Stage
Openings & Events
The Atomic Bombshells: Lost in Space! Seattle’s premiere burlesque troupe’s latest extravaganza. (Early shows 17 and over, 10 p.m. shows 21 and over.). The Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333, tripledoor.net. $22–$35. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 13, 7 & 10 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 14–Sat., Nov. 16.
Bubbles in the Wine: Lawrence Welk Improvised! An improv salute to Strasburg, N.D.’s greatest TV musician. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 587-2414, unexpectedproductions.org. $5–$15. Opens Nov. 15. 8:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. plus 2 p.m. Sat., Nov. 16. Ends Nov. 23.
Margaret Cho Taking on a touchy subject in her new stand-up show “Mother, Mother.” The Moore, 1932 Second Ave., 877-784-4849, stgpresents.org. $32–$52. 8 p.m. Sat., Nov. 16.
The Construction Zone This reading and development series, co-run by ACT and WET, presents Boomcracklefly by Charise Castro Smith. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676, acttheatre.org. $10–$20. 7 p.m. Tues., Nov. 19.
Family Affair Jennifer Jasper’s “sick, hilarious, and ultimately relatable” monthly cabaret on the theme of family. JewelBox/Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., jenniferjasperperforms.com. $10. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 13.
The Fifth of July Lanford Wilson’s dramedy explores the legacy of the Vietnam War. Meany Studio Theater, UW campus, 543-4880, depts.washington.edu/uwdrama. $10–$20. Opens Nov. 13. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Nov. 24.
Full Spectrum The new show from Cirrus Circus, SANCA’s youth troupe, includes the triple trapeze, aerial contortion, and more. School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA), 674 S. Orcas St., 800-838-3006, sancaseattle.org. $10–$20. Opens Nov. 15. 7 p.m. Fri., 3 & 7 p.m. Sat. Ends Nov. 23.
The Habit 13 The new show from this sketch-comedy sextet. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., 800-838-3006, thehabitcomedy.com. $19. Opens Nov. 15. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sun. Ends Dec. 1.
Harvey Mary Chase’s is-he-crazy-or-is-he-not comedy. Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, 15343 25th Ave. N.E., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $10–$12. Opens Nov. 14. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Nov. 24.
The Hound of the Baskervilles David Pichette and R. Hamilton Wright adapted this classic Sherlock Holmes tale. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. $12–$80. Previews begin Nov. 15, opens Nov. 20. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sun., plus some 2 p.m. matinees Wed., Sat., Sun.; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 15.
The Naked Show “More than just a burlesque show,” it’s a variety show about nakedness. Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave. S., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $25–$35. 9 p.m. Fri., Nov. 15–Sat., Nov. 16.
The Satori Group Readings of three works-in-progress: Mallery Avidon’s a to z; Martyna Majok’s The Ironbound; and Spike Friedman’s Returning to Albert Joseph. See satori-group.com for schedule. Inscape, 815 Seattle Blvd. S., 800-838-3006. $5. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 14–Fri., Nov. 15, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 16–Sun., Nov. 17.
Current Runs
Blak Cloud
The Crucible meets improv. Wing-It Productions, 5510 University Way N.E., jetcityimprov.com. $12–$15. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri. Ends Nov. 22.
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Bo-Nita In Elizabeth Heffron’s beguiling new one-woman play, meet a smart, sensitive St. Louis girl of 13; her socially marginal single mom Mona; Mona’s various consorts; and Grandma Tiny, known for “professional” belly-dancing in stilettos. Hannah Mootz deftly and heartbreakingly embodies all these characters and more in rapid-fire situational episodes. Directed by fringe fave Paul Budraitis, Mootz teeters between girl and hag, thug and wag; her lexicon glides seamlessly between raunch and poetry. Heffron gives ambiguities their ample due, but the system has failed everyone, compounded over generations. MARGARET FRIEDMAN Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. $12–$65. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sun., plus some matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Nov. 17.
Buckshot Macha Monkey premieres Courtney Meaker’s play about family and the past. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, 860-2970, machamonkey.org. $12–$20. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. plus Mon., Nov. 18. Ends Nov. 23.
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Cafe Nordo Restaging its 2009 debut production, Cafe Nordo’s show is equal parts meet-and-greet, nightclub, and gustatory exploration—a didactic-gastronomic tour through the life of a chicken named Henrietta, punctuated with high-flung prose to illuminate each course. The meal is the main event, and it does not disappoint. KEVIN PHINNEY Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., cafenordo.com. $65–$90. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sun. Ends Nov. 24.
