Rock out to Rent, Save a Local Landmark and Other Weekend Musts

By Seattle Magazine Staff August 9, 2012

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MUST SING ALONG
Rent

Jonathan Larson’s rock musical about starving artists living in the shadow of AIDS in New York’s East Village won the hearts of countless audiences when it debuted in 1996. Fast-forward to now, as the 5th Avenue Theatre presents an exciting, renewed rendition that manages to both accurately capture the early 1990s and still feel relevant today.
7/21–8/19. Times and prices vary. The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave.; 206.625.1900; 5thavenue.org

MUST TASTE
Fainting Goat Gelato
You’ve probably seen us rave about local ice cream trucks or Cupcake Royale’s new ice cream, but have you tried Fainting Goat Gelato? This family-owned shop is permanently located in Wallingford, but for summertime only, it’s also scooping hand-crafted, organic gelato from a temporary satellite post outside Zaw Pizza atop Queen Anne hill. The 18 flavors rotate regularly, but we recommend the mouth-watering salty caramel and Nutella. -MELISSA NATWICK
Temporary Queen Anne location: 1635 Queen Anne Ave. N; $3.75 for two flavors, $5.50 for three, $7 for four

MUST DRESS UP
Victorian Day
For 100 years, the Victorian botanical garden inside Volunteer Park’s Conservatory has been treating visitors to rare succulents and seasonal flora. But despite its historic landmark status, the conservatory’s very existence hangs in the balance this year, due to city budget cuts. This weekend’s centennial celebration encourages you to come to the park dressed in period costume and make a donation to save the building. Don’t forget your parasol!
8/12, 1–6 p.m. Event is free; croquet fundraiser entry fee $50–$60. 1400 E Galer St.; 206.322.4112; volunteerparkconservatory.org

MUST SEE
The Imposter
In 1994, a 13-year-old boy disappeared from his home in Texas. Three and a half years later, he turned up alive in Spain, claiming he was kidnapped and tortured. His family, elated, brings him home, of course. But before long, friends and neighbors question if it’s really their son. Documentarian Bart Layton directs this suspenseful true-crime story, which earned raves at SIFF this year.
8/10-8/16. Times and prices vary. SIFF Cinema Uptown, 511 Queen Anne Avenue N; siff.net

MUST LAUGH
Maria Semple
Hilarious local author and former Arrested Development writer Maria Semple reads from her new epistolary novel about a Los Angeles transplant in the throes of a major attitude (and weather) adjustment. Where’d You Go, Bernadette? traces a mother-daughter relationship and a career gone kerflooey, and in the process imparts as many resounding insights as laughs. Read arts & culture editor Brangien Davis’ full review of the book.
August 14 – 7:00pm; Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave., 206.624.6600; elliottbaybook.com

 

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