Stage
Openings & Events
Black Vengeance Now they’ve gone and made Othello into a punk opera, created by Nathaniel Porter. The Ballard Underground, 2220 N.W. Market St., 800-838-3006, ghostlighttheatricals.org. $12–$15. Opens March 7. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., plus Mon., March 10 and 2 p.m. Sun., March 16. Ends March 22.
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. Opens March 6. Runs Thurs.–Sun., see sct.org for exact schedule. Ends April 6.
The Elephant Man The tale of Joseph Merrick, a severely disfigured man rescued from life in a sideshow to become a Victorian celebrity. Inscape, 815 Seattle Blvd. S., 800-838-3006, seattlestageright.org. $15–$20. Opens March 7. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. & Mon. Ends March 22.
Indiestrip Miss Violet DeVille’s burlesque revue set to Seattle’s newest music. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St., 800-838-3006, purpledevilproductions.com. $13–$40. 7:30 p.m. Sat., March 8.
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Little Shop of Horrors SEE PICK LIST, PAGE 23.
Pretty Fire Tracy Michelle Hughes stars in Charlayne Woodard’s solo show about motherhood. Isaac Studio Theatre, 208 N. 85th St., 781-9707, taproottheatre.org. $15–$25. Opens March 6. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat. Ends March 22.
A Rose for Danny The Irish Heritage Club presents this memoiry domestic drama by Seattle playwright Kevin Moriarty. TPS Theatre 4, Seattle Center, Center House, 4th flr., irishheritageplayers.org. $15–$20. Opens March 6. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends March 16.
Spin the Bottle Annex Theatre’s late-night variety show, every first Friday. March’s show includes “forthright hip-hop,” “tales of a misspent youth,” and much more. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., 728-0933, annextheatre.org. $5–$10. 11 p.m. Fri., March 7.
Third A professor is pitted against her student, possibly a plagiarist, in Wendy Wasserstein’s campus drama. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., 938-0339, artswest.org. $45. Opens March 5. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends March 22.
Worst Trip Ever IN ALL CAPS!!1! Jet City Improv turns online travel reviews into theater. Wing-It Productions, 5510 University Way N.E., 781-3879, jetcityimprov.com. $12–$15. Opens March 6. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri. Ends March 21.
Young Playwrights Festival New work by students in ACT’s Young Playwrights Program. See acttheatre.org for lineup. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 292-7676. $5–$10. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., March 6–Fri., March 7, 1 & 4 p.m. Sat., March 8.
Current Runs
The Arabian Nights: The UW School of Drama mounts Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of the traditional fantasy tales. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends March 9., 543-4880, depts.washington.edu/uwdrama. Jones Playhouse Theatre, 4045 University Way N.E., Seattle, meany.org, $10-$20, Wednesdays-Sundays. Continues through March 9.
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Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus: From Scooby-Doo on down, pop culture has had its way with Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, which among other themes explores the notion of dualism—that people are neither inherently good nor evil, but possess a capacity for both. As director and adaptor, David Quicksall treats his two leads accordingly: Instead of being some arrogant mad scientist, Victor Frankenstein (Connor Toms) is sweetly suffering and scared stiff. Played by Jim Hamerlinck, Frankenstein’s creation—simply listed in the playbill as “?”—compels our compassion, even while cowing his creator. In other words, expect no stereotypes here. Quicksall also manages to preserve Shelley’s supporting characters—mostly ignored in the various movie versions—to delightful effect. From blocking to performance, his cast of 10 deftly elicits both humor and horror. Supremely stylized yet stunningly simple, Andrew D. Smith’s lighting and Andrea Bryn Bush’s set effortlessly employ the Romantic motifs of light and dark, while Nathan Wade’s sound design agreeably accentuates that contrast. (7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends March 9.) ALYSSA DYKSTERHOUSE [See Alyssa’s full review.]., 216-0833, book-it.org. Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle Center, Seattle, $24-$38, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Continues through March 9.
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A Little Night Music: What does Stephen Sondheim’s 1973 musical have to offer? Affectionate warmth; wit instead of shtick; lyrics that are nonpareil in their sparkling erudition and intricacy; two dozen memorable tunes; emotion that’s earned rather than cattle-prodded out of you; and above all, a stage full of actual human beings: All this is what Sondheim (music and lyrics) and Hugh Wheeler (book) provide. Everyone in SecondStory’s winning cast finds in his or her role some inflection, some tilt that brings it to life: Becca Orts’ effervescent giggles as young bride Anne Egerman; Micheal O’Hara’s smooth urbanity as her older husband Fredrik; the crispness of Sharry O’Hare’s bons mots as ex-courtesan Leonora Armfeldt. At the top is Jennifer Littlefield as the latter’s actress daughter Desiree. If the approach as a whole could be drier–this production’s a floral Asti rather than a snappy cava–it’s still got loads of charm deepened with bittersweet notes, fully in tune with Sondheim and Wheeler’s wry insights into the human heart and genuine regard for their characters. (8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., plus 2 p.m. matinees closing weekend. Ends March 9.) GAVIN BORCHERT [See Gavin’s full review.]. Second Story Repertory Theatre, 16587 N.E. 74th St., Redmond, 425-881-6777, secondstoryrep.org, $27, Thursdays-Sundays. Continues through March 9.
