THEATER
To start a new theater season with a Depression-era drama might seem a tad…risky. Isn’t this the same crowd that spent billions watching a fantasy about blue avatars? But Intiman Theatre’s adaptation of Cilfford Odets’s Paradise Lost is a gamble that pays off. The show closes on April 25; read our review here.

And I can’t say it enough: You’d regret skipping An Iliad at Seattle Repertory Theatre. Hans Altwies is outstanding as the “ghostly embodiment of Homer.” I’ve resisted the standing ovation craze in Seattle, but I finally caved last night. The solo show runs through May 16.

Did I happen to mention Russell Brand’s stand-up at the Moore on April 23?

MUSICAL MASHUP
It takes chutzpah to call yourself “Awesome” (even if there are quotes), but the local septet lives up to its name. They perform West, an ambitious music-theater piece about our expansion to the Best Coast, at On the Boards. Expect rich harmonies and the occasional tune on a typewriter. Through April 25.

CLASSICAL AND MORE
Even though cellist Xavier Phillips had to cancel his weekend appearances (can’t catch a flight because of the Icelandic volcano eruption), the show goes on. Seattle Symphony performs Beethoven’s 5th and guest conductor Ludovic Morlot takes the reins for Tchaikovsky’s Francesca da Rimini, based on Dante’s Inferno. April 22 & 24.

FILM AND TELEVISION
Who had the best legs in Some Like it Hot: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, or Jack Lemmon? Toss-up between Curtis and Monroe? See for yourself when Billy Wilder’s 1959 comedy screens at Central Cinema April 23-29.

And the Sonics…err, Oklahoma City Thunder, down 0-2, try to keep their playoff dreams alive in tonight’s game against the Lakers at 6:30 PT on TNT.

DANCE
PNB wraps up All Balanchine — three works by the choreographer who introduced America to ballet —on April 25.

Madrid troupe Compania Nacional de Danza dazzles under Nacho Duato’s direction, performing a blend of modern dance and classical ballet with equal parts passion and elegance. They close out Meany Hall’s dance season April 22-24.