Stage

Openings & Events

Animal Cruelty Scot Augustson’s “shadow puppet noir” tells of Chicken Jenny’s brush with the law. Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave. S., 800-838-3006, printersdevil.org. $15–$18. Opens Oct. 17. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. Ends Nov. 9.

Better Read Than Red Naked Girls Reading, Seattle’s nude literary salon, explores Russian history and culture. Cretins Clubhouse, 3600 E. Marginal Way S., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $20. 7 p.m. Sun., Oct. 20.

Blackheart Burlesque Tour SuicideGirls’ alt-music-burlesque show. El Corazon, 109 Eastlake Ave. E., cascadetickets.com. $20–$45. 8:15 p.m. Tues., Oct. 22.

Bo-Nita Hannah Mootz stars in Elizabeth Heffron’s solo show, which explores Midwest working-class life with a touch of magical realism. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. $12–$65. Previews begin Oct. 18, opens Oct. 23. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sun., plus some matinees 2 p.m. Wed., Sat., & Sun.; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Nov. 17.

Family Affair Jennifer Jasper’s monthly cabaret. JewelBox/Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., jennifer
jasperperforms.com. $10. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Oct. 16.

The Hobbit Studio East and StoryBook Theater present Tolkien. Studio East, 11730 118th Ave. N.E. #100, Kirkland, 425-820-1800, studio-east.org. $12–$14. Opens Oct. 18. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Nov. 3.

Night of the Living Dead One of the creepiest movies ever made becomes children’s theater. Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 S.E. 40th St., Mercer Island, 232-4145 x109, youththeatre.org. $15. Opens Oct. 19. 7, 8, & 9:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends Nov. 2.

The Real Inspector Hound Tom Stoppard’s murder-mystery parody. Jones Playhouse Theatre, 4045 University Way N.E., 543-4880, depts.washington.edu/uwdrama. $10–$20. Previews Oct. 16–17, opens Oct. 18. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Oct. 27.

The Spell of Love A realization, with new music, of Sam Shepard’s text Savage/Love. Smith Tower, 506 Second Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $25. 
8 p.m. Mon., Oct. 21.

Teatro ZinZanni: Tambourine Submarine Recess Monkey stars in TZ’s nautical-themed family show. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., 802-0015. $19–$25. Opens Oct. 19. Runs 11 a.m. selected Sat. & Sun.; see dreams.zinzanni.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 15.

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. Opens Oct. 18. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. plus Mon., Nov. 4. Ends Nov. 16.

Current Runs

Annie Lyric Light Opera presents the Depression-set fave. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, 425-893-9900, kpcenter.org. $24–$34. 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus 7:30 p.m. Fri., Oct. 18. Ends Oct. 20.

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Anything Goes In this redo of the 1934 Wodehouse/Porter musical, set on a posh London-bound steamship, are a gaggle of gangsters, socialites, deadbeats, gold-diggers, swells, and the unstoppable evangelist-turned-songstress Reno Sweeney (Rachel York). Do these characters behave like careworn denizens of the Great Depression? Of course not. Porter’s bubbling tunes defy those hard times. And as we stand uncertainly on the far edge of a recession, it feels good to celebrate. BRIAN MILLER. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., 625-1900. $29 and up. Preview Oct. 16, opens Oct. 17. Runs Tues.–Sun.; see 5thavenue.org for exact schedule. Ends Nov. 3.

The Bacchae GreenStage’s “Hard Bard” series (classics with the gore turned up to 11) presents Euripides’ tragedy. Stage One Theater, 9600 College Way N., 800-838-3006, greenstage.org. Free. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sun. Ends Nov. 2..

Blak Cloud

The Crucible meets improv. Wing-It Productions, 5510 University Way N.E., 781-3879, jetcity
improv.com. $12–$15. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri., Oct. 17–18 and 
Oct. 31–Nov. 22.

Broke-ology An ill, aging parent determined to stay in the old family home. Two grown sons pulled in opposite directions—one to stay close (with a pregnant girlfriend), the other hoping to stay away. The King household happens to be black in Nathan Louis Jackson’s ghost-haunted 2008 family drama, set in Kansas City, Kansas, though the pressures felt inside are universal. The conflicts and characters here aren’t terribly fresh, though director Valerie Curtis-Newton and her likable cast do their best. Written at Juilliard, Broke-ology feels very much like a first-time effort, which it is. BRIAN MILLER Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Ave. N., 524-1300, seattlepublictheater.org. $10–$30. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Oct. 20.

