Stage

Openings & Events

A… My Name is Alice Twelfth Night Productions presents the classic 1983 revue, sketches and songs with a feminist spin. Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Ave. S.W., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $15–$18. Opens April 4. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 5 p.m. Sun. Ends April 13.

American Glory: the Improvised West Wing Jet City spoofs Aaron Sorkin’s high-minded chat-fests. Wing-It Productions, 5510 University Way N.E., 781-3879, jetcityimprov.com. $12–$15. Opens April 3. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri. Ends May 23.

The Barber of Seville The Endangered Species Project presents a reading of Beaumarchais’ 1775 play about the fixer Figaro (the original of the Rossini opera). ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676, endangeredspeciesproject.org. $10–$15. 7 p.m. Mon., April 7.

Belltown Burlesque Revue Lilith von Fraumench hosts this tax-day-themed show. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St., 425-243-7835, purpledevilproductions. $13–$40. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., April 3.

The Edge Bainbridge Island’s own improv troupe. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, bainbridgeperformingarts.org. $12–$16. 7:30 p.m. Sat., April 5.

Mark Twain on Stage! John Chappell recreates the American humorist. Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. N.E., Bothell, 425-984-2471, npacf.org. $17–$25. 7:30 p.m. Sat., April 5.

The Negro Passion Play Brownbox Theatre presents “a dramatic depiction of the Passion of Jesus Christ within the context of the American civil rights movement” in SU’s Campion Ballroom. Seattle University, 901 12th Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $5–$15. Opens April 8. 7:30 p.m. Tues. & Thurs. Ends April 17.

Spin the Bottle Annex Theatre’s late-night variety show, every first Friday. April’s show includes “frightening, futuristic theatre,” “sexy animal burlesque,” and much more. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., 728-0933, annextheatre.org. $5–$10. 11 p.m. Fri., April 4.

Tails of Wasps A politician gets caught in a sex scandal in Stephanie Timm’s new drama, presented by New Century Theatre Company. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676, wearenctc.org. $15–$30. Preview April 3, opens April 4. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sun. Ends April 27.

Twelfth Night Shakespeare’s cross-dressing romance. Studio East, 11730 118th Ave. N.E. #100, Kirkland, 425-820-1800, studio-east.org. $12–$14. 7:30 p.m. Fri., April 4; 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., April 5; 2:30 p.m. Sun., April 6.

Where No Man Has Gone Before An improvised parody of—guess which sci-fi TV classic. JewelBox/Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $16–$20 8 p.m. Wed., April 9.

CurreNT Runs

The Boy at the Edge of Everything A bored 12-year-old meets his doppelganger—in space! Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-0807. $15–$36. Runs Thurs.–Sun.; see sct.org for exact schedule. Ends April 6.

Charlotte’s Web E.B. White’s tale of spider/pig friendship. Second Story Repertory Theatre, 16587 N.E. 74th St., Redmond, 425-881-6777, secondstoryrep.org. $5–$10. 1 & 3 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends April 6.

Checkoff in the Sun A dying woman’s friends gather one last time in Leonard D. Goodisman’s comedy. Eclectic Theater, 1214 10th Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $12–$25. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 
2 p.m. Sun. Ends April 19.

Dina Martina: Her Greatest Videos… and More! A night of highlights from the grande dame’s shows, hosted by herself. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $20–$25. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends April 27.

The Edge of Our Bodies SEE REVIEW, PAGE 22.

Final Fantasy: The Improvised Adventures Improv meets (and spoofs) video games. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 800-838-3006, unexpectedproductions.org. $12–$15. 8:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends April 26.

Gidion’s Knot Censorship erupts in school in Johnna Adams’ new drama. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., 524-1300. $15–$32. See seattlepublictheater.org for schedule. Ends April 20.

Girl You Know It’s True A frustrated playwright has a wheelchair-bound lesbian stand in for him—and watches interest in “her” work skyrocket—in Bixby Elliot’s satire of the arts biz. Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave. S., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $15–$20. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. Ends April 5.