Noises Off: In Michael Frayn’s comedy, we see a touring theater troupe from two points of view–first rehearsing, then from backstage during a performance. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends March 23. N.B.: performed at 14907 Fourth Ave. S.W. in Burien. Burien Little Theater, S.W. 146th St. & Fourth Ave. S.W., Des Moines, 242-5180, burienlittletheatre.org, $7-$20, Fridays-Sundays. Continues through March 23.
Odysseo: The dancing horse show from traveling circus troupe Cavalia performs under a giant tent. Runs Tues.-Sun.; see website for exact schedule. EXTENDED through March 16., cavalia.net. Marymoor Park, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway N.E., Redmond, 205-3661, kingcounty.gov, $34.50-$149.50 ($154.50-$229.50 w/dinner), Tuesdays-Sundays. Continues through March 16.
Teatro ZinZanni: On the Air: Their new radio-themed show features the return of emcee Kevin Kent and stars Anki Andersson [see profile]. Runs Wed.-Sun.; see website for exact schedule. Ends June 1. Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle, 802-0015, zinzanni.com/seattle, $99 and up, Wednesdays-Sundays. Continues through June 1.
Ten Days to Happiness: Donna Rae Davidson’s solo show about her experiences at a Buddhist meditation retreat. 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat. Ends March 15., 10daystohappiness.com. Amazing Grace Spiritual Center, 2007 N.W. 61st St, Seattle, 402-2633, amazinggraceseattle.org, $15-$20, Fridays, Saturdays. Continues through March 15.
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Venus in Fur: Playwright Thomas, one of two characters in David Ives’ ingeniously twisty 2011 comedy, has adapted Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s 1870 novel Venus in Fur about the dominance/submission dynamic in relationships. But Thomas can find no actress woman-y enough to play the reluctant dominatrix Vanda. Enter the scampish bimbo caricature Vanda (yes, the same name as the role she is reading for), wearing a leather S&M suit. In the spellbinding 100 minutes that follow, Thomas (Michael Tisdale) and his unexpectedly promising leading lady (Gillian Williams) tread through the minefields of Thomas’ earnest adaptation, exploding cultural gender bombs left and right. Vanda refuses to be cornered on Sibyl Wickersheimer’s gritty, bare-bones loft set. Who’s really in control here: the dominator or the subjugated? Chaser or chased? Hammer or anvil? Visiting director Shana Cooper seems to favor a high quotient of ambiguity here—a reasonable choice, given the play’s suspenseful withholding and subsequent revelations. This worthy production, replete with smart performances, sadistic lighting by Geoff Korf, and sexy costuming by Harmony Arnold, compels us to kiss its stiletto heel. (7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sun. plus 2 p.m. some Wed., Sat., & Sun.; see website for exact schedule. Ends March 9.) MARGARET FRIEDMAN [See Margaret’s full review.]. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, 443-2222, seattlerep.org, $12-$80, Wednesdays-Sundays. Continues through March 9.
Wicked Wiz of Oz: A 45-minute mashup of your favorite Oz musicals, part of the “Mimosas With Mama” drag brunch. 1:30 p.m. Sun., strangertickets.com|mimosaswithmama.com. Narwhal, 1118 E. Pike St., Seattle, 325-6492, unicornseattle.com, $15-$20, Sundays.
Dance
Jenifer ringer SEE PICK LIST, PAGE 22.
cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan The first contemporary-dance company in a Chinese-speaking community makes its Seattle debut with 3.5 tons of shimmering golden grains of rice. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, uwworldseries.org. $43–$48. 8 p.m. Thurs., March 6–Sat., March 8.
Miguel Gutierrez and the Powerful People From New York, the avant-dance troupe performs And lose the name of action. On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St., 217-9886, ontheboards.org. $25. 8 p.m. Thurs., March 6–Sun., March 9.
Classical, Etc.
Seattle Opera Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Consul is less—far less—an opera about political oppression than an opera that uses political oppression for its own ends. Not even Seattle Opera’s solid and handsome production, and not even the grandly committed performance of lead soprano Marcy Stonikas, could persuade me that he meant a word of it. Menotti wrote an opera ostensibly about the horrors of dehumanization in which the empty characters exist only to be manipulated for his ulterior motives. That’s one hell of a sick irony. GAVIN BORCHERT McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 389-7676, seattleopera.org. $25 and up. 7:30 p.m. Wed., March 5 & Fri., March 7.
