Stage

Openings & Events

Black Eyed Blonde Unexpected Productions’ improvised “pulp noir” murder mystery. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 587-2414, unexpectedproductions.org, $7. Opens March 21. 8:30 p.m. Thurs. Ends May 2.

Candy Basket Comedy Showcase Abbey Drake headlines. Capitol Club, 414 E. Pine St., 325-2149, the
capitolclub.net. Free. 8 p.m. Wed., March 20.

The Gingerbread House In Mark Schultz’ dark comedy, two parents seeking some alone time sell their kids. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave., 
324-5801, schmeater.org. $15–$23. Opens March 22. 
8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. Ends April 20.

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Grey Gardens It’s impossible to watch the Maysles brothers’ 1975 documentary Grey Gardens without wondering how its mother/daughter subjects ended up in their isolated, decrepit estate, full of cats and trash. How did these well-born women become such bizarre, sometimes incomprehensible characters? Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edith were, after all, cousins of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, but the contrast between their lives couldn’t be more shocking. The Tony-winning 2006 musical Grey Gardens, jointly produced here by ACT and the 5th Avenue Theatre, takes some liberties with the backstory of Big Edie and Little Edie, adding songs to boot (music by Scott Frankel, lyrics by Michael Korie, book by Doug Wright). Under the direction of Kurt Beattie, Jessica Skerritt plays the young and beautiful Little Edie in Act 1; she dreams of showbiz stardom and is engaged to Joseph Kennedy (JFK’s older brother). The songs she sings are flashy and snazzy, reflecting Little Edie’s gilded lifestyle. But the sea change occurs at the end of Act 1, when Big Edie (Patti Cohenour, who plays the decades-older older Little Edie in Act 2) inadvertently ruins her daughter’s future. Act 2 is the story we know from the Maysles’ doc, set 30 years later in the crumbling household where Big Edie (now Suzy Hunt) and Little Edie share a strange codependency. Though Skerritt doesn’t appear in Act 2, she says the songs change and get sadder: “The music is more atmospheric and spooky . . . It reflects the changed aura of the place and the squalor they’re now surrounded by.” ERIN K. THOMPSON ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676. $55–$77. Previews end March 21. Opens Fri., March 22. Runs Tues.–Sun.; see acttheatre.org for exact schedule. Run extended (already!) through June 2.

How to Disappear Completely Itai Erdal’s stage memoir “combines two of the most important stories in his young life: his career as a lighting designer and the events that followed his mother asking him to take her life.” On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St., 217-9886, onthe
boards.org. $12–$20. 8 p.m. Thurs., March 21–Sun., March 24.

Kerplunk Experimental musician Tim Root’s new theater piece blends “Kagel, Kaprow, and Kafka” and also features features Beth Fleenor, Eric Barber, and Bill Horist. Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., timrootmusic.com. $5–$15. 8 p.m. Fri., March 22.

The Little Mermaid The Brown Derby Series—
gender-bent, homage/parody stagings of cult films—takes on Disney. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St., brownderby
series.com. $18. 8 p.m. Thurs., March 21–Sat., March 23.

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Moisture Festival SEE THE WIRE, PAGE 17.

The Music Man The 5th presents one more performance, starring the young actors of its “Rising Star Project.” 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., 625-1900, 5thavenue.org. $29 and up. 8 p.m. Fri., March 22, 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., March 23.

Piggyback Unexpected Productions mixes stand-up and drama, as the former determines how the latter unfolds. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 587-2414, unexpectedproductions.org. $5. Opens March 24. 8:30 p.m. Sun. Ends May 5.

Brian Regan SEE THE WIRE, PAGE 17.

Sometimes Love A reading of Zheng Wang’s dramedy about gay romance. Shoreline Center, 18560 First Ave. N.E., shorelinearts.net. Free. 7 p.m. Mon., March 25.

Current Runs

Across a Little Red Marker Jim Moran’s tangled mystery. Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave., eclectic
theatercompany.org. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends April 7.

The Adventures of Gilbert & Sullivan Improv operetta: The librettist and composer themselves become characters in a Victorian fantasy (or wherever the audience decides to send them). Wing-It Productions, 5510 University Way N.E., 781-3879, jetcity
improv.com. $12–$15. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri. Ends April 19.

Cedar & the Redwoods Copious Love Productions’ original play is set during a road trip through Northern California. Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., 800-838-3006. $12–$15. Opens March 14. Runs 7 p.m. (most) Thurs.–Sat.; see copiouslove.org for exact schedule. Ends April 6.

