Stage

Openings & Events

The Atomic Bombshells “J’Adore! A Burlesque Valentine!” is their seventh annual burlesque, drag, and dance spectacular. The Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333, thetripledoor.net. $27–$45. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 11, 7 & 10 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 12–Sat., Feb. 14.

Brass Bash A fundraiser/preview for Brass, Battleground Productions’ upcoming multi-­platform steampunk adventure serial. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $10. 7 p.m. Sun., Feb. 15.

The Dog of the South Book-It presents Charles Portis’ modern-day picaresque. Center Theatre at the Armory, Seattle Center, 216-0833. $25. Previews Feb. 11–13, opens Feb. 14. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see book-it.org for exact schedule. Ends March 8.

Family Affair Jennifer Jasper’s “hilarious, twisted, and ultimately relatable” cabaret on the theme of family. JewelBox Theater at the Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., jenniferjasperperforms.com. $10. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 18.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Joe DiPietro’s long-running off-Broadway hit. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 Fourth Ave. S.W., Burien, 242-­5180, burienactorstheatre.org­. $7–$20. Opens Feb. 13. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends March 22.

Kyle Kinane “The cult hero of stand-up comedy,” sayeth Grantland. The Vera Project, Seattle Center, theveraproject.org. $15–$18. 8 p.m. Sun., Feb 15.

Letters Aloud A theater piece built from billets-doux by Frida Kahlo, Mozart, Slash, and many others. 12th Ave. Arts, 1620 12th Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpaper
tickets.com. $20–$30. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 13, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 14.

Matt & Ben The comedy that launched Mindy Kaling’s career: her sendup of the Hollywood bromance that gave us Good Will Hunting. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., seattlestageright.org. $10–$22. Opens Feb. 13. 7:30 p.m. Fri–Sat. plus Thurs., Feb. 19 & Mon., Feb. 23. Ends Feb. 28.

Savage/Love More vagaries of love, by Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaiken, with original music by Michael Owcharuk. The Pocket Theater in Greenwood, 8312 Greenwood Ave. N., thepocket.org. $10–$14. 8:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 20, 21; 7 p.m. Feb. 15, 22, 27.

Side by Side by Sondheim A revue showcasing the greatest theater composer of the past half-century. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, bainbridgeperformingarts.org. $19–$27. Preview Feb. 12, opens Feb. 13. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Feb. 22.

Sweet Charity A dance-hall girl looks for love in this classic. Seattle Musical Theatre at Magnuson Park, 7120 62nd Ave. N.E., Building 47, 800-838-3006, seattle
musicaltheatre.org. $20–­$35. Opens Feb. 13. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. plus Thurs., Feb. 26; 2 p.m. Sun. Ends March 1.

Treasure Island A musical adaptation of Stevenson’s archetypal pirate adventure. 425-881-6777, secondstoryrep.org. $5–$10. Opens Feb. 14. 1 & 3 p.m. Sat.–Sun. (except Feb. 15). Ends March 8.

CURRENT RUNS

Around the World in 80 Days Five actors take on a total of 39 roles in this madcap adaptation of Jules Verne’s adventure novel. Village Theatre, 303 Front St., Issaquah, 425-392-2202. $35–$67. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends March 1. (Runs at the Everett PAC March 6–29.)

The Black Lodge Design your own Twin Peaks episode at this improv show. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 587-2414, unexpected
productions.org. $12–$15. 8:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends March 7.

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Carousel Threats of violence in Oklahoma!, racism in South Pacific, slavery in The King and I, Nazis in The Sound of Music: How did Rodgers and Hammerstein ever get a reputation as Broadway’s premier dispensers of corn syrup? Perhaps the darkest of their shows, though also the most elegiacally romantic, is 1945’s Carousel. In addition to some of Rodgers’ loveliest music (that Ravellian opening waltz and the duet “If I Loved You”), it also includes a suicide and—most problematically, because the book seems to rationalize it—spouse abuse. “But is it possible, Mother, for someone to hit you hard like that—real loud and hard—and not hurt you at all?” “It is possible, dear—for someone to hit you—hit you hard—and not hurt at all.” Eeew. But in another homegrown production in 2012, the 5th tackled the issues of Oklahoma! head-on, and even added a few, so it’s hard to imagine them shying away from this one. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., 625-1900. $29 and up. Runs Tues.–Sun; see 5thavenue.org for exact schedule. Ends March 1.