Cafe Nordo Reprising their inaugural dinner-plus-theater show, “The Modern American Chicken.” Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., cafenordo.com. 7:30 p.m. Thurs. & Sun. ($65–$80), 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat. ($75–$90). Ends Nov. 24.

Campfire Spooky stories, improvised. Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 800-838-3006, unexpectedproductions.org. $10. 8:30 p.m. Thurs. Ends Halloween.

Cannibal! The Musical! The tale of Alferd Packer, written by those South Park guys. Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 800-838-3006, unexpectedproductions.org. $12–$15. 8:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends Nov. 2.

Carrie: The Musical For a teen still best remembered for being drenched in pig blood, Stephen King’s telekinetic heroine is now quite the queen of the prom. Carrie: The Musical was a notorious 1988 Broadway flop, with an amateurish book by screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen. Still, the show has an adolescent urgency, if not self-awareness. Here, Tony-winning Alice Ripley plays mom to Keaton Whittaker’s Carrie; Ripley can really tear it up in the right role. STEVE WIECKING The Moore, 1932 Second Ave., 877-784-4849, stgpresents.org. $17.50–$50. 8 pm. Thurs.–Sat., 2 & 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Oct. 26.

An Evening of Christopher Durang Four short plays. JewelBox/Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., 800-838-3006, fantasticz.org. $15–$20. 7 p.m. Wed. Ends Oct. 30.

5th of July Lanford Wilson’s play about a post-Vietnam reunion of Berkeley alums. West of Lenin, 203 N. 36th St., theatre22.org. $10–$20. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. Ends Oct. 26.

Flame in the Mirror John Ruoff’s exploration of the Irish experience in America. Eclectic Theater, 1214 10th Ave., S., 800-838-3006, eclectictheatercompany.org. $12–$25. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Nov. 3.

Hello Darlin’s: Mom’s Got Something to Tell You! Josephine Howell’s solo show channels comedian “Moms” Mabley. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave. S., 800-838-3006, langstoninstitute.org. $10–$25. 7 p.m. Thurs.–Sun., 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Ends Oct. 26.

The Matchmaker The great aims of Thornton Wilder’s classic 1954 farce, set in the 1880s, are embodied by widowed marriage broker Dolly Levi Gallagher (played boldly and joyfully by Pam Nolte). With a thick Irish brogue and twinkling eye, she encourages the ridiculous adventures of the tale’s naive working-class adventurers. Wilder peppers his hit play with expertly crafted dialogue, but the cast generally fails to deliver; Wilder’s subtle strokes are skipped over as setups for broad laughs. Thankfully, those laughs land consistently. MARK BAUMGARTEN 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. Extended through Oct. 26.

Mirror Images The premiere of Scott Timmons’ mother/daughter drama. DownStage Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N., 800-838-3006, playwrights-theatre.org. $16. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Oct. 26.

The Mystery of Irma Vep Two actors play all the characters in Charles Ludlam’s horror-melodrama spoof. Second Story Repertory Theatre, 16587 N.E. 74th St., Redmond, 425-881-6777, secondstoryrep.org. $22–$27. 
8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., plus 2 p.m. Oct. 19 & 20. Ends Oct. 20.

Rewired The Phoenix and The Frog present an “immersive performance project” on the theme of “mental health and life on the periphery.” Teatro de la Psychomachia, 1534 First Ave. S., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $18. 
8 p.m Fri.–Sat. plus Thurs., Oct. 31. Ends Nov. 2.

The Servant of Two Masters In Carlo Goldoni’s 1753 romp, the plot exists mostly as an excuse to get a bunch of toy-like commedia dell’arte characters together to let rip. And since commedia dell’arte allows for improvisation, the performers ad-lib local and contemporary references. There’s much to admire here, but the two-and-a-half-hour show still drags. MARGARET FRIEDMAN Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center, 443-2222. $12-$80. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sun. plus some matinees; see seattlerep.org for exact schedule. Ends Oct. 20.

Shrek, the Musical “Everything you liked about the movie plus more.” Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, bainbridge
performingarts.org. $19–$27. 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., plus 3 p.m. Sat., Oct. 19 & 26. Ends Oct. 27.

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Sugar Daddies SEE REVIEW, PAGE 30.