Clara The life of Clara Schumann: pianist, mother, wife of one great composer and crush of another. Eclectic Theater, 1214 10th Ave., 679-3271, brownpapertickets.com. $12–$25. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Nov. 24.
Floyd Collins Adam Guettel’s musical about a media sensation in the early days of radio. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 800-838-3006, seattlestageright.org, hugohouse.org. $15–$20. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. & Mon. Ends Nov. 23.
Heart Content CabinFever’s site-specific multimedia performance piece is inspired by First Hill’s Stimson Green Mansion, 1204 Minor Ave., 800-838-3006, cabinfeverliveart.com. $15. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 4:30 p.m. Sun. Ends Nov. 17.
The Hobbit YTN presents Tolkien. Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 S.E. 40th St., Mercer Island, 232-4145 x109, youththeatre.org. $13–$17. 7 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Nov. 24.
Jesus’ Son SEE REVIEW, PAGE TK.
The Luxuria Cycle Jimmie Galaites’ exploration of modern romance “satirizes not only our society’s obsession with finding the perfect partner, but also the way personal information is used as currency by corporate interests.” Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., 728-0933, annextheatre.org. $5–$10. 8 p.m. Tues.–Wed. Ends Nov. 13.
Les Miserables Village Theatre dreams a dream of making a fortune over the holidays. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah, 425-392-2202. $33–$68. Runs in Issaquah through Jan. 5, then at the Everett Performing Arts Center Jan. 10–Feb. 2; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule.
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Much Ado About Nothing It’s 1953, and Messina, as conceived by Craig Wollam, is a waterside pleasure dome. All the screwball elements are in place (under the direction of George Mount). Jennifer Lee Taylor and Matt Shimkus get the plummest bits as the fiercely unhitched sparrers Beatrice and Benedick. Her Bette Davis eyes belie a knack for clowning, and his seemingly impassive, Kennedy-jawed face becomes irresistible when stricken by her words. The careenings of this love-wreck, and that of Beatrice’s virtuous cousin Hero (Brenda Joyner) and her gullible admirer Claudio (Jay Myers), propel us from swizzle parties to casual picnics, outfitted (emphasis on “fitted”) by Doris Black. As if the rich visuals, enhanced by Roberta Russell’s ethereal lighting, were not world enough, Rob Witmer’s soundscape offers yet more gratifications. MARGARET FRIEDMAN Center House Theatre, Seattle Center, 733-8222. $25–$48. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., plus some weekend matinees; see seattleshakespeare.org for exact schedule. Ends Nov. 17.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The film about three flamboyant friends on a road trip through the Outback is now a musical. The Paramount, 911 Pine St., 877-STG-4TIX, stgpresents.org. $25 and up. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 13–Thurs., Nov. 14; 8 p.m. Fri., Nov. 15; 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., Nov. 16; 1 & 6:30 p.m. Sun., Nov. 17.
The Purification Process Malika Lee’s play explores breast cancer from the viewpoint of African-American women. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave. S., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $7–$15. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Fri., 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Nov. 16.
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Red Light Winter Azeotrope’s staging of Adam Rapp’s 2005 drama is a tale of alienation, over-education, and the selfish choices people make when they think no one is looking. At the bottom of the heap is Matt (Richard Nguyen Sloniker), a suicidal “emerging” playwright who might actually emerge if he weren’t so terrified of the world. During a trip to the sex salons of Amsterdam, his former college roomie Davis (Tim Gouran) returns to their hostel with hooker Christina (Mariel Neto), supposedly to help Matt get over his cheating ex-girlfriend. Act II begins in New York a year later; Christina shows up unexpectedly, nothing like what she originally represented herself to be. Desdemona Chiang again directs this maelstrom-in-miniature with near-balletic grace, letting Rapp’s characters stalk one another in concentric circles until there’s no place left for refuge. KEVIN PHINNEY ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676, azotheatre.org. $25–$30. Runs Thurs.–Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends Nov. 24.
Represent! A multicultural playwrights festival, part of the Hansberry Project. See acttheatre.org for lineup. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676. $5. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 13–Sat., Nov. 16, 2 & 7 p.m. Sun., Nov. 17.
