Bugged out!

Diversions 11/18

Bugged out!

Isabella Rossellini, known as the face of Lancôme cosmetics from 1982-96 and as a film and TV actress (Blue Velvet, Fearless, Alias, 30 Rock), is also the creator/writer/director of Green Porno. These short films about the fascinating reproductive habits of insects and marine animals star Rossellini garbed in fantastic creature costumes of her own design-NOT your typical science feature à la Animal Planet or National Geographic. Green Porno, the book, with 125 film stills of Rossellini from the Sundance Channel-produced series, along with a narrative text and DVD, will be out this Fall. She lectures at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 18 at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium in Benaroya Hall. Tickets: 206-621-2230 or www.lectures.org.

THEATRE

Stone Soup Theatre' 2009-2010 Season is in full swing. Durang7 by Christopher Durang plays through Nov. 22; A Child's Christmas in Wales, adapted from the poem by Dyland Thomas, Dec. 4-24; Fool for Love by Sam Shepard, Feb. 19-March 14, 2010; The Vagina Monologes 10th Anniversary Edition, by Eve Ensler, April 2-24, 2010; Original One-Act Play Festival, May 13-23, 2010. For tickets and more information visit www.stonesouptheatre.org



Leo K. Theatre
presents Opus through Dec. 6. In front of an audience they're pitch perfect, but behind the scenes of the Lazara String Quartet, things aren't quite so adagio. Tapped to play at the White House years after in-fighting broke them up, the group reunites-with a new member, a promising young student. As they prepare for the gig of their lives, tempers flare, relationships crumble and new ones bloom. Opus is a passionate, music-filled glimpse into the fascinating world of professional classical musicians. By Michael Hollinger
 and directed by Braden Abraham. Recommended for ages 14 and above for mild profanity, some adult situations. Visit www.seattlerep.org. for more information.

Seattle Rep's Book-it Theatre presents Jane Austen's Emma through Nov. 22 at the Center House Theatre. Austen's fourth novel centers on the well-intentioned Emma and her sometimes indiscreet, often misapplied, and always entertaining efforts as matchmaker. Witty, intelligent, and spoiled, Emma takes it upon herself to arrange a suitable marriage for her poor friend Harriet. But despite her advantages, she is oblivious to the true nature of almost everyone around her-including herself-until at last she happily loses her own heart. Austen's deliciously droll descriptions, ironic observations, and generous happy endings are sure to please all audiences. Evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and matinees begin at 2 p.m. For more information visit www.book-it.org.

ACT's 34th Annual production of A Christmas Carol returns Nov. 27 through Dec. 27. Kurt Beattie returns to the role of Scrooge - the first time in more than 10 years! Alternating in the role is R. Hamilton Wright. And both are directing this year's production. For more information and tickets call 206-292-7676 or visit www.acttheatre.org.

Seattle Shakespeare Company presents Twelfth Night Dec. 4-27 at the Center House Theatre in Seattle Center. This is Shakespeare's only holiday-themed play. "Twelfth Night" sweeps onto the stage featuring traditional music and caroling, jokes and laughter, and some smooching under the mistletoe. Artistic Director Stephanie Shine stages this beguiling comedy of romantic misadventures which opens on Friday, Dec. 4 at the Center House Theatre and runs through Dec. 27.

Seattle Children's Theatre (SCT) presents If You Give a Mouse a Cookie through Nov. 29. Based on the beloved children's book by Laura Numeroff, the story follows a little boy who makes the ill-fated decision of giving a mouse a cookie. Seattle Children's Theatre is located at 201 Thomas St., under the Space Needle at Seattle Center. Tickets are $15 to $34 and may be purchased by calling the SCT Ticket Office at (206) 441-3322 or by visiting www.sct.org.

Leo K. Theatre
also presents Speech and Debate
Jan. 15 through Feb. 21, 2010. An aspiring teen journalist, an awkward wannabe popstar, and the openly gay new kid in town all have secrets. But when their squeaky clean small-town high school refuses to acknowledge the messy parts of being a teenager, this ragtag bunch of misfits starts an after school Speech and Debate team to expose a possible scandal. Recommended for ages 14 and above for mild profanity, teens engaged in discussions of sex, drinking and drug abuse. Visit. www.seattlerep.org for tickets and more information.

