THEATER

Thru Apr 13
The Importance of Being Earnest
When Seattle Shakespeare Company takes a break from their namesake’s theatrical library, it makes sure to make the most of it. This time around, Seattle Shakes substitutes the most prominent wit of the 16th century, the Bard of Avon himself, for the masterpiece by the preeminent wit of the 18th century, Oscar Wilde. The Importance of Being Earnest sharply lampoons the triviality and absurd constructs of Victorian high society with its tale courting deception and masterfully playful dialogue. Center House Theatre, $25–$48.

Thru Apr 6
The Suit
When Philomen catches his wife, Matilda, cheating on him, he punishes her by forcing her to treat her lover’s left-behind suit as if it were an esteemed houseguest. It’s an embodiment of infidelity that takes on a life of its own. With simple staging and three musician/actors scoring scenes, The Suit manages moments of whimsy while packing a painful emotional gut punch. Seattle Repertory Theatre, $15–$60.

Mar 20–Apr 4
Royal Blood
Denial is a powerful force, particularly when the walls are crumbling around you. In local playwright Sonya Schneider’s new play Royal Blood, a distressed American family denies their terrible reality by holding onto the belief that they are descendants of royalty as they weather death, tragedy, and some shattering discoveries.  This world premier features Todd Jefferson Moore (winner of a 2006 Gregory A. Falls Sustained Achievement Award) and some not-so-regal behavior. West of Lenin, $20.

Mar 20–Apr 27
The Tutor
When an aspiring writer becomes a tutor to “stupid rich kids” to pay the bills, his sullen pupil and “cash cow” surprisingly becomes a major influence his novel. Characters bicker with their author and romance is lost and found again in this whimsical and energetic musical. Village Theatre, Issaquah, $46–$65.

FILM

Mar 21–May 1
Red Renewal: Seattle's Socialist Spring
In the wake of socialist Kshama Sawant’s election to the city council and the ongoing fight for a $15 minimum wage, Seattle has become the national epicenter for social justice causes. And Northwest Film Forum examines the ideas sparking the movement with Red Renewal: Seattle’s Socialist Spring. The series brings together community partners—including design nonprofit Arcade and Seattle Met’s PubliCola blog—to present and discuss films exploring labor issues, human rights, and more. Northwest Film Forum, $8.

CLASSICAL & MORE

Fri, Mar 21
Celebrate Asia
The Seattle Symphony’s annual Celebrate Asia concert bridges East and West musical traditions by mixing composers and performers separated by the Pacific Ocean. The night includes the world premieres of compositions by Chinese native Shuying Li and UW’s Richard Karpen, which mix Western instruments with ones traditional to Vietnam. Benaroya Hall, $19–$76.

VISUAL ART

Mar 20–Apr 26
Thuy-Van Vu
Local painter Thuy-Van Vu understands the stark simplicity of the singular. Many of the watercolors in her latest collection focus on one item (like a typewriter, book, or a pile of lumber) set against a barren white backdrop. The exploration of space makes each object seem tangible enough to reach into the painting and touch. (Note: Please do not touch the paintings.) G. Gibson Gallery, free.

FOOD & DRINK

Sat, Mar 22
Washington Cask Beer Festival
It’s back! Join Seattle Met on March 22 at the Washington Cask Beer Festival, presented by the Washington Brewers Guild. Sample cask beers from over 40 Washington breweries and get to know the makers of your favorite ales. Each ticket includes a commemorative tasting glass and up to 25 beer samples. Don’t forget a designated driver – they receive a special admission price of $5 at the doors only. Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, $40.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sat, Mar 22
Seattle Modern Home Tour 2014
Get ready for a major case of house envy. The Seattle Modern Home Tour returns with six lust-worthy specimens for architectural admirers, including a midcentury modern remodel and a contemporary new build. This self-guided event benefits Seattle Architecture Foundation. Various locations, $30–$40.

VIDEO GAMES

Releases Mar 21
Infamous: Second Son
It's easy to look out at Seattle skyline and get lost in superhero daydreams about hopping between the rooftops and ascending to the top of the Space Needle. Bellevue's Sucker Punch Production gives gamers the chance to make those dreams a (virtual) reality when Infamous: Second Son arrives on the PlayStation 4. In the game, players take control of Delsin Rowe, a 24-year-old graffiti artist with smoke-based powers that aid in his urban exploration and havoc creation. Kicking back on the couch and crusing around digital Seattle isn't a bad way to spend the weekend. $60.