Cirque du Soleil “KURIOS—Cabinet of Curiosities” asks “What if by engaging our imagination and opening our minds we could unlock the door to a world of wonders?” Marymoor Park, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N.E., Redmond, 800-450-1480, cirquedusoleil.com/kurios. $35–$156. 8 p.m. Tues.–Sat., 4:30 p.m. Sat. (& some Fri.), 1:30 & 5 p.m. Sun. Ends March 22.

Dear Elizabeth Sarah Ruhl’s portrait of Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell is built on their correspondence. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. $17–$67. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sun. plus some Wed., Sat., & Sun. matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends March 8.

A Delicate Balance Albee’s drama about troubled, brittle people in close quarters. Trinity Parish Church, 609 Eighth Ave., 332-7908. Pay what you can. Runs Thurs.–Sun.; see theatre912.com for exact schedule. Ends Feb. 14.

The Explorers Club In Nell Benjamin’s comedy, an intrepid woman shakes up Victorian society. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., 781-9707, taproottheatre.org. $15–$40. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat. Ends Feb. 28.

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4,000 Miles The 20-something Leo (Adam Standley) bikes from Seattle to New York in Amy Herzog’s play, there becoming a roomate with his acerbic widowed grandmother Vera (Susan Corzatte). Safely ensconced in the comedy-of-manners genre, we spend a fun 100 minutes (with no intermission) watching these lovable Odd Couple roomies offend, oblige, and predictably re-offend each other with relatively little at stake. All four performances are delicious, including those of Adria LaMorticella (as Leo’s enigmatic girlfriend, Becca) and the typhoon-like Sara Porkalob (as his new love prospect, Amanda). This 2012 comedy is a mostly sweet stroll on the High Line, warm as a July breeze, studded with harmlessly withering one-liners and darkened only by the shadows of Leo’s best friend’s death on the bike trip and Vera’s fading memory. In terms of heartspace, director Mathew Wright’s 4,000 Miles covers a lot of ground. MARGARET FRIEDMAN ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery, 4711 California Ave. S.W., 938-0339, 
artswest.org. $15–$46.50. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Feb. 15.

Humble Boy Loosely lifted from Hamlet, Humble Boy starts with pantywaist astrophysicist Felix Humble (Jason Marr) returning home for his father’s funeral. There his vainglorious mother Flora (Macall Gordon) has rid their countryside house of her late husband’s belongings, including a beloved batch of bees. Moreover, even before his death, she took up with boorish neighbor George Pye (Mike Dooly). From there, Jones explores love, loss, and letting go of the past via much passive-aggressive arguing and humor. Excursions into physics and references to Stephen Hawking’s “theory of everything” also give the proceedings a brainy, Stoppardian tinge. English playwright Charlotte Jones’ 2001 comedy features a long first act that languishes with lagniappe language; then the second shifts to amusing alacrity. Director Marcus Goodwin and a talented cast create an elegant topiary maze of the script, but it ultimately leads to a feeling of meh. If Hamlet was ineluctable tragedy, Humble Boy is more ragged, unkempt comedy. ALYSSA DYKSTERHOUSE Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Greenlake Dr. N., 524-1300, seattlepublictheater.org. $5–$32. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Feb. 15.

I May Have Seen the Devil Alejandro Stepenberg’s take on Hamlet “transplants the action to a New England asylum circa 1946, and rewrites the lead role . . . to be played by a woman who is locked in a lesbian relationship with Ophelia.” $10–$15. 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat. Runs Feb. 13–14 & 20–21 at the Ballard Underground, 2220 N.W. Market St., and Feb. 27–28 at Theatre4, fourth floor, Seattle Center Armory.

Locally Grown This festival promises “5 weekends. 9 productions. 32 performances” of new works by K. Brian Neel, Jose Amador, Jennifer Jasper, and others. New City Theater, 1404 18th Ave., 800-838-3006. $12–$15. Shows run Thurs.–Sat.; see radialtheater.org for full lineup. Ends Feb. 28.