Jet City Improv and Wing-It Productions present Seattle's Best Comedy, a night of hijinks and improvisational fun with audience participation. At the Historic University Theatre, 5510 University Way N.E. 206-352-8291. Visit www.jetcityimprov.com for more show times and information.

LIVE MUSIC

Organist Joseph Adam will perform works by Bach, Liszt and Dupre-2010 Fluke/Gabelein Organ Series. The program will include Liszt's Präludium and Fugue on B.A.C.H., Funèrailles, and Fantasia and Fugue; Bach' s Prelude and Fugue in E minor; and Dupre's Prelude and Fugue in G minor. The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16, in the S. Mark Taper Foundation room at Benaroya Hall. Performance does not include Seattle Symphony. Tickets are available from $19 to $29. Visit www.seattlesymphony.org.

Celebrating the release of his sixth CD, "Under the Willow Tree," David Templeton returns to Benaroya Hall for a solo, one-night-only concert. The evening promises to be a mix of classically inspired piano and uptempo solo guitar that audiences have come to love. David's original instrumental music is both soothing and inspirational. A NW favorite for over 20 years, he continues to create new works and perform throughout the country. Tickets: 1-800-982-ARTS, www.ticketmaster.com, BH Box Office: $38 reserved.

The Magnolia Chorale has begun rehearsals for its 20th annual holiday concert under the direction of Jean-Marie Kent. The concert will include favorites from sacred to secular, from Britten's "...Carols" to Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas" and as well as the Chorale's own set of traditional and "traditional-with-a-twist" carols. The concerts will be 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, and 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Magnolia United Church of Christ, 3555 W. McGraw St. Tickets are available at La Roux Fine Apparel, and Magnolia Bookstore $10 in advance, and $12 at the door. For more information visit www.magnoliachoral.org

New offerings at Seattle Opera. Young Artists in Performance Fall 2009 begins with Mozart's Così fan tutte, 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20, at the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall at 200 University St. $20. Next spring it's Richard Strauss's "Ariadne auf Naxos" April 1, 3, 9, and 11, Performed at the Theatre at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; Matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets: $35 for adults $15 for students. For more information visit www.seattleopera.org.

Start your holiday celebrations early with an inspiring program of Christmas music by Praetorious, Schütz, Telemann, Handel, and others, performed by the exquisite lyric soprano Karen Elizabeth Urlie, recorder virtuoso Vicki Boeckman, and acclaimed harpsichordist Jillon Stoppels Dupree. You'll not want to miss this rich and festive fare-always our most popular concert of the season. Performances take place in the intimate Queen Anne Christian Church, 1316 Third Ave. W., at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, and at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 6. Visit www.galleryconcerts.org for more information. 206-726-2088. Tickets are $28 general admission; $22 seniors; $10 students and back rows. Children attend for free (ages 7-14), one with each paying adult.

The Musically Speaking series at the Seattle Symphony is coming up. It begins, at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 3 Tickets: $23-$125. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 7, 8 p.m., Jan. 8, and 8 p.m., Jan. 9. Visit www.seattlesymphony.com for more information.

The Ladies Music Club has unveiled a list of FREE music concerts going on around Seattle. They are:

Partita for Solo Violin in d minor, BWV 1004, J. S. Bach, 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4 at the Seattle Art Museum 1300 First Ave.; Songs by Clara Schumann, 12:10 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Public Library at 1000 Fourth Ave.; Prelude Op. 32 No. 4, Rachmaninoff, 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12 at Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry St.; Scenes from Mozart operas: Cosi Fan Tutte, Magic Flute, Marriage of Figaro, La Clemenza di Tito, 3 p.m., Monday Dec. 14 at Harborview Medical Center, Main Building Cafeteria at 325 Ninth Ave.; Songs of Light in Winter, Mahler, Barber, Respighi, Adam, 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Seattle Asian Art Museum at 1400 Prospect St.; Scenes from Mozart operas: Cosi Fan Tutte, Magic Flute, Marriage of Figaro, La Clemenza di Tito, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 20, at the University House, Wallingford at 4400 Stone Way N.