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The Importance of Being Earnest In Oscar Wilde’s 1895 comedy, style largely depends on the way the women are played. The men get plenty of good lines, but it’s the women who deliver Wilde’s most pointed satire. It’s refreshing, in Seattle Shakespeare’s distinguished production, to see Kimberly King play Lady Bracknell as something more than a mere bitch. Heroine Gwendolen (Emily Grogan) is sometimes treated as a sort of Bracknell-in-embryo, but here that foreshadowing comes from Cecily, whom Hana Lass gives an edgier, sharper tongue than usual. Directed by Victor Pappas, this revival has some pacing and tonal issues that detract from Wilde’s broader humor in the act-climax argument between the two friends for whom Gwendolen and Cecily have fallen (under the false assumption that their names are Ernest): Jack (Connor Toms) and Algernon (Quinn Franzen). Both are first-rate, though I like a stuffier Jack and an airier Algy, just for the sake of comic contrast. But Franzen has one distinct advantage in the role: He actually looks quite a bit like a young Wilde. It made his entrance at the very top of the show a pleasant shock. GAVIN BORCHERT Center House Theatre, Seattle Center, 733-8222, seattleshakespeare.org. $29. 7:30 p.m. Tues.–Sat. plus weekend matinees. Ends April 13.

In the Book Of In John Walch’s play, inspired by the Book of Ruth, an Afghan woman tries to fit in in a Mississippi town. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., 781-9707, taproottheatre.org. $20–$40. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat. Ends April 26.

Kiss of the Spider Woman Two unlikely cellmates fall in love, or something, in this revival of the Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical. Second Story Repertory Theatre, 16587 N.E. 74th St., Redmond, 425-881-6777, secondstoryrep.or., $22–$27. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., plus 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. closing weekend. Ends April 13.

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The Lion King Based on an animated movie that’s now 20 years old, this 1997 Broadway stage musical proved a smash for Disney, thanks largely to the vision of director Julie Taymor and the tunes of Elton John and Tim Rice. The Lion King is hardly the first movie reverse-engineered to stage success, but its global popularity—and profitability, having earned some $5 billion (!) to date—now makes it the modern template for such musical exports. By virtue of its age and constant touring, there are few children (and young adults) on Earth who don’t know at least some of the songs from The Lion King. Most parents have had “Hakuna Matata” drilled into their heads by home DVD players on endless loop (or on planes or during family car trips), but the melodies are undeniably catchy. The themes are mythic, too, as little Simba tries to make his way in the world (well, jungle). And the onstage menagerie of zebras, monkeys, and giraffes is wonderfully realized by the costumes (part actor, part puppet) that both tower over the action and elevate the story into fairy-tale-land. BRIAN MILLER The Paramount, 911 Pine St., 877-784-4849. $85–$135. Runs Tues.–Sun.; see stgpresents.org for exact schedule. Ends April 6.

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Little Shop of Horrors Created in 1982 by composer Alan Menken and his lyricist partner, the late Howard Ashman, Little Shop is simple, it’s overstuffed with hummable melodies, and it toys affectionately with two of America’s enduring infatuations: cheesy monster movies and jukebox pop. Appropriately, this co-production of ACT and the 5th Avenue cranks the fun dial up to 11 with a string of spectacular performances. These include the Spectoresque Greek chorus of Ronnette, Chiffon, and Crystal (Nicole Rashida Prothro, Alexandria Henderson, and Naomi Morgan, respectively); floral-shop owner Mr. Mushnik (Jeff Steitzer, long my favorite Scrooge in ACT’s A Christmas Carol); and his star-crossed lovebird employees, Audrey and Seymour (Jessica Skerritt and Joshua Carter). It’s easy to see why Ashman and Menken’s work has stood the test of time: They make story and song interdependent. Every song in Little Shop—the tale of a man-eating plant come to conquer Earth by devouring every last man, woman, and child—either advances character or plot. Often they do both. Here, director Bill Berry lets all his cast members cut loose, and none shrink from the opportunity. During both solo and ensemble tunes (arranged and conducted by R.J. Tancioco), there’s a palpable glee in watching confident performers nail each number with sharpshooter precision. KEVIN PHINNEY ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676. 
$20–$50. See acttheatre.org for exact schedule. 
Ends June 15.

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Moby Alpha SEE PREVIEW, PAGE TK.

Moisture Festival Entering its second decade, the Moisture Fest comes in two flavors: the family-friendly edition featuring clowns, acrobats, jugglers, and all manner of music; then there’s the late-night program, which emphasizes burlesque, T&A, and double entendres (liquor helps set the mood). In truth, both are good fun; and if you take your kids to a matinee, you may feel like going back later with your friends on a baby-sitter date night. Opening night, your host will be Ron W. Bailey, who’ll preside over an array of talent including the acrobats Duo Rendez-vous, magician Jay Alexander, the vaudeville clowns Kamikaze Fireflies, aerialist Marina Luna, and the comedy stunt performers known as Rootberry. Doc Sprinsock and the SANCApators provide the live music. The roster of talent changes almost nightly, one reason they call it a variety show. (Other venues include Broadway Performance Hall and Teatro ZinZanni) T. BOND Hale’s Palladium, 4301 Leary Way N.W., 706-1544. $10–$25. See halesales.com for schedule and lineup. Ends April 13.

