by Kelly Lazenby
I am thankful that with the lovely fall and winter weather comes the theater season! What better way to spend a dark cold evening than in a warm well-lit theater being entertained by talented and earnest performers? I am also thankful that despite the economic times we are all sharing at the moment, I am still able to afford to attend plays, as well as continue to produce them.
A small spark of fierce artistic fire burns in the hearts of many of us here in East County. I know that I sound like a broken record, but really, do get out there this month and support a few of these small theaters. Even three new people coming to see a play will generate twenty percent more word of mouth publicity for that theater. Don’t allow yourself to be held up by excuses: everyone should have a couple of hours on a weekend to spare. Many times you can volunteer to help usher or sell tickets to earn a ticket, so not having money is no excuse, either. Just having people in the audience to watch all their work is such a huge boost to a theater group. So go and see a play, already!
I myself plan to attend some excellent high school theater productions this month. There are many to choose from. Sandy High School drama and music departments will perform the contemporary musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone November 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. Chris Harris will put his drama students through their comedy paces in this fresh, funny show. Tickets are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students. If you would like to make reservations, call (503) 668-8011 ext. 381.
Gresham High School will also present a musical in November, the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The Sound of Music. Show dates are November 10-20, Thursdays through Saturdays, 7:00 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for seniors/students. This musical was one of the longest running shows on Broadway in the 1960′s. Remember, though, that the stage version varies from the popular movie version.
Sam Barlow High School will be performing Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor in November. Theater teacher Rhonda McBeth has adapted this play, and her students will present it November 4, 5,10,11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and November 6 and 13 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors/students. Centennial High School will be performing their fall play in November as well, with the classic theater piece The Diary of Anne Frank. Dates are November 2 through 5 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for seniors and students.
Corbett Children’s Theater will also feature a show in November, with the ever-popular musical Oliver! November 17, 18, 19 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 20, at 3:00 p.m. Shows are performed in the multi-purpose building, 35800 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett. Tickets will be $9.00 for adults and $7.00 for seniors/students. Reservations can be made by calling (503) 261- 4266.
Readers Theater in Gresham continues their season with the play Heroes on Monday, November 21, at 7:00 p.m. The play focuses on soldiers in a military retirement home somewhere in France. The performance will be at the Gresham Chapel and Evening Event Center, 257 SE Roberts Avenue in Gresham. Tickets are $8.00 at the door.
Nutz-n-Boltz Theater debuts a new performance troupe on Friday, November 4, at 7:00 p.m. The troupe, known as T.B.A. Players, will perform their improvisation skits and audience-participation theater games at the Boring-Damascus Grange Hall in Boring. Admission is free, material is suitable for all ages; www.nnbtheater for more information.