CINEMA

Now playing: Pirate Radio, Metro; 2012, Metro; Gentlemen Broncos, Metro; We Live in Public, Varsity; House of the Devil, Varsity; Coming Nov. 20: Precious, Planet 51, Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Blind Side, The Messenger.

VISUAL ARTS

Magnolia artist Eric Olson's sol show, in conjunction with the Pioneer Square First Thursday Art Walk at the Gallery IMA at 123 S. Jackson St. 206-625-0055. More information at www.galleryima.com. To see more of Olson's art, visit www.erico-art.com. Show runs through Nov. 29.

The Wing Luke Asian Museum presents Parallel Lines, 8 Contemporary Seattle Artists. The event features Tram Bui, Mark Takamichi Miller, Jason Huff, Akio Takamori, Patti Warashina, Saya Moriyasu, Thuy-Van Vu and Joseph Park. The work will be on display through Nov. 29. The museum is at 719 S. King St. in Chinatown-International District. Visit www.wingluke.org. for more information.

The Wing Luke presents the wild politically charged collections and paintings of Roger Shimomura. Shimomura has been devoted to issues of ethnic identity as a third-generation Japanese American. His paintings tackle socio-political issues of Asian America. Through April 18. Visit www.wingluke.org.

READINGS

Open mic at El Diablo coffee house. Poetry readers are encouraged to join the fun the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month The event is co-hosted by Margaret Roncone and Lainne Dexter. This series is getting a trial run every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Show up to listen or bring poetry to read at this all open mic venue that can continue if enough people want to make it happen. ... tell others about it.... always good to have more places to read and help indie business survive in these hard times.... 8 p.m., at El Diablo coffee house 1811 Queen Anne Ave. N.

OTHER STUFF

United Indians of All Tribes Foundation announces the return of the Indian Art Mart to Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center throughout November and December. Native American vendors will be featuring hand-made arts, crafts, jewelry and other items. Salmon meals will be available for $12. The Indian Art Mart exists to support local Native American artists. In addition, it serves as a benefit for United Indians' Elders Program, which provides nutrition and care to Native American elders living in the greater Seattle Metropolitan Area. Come seek out perfect gifts, enjoy Daybreak Star's permanent art collection and a breathtaking view of Puget Sound-all while supporting a worthy cause. It's FREE. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 22, 29 and Dec. 20, at the Daybreak Start Indian Cultural Center, 3801 W. Government Way in Discovery Park.

The Seattle Veterans Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Also open on military holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th and Veterans Day) and by appointment for groups. The museum is also looking for volunteers and board members. The museum is located at Second Avenue between Union and University streets behind the Remembrance Garden. Visit www.seattleveteransmuseum.org or call 425-821-0489 for more information.

Burke Museum Concert Event, Tribute to the Spirit: Little Big Band. Native American Artists Gather on Stage to Mark Closing of the 100th A-Y-P Anniversary Year. Representatives from seven different First Nations gather on one stage for a contemporary music and performance event like none other. These Native American performers are coming together to commemorate the end of the 100th anniversary year of the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition (A-Y-P). Together they will combine the best of blues, rock, spoken word and jazz with deep resonances of their traditional culture. The combination is uplifting, evocative and a stinging rebuke to anyone who believes the Native culture has faded away. Artists include Star Nayea Grammy Award-winning singer; Gene Tagaban Tlingit storyteller, actor, musician; Preston Singletary electric bassist and celebrated Tlingit glass artist; Swil Kanim violinist and comic. The event is 7:30 p.m., Nov. 20, at Meany Hall in the University of Washington campus. Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for Burke Members and $5 for youth and students 18 & over with ID. $17 tickets are available over the phone for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are on sale now at www.brownpapertickets. Or call (206) 616-6473.[[In-content Ad]]