STEVE DUNKELBERGER: THEATER THURSDAY >>>

A Pirate's Life For Me
All things piratey take to the stage as Encore! stages A Pirate's Life For Me, a tale about aristocrat Roger Goodman having his eyes on Sarah Huffington, only to learn that until she finds him boring.  She wants a bad boy and has her sights on a pirate. She then sets out on a voyage to find her man while he takes a crash course in seafaring as a way to win her heart. They meet on Treasure Island where the retired Bluebeard and his crew are searching only for some peace and quiet.  Throw in chests of gold doubloons and the result is a swashbuckling, happy ending, game of hide and seek.
[Encore! Theater, through May 18, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, $8-$15, 38th Ave. N.W., Gig Harbor, 253.858.2282]

Shining City
Shining City is the latest work on the stage at Harlequin Productions. The play involves a former priest  (played by Vincent Brady) turned counselor and his patient John (Anders Bolang), who is haunted by the recent death of his wife.  The show involves tight language and long monologues as it swings through the emotional roller coaster of life.
[State Theater, through May 17, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $24-$33, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.786.0151]