Odysseo The dancing horse show from traveling circus troupe Cavalia. Marymoor Park, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway N.E., Redmond. $34.50–$149.50 ($154.50–$229.50 w/dinner). Runs Tues.–Sun.; see cavalia.net for exact schedule. Re-re-extended through April 6.

Royal Blood The premiere of Sonya Schneider’s play about a dysfunctional family and their illusions. West of Lenin, 203 N. 36th St., 800-838-3006, brownpaper
tickets.com. $20–$25. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sun. Ends April 4.

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Seattle Vice SEE SEATTLELAND, PAGE TK. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676, acttheatre.org. $20. 8:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. Ends April 19.

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The Suit Set in 1950s South Africa during apartheid, Can Themba’s 1967 short story was first dramatized during the ’90s in South Africa and France. Using the same text by Mothobi Mutloatse and Barney Simon, Peter Brook and his collaborators (Marie-Helene Estienne and Franck Krawczyk) relate what’s essentially a simple story of adultery and revenge. From there, The Suit expands into themes of hurt, humiliation, and forgiveness, which certainly have resonance in the post-apartheid South Africa of today. Three performers share the stage, brilliantly and believably expressing the anguish of the script. After a prelude showing the happy Matilda (Nonhlanhla Kheswa) and Philemon (Ivanno Jeremiah), the latter must ride the bus home to confront his adulterous wife. Philemon then provides a peculiar punishment, insisting that her lover’s abandoned suit be treated as a prominent houseguest. It’s an impossible situation: a vengeful husband, a guilt-ridden wife, and the token of her shame being used to oppress her. Narrating The Suit is Jordan Barbour, who also plays Philemon’s unnamed friend; in their conversations we learn about racially integrated Sophiatown, a suburb of Johannesburg, where the play is set. That vital community will soon be segregated by the authorities—doomed, perhaps like this marriage. A trio of musicians provides tunes that range from Schubert to period Swahili pop to American standards like “Strange Fruit” (the latter being quite excellent). Still, in such a compact 75-minute show, I actually could’ve used less music, which felt a trifle indulgent. ALYSSA DYKSTERHOUSE Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. $15–$80. Runs Tues.–Sun.; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends April 6.

Teatro ZinZanni: On the Air Their new radio-themed show features the return of emcee Kevin Kent. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., 802-0015. $99 and up. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see zinzanni.com/seattle for exact schedule. Ends June 1.

The Tutor SEE REVIEW, PAGE 22.

Uncle Vanya The first thing you notice about Akropolis Performance Lab’s Uncle Vanya is the sheer physicality of its Vanya, played by Joseph Lavy. Shirt sleeves rolled up, Vanya begins the play by dragging much of the set over his shoulder, literally setting the first scene for this fin-de-siecle family drama. Truly, Uncle Vanya is a play about labor. The story begins shortly after Serebryakov (Scott Maddock), crippled by a lack of money, recognition, and youth, moves from the city to the country estate, joined by his alluring, and endlessly bored, young second wife Elena (Samantha Routh). It is the introduction of the visiting couple’s idleness, both dependent on Vanya’s labor yet despising it, that sets the family and their neighbors on edge, exposing deep-seated unhappiness in just about everybody and eventually leading to gunshots and lots of wailing. It is tempting to imagine Vanya as a man worn down by village life, too old at 47 to win the affections of 27-year-old Elena, but he explodes with passion and athleticism. He’s a man with unquenchable passion and belligerent rage at a life wasted. Lavy—who also directs the production—manages to carry the two-and-a-half-hour play almost entirely on his own. MARK BAUMGARTEN Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs, 2336 15th Ave. S., 800-838-3006. $15–$22. Runs Thurs.–Sun. plus Wed., April 2; see akropolisperformancelab.com for exact schedule. Ends April 5.

Dance

Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve: This Swiss company is trained in classical ballet, but its repertory ventures far afield. For their first Seattle appearance, members will dance Preludes et Fugues by Israeli choreographer Emanuel Gat, which turns Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier (played live) into a backbone for extreme kinetic exploration. At first it seems like so much snaky fun, but then you see how Bach’s patterns are reflected in the movement—it’s a contemporary version of baroque complexity. SANDRA KURTZ Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, uwworldseries.com. $10–$44. 8 p.m. Thurs., April 3–Sat., April 5.

