Stage
Openings & Events
Cyrcus “The Five Elements” is this aerial/acrobatic/dance troupe’s new show. Columbia City Theater, 4918 Rainier Ave. S., 800-838-3006, cyrcus.org. $20–$55. 8 p.m. Thurs., March 27.
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. Opens March 28. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends April 27.
The Edge of Our Bodies Adam Rapp’s one-woman show sends a vulnerable teenage girl (Samie Spring Detzer) into big, bad New York City. Washington Ensemble Theatre, 608 19th Ave. E., 325-5105, washingtonensemble.org. $15–$20. Opens March 28. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Mon. Ends April 14.
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. Preview March 27, opens March 28. See seattlepublictheater.org for schedule. Ends April 20.
High Society SHOWTUNES Theatre Company’s concert version of Cole Porter’s take on The Philadelphia Story. Benaroya Recital Hall, Third Ave. and Union St., 215-4747, SHOWTUNESTheatre.org. $21–$46. 8 p.m. Sat., March 29, 2 p.m. Sun., March 30.
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. Previews March 26–27, opens March 28. 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. Preview March 27, opens March 28. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., plus 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. closing weekend. Ends April 13.
Moby Alpha Comedy duo Charles presents “the story of a mad captain’s quest for revenge on the amorphous spacial energy cloud that temporarily took his leg”—aka Moby-Dick in space. The Ballard Underground, 2220 N.W. Market St., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $12. Opens March 28. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Ends April 12.
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Seattle Vice SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 21.
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.
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 SEE REVIEW, PAGE 22.
Julius Caesar Robert Downing’s solo version of Shakespeare’s political tragedy. Ark Lodge, 4816 Rainier Ave. S., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $5. 7 p.m. Mon. Ends March 31.
The Kentucky Cycle Robert Schenkkan’s multipart story of three families over two centuries. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, 842-8569, bainbridgeperformingarts.org. $19–$27. Part 1: 7:30 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. Sat. Part 2: 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ends March 30.
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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.
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.
The Secret Garden Studio East’s adaptation of the Frances Hodgson Burnett classic. Studio East, 11730 118th Ave. N.E. 100, Kirkland, 425-820-1800, studio-east.org. $12–$18. 7:30 p.m. Sat. and Fri., March 28; 2:30 p.m. Sun. Ends March 30.
Sinner Saint Burlesque “Down to Brass Tacks” is their salute to the women in Seattle history. Brass Tacks, 6031 Airport Way S., 397-3821, georgetown brass.com. 9 p.m. every fourth Thurs. Ends April 24.
The Suit SEE REVIEW, PAGE 22.
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 This new musical by Andrew Gerle and Maryrose Wood has a New York writer trying to balance difficult teen clients with his blocked novel. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah, 425-392-2202. Runs Wed.–Sun. plus some Tues.; see village theatre.org for exact schedule. Ends April 27. (Then runs May 2–25 in Everett.)
Uncle Vanya SEE REVIEW, PAGE 22.
Dance
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BeginAgain SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 20.
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Color Field SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 20.
In the Mood A swing-era revue with big-band music and dance. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 215-4747, seattlesymphony.org. $29–$79. 2 & 7 p.m. Fri., March 28.
Abbey Grown Three new dance pieces, with live music and an interactive art installation. Fremont Abbey Arts Center, 4272 Fremont Ave. N., 414-8325, abbeyarts.me. $10–$15. 8 p.m. Fri., March 28–Sat., March 29.
Carmona Flamenco Traditional music and dance in a show dedicated to the memory of Paco de Lucia. Cafe Solstice, 4116 University Way N.E., 932-4067, carmona2@comcast.net. $15–$20. 8 & 9:30 p.m. Sat., March 29.
Terpsichore’s Landing 2014 Choreography by Cornish Dance Department students. Cornish College/PONCHO Concert Hall, 710 E. Roy St., 726-5066, cornish.edu. Free. 3 & 8 p.m. Sun., March 30.
Classical, Etc.
Royal Opera House at the Movies From London, Mozart’s Don Giovanni. See screenvision.com for participating theaters and exact times, Thurs., March 27.
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Seattle Symphony SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 20.
West Seattle Symphony Kim Roy conducts Mozart, Rossini, and more. Chief Sealth International High School, 2600 S.W. Thistle St., wscorchestras.org. Donation. 7:30 p.m. Fri., March 28.
Choral Arts Brahms’ German Requiem on Friday and a symposium on the composer at UW on Saturday. See choral-arts.org for full details. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 732 18th Ave. E. $18–$23. 7:30 p.m. Fri., March 28–Sat., March 29.
Seattle Men’s Chorus/Seattle Women’s Chorus The ensembles collaborate on a children’s concert. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, flyinghouse.org. Free. 2 p.m. Sat., March 29.
Philharmonia Northwest With the Kirkland Choral Society and the Bellevue Chamber Chorus, Brahms’ German Requiem (the second performance of it this weekend!) Meany Hall, UW campus, 675-9727, philharmonianw.org. $15–$25. 7:30 p.m. Sat., March 29.
Washington Hall Benefit Concert Jazz from the Holden Family and The Teaching to raise funds to restore the 106-year-old hall. Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets.com. $10–$20. 7:30 p.m. Sat., March 29.
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The Box Is Empty A new chamber/field recording/spoken-word/video piece by Nat Evans and Beckett-inspired string music by NYC’s Leaha Villareal. Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., nat evansmusic.com. . $5–$15. 8 p.m. Sat., March 29.
Seattle Baroque Orchestra Four Bach cantatas for Lent and Easter. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 325-7066, earlymusicguild.org. $20–$42. 8 p.m. Sat., March 29.
Seattle Men’s Chorus Tunes from the Broadway musical in “Totally Wicked.” McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 388-1400, flyinghouse.org. $28–$78. 8 p.m. Sat., March 29, 2 p.m. Sun., March 30.
Northwest Chamber Chorus Mozart’s other unfinished choral work, the Mass in C Minor. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 523-1196, northwest chamberchorus.org. $32. 2 p.m. Sun., March 30.
Seattle Philharmonic Paul Dukas’ thrilling symphony belies his one-hit-wonder reputation as the composer of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Meany Hall, UW campus, seattlephil.org. $10–$18. 3 p.m. Sun., March 30.
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.
