The tragic, yet ultimately inspiring story of Rachel Corrie made its way from Olympia to around the world in a matter of days back in 2003, when The Evergreen State College student made her way to the Gaza Strip to protest the destruction of homes of Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli government. She was killed by an Israeli bulldozer when she stood between the heavy machinery and the house only to be crushed to death as the bulldozer went about its business.

Her death sparked not only international attention and outrage but highlighted the struggle of the Palestinian people. Now her story is coming home. The Evergreen State College is set to present the Seattle Repertory Company’s production of "My Name is Rachel Corrie" in the college’s Experimental Theater, April 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and April 28 and 29 at 2 p.m. as part of the Evergreen Expressions Visiting Artist program.

The play, written largely from Corrie’s own journals and letters, was edited for the stage by director Alan Rickman, best known for his roles in the Harry Potter series of films and New York stage productions of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" and "Private Lives," and Katharine Viner, features editor of The Guardian newspaper in London. The production opened at London ’s Royal Court Theater to critical acclaim in 2005.

The Seattle production will play in the Emerald City until April 22 when it will then move to Olympia. If you can't want into the South Sound run, visit their Web site for play times.

Tickets are $30 or $20 for seniors and atudents. They will go on sale at noon on April 2 at Rainy Day Records, The Evergreen College bookstore, online at BuyOlympia.com or by placing a phone order at 360.876.6833. â€" Steve Dunkelberger

Michael York stars as King Arthur in "Camelot."  Photo by Craig Schwartz

As Austin Power’s boss, Michael York struggled to keep his British secret agent in line.  On stage at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, he appears eager to walk in a straight line.

Taking center stage as King Arthur in Lerner & Loewe’s "Camelot," York is perfect in the role as the aging king, but appears a bit off playing a younger man wooing his soon-to-be wife Guenevere, played by Rachel York (no relation).  Heck, the two never even kiss on stage, as if to say, "yeah, we know we look awkward up here."

Past that point, the evening’s entertainment is fun and engaging.  Rachel York’s voice is nothing short of enchanting, while James Barbour as Guenevere's lover, Sir Lancelot, is funny with a fanciful bass voice.

"Camelot" runs through April 8 at 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle.  Tickets are $20-$73 and available at 206.625.1900 or www.5thavenue.org. â€" Ken Swarner

Michael York knighting a member of the Round Table in "Camelot."  Photo by Craig Schwartz

Paul Gjording, the Northwest Sinfonietta's executive director since 2002, is saying “see ya Sinfonietta,” leaving the organization for the foundation and government relations manager position with the Seattle Symphony.

The Northwest Sinfonietta's board has posted the position on Craigslist.com and other Internet job sites.

In the meantime, Christophe Chagnard is acting as interim executive director. â€" Suzy Stump

I thought my daughter and I would enjoy quite possibly two of the most disparate activities in existence today, starting with a much anticipated trip to the Pro Bull Riders finals in the Tacoma Dome, followed by a road trip to that city up north to see Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “Hansel and Gretel” (one of a select few events that could get me to make that particular trek.)

As it turns out, the two entertainments aren’t that different, after all.  Both involve elaborate costuming, athletic skill, and a passion for the discipline. 

But then when you consider the costuming of the ballet (tu-us) versus the bull riders (chaps); the athletic skill for ballet (finesse and grace in time with the music) versus the bull riders (finesse and grace atop a thousand pound ball of muscles and meanness) and you’re pretty much left with the two events having passion in common.

Both were events worthy of passion.  The Professional Bull Riding showed the adrenaline infused insanity of the riders â€" Early in the day, Brian Canter’s rope hand stayed tied to the bull as he was attached to it; as the bull bucked, hopped, kicked, and covered a fair amount of ground, the cowboy flailed like a rag doll.

This specific moment cemented my admiration for the bullfighters and other cowboys, as they all worked together to detach the man from the bull.  All I could think was, “ouch.  Rotator cuff.  Ouch, that’ll put dude in some Physical Therapy." Turns out, the event puts dude back in Dallas, in the hands of a surgeon who will fix his fractured ankle.

That was unexpected.

And then there was the moment when Brendon Clark, the Aussie I met at the Gonyea Boys and Girls Club, completed his 8 second ride only to get stomped on the leg by the mammoth bull. Again, my thoughts ran to toward “Ouch.”

“Ouch” didn’t happen in the PNB’s Hansel and Gretel, though.

The fabulous costuming accented the light, breezy grace of the dancers.  Jordan Veit and Colby Lewis, the young lead dancers, enchanted me with their expressiveness and skill, while the wee one was entranced by the toe-shod birds, most notably Michelle Le who impressed me with her strength, energy and grace.  Of course, my highly sophisticated daughter was most impressed by the sparkles on that particular tutu.

Ironically enough, as we recapped the day in the car on the trip home, I asked her which event she liked better.  “Ballet,” she responded in a millisecond; “The bull thing was boring.”

Umm.  Right. 

We might need to work on operative definitions: she fell asleep at the ballet, midway through.  There was no sleeping to be had during the bull riding.

Good times, though, all of ‘em. â€" Jessica Corey-Butler

Tacoma Musical Playhouse took home two state theater awards at the Washington State Community Theatre Association contest in Walla Walla this weekend.

The big award was the Theater Treasure honor, which the theater won a few years ago right before it was asked attend the international contest in Monocco. TMP stars should pack their bags, because their performance of "Company" was rocking.

The second award was best actress to Jenny McMurry for her performance in "Thoroughly Modern Millie."

