SUZY STUMP: I INTERRUPT MY WORK FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT >>>

Here at the Weekly Volcano deadlines hit us like a ton of bricks. Bricks with nails sticking out of them. Rusty nails! Dipped in anthrax! By Frenchmen! The days get hectic is what we’re saying. There’s always a rat-scurry of minor details underfoot, none of them life-changing, all of them requiring attention. So we round them up with one hand while manhandling a 10-pound to-do list with the other. And with our third hand, we answer the phone â€" it’s a publicist with an ill-timed pitch or our youngest son tattling on his brothers. And then our e-mail beeps ...

The Broadway Center interrupts our work with an announcement of new shows for the season.

So we put down the pencils and pens and glue to tell you the following new shows will go on sale Monday, Dec. 1:

k.d. lang will perform in the intimate setting of the Pantages Theater on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 7:30pm.  Tickets are $68, $88 and $119; the $119 tickets include a complimentary private, pre-party from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Maxwell's Speakeasy and Lounge.

Theatre Northwest Group will present seven performances of The Final Toast beginning on Feb. 13 at Theatre on the Square.   Tickets are $22 and $34.

Theatre Northwest Group will also present seven performances of Educating Rita beginning on May 15 at Theatre on the Square.  Tickets are $22 and $34.

Defending the Caveman is back in Tacoma April 16-19 at Theatre on the Square.  Tickets are $22 and $34.

Several local blues icons will join forces in A Celebration of Little Bill and the Blue Notes on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the Rialto Theater.  Tickets are $19, $29 and $50.  The $50 tickets include a VIP Reception prior to the performance.  By the way Little Bill Engelhart kicks ass. His son, Tony, writes for the Weekly Volcano. It’s all good.

Other community events are in the works: the Broadway Center will partner with a local coalition of hip-hop enthusiasts to present a festival of hip-hop in late spring.

Tickets are on sale Nov. 12 to Broadway Center members (how nice!) and on sale Dec. 1 to civilians.  Call 253.591.5894 to join the fun, won’t you?

LINK: ViVA South Sound arts and entertainment guide