THEATER

Thru May 1
Newsies
As a rule of thumb, new outlets don't want to be the subject of the news, but it can lead to useful reform... and musicals. Going from the big screen to Broadway, Disney's Newsies dramatizes the New York City newsboys' strike of 1899. Get the scoop and take in the unrelenting energy when this Tony winner for Best Choreography and Best Original Score hits Seattle. Paramount Theatre, $30–$115

Thru May 8
Kinky Boots
If you like your musicals heavy on the glitz and glamor, then Kinky Boots is for you. The 2013 Tony winner for Best Musical tells the story of a down on his luck British shoemaker whose chance encounter (and eventual friendship) with a drag queen leads to an exciting new business possibility: making dazzling boots designed with the sturdiness drag performers require. Kinky Boots has spectacle and high kicks for days. 5th Avenue Theatre, $67–$157

Thru May 21
My Name Is Asher Lev
Chaim Potok classic novel about the conflict between Hasidic Judaism and free artistic expression takes the stage in New Century Theatre Company's adaptation of My Name Is Asher Lev. The young Asher Lev has a natural talent for art, but doesn't want to be confined by the limitations of his faith's strict focus on Judaic religious artwork. His struggle to break free from these restrictions causes immense in his family and community, especially with his strict traditionalist father. 12th Avenue Arts, $25–$37

April 28­–May 14
Collaborator
An actor always wants the spotlight, and in award-winning local playwright Yussef El Guindi’s latest show, Collaborator, the protagonist has it all to herself. The one-woman show centers on Cass (Hayley Guthrie), an anxious actress that welcomes the audience into her bed in order to ruminate on isolation and intimacy while sharing stories of her past relationships with men. As she reflects upon her own need for attention, it becomes clear to her (and the audience) that there is an unknown presence—a collaborator—making this all possible. West of Lenin, $18

Apr 29–May 16
The Things Are Against Us
What do you get when you cross two lovesick pen pal sisters, an ax-wielding beefcake, dark family secrets, a creaky New England house inspired by Lizzie Borden, and a Spanish poet? The Things Are Against Us, Susan Soon He Stanton’s twisted comedy about the past and the bones left unburied. 12th Avenue Arts, $25

FOOD & DRINK

Sun, May 1
Taco Libre Truck Showdown
Get a jump start on Cinco de Mayo by treating your taste buds to a fiesta of flavor at Fremont’s Taco Libre Truck Showdown. With over 40 food trucks slinging various tortilla treats, the deliciousness doesn’t quit. Don’t forget to find some tequila and Pacificos to help wash away the horrible memory of that “fiesta of flavor” pseudo wordplay. Fremont, Free

CONCERTS

Sat, Apr 30
Erik Blood: ‘Lost in Slow Motion’ Release Show
As a producer and engineer for acts like Shabazz Places, THEESatisfaction, Tacocat, and the Moondoggies, Erik Blood has his fingerprints all over the modern Seattle sound. After getting delightfully, pornographically dirty on his last solo record Touch Screens, Blood returns to take things in ethereal, expansive, and mind-bending directions on his new album Lost in Slow Motion. The record finds him crafting walls of sound lush with color and teaming up with Irene Barber to spin webs of vocal mystery. Blood unveils this new aural journey with a Lost in Slow Motion release show at the High Dive featuring Wall of Ears and Fruit Juice. High Dive, $8–$10

THE SPORTING LIFE

Thru May 22
Mariners Beard Hat Night: Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals
Behold! It’s time once again for the Mariners stupidest annual promotion! Beard Hat Night is back for people the revel in unironic tackiness. But we’re willing to look past all that tomfoolery in order to catch King Felix take the mound against the defending World Series Champion Kansas City Royals. King’s Court shirts >>>> stupid #$@&!@& beard hats. Safeco Field, $18–$500

FILM

Apr 28–May 1
NFFTY 2016
Over the past decade, the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY for short) has showcased hundreds of films directed by young filmmakers (24 and under). These films come in from all over the world, and range from animation to documentaries to dramas that hold their own when compared to what Hollywood is cranking out these days. This year NFFTY celebrates its 10th anniversary by hosting their biggest program yet with 227 movies from 24 countries and 33 states. Various venues, $12–$40; Festival pass $25–$2,500

COMEDY

Fri, April 29
Jen Kirkman
“I know the risks of living alone at my age…. I could hit my head on a bathtub, and then three days later they find me and a cat has eaten my face. I understand. I don’t even have a cat, but when a single woman dies alone, a cat appears. It’s in the Bible.”  —Jen Kirkman. The comedian who revels in uncomfortable truths heads to the Neptune in support of her new comedic memoir I Know What I’m Doing–and Other Lies I Tell Myself. The show will combine standup, storytelling, readings, a Q&A, and a book signing. Neptune Theatre, $19–$24

Sat, Apr 30
Jo Koy: Standup Special Taping
When the lights go down next Friday and Jo Koy takes the stage, he’ll finally be living the dream he’s had since he was a little comedy nerd growing up in Tacoma. On April 30, the Los Angeles based comedian returns home to tape his new standup special at the Moore Theatre in front of two sold out audiences. A former regular on Chelsea Lately, Koy found a huge audience when he became a reoccurring guest on the ultra popular The Adam Carolla Podcast, performing as variety of improvised characters. He may not have taken the most traditional path to standup fame, but he’s earned the dream homecoming that awaits. Moore Theatre, Sold out