En Chordais Byzantine and Greek folk music from this visiting ensemble. Benaroya Recital Hall, Third Ave. and Union St., 215-4747, benaroyahall.org. $30. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., March 6.
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Corey Hamm Contemporary works—Ligeti, Brett Dean, and more—from this UBC pianist. Brechemin Auditorium, School of Music, UW campus, 685-8384, music.washington.edu. $15. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., March 6.
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Empty Words/Song Books/Complete Human Another in Neal Kosaly-Meyer’s series of the text/performance pieces of John Cage. Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., waywardmusic.blogspot.com. $5–$15. 8 p.m. Thurs., March 6.
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Seattle Symphony SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 22.
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Seattle Composers Salon A new-music open-mike night, hosted by Tom Baker. This month, music by Clement Reid, Coreena, Aaron Keyt, and Jay Hamilton.Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., composersalon.com. $5–$15. 8 p.m. Fri., March 7.
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The Esoterics Music evoking the seas opens this a cappella choir’s nature-inspired season. At St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 4805 N.E. 45th St., 8 p.m. Fri., March 7; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 732 18th Ave. E., 8 p.m. Sat., March 8; and Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4142 42nd Ave. S.W., 2 p.m. Sun., March 9. theesoterics.org. $10–$20.
Laura Husbands Mertz, Lauro, Brouwer, and more for classical guitar. Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Ave., 297-8788, fryemuseum.org. Free. 2 p.m. Sat., March 8.
Seattle Labor Chorus Join “the musical voice of labor in Seattle” in this sing-along. Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave. N., 524-7753, seattlelaborchorus.org. $5–$15. 7 p.m. Sat., March 8.
Ensign Symphony & Chorus Religious music by Mozart and Tchaikovsky. Benaroya Recital Hall, Third Ave. and Union St., 215-4747, benaroyahall.org. $16–$36. 7:30 p.m. Sat., March 8.
Tudor Choir Devotional music from their namesake era. Blessed Sacrament Church, 5050 Eighth Ave. N.E., 323-9415, tudorchoir.org. $20–$30. 7:30 p.m. Sat., March 8.
Gallery Concerts Baroque chamber music for gamba, recorder, and harpsichord. Queen Anne Christian Church, 1316 Third Ave. W., 726-6088, galleryconcerts.org. $20–$35. 7:30 p.m. Sat., March 8, 3 p.m. Sun., March 9.
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Seattle Pro Musica Choral music for Lent, including David Lang’s modern reworking of a medieval mystery play. St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave., seattlepromusica.org. 8 p.m. Sat., March 8–Sun., March 9.
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Seattle Symphony Chamber Music Britten, Shostakovich (the 13th Quartet), and more form SSO musicians. Benaroya Recital Hall, Third Ave. and Union St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $39. 2 p.m. Sun., March 9.
Seattle Bach Choir Bach’s “Actus tragicus,” plus Bruckner, Mendelssohn, and more. Trinity Episcopal Church, 609 Eighth Ave., seattlebachchoir.org. $15–$18. 3 p.m. Sun., March 9.
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Lake Washington Symphony The rebirth, in a way, of the Bellevue Philharmonic: Several BPO emeriti have gathered to launch this new group. Michael Miropolsky conducts. Lake Washington High School, 12033 N.E. 80th St., Kirkland, 800-838-3006, lwso.org. $15–$25. 3 p.m. Sun., March 9.
Auburn Symphony Chamber Music ASO members play music by Prokofiev and Frank Proto. St. Matthew Episcopal Church, 123 L St. N.E., Auburn, 253-887-7777, auburnsymphony.org. $10–$17. 4 p.m. Sun., March 9.
Circle of Friends Piano and chamber music by Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Schumann. Brechemin Auditorium, School of Music, UW campus, 685-8384, music.washington.edu. $10. 4:30 p.m. Sun., March 9.
Onyx Chamber Players All Beethoven: The “Archduke” Trio and more. First Church Seattle, 190 Queen Anne Ave. N., 800-838-3006, onyxchamberplayers.com. $10–$25. 5 p.m. Sun., March 9.
UW Studio Jazz Ensemble and Modern band Big-band standards and originals. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m. Mon., March 10.
UW Bands Bach, Hindemith, and more from the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m. Tues., March 11.
Travis Brass The brass ensemble from the U.S. Air Force band plays marches, jazz, ragtime, and more. Benaroya Recital Hall, Third Ave. and Union St., benaroyahall.org. Free. 7:30 p.m. Wed., March 12.
UW Choirs The Chamber Singers and University Chorale perform. Meany Hall, UW campus, 543-4880, music.washington.edu. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m. Wed., March 12.
