THEATER

Thru Nov 8
If/Then
Broadway superstar Idina Menzel reprises her lead role as If/Then makes its Seattle premiere. Menzel plays Elizabeth, a 38-year-old divorcee who moves to New York City for a fresh start. When she meets two friends who tell her to go by alternate pseudonyms—Liz and Beth—the story branches out and follows where each path would take her. Paramount Theatre, $34–$131

BOOKS & TALKS

Fri, Nov 6
Carrie Brownstein
Forget Portlandia: Brownstein’s first book Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl is all about the music, following her journey from troubled Northwest girl to feminist rock icon with Sleater-Kinney. It’s an empowering tale of self-invention, subcultures, and the good kind of riot starting. Neptune Theatre, $35

Sat, Nov 7
Drew Barrymore
The actress’s new memoir Wildflower tells her story through stitched-together essays. Since the reading is at the Center for Spiritual Living, we assume Barrymore will discuss the deep reflection on zen enlightenment that is Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. Center for Spiritual Living, $40–$60

Sat, Nov 7
Chelsea Clinton
Chelsea Clinton signs copies of It's Your World, her new guide to social engagement for 10- to 14-year-olds. Tweens haven’t gotten over the emotional devastation of Zayn leaving One Direction, but I’m sure they’re ready to combat climate change and rally for chronic disease prevention. UW Bookstore, $19

Sun, Nov 8
Gloria Steinem In Conversation with Cheryl Strayed
From an itinerant child to a globe-trotting feminist icon, Gloria Steinem has always lived a life of travel. She shares her stories of exploration and self- discovery in her new book My Life on the Road, which she’ll discuss in conversation with Wild author Cheryl Strayed. Benaroya Hall, $48–$60

DANCE

Nov 6–15
Emergence
Choreographer Crystal Pite’s Emergence lacks any of the delicacy and whimsical fantasy typically associated with classical ballet. The dance is a dark, psychologically taxing, nightmarish vision set to an unnerving ambient score. It’ll have you on the edge of your seat—with your fingernails digging into your armrest. McCaw Hall, $30–$187

CONCERTS

Thur, Nov 5
Deep Sea Diver and Sisters
As we wait not-so-patiently for Deep Sea Diver to release its full length follow-up to 2012′s History Speaks (they say it’s coming this winter), we’ll have to settle for another dose of the Seattle band’s dynamite live show. With Jessica Dobson’s vocal serenity and guitar shredding leading the way, any concert the group plays is worth checking out. Deep Sea Diver will be joined on the bill by their pals Andrew Vait and Emily Westman of the harmonious indie pop duo Sisters.  Neumos, $15

Fri, Nov 6
Lemolo: Red Right Return Release Show
It’s easy to fall into a trance when listening to Lemolo’s ethereal dream pop. With her haunting and emotive vocals and instrumentation, Meagan Grandall continues her dreamweaving ways on Lemolo’s second LP, Red Right Return. The record officially goes on sale on November 10, but early copies can be snagged at the release show at the Crocodile. The Crocodile, $15–$17

Sat, Nov 7
Influencers Concert: Damien Jurado
This year the EMP began the Influencers Concert Series, which brings together a revered artist and an act they directly inspired. The latest edition highlights Seattle singer-songwriters as scene legend Damien Jurado headlines a show at the Sky Church with Matt Bishop of Hey Marseilles. Experience Music Project, $20

Sat, Nov 7
Telekinesis and Say Hi
Two of Seattle’s best hip-shaking one-man indie rock outfits—Telekinesis (Michael Lerner) and Say Hi (Eric Elbogen)—close out a national tour in support of their terrific new albums, Ad Infinitum and Bleeders Digest, with a homecoming show at Neumos. Neumos, $15

Sat & Sun, Nov 7 & 8
Seattle Rock Orchestra: David Bowie and Glam Rock
Things get showy and ostentatious (in a good way) when the volunteer Seattle Rock Orchestra brings in local singers to perform the out-of-this-world hits of David Bowie and his glam rock contemporaries like Electric Light Orchestra and T. Rex. Moore Theatre, $18–$35

Sun, Nov 8
Youssou N'Dour
Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour’s buoyant vitality helps his genre-fusing brand of African pop music (mbalax) transcend any borders. Folk Roots named him African Artist of the Century, so if you’ve been hesitant to dip your toes into the world music pool, N’Dour provides the perfect opportunity. Meany Hall, Sold Out

SPECIAL EVENTS

Thru Nov 14
Abbey Arts 10th Anniversary
The Fremont Abbey celebrates 10 years as a low-key arts oasis with two weeks of events that highlight the best of what the venue has to offer. From the multidisciplinary productions of the Round and the lit-minded Moth StorySlam to parties featuring some of the Abbey’s favorite local singer-songwriters and bands, there’s plenty of affordable and accessible fun to be had. Various venues, Free–$100

COMEDY

Nov 5–7
Bobcat Goldthwait
He’s not going to do the voice. While standup comedian Bobcat Goldthwait became known for his high-pitched, shrill, and kinetic style in the ’80s, he’s since settled into a career as an accomplished indie director (Call Me Lucky, World’s Best Dad, God Bless America). He’s also put the nervous-tweaker stage persona to rest and replaced it with the loose comedic style of an actual human being (in line with the title of his most recent comedy special, You Don’t Look the Same Either). Tacoma Comedy Club, $10–$25