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The Taming Riffing on Shakespeare, playwright Lauren Gunderson has created a rare specimen: a political comedy that’s fair-handed and funny. When Republican senate staffer Patricia wakes up in a hotel room with Bianca, a liberal blogger, we expect a familiar hostage plot. But both have been captured by Miss Georgia contestant Katherine, whose aspirations go way beyond shaking her peaches. Two whole acts would be too long for the hotel room, but the three get catapulted back to 1787, where they’re forced into historical characters from the other side of the political fence. MARGARET FRIEDMAN ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., 938-0339, artswest.org. $15–$34. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Oct. 26.

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. GAVIN BORCHERT Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., 802-0015. $108 and up. Runs Wed.–Sun.; see dreams.zinzanni.org 
for exact schedule. Ends Jan. 26.

The Walworth Farce SEE REVIEW, PAGE 30.

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Xanadu What makes this production spring to life are the two perfect leads. Dane Stokinger plays Sonny Malone, Venice Beach’s resident chalk artist/bandanna’d lunkhead/roller-disco visionary. Like, say, Brendan Fraser, Stokinger is more adorable the dimmer he gets. Kira, the muse who descends to Earth to inspire him, is played by Jessica Skerritt, aglow with charisma. GAVIN BORCHERT Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah, 425-392-2202, villagetheatre.org. $30??$65. 7:30 p.m. Tues.–Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 7 p.m. Sun., plus some 2 p.m. weekend matinees. Ends Oct. 20; moves to Everett Oct. 25–Nov. 17.

Young Frankenstein Mel Brooks’ follow-up to his The Producers. Burien Actors Theater, S.W. 146th St. and Fourth Ave. S.W., Des Moines, 242-5180, burienactors
theatre.org. $7–$20. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends Oct. 27.

Dance

Spectrum Dance Theater SEE REVIEW, PAGE 30.

Royal Opera House Ballet A broadcast of Petipa’s Don Quixote. See fathomevents.com for participating 
theaters. 7 p.m. Wed., Oct. 16.

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Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 27.

Fishbowl 3rd Shift Dance’s new performance series promises “Dance+Drag+Burlesque+Fine Art,” but threatens “No costume, no admittance.” The location will be announced the morning of the show. 800-838-3006, brown
papertickets.com. Donation. 7 p.m. Fri., Oct. 18.

Threads: A Journey of Boys That Dance Timothy Lynch’s lecture/performance relates his career teaching ballet at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School. Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $15–$20. 5 p.m. Sun., Oct. 20.

12 Minutes Max OTB’s periodic showcase of new short works. On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St., 217-9886, onthe
boards.org. $8. 7 p.m. Sun., Oct. 20–Mon., Oct. 21.

Classical, Etc.

Seattle Symphony Lots of Mozart, plus a concerto for an odd pair: viola and bass. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $19–$112. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 17, noon Fri., Oct. 18, 8 p.m. Sat., Oct. 19.

Steve Korn Originals and standards from this faculty jazz drummer. Meany Studio Theater, UW campus, 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $12–$20. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Oct. 18.

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Seattle Symphony The [untitled] series, late-night new-music concerts (the best idea the SSO’s had in years), opens with music by John Zorn and more. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 215-4747, seattle
symphony.org. $20. 10 p.m. Fri., Oct. 18.

Seattle Women’s Chorus For Halloween, Bach and Wicked. Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, 1245 Tenth Ave. E., flyinghouse.org. $25–$45. 8 p.m. Fri., Oct. 18, Sat., Oct. 19, Fri., Oct. 25; 2 p.m. Sat., Oct. 26.

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Seattle Opera Donizetti’s comedy The Daughter of the Regiment is a fave vehicle for an acrobatic tenor—here Lawrence Brownlee and Andrew Stenson. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 389-7676, seattleopera.org. $25 and up. Opens Oct. 19. Runs 7:30 p.m. Wed. & Sat., plus 2 p.m. Sun., Oct. 20 and 7:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 1. Ends Nov. 2.

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Welladay! Welladay! New songs on Joyce texts from the exquisitely off-kilter mind of composer Byron AuYong. Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., 789-1939, waywardmusic.blogspot.com. $5–$15. 8 p.m. Sat., Oct. 19.

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Philip Glass SEE SEVEN NIGHTS, PAGE 38.

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Philharmonia Northwest Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Prokofiev’s “Classical” Symphony. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 4805 N.E. 45th St., 675-9727, 
philharmonianw.org. $15–$20. 2:30 p.m. Sun., Oct. 20.

Ensign Symphony The debut of this LDS-based chorus and orchestra. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 
seattleensign.org. $16–$36. 7:30 p.m. Mon., Oct. 21.

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Garth Knox New music for viola, alone and with ensemble. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $12–$20. 7:30 p.m. Tues., Oct. 22.