This Week In Theater: Extra Holiday Goodness (Round Two)

It seems that in our zeal to tell you about all of the theatrical productions that are beginning their runs in town this weekend, we neglected to inform you of a handful of other shows in town that are quite worthy of your attention. Our apologies.

We've already informed you about the Jose Gonzales Trio and their plan to cover Vince Guaraldi's Christmas classic A Charlie Brown Christmas this coming Monday, a prospect that thrills us to no end.

Beyond that, however, we've also got a couple of shows at Annex Theatre in Capitol Hill. Tonight brings Spin The Bottle, the company's monthly late night cabaret which often gives us a smattering of this town's most talented dance, solo performers, and previews of shows that are coming soon to a Fringe theater near you. A special highlight here is the original smut that is traditionally the last act on the bill...Who doesn't love Christmas themed smut? Nazis and frumps, that's who. This month features The Habit, Le Frenchword, and the musical stylings of Mamie Lavona the Exotic Mulatta (who, unfortunately, will not be providing the aforementioned Christmas smut).

Tonight at 11:00p.m. // Annex Theatre, 1100 East Pike Street // $10

Also from Annex this Sunday, it's the one year anniversary of Weird and Awesome with Emmett Montgomery, the company's other monthly showcase of local talent. Put together by Montgomery, recently named one of the seven reasons why Seattle is funny by the Seattle Met, this is a regular compilation of songs, sketches, stand up comedians, videos and other examples of egregious goofballery -- usually formed around a loose theme -- that will be celebrating not just the holidays, but also their birthday. A welcome stress reliever.

Sunday at 7:30p.m. // Annex Theater, 1100 East Pike Street // $10

Finally, at Fremont's West of Lenin, comes a show we couldn't believe we neglected to mention much earlier, as it is one that has had us foaming in anticipation since we first heard it was coming back: Kevin Joyce's A Pale and Lovely Place is being re-mounted after an absence of 12 years. This is one of those Seattle's most famed productions -- first produced at the Seattle Fringe Festival in 1996 and then took the world by storm over the next handful of years. As caustic as it is mordantly funny, the pedigree behind this production is staggering to contemplate. Joyce himself is nearly a Seattle legend (he is a co-founder of the UMO Ensemble and has spent a long tour of duty at Teatro Zinzanni), and he's being directed by Kevin Kent, another person with a long list of Seattle triumphs under his belt. It wouldn't be too surprising if tickets have sold out for this show, or would be soon, so hurry. This comes with a strong recommendation.

Thursday through Sunday at 8:00p.m. (additional show on Monday December 5); through December 11 // West of Lenin, 203 North 36th Street // $19 - $21