Shen Yun The gaudy touring Chinese dance extravaganza is back. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 888-998-9961, shenyun.com. $70–$180. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., April 3–Fri., April 4; 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., April 5; 2 p.m. Sun., April 6.

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BOOST Dance Festival SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 22.

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Fisher Ensemble A new work from the brother/sister team of composer Garrett and choreographer Christy, plus music of Satie and a dance-drama inspired by the Mahabharata. Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., 800-838-3006, fisherensemble.org. $15. 8 p.m. Fri., April 4–Sat., April 5.

Scottish Ceilidh Dance A participatory dance evening—all dances will be taught and called. University Friends Meeting House, 4001 Ninth Ave. N.E., rscds-seattle.org. $5–$10. 8 p.m. Sat., April 5.

Who’s Afraid of Deborah Hay? Shannon Stewart and Mary Margaret Moore perform solos by this choreographer. Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., 800-838-3006, therealshannonstewart.org. $12–$15. 7 & 9 p.m. Sat., April 5–Sun., April 6.

Classical, Etc.

Guan Changxin Chopin and Schubert, plus music from his homeland of China. Brechemin Auditorium, School of Music, UW campus, 685-8384, music.washington.edu. $15. 7:30 p.m. Wed., April 2.

Tom Collier Celebrating “60 Years Behind Bars” as a jazz mallet player. Meany Studio Theater, UW campus, music.washington.edu. $12–$20. 7:30 p.m. Wed., April 2.

Seattle Symphony That ever-popular choral blockbuster, Carmina burana, plus Haydn’s “Military” Symphony. Stilian Kirov conducts. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $19–$127. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., April 3, 8 p.m. Sat., April 5, 2 p.m. Sun., April 6.

Ten Grands Pianos, that is, playing music from classical to blues on this fundraising concert. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $42 and up. 7 p.m. Fri., April 4.

Metropolitan Opera at the Movies The Met’s lavish and popular production of Puccini’s La boheme. See metopera.org for participating theaters. $20. 10 a.m. Sat., April 5.

Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra At 4 p.m., Jazz4Kids (free); at 7:30, “The Art of the Jitterbug” ($15–$44). Benaroya Recital Hall, Third Ave. and Union St., 215-4747, srjo.org. Sat., April 5.

Gallery Concerts A Haydn symphony, a Mozart concerto, and more, repurposed as chamber music. Queen Anne Christian Church, 1316 Third Ave. W., galleryconcerts.org. $15–$30. 7:30 p.m. Sat., April 5, Sun., April 6, 3 p.m..

Byrd Ensemble German baroque choral music, including Handel’s Dixit dominus performed with the Seattle Baroque Orchestra. At Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, 1245 Tenth Ave. E., 8 p.m. Sat., April 5, and Trinity Episcopal Church, 609 Eighth Ave., 3 p.m. Sun., April 6. $15–$25. 397-3627, byrdensemble.com.

Flute Festival A day of vendors, workshops, and recitals, with British flutist/composer Ian Clarke as special guest (performing at 4:30 p.m.). Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. S.W., seattleflutesociety.org. $5–$25. 11 a.m. Sun., April 6.

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Seattle Historical Arts Baroque opera as children’s theater? Here are highlights from Handel’s sword-and-sorcery adventure Alcina. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 325-7066, earlymusicguild.org. $5–$10. 1 p.m. Sun., April 6.

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The Lost Voice SEE EAR SUPPLY, BELOW.

Bainbridge Symphony Elgar and Wagner favorites for small orchestra. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, bainbridgeperformingarts.org. $12–$16. 3 p.m. Sun., April 6.

Joseph Adam Russian music for organ on this recital-demo from the Seattle Symphony’s organist. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 748-7800, seattlesymphony.org. Free. 12:30 p.m. Mon., April 7.

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Trio con Brio Copenhagen Two Korean sisters and one Danish pianist play Norgard, Beethoven, and more. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, uwworldseries.org. $34–$39. 7:30 p.m. Tues., April 8.

David Kim From this pianist, a lecture-recital, “A Historical Performance: Old Pianos and New Musicianship.” Brechemin Auditorium, School of Music, UW campus, 685-8384, music.washington.edu. $15. 4:30 p.m. Wed., April 9.

Il Divo Everyone’s favorite Euro-crossover-vocal boy band sings Broadway. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 215-4747, ildivo.com. $55–$125. 8 p.m. Wed., April 9.