Cirque du Soleil Featuring characters named Miranda and Cali (as in Caliban), Cirque du Soleil’s new Amaluna is loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest. But in place of sorcerer Prospero, the force that conjures up the eponymous storm is a she: Prospera. And like the acrobatic twists and turns of Soleil’s circus troupe, Amaluna flips the familiar plot with mostly distaff casting. The action is set on a “mysterious island governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon.” There, the love of young Miranda and her shipwrecked suitor—now named Romeo—is put to the test. Created and directed by Diane Paulus, this touring show isn’t heavy on plot. Kids will appreciate the acrobats, juggling, and colorful costumes, and the traveling Grand Chapiteau, a climate-controlled, 2,600-seat tent, only adds to the spectacle. GWENDOLYN ELLIOTT Marymoor Park, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N.E., Redmond, 800-450-1480. $43.50 and up. See cirquedu
soleil.com for exact schedule. Ends March 24.

Cliffhouse Macha Monkey presents Allison Gregory’s rather Hitchcockian-sounding play. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpaper
tickets.com. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends March 30.

Crossing Delancey Seattle Jewish Theater Company presents staged readings of Susan Sandler’s play of Manhattan romance. Performances through March 30; see seattlejewishtheater.com for full info.

Distracted Lisa Loomer’s dramedy looks at a 9-year-old who may or may not have ADD. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, bainbridgeperformingarts.org. $19–$27. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends March 24.

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Good People SEE REVIEW, PAGE 20.

Impromptu Music and theater are blended through improv. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 587-2414, unexpectedproductions.org. 8:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends March 30.

Improv Happy Hour Early-evening spontaneous theater. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 587-2414, unexpectedproductions.org. $5. 
7 p.m. Fri.–Sat.

Jesus Christ Superstar An all-female production seems a little out-there for Burien, but good for them. Burien Little Theater, S.W. 146th St. and Fourth Ave. S.W., Des Moines, 242-5180, burienlittletheatre.org. $7–$20. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends March 24.

Late Night With Lucifer “All Hell breaks loose when Satan is late to host his live late-night talk show . . . leaving his woefully inept co-host, Anna Nicole Smith, to start the show which features dead celebrity guests.” The Ballard Underground, 2220 N.W. Market St., ghostlighttheatricals.org. $5.10:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends March 23.

Love’s Labour’s Lost Shakespeare’s comedy time-travels to the 1920s. Center House Theatre, Seattle Center, 733-8222. $22–$45. Runs 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat. plus weekend matinees; see seattleshakespeare.org for exact schedule. Ends April 7.

March is Cabaret Month On four Saturdays in March, the cream of local cabaret performers. Egan’s Ballard Jam House, 1707 N.W. Market St., 789-1621, ballardjamhouse.com. $15 + 2-drink min. 7 & 9 p.m. Sat., March 23 & 30.

Next Fall Adam and Luke fall in love in Geoffrey Nauffts’ 2010 play, but there’s one problem: Adam’s an atheist, Luke a believer. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., 938-0339, artswest.org. $10–$34.50. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends April 6.

Paper Bullets John E. Ellis resets Much Ado About Nothing in tabloid journalism. Ballard Underground, 2220 N.W. Market St., 395-5458, ghostlighttheatricals.org. $12–$15. 7:30 p.m,. Thurs.–Sat. plus 2 p.m. Sun., March 24. Ends March 24.

SPF VII It stands for Solo Performance Festival. Solo performers include Jennifer Jasper, Peggy Platt, Lisa Koch, and others; see theatreoffjackson.org for complete lineup and schedule. Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave. S. $15. Ends March 23.

Sweeney Todd Recommended for ages 13 and up, Studio East cautions. Well, I would hope so. Studio East, 11730 118th Ave. N.E., #100, Kirkland, 425-820-1800, studio-east.org. $12–$14. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sun. Ends March 24.

