Christine Deavel and J.W. Marshall used to own Open Books, one of the few poetry-only bookstores in the nation. They are the smartest, kindest, funniest people in any room, and they're also incredible poets. This year, they're branching out with a new play that should resonate with Seattleites who walk around town slightly aghast at all the new glassy scenery. Vicinity/Memoryall follows two characters as they struggle to find the memorial that marks the site of a violent act that had a traumatic effect on their city, according to press materials. "Lost in their rapidly changing and now unfamiliar downtown, they are led to unexpected places and responses." Deavel and Marshall are linguistic wizards, and I have no doubt their poetic talents will translate to the stage. by Rich Smith