The TMP actors now go on to regionals, which will involve  actors  from around the Pacific Northwest. Those contests will be held at TMP later this spring. Not that TMP needs a home field advantage.

It's "Big River" is smoking as well. This theater is on fire. â€" Steve Dunkelberger

We were enchanted yesterday, the wee one and I, as "Swan Lake" opened to the scene of Prince Siegfried’s party.

I saw the sizes, ages, and bright eyes of the individuals on stage and tears streamed down my face unwittingly. Hours, weeks, months of effort were apparent; these weren’t individuals paid to do what they loved, possibly they were people paying to do it, or on grants.

That’s the beauty of community theater and dance; it’s all about the love of the activity.
With Dance Theatre Northwest’s "Swan Lake," we saw the love, and we felt it; we saw the hard work of the dancers, many of whom performed triple roles, even more, in the ambitious production.

Standouts were plentiful: in the corps were individuals who showed energy and vitality even two hours after beginning the ballet; the sweet quartet of swans had my heart in my throat and had my tears streaming again as the dance went on.

Ultimately, though the numerous (I stopped counting at 32) fouettes performed by Katie Neumann were impressive, they weren’t enough to propel her to “star” status, in my book.  Even my wee one, who was so excited to see Odette, and then so anxious to see Odile, (pronounced Oh-Dial by the narrator, which irked me) was left fidgeting through her performances as both personae.

It’s not that Neumann wasn’t great, it’s just that she wasn’t riveting.  She was impressively limber and swan-like, as Odette, but there was something hollow and possibly stiff about her as Odile.

Even still, the kid came home and immediately began dancing as a swan, and as corps dancers.  She felt the magic of the dance, and forgot the length, which said volumes as she was the kid whining, “mommy, how much longer,” despite her familiarity with the storyline.

It was exactly a perfect arts afternoon for the two of us, hanging out together.  She brought a stuffed dog with her to the ballet, and I asked her what the puppy thought of the evening.
Her response: “The music was great, and the dancing was pretty.” â€" Jessica Corey-Butler

They’ve been with you through the good and bad times, close to your heart.

So why are you letting them down with an ill-fitting bra?

Nordstrom Tacoma, in association with Wacoal and the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is putting on an event on March 15 that will teach you all you need to know about why â€" and how â€" to support your sisters.

Says Stacey Ellis, after explaining the day to me, “We’re very passionate about this event.”

With good reason â€" it’s a win win win situation that one could get passionate about.

Attend one of two free seminars on fit â€" at noon, and at 6 p.m. â€" a nd learn the whys and wherefores of good bra fit.

Schedule a fitting anytime on that day, and Wacoal will donate $2 to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer foundation, which Nordstrom will match with another $2.  Purchase a bra by Wacoal, Donna Karan, or DKNY, and another $2 will be donated.

Call ahead for seminar reservations or to schedule your fit: 253.475.3630 x 1240 â€" your sisters will thank you for it! â€" Jessica Corey-Butler

Last night's RAGS Wearable Art Sale and Gala at was the scene of much art.  Most of this art was carried around on moving canvasses, bodies showing off last years’ purchases or modeling items for sale this year. 

The wine flowed freely, loosening purse strings (present company included) while the jazz music from the trio of musicians known as the Kareem Kandi Band added to the ambience of the evening.

The diverse crowd of people wandered around the completely altered Mercedes Benz of Tacoma, oohing, ahhhing, sipping, and buying.

For myself, I blew my paycheck on one of Maureen-Galloegos’ embellished handbags, a couple of pairs of Diane Vermalen’s felted wool ballerina slippers (I love them so much I slept in them!) a Lisa Kinoshita leather necklace, a button bracelet from Theresa Owens and chandelier earrings and a matching fabulous multiple strand pearl bracelet by Jessica Alexander.  Seeing Britt Simone and Marty from Vinosus (and planning future purchases) was good fun, as was running into family friends from long ago.  There’s nothing quite so satisfying as having your childhood best friend’s father grabbing you wine and dropping f-bombs. 

Ahhh, sweet adulthood.

Also satisfying: knowing the large wad of dough I dropped was going to a worthy cause, the YWCA’s domestic violence programs.

You too can get some cool stuff for a worthy cause through Sunday, at the Mercedes Benz of Tacoma. â€" Jessica Corey-Butler

Would you believe there will be a dialogue with the Tacoma arts community concerning the future of education in Tacoma/Pierce County?

Ah, the old Get The Tacoma Arts Community Involved trick. 

Get Smart Tacoma will be held Thursday, March 15, 4-6 p.m., at the Northwest Leadership Foundation. The City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Schools, Metro Parks and Pierce County invites the arts community to discuss the role of education in shaping Tacoma’s future.  RSVP to Ann Brown or Priscilla Lisicich.

I’m loving it! â€" Maxwell Smart

The www.myspace.com/coffeeandrhetoric">Coffee & Rhetoric folks posted this message on the Weekly Volcano's MySpace page.  The Urban Arts Festival brain trust will chat up their summer festival held at Fireman's Park this year tonight at Cutters Point Coffee in downtown Tacoma.  Check it. â€" Brad Allen

• Tonight at Coffee & Rhetoric: Showcasing Tacoma's art subculture, the kids from the urban art festival talk about their mission and brainstorm with local artists. If your an artist or musician or you just want to meet some artists and musicians-come hang out with us! 7 PM THUR. CUTTERS POINT 1936 PACIFIC AVE. (next week= OPEN MIC!!! with Kye Hillig from Pistol for Paycheck kicking it off...)