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Teatro ZinZanni: Dinner at Wotan’s The Norse mythos may at first seem an odd fit for Teatro ZinZanni’s voluptuous red-velvet atmosphere (one thing Viking culture was not was sybaritic), but here’s how they make it work as the theme of their new dinner circus/cabaret: It’s Ragnarok eve, aka the final battle of good vs. evil, and Wotan and the rest of the Wagnerian pantheon are ready to par-tay! Geoff Hoyle plays “Dinner at Wotan’s” host—and his mother (something like Dame Edna seen through a Craig Ferguson lens), and, in what weirdly turned out to be the show’s funniest bit, borscht-belt comic “Red Bottoms.” Soprano Kristin Clayton plays Brunnhilde, PNB alumna Ariana Lallone adds statuesque beauty with her dance routines, and the “Vertical Tango” team of Sam Payne and Sandra Feusi return from TZ’s previous show to earn the evening’s wildest applause. Wall-to-wall music—”Norwegian Wood,” Grieg, The Police, Carmina burana, and Queen—seasons the five-course dinner spread out leisurely among the impressive acrobatic acts and nudge-nudge shtick. GAVIN BORCHERT Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., 802-0015. $106 and up. Runs Thurs.–Sun.; see dreams.zinzanni.org for exact schedule. Ends May 12.

Trails Two childhood friends reunite to hike the Appalachian Trail in this new musical drama (book by Christy Hall, music by Jeff Thomson, lyrics by Jordan Mann). Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah, 425-392-2202. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see villagetheatre.org for exact schedule. Ends April 21.

Dance

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Pacific Northwest Ballet SEE REVIEW, 
PAGE 20.

Pacific Northwest Ballet Their narrated, hour-long Hansel and Gretel, starring PNB School students, is an excellent intro to ballet for kids. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 441-2424, pnb.org. $22–$67. 3:30 p.m. Sat., March 23.

Project 6 Seattle Dance Project is mounting a trio of works by choreographer Jason Ohlberg. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676, seattledanceproject.org. $20–$25. Opens March 22. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends March 30.

The Wrecking Ball A bittersweet evening of social dance and performance at the soon-to-be-torn-down Avalon Ballroom. Washington Dance Club, 1017 Stewart St., 628-8939, washingtondance.com. $14–$18. 8 p.m. Sat., March 23.

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BOOST Dance Festival SEE THE WIRE, PAGE 17.

Classical, Etc.

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Metropolitan Opera at the Movies Wagner’s mystical ritual/opera, Parsifal. See metopera.org for participating theaters. $24. 6:30 p.m. Wed., March 20.

Travis Brass The brass ensemble from the United States Air Force band. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., seattlesymphony.org. Free. 7:30 p.m. Wed., March 20.

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Music of Huck Hodge The UW faculty composer transforms unorthodox sounds into sonic tapestries. Henry Art Gallery, 4100 15th Ave. N.E., 543-2280, henry
art.org. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., March 21.

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Seattle Symphony Britten’s Cello Symphony (with soloist Gautier Capucon), plus Beethoven and Mozart. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $19–$122. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., March 21, noon Fri., March 22, 8 p.m. Sat., March 23.

Alpin Hong This energetic young pianist performs, program TBA. Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 S.E. 256th St., Kent, 253-856-5051, kentarts.com. $15–$25. 7:30 p.m. Fri., March 22.

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Bach Suite Marathon The 25th annual gathering of local cellists to play, tag-team-style, the 36 movements from Bach’s six solo cello suites. Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave. N. Free. 10 a.m. Sat., March 23.

Northwest Chamber Chorus Faure’s Requiem is quiet and consoling—none of that Last Judgment argle-bargle. Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave. N., 523-1196, northwestchamber
chorus.org. $12–$22. 7:30 p.m. Sat., March 23.

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Seattle Baroque Byron Schenkman, Ingrid Matthews, and Nathan Whittaker play a few of Haydn’s neglected piano trios. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 325-7066, earlymusicguild.org. $15–$40. 8 p.m. Sat., March 23.

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Celebrate World Music New works by local composers for exotic instruments (didgeridoo, bagpipes, and more) and orchestra. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 215-4747, celebrateworldmusic.com. $30. 2 p.m. Sun., March 24.

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Music Northwest SSO members Seth Krimsky and Laura DeLuca join pianist Jane Harty for wind trios by Piazzolla, Wayne Horvitz, and others. Olympic Recital Hall, S. Seattle Community College, 6000 16th Ave. S.W., 937-2899, musicnorthwest.org. 3 p.m. Sun., March 24.

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In C SEE EAR SUPPLY, PAGE 22.

Seattle Chinese Orchestra Traditional and contemporary works. Cornish College/PONCHO Concert Hall, 710 E. Roy St., 726-5066, cornish.edu. 7 p.m. Sun., March 24.