Rope English playwright Hamilton wrote Rope in 1929, and it’s a dull product of its time. It’s based on the 1924 Leopold and Loeb murder, and Alfred Hitchcock’s 1948 movie was adapted from this play. Two upper-crust collegians strangle an Oxford classmate for sport. Wyndham (Jaryl Draper) evinces a cool braggadocio that barely conceals his homicidal bloodlust, while Charles (Geoff Finney) veers madly between conniving stealth and the shivering, wild-eyed terror of a mistreated chihuahua. To their house come various gasbags who cannot wait their turn to deliver speeches that could be timed with a calendar. Principal among them is Rupert (Chris Martinez), the worthy if wordy adversary who eventually uncovers both the crime and the body—perhaps to his own ruin. Staged by Ghost Light Theatricals, Rope clocks in at only two hours (with 15-minute intermission). Yet Justin Ison’s stultifying direction and Hamilton’s endlessly meandering text make this Rope very slack. Forget the murder: This play is death by filibuster. KEVIN PHINNEY The Ballard Underground, 2220 N.W. Market St., ghostlighttheatricals.org. $12–$15. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., plus 2 p.m. Sun., Nov. 10. Ends Nov. 23.
Sex Drugs Death Disco Vincent Kovar’s play about ‘90s club promoter Michael Alig. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $15. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends Nov. 23.
Teatro ZinZanni: Hail Caesar: Forbidden Oasis Frank Ferrante returns as the flamboyant, omnisexual chef Caesar. Slinky Dreya Weber, equally skilled as an aerialist and singer, plays a resurrected Cleopatra. You pay a lot more at TZZ than you might for a show at Re-Bar or the Pink Door—though you’re not just buying dinner and a show, but a lavish evening-length party. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., 802-0015. $108 and up. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see dreams.zinzanni.org for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 26.
Teatro ZinZanni: Tambourine Submarine Recess Monkey stars in TZ’s nautical-themed family show. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., 802-0015. $19–$25. Runs 11 a.m. selected Sat. & Sun.; see dreams.zinzanni.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 15.
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25 Saints “You’re disposable people,” a corrupt sheriff tells a pair of West Virginia meth dealers in the tensest of many tense scenes in this suspenseful stage thriller. But these disposable people will steal your heart even while scrambling from one tragicomic mess to the next, under the skillful direction of Desdemona Chiang. (ACT is hosting this Azeotrope production.) Charlie (a very fine Tim Gouran) lives for Sammy (Libby Barnard), his missing brother’s girlfriend; the two hold a deputy hostage in a rural cabin, aided by Charlie’s best friend/meth colleague Tuck (Richard Nguyen Sloniker). Even for viewers who loved Breaking Bad, the material can make you uncomfortable; it’s like watching beetles trying to save themselves from drowning in vinegar. Can any of these characters leverage their meth money to escape the Appalachian dirt? Josh Rollins’ credulity-testing tale premiered in Chicago last year, and it has its defects (the villains are particularly cartoonish). 25 Saints requires close listening, as crucial plot elements are embedded in rapid torrents of dialogue, making it easy to miss some of Rollins’ story twists. But you care about his characters, among whom motives are crossed as to who will flee and who will be ensnared by One Last Score. MARGARET FRIEDMAN ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676, azotheatre.org. $25–$30. Runs Thurs.–Sun., see acttheatre.org for exact schedule for both. Ends Nov. 24.
The Underneath Kelleen Conway Blanchard’s horror-movie sendup is set in a seaside town. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., annextheatre.org. $5–$20. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. plus Mon., Nov. 4. Ends Nov. 16.
The Way of All Fish/I Can’t Remember Anything Comic one-acts by Elaine May and Arthur Miller. Trinity Episcopal Church, 609 Eighth Ave., 800-838-3006, theatre912.com. Pay what you will. 8. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. and Mon., Nov. 18, 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Nov. 24.
Dance
Serendipity Dance Brigade Their show “Fire & Ice” includes fabric sculpture and original music. Velocity Dance Center, 1621 12th Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $25–$30. 8 p.m. Fri., Nov. 15–Sun., Nov. 17.
Royal Opera House Ballet Series Broadcast from London, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. See fathomevents.com for participating theaters. 7 p.m. Tues., Nov. 19.
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Pacific Northwest Ballet: Kylian + Pite: SEE REVIEW, PAGE TK.
Cedric Andrieux SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE TK.
Cafe Variations Anne Bogart’s New York-based SITI Company “entwines longing, lust, lost love, found love, and budding romantic adventure” with Gershwin, set in a cafe. Jones Playhouse Theatre, 4045 University Way N.E., 543-4880, uwworldseries.org. $10–$35., 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 14–Fri., Nov. 15, 2 7 7:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 16.
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So You Think You Can Dance? SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE TK.
Classical, Etc.
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Composer Spotlight A presentation by composer/cellist Derek M. Johnson: “One’s soul, for lack of a better term, must lay naked and vulnerable for all to react to and do with as they please throughout. And when a performance does not meet such goals, then what? The debilitating feeling of devastation can be overwhelming.” Jack Straw Studios, 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E., jackstraw.org., Free. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 13.
The Met: Live in HD Patricia Racette and Roberto Alagna play the doomed lovers in Puccini’s Tosca. See metopera.org for participating theaters. 6:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 13.
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DXARTS Electroacoustic music old and new (one piece on the program dates back to 1930) from UW’s center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, dxarts.washington.edu. $12–$20. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 14.
Public Opera Opera favorites from four vocalists. Ristorante Picolinos, 6415 32nd Ave. N.W., 781-8000, publicopera.com. $35. 6:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 14.
Daniel Zaretsky Bach and more from this Russian organist. Kane Hall, UW campus, 685-8384, music.washington.edu. $15. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 14.
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Northwest Sinfonietta Britten’s bittersweet Serenade for tenor, horn, and orchestra marks the British composer’s 100th., Benaroya Recital Hall, northwestsinfonietta.org. $42. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 15.
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Simple Measures SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE TK.
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Tom Baker A preview of Shendos No. 12, this composer’s new work for the Seattle Modern Orchestra, to be premiered Nov. 22. Soundbridge, Benaroya Hall, Second Ave. and Union St., seattlemodernorchestra.org. 5 p.m. Sat., Nov. 16.
The Daneshvar Ensemble Traditional Persian music from this family trio. Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St. (Volunteer Park), seattleartmuseum.org. $8–$12. 7 p.m. Sat., Nov. 16.
Ensemble Lucidarium From this renaissance instrumental group, music from Italy’s Jewish communities. (They’ll also play a family concert on Sunday, $5–$10.) Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 325-7066, earlymusicguild.org. $20–$42. 8 p.m. Sat., Nov. 16, 1 p.m. Sun., Nov. 17.
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Kronos Quartet SEE EAR SUPPLY, PAGE TK.
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R. Andrew Lee This pianist plays Dennis Johnson’s four-hour November (1959), which the Chapel’s Steve Peters describes as “a nearly lost masterpiece of early minimalism.” Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., waywardmusic.blogspot.com. $5–$15. 6 p.m. (note early start time) Sat., Nov. 16.
McCabe-Larionoff Duo Pianist Robin and violinist Maria, respectively, play Beethoven sonatas, respectfully. Brechemin Auditorium, School of Music, UW campus, 685-8384, music.washington.edu. $15. 2 p.m. Sun., Nov. 17.
New Baroque Orchestra Corelli, Handel, and Rameau from this community ensemble. Trinity Episcopal Church, 609 Eighth Ave., earlymusicguild.org. Donation. 3 p.m. Sun., Nov. 17.
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Seattle Youth Symphony There’s a little Romeo and Juliet–inspired music on each of their three concerts this season; first up, Berlioz’s take. Plus Bloch (with cellist Joshua Roman) and Brahms. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 362-2300, syso.org. $15–$45. 3 p.m. Sun., Nov. 17.
Thalia Symphony Michael Miropolsky conducts Berlioz, Saint-Saens, and Shostakovich. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., thaliasymphony.org. $20. 2 p.m. Sun., Nov. 17.
2Cellos SEE EAR SUPPLY, PAGE TK. The Moore, 1932 Second Ave., 877-784-4849, stgpresents.org. $42.50. 7 p.m. Sun., Nov. 17.
UW Choirs The Chamber Singers and Chorale perform with Sapience Dance Collective and Karin Stevens Dance. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $10–$15. 2 p.m. Sun., Nov. 17.
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Modigliani Quartet Their program includes a string quartet by Juan Arriaga, who died 10 days before he turned 20, plus Beethoven and Debussy.Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, uwworldseries.org. $34–$39. 7:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 19.