The Modern Adventures of Sherlock Holmes The audience takes the place of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in this improv mystery. Jet City Improv, 5510 University Way N.E., 352-8291, jetcityimprov.org. $12–$15. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri. Ends Feb. 13.

Mwindo Cheryl L. West’s new play, based on a Central African tale, sounds roughly Lion King-y: the exiled son of a chief goes on a coming-of-age quest. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Center, 441-3322. $20–$36. Runs Fri.–Sun. plus some Thurs.; see sct.org for exact schedule. Ends Feb. 15.

Natural SEE REVIEW, PAGE 37.

Our Town SEE REVIEW, PAGE 37.

The Secretaries A black-comic satire of gender stereotypes set in an Oregon lumber mill. Theater Schmeater, 2125 Third Ave., 324-­5801, schmeater.org. $22–$29. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. Ends Feb. 14.

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.

Zapoi! Quinn Armstrong’s imaginative fantasia on Soviet life. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., 728-0933, annex
theatre.org. $5–$20. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. plus Mon., Feb. 9. Ends Feb. 21.

Dance

Carmona Flamenco Traditional music and dance. Cafe Solstice, 4116 University Way N.E., 932-4067, carmona@comcast.net. $15–$20. 8 & 9:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 14.

Chop Shop: Bodies of Work The Eastside’s contemporary-dance festival welcomes dancers from Philadelphia, Brussels, and elsewhere alongside locals like Coriolis Dance and the Stone Dance Collective. Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue, chopshopdance.org. $23–$28. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 14, 
3 p.m. Sun., Feb. 15.

Urban Bush Women SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 36.

Classical, Etc.

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Seattle Symphony Ludovic Morlot conducts Berlioz’s extravagant symphony/oratorio/thing Romeo et Juliette. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave. & Union St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $20–$122. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 12, 8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 14.

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Northwest Symphony “Love Stories” includes Brent Irwin’s Valse sur le Boulevard plus music by Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky. Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd St., Burien, 242-6321, northwest
symphony.org. $12–$15. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 13.

UW Mallethead Series Percussion music from UW prof Tom Collier, Susan Pascal, and Ted Poor. Meany Studio Theater, UW campus, 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $12–$20. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 13.

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Simple Measures Messiaen’s powerful Quartet for the End of Time, plus music by Franck, Schulhoff, and Muczynski. Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., 7:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 13; Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 15. $15–$30. 853-5672, simplemeasures.org.

Northwest Baroque Masterworks

Theodora, Handel’s oratorio about forbidden Roman/Christian love. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 325-7066, earlymusic
guild.org. $20–$45. 8 p.m. Fri., Feb. 13.

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The Met: Live in HD Opera from NYC at a moviehouse near you. This week, a double bill of Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta and Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle. See fathomevents.com for participating theaters. 9:30 a.m. Sat., Feb. 14, encored 6:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 18.

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Seattle Pro Musica Music by 10 area composers, including director Karen P. Thomas, in ”New Sounds Northwest.” Church of the Redeemer, 6211 N.E. 182nd St., Kenmore, 800-838-3006, seattlepromusica.org. $5–$15. 3 p.m. Sat., Feb. 15.

Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra With violist Melia Watras, romantic music for strings (Dvorak, Rachmaninoff, et al.). Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., 800-838-3006, seattlemetropolitanchamberorchestra.com. $10–$15. 8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 14.

Duo Romantique Beethoven, Chopin, and more from cellist Page Smith and Tamara Friedman on fortepiano. Queen Anne Christian Church, 1316 Third Ave. W., 726-6088, galleryconcerts.org. $15–$30. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 14, 3 p.m. Sun., Feb. 15.

Thalia Symphony Music by Alfven, Tchaikovsky, and Wieniawski. $15–$20. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., thaliasymphony.org. 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 15.

Philharmonia Northwest Smoochy bonbons (like Mascagni’s Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana), plus the premiere of a violin concerto by Andrew Waggoner. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 4805 N.E. 45th St., 
philharmonianw.org. $15–$20. 2:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 15.

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Bang on a Can Marathon SEE THE WEEK AHEAD, PAGE 48.