Catch cat videos on the big screen, see a new play or sample zines this weekend
‘Death’ at a country manor
Olympia Little Theatre is launching its 2023-24 season with “Death by Design,” which sounds a lot like an Agatha Christie classic. A bunch of interesting guests find themselves at an English manor house, and one of the party is murdered. But “Design,” written by Rob Urbinati, is an update of that formula, with some Noël Coward-esque wit thrown in for good measure. The detective in this case — or on it — is an Irish maid (Nicole Galyean) with a macabre interest in homicide. Performances of “Design,” directed by Kathy Dorgan, happen at 7:25 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 8-9, as well as Sept. 15-16 and 21-23, and at 1:55 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, as well as Sept. 17 and 24 at the theater, 1925 Miller Ave. NE, Olympia. Tickets are $12-$16.
Chill with cat videos
Who doesn’t like cat videos? Plus the Washington Post reported in 2015 that watching cat videos is actually good for you. So those who could use a little online pet therapy are in luck: The 2023 CatVideoFest, screening Saturday, Sept. 9, in Olympia, provides the opportunity to watch — and laugh, and say “ah” and “aw” — in a crowd of fellow cat enthusiasts. The fest is screening at 7 p.m. at the Olympia Film Society’s Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, and proceeds benefit Save Maui Cats, currently focused on helping felines injured or displaced by the tragic fire.
Zines on the scene
Immerse yourself in DIY culture at the 2023 Olympia Zine Fest, happening Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9 and 10. Attendees can browse, buy and learn about zines at the fest, which will include an expo with more than 80 zine makers, readings, a screen-printing station where you can get the festival logo imprinted on your own (light-colored) shirt or tote bag, and, fittingly, some hands-on zine making. The free festival starts with a Zine-a-Thon from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Olympia Timberland Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE, Olympia. The main event, happening from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, behind the library, includes the expo, screen-printing booth, a DJ and more. There’ll also be a reading by zine creators Jonah Barnett, Mara Gervais, Minhee Kim, Nhatt Nichols, Sierra Jane, Tanisha Jackland and Lauren Napier at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at Le Voyeur, 404 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia.
Freelance writer Molly Gilmore is making her Olympia stage debut in “Hotel Olympian Gala Extravaganza,” happening Sept. 16 and 17. (Advance tickets are required.) She talks about what’s happening in Olympia and beyond with 95.3 KGY-FM’s Michael Stein — who will also appear in the play — from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays.
