To truly know someone…
Rick Steadman receives a letter from a young architect, Willum Cubbert, stating that as long as he is alive, “you will have somebody on Earth who will do anything for you”.
Corvallis’ Majestic Theatre presents their story in the Larry Shue production “The Nerd” from April 2-11.
They’ve never formally met, but the fellow Vietnam GIs share a