Performer Lauren Weedman ends her stint with the self-penned new musical, Amsterdam, closing March 25 at Seattle's Empty Space Theatre. In this piece, specially commissioned for the Empty Space's 30th anniversary season, she portrays young American Dani; Hans, her Dutch guide and lover, and all the bizarre denizens of Holland's capital city. Performances began Feb. 25 with an opening March 1.

The story of Dani and her quest for herself, which takes her from Tahitian dolphin encounters to the open-minded and exciting city of Amsterdam, famous for its loose drug policy and red light district, is intermingled with performances by the Dutch cabaret stars Beppi (Weedman) and the Boys (musicians and Amsterdam composer James Palmer and Ron Carnell). In her travels, Dani learns about her own culture as she explores those of her lover, Hans.

A popular Seattle performer, Weedman appeared at the Empty Space in The Salvation of Iggy Scrooge, Pants on Fire, Wuthering! Heights! The! Musical! and Texarkana Waltz. She is known for her work in the final season of Almost Live TV and her solo pieces, If Ornaments Had Lips, Yea, Though I Walk and Homecoming. The latter returns to New York City in May, where Weedman hopes to present the other two shows as well.

Co-directing are Empty Space artistic director Eddie Levi Lee and Shawn Belyea. Designing Amsterdam are Dana Perreault (sets), Nanette Acosta (costumes) and Timothy Wratten (lighting).

Tickets are $26-$18. The Empty Space Theatre is located at 3509 Fremont North. For tickets, call (206) 547-7500. The Empty Space Theatre is on the web at http://www.emptyspace.org. -- By Christine Ehren