* Denotes events that are $15 or less
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Here’s your chance to see the wonderful Pamela Reed (Seattle Rep’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf) as an, ahem, “older” Hollywood star. You know, a woman in her 50s.
Pamela Reed, R. Hamilton Wright and Marianne Owen
And who’s she dating? A hot young guy named Spike (played by William Poole). Three siblings, each named for a Chekhov character, and the boyfriend Spike are the players in this Tony Award-winning comedy by Christopher Durang about Baby Boomers, the status quo and licking postage stamps. Directed by Kurt Beattie, it’s the final play in ACT’s 2014 Mainstage season.
If you go: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, ACT Theatre, Through Nov. 16 (Tickets start at $55). — F.D.
Charles D’Ambrosio *
Seattle native Charles D’Ambrosio returns to Elliott Bay to read from "Loitering", his new collection of essays. The Stranger has called it the best essay collection of the year and while I have only my own love of his other book of essays (a tiny, lovely volume called "Orphans") to draw on, I can attest that D’Ambrosio’s writing is uniquely mesmerizing. Added bonus: Reading bits of writing set in my own city makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger and helps me appreciate the everyday oddities and beauty around me. Treat yourself to D’Ambrosio read his non-fiction, then read it yourself.
If you go: Charles D’Ambrosio, Elliott Bay Book Company, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. (Free) — N.C.
I Never Betrayed the Revolution
West of Lenin Theater is world premiering a project by a guy obsessed with Poland's Solidarity Movement and who claims Lech Walesa as a hero. Playwright Christopher Danowski and director AJ Epstein have been conspiring to stage this project since 1990, ever since Danowski wrote a script inspired by stories about his Polish roots and how a great-grandfather led a union strike in Milwaukee. The play got an early reading decades ago in Tempe, Ariz. Now it's getting some full-production love at the Fremont-based theater. "I Never Betrayed the Revolution" is described as a “hilariously deconstructed history lesson” and a “fable of how power creates dangerous madness.”
If you go: I Never Betrayed the Revolution, West of Lenin Theater, Oct. 31 through Nov. 10. ($20). — F.D.
The Moth: Haunted *
The Moth, as you may know, is a national storytelling event (and podcast) that works like this: 10 storytellers spin a five-minute yarn around a particular theme, say, "Last Minute” or “Busted” or “Living Quarters.” And they get scored. But it’s not about the points — each story and storyteller is compelling (and often hilarious, and occasionally revelatory) in his or her own way. And most importantly, you are stunned by the power of the age-old act of storytelling in a setting that perfectly balances intimate and fun. For a more substantial Halloween, head to St. Mark’s for a special “Haunted” edition of The Moth. If you can’t make it this month, this immensely popular event now takes place TWICE a month (first Thursdays at the Fremont Abbey and third Fridays at St. Mark’s). But plan ahead for tickets, or show up early to get one of the day-of spots.
If you go: The Moth StorySlam, Bloedel Hall at St. Mark’s, Oct. 31 at 8:15 p,m. ($8) — N.C.
Adult Funplex: Haunted Edition
Local Soul heroines ThEESatisfaction are headlining the annual (free!!!) Neumos Halloween bash this year. Perhaps they’ll give us a sneak peak of some new music; it’s been a long two years since their impressive debut LP “awE NaturalE.” The Dip, an excellent local funk project that doesn’t skimp on the horns, is also playing. Deejay 100 Proof and DJ Beeba will be spinning cuts, and if you have the nerve to venture downstairs into the dark basement chamber that is Barboza, you can catch DJ Swervewon and Jay Hawk performing, too.
If you go: Adult Funplex: Haunted Edition, Showbox Market, Oct 31. ($29.50). All ages. — J.S.H.
Method Man and Redman
Lately Method Man, like his longtime Wu-Tang Clan collaborator RZA, has put great effort into developing an acting career. He’s got a new comedy “The Cobbler” with Adam Sandler; a recurring role in the animated hip-hop comedy “Chozen” and a number of dramatic roles in film and television under his belt. But Method Man’s deep, commanding-yet-often-comical delivery and knack for wordplay have earned him unforgettable esteem as a musician, and his collaboration with Redman goes back to 1994 — although they have only released two albums as a duo.
If you go: Method Man and Redman, Showbox Market, Nov. 3. ($30). All ages. — J.S.H.
HBO Documentary Films presents The Last Patrol *
These monthly screenings (free and yet to be seen by television audiences) are awesome and do just what the film series itself is attempting to do: shed light on the darkest corners of society, and give the stage to the oft-ignored outliers. This documentary, called "The Last Patrol", is a road trip story of sorts, with two veterans — one is war photographer and director Sebastian Junger — walking from Washington, D.C. up the East coast as they reflect on war in all of its myriad complexities. Showing the week before Veteran’s Day is no accident. The film is “a timely reminder” of the unique challenges veterans face when they return home. Junger will be on hand for a post-screening Q&A, and several local veterans’ groups are scheduled to attend. The film is free but reserve tickets ahead of time.
If you go: The Last Patrol, SIFF Cinema Uptown, Nov. 5 at 7p.m. (Free) — N.C.
Deltron 3030
“Stardate 3030…” says actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt at the very beginning of Deltron 3030’s newest album, “Event II.” Deltron 3030 is not so much a band as the musical embodiment of a dystopian science fiction novel, one with sweeping political themes. It was conceived chiefly by rapper Del the Funky Homosapien who, for this project, performs as Deltron Zero, a tech-savvy, space-traveling revolutionary figure fighting corporate greed and fascism in the distant future. Visionary producer/composer Dan the Automator, the project's other half, often conducts an eclectic orchestra during live performances. Don’t miss the chance to see this duo blur the lines between hip-hop and sci-fi.
If you go: Deltron 3030, Showbox Market, Nov. 5. ($29.50). All ages. — J.S.H.
