextheatre.org. $5–$10. 8 p.m. Tues.–Wed. Ends May 13.

Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well & Living in Paris The 1968 off-­Broadway revue made the Belgian crooner Jacques Brel briefly famous in the U.S. But most Americans didn’t get it—we were all swooning over the Beatles’ playful transgressions and Sinatra’s new masculinity. Back home, his songs were a touchstone for postwar Europe, their fragililty and terror, beauty and hopefulness a reflection of the world around him. It’s not a bad fit in our current world, either, and this production, directed by the 5th Avenue Theatre’s artistic director David Armstrong, tries hard to make that point. A rousing performance of “The Middle Class” is set in the streets of downtown Seattle, with the ensemble’s three men, drunk, sneering a translation of Brel’s lyrics, “The middle class are just like pigs/The older they get, the dumber they get.” Brel’s condemnation of matador culture, “The Bulls,” is here cloaked in the trappings of American football. Not every tune works, but Brel’s genius carries the night. His musical punch lines are crisp, his desperation real, his anger frightening. And the cast does a fine job of bringing these songs to life. Eric Ankrim, in particular, is a joy to watch, his pronounced physicality and devilish demeanor imbuing the material with the uncanniness it requires. The star of the production, though, is Kendra Kassebaum, whose aching renditions of some of Brel’s most heart-wrenching balladry are undeniable. MARK BAUMGARTEN ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676, acttheatre.org. $15–$49. 7:30 p.m. Tues.–Wed., 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 2 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends May 17.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe A stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia tale. YTN Black Box at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island, 232-4145 x109, youththeatre.org. $10–$17. 7 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends May 10.

Little Bee SEE REVIEW, PAGE TK. Chris Cleave’s novel explores “‘the mutual incomprehension of the developing world and the developed world.” Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center, 216-0833. $25. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends May 17.

Lizard Boy One component of Justin Huertas’ new musical is a sort of slice-of-life look at dating and relationships in contemporary Seattle, centered on a lonely young gay man, Trevor (Huertas), who, though scarred emotionally (recently) and physically (permanently), needs to get back on that horse while trying to jump the hurdle separating meaningful connection from superficial one-nighters. This is not a fresh theme, but one that each new queer generation probably needs to re-explore for itself. Trevor has a unique backstory, though: As a kindergartener he was doused in the blood of a dragon that escaped from Mt. St. Helens—hence the mysterious, Harry/Voldemort-ish mental connection that draws him to damaged rock star Siren (Kirsten deLohr Helland). Here the show pivots into extravagant comic-book fantasy, including superpowers, mind control, a dragon attack, and a climactic battle. If you’re 14 or 15 and, well . . . haven’t seen much theater, you will enjoy Lizard Boy far more than I did. Brandon Ivie directs this stilted and unspontaneous show, which also includes William A. Williams as Trevor’s new friend Cary. GAVIN BORCHERT Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), 443-­2222. $17–$67. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sun. plus some Wed. & weekend matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends May 2.

Openly We Carry/Carry We Openly Paul Mullin and Nick Stokes explore American gun culture in this double bill. Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave. S. 800-838-3006, theatreoffjackson.org. $14–$16. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. Ends May 9.

Robin Hood The evergreen adventure tale promises not to be too intense. But will it turn your kids to socialists with all that talk of robbing from the rich? Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322, sct.org. $20 and up. 7 p.m. Thurs.–Fri.; 2 & 5:30 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Sun. Ends May 17.

Saturday Morning Cartoons Kids’ play ideas are brought to life by adult playwrights and actors in this omnibus. Pocket Theatre, 8312 Greenwood Ave. N., the1448projects.org. $5–$14. 10:30 a.m. Sat. Ends May 9.

Tape Gilmore Acting Studio gives Stephen Belber’s 1999 play perhaps the least informative but nevertheless intriguing plot description ever: “It follows classical unities of action, time, and space, featuring three characters in a single plot narrative regarding their differing perspectives of past events, in one unbroken period of real time, in a single motel-room set.” 2220 N.W. Market St., gilmoreactingstudio.org. $24. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends May 23.

Teatro ZinZanni: The Hot Spot Frank Ferrante and Dreya Weber return for TZ’s new show, in which “love and magic in the digital age collide.” Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., 802-0015. $99 and up. Runs Thurs.–Sun. plus some Wed.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends June 7.

Three High Circus Series It continues with Company Cirque en Deroute’s “The Really Weird Cabaret!”, which “blend[s] contemporary European circus with traditional clowning.” 7:30 p.m. Fri., May 1–Sat., May 2, 5 p.m. Sun., May 3. 12th Avenue Arts, 1620 12th Ave., 800-838-3006, acrobaticconundrum.com. $10–$40. Series ends May 10.

Dance

Full Tilt SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE TK.

Classical, Etc.

The Met: Live in HD The broadcast season ends with the red-blooded double bill of Cavalleria rusticana and I pagliacci. See fathomevents.com for participating theaters. 6:30 p.m. Wed., April 29.

Seattle Symphony All-Beethoven: the Piano Concerto no. 4 and the Symphony no. 7. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $35–$120. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., April 30, 8 p.m. Sat., May 2.

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Seattle Symphony: [untitled] SEE PREVIEW, PAGE TK.

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IMPFEST VII That’s IMP- as in -rovisation, with three shows from UW jazz faculty, students, and friends, including Bill Frisell on fruday. UW Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave. N.E., 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $12–$20. 7:30 p.m. Fri., May 1–Sun., May 3.

Tudor Choir Devotional music, including several Psalm settings, by director Doug Fullington and others. Blessed Sacrament Church, 5041 Ninth Ave. N.E., 323-9415, tudorchoir.org. $20–$30. 7:30 p.m. Sat., May 2.

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Seattle Opera SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE TK.

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Giacomo Fiore Music by Eve Beglarian and others from this experimental guitarist, who’s joined by pianist Cristina Valdes and composer Rocco di Pietro. Chapel performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., giocomofiore.com. $5–$15. 8 p.m. Sat., May 2.

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Seattle Symphony Suites by Ravel and Stravinsky, and Yo-Yo Ma plays Schumann’s Cello Concerto. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. 2 p.m. Sun., May 3.

Music From the War to End All Wars Ives, Prokofiev, and much more, curated by UW pianist Robin McCabe. Brechemin Auditorium, school of Music, UW campus, 685-8384, music.washington.edu. $10. 4 p.m. Sun., May 3.

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Mostly Nordic Music + smorgasbord: Norwegian music for violin, piano, and accordion, plus a little Piazzolla. Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 N.W. 67th St., 789-5707, nordicmuseum.org. $47–$55 (concert only $22–$27). 4 p.m. Sun., May 3.

Northwest Girlchoir Recognizing the group’s graduating seniors. Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave. N., northwestgirlchoir.org. Free. 6 p.m. Sun., May 3.

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Complex Movements: Beware of the Dandelions is an interactive “pod” performance, in which small audiences (limit 35) become survivors in a post-apocalyptic community. On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St., 217-9886. $12–$23. Runs Thurs., May 7–Sun., May 10; see ontheboards.org for exact schedule.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Tennessee Williams’ dysfunctional-family classic. Kurt Beattie directs. ACT, 700 Union St., 292-7676. $15–$44. Preview April 22, opens April 23. Runs Tues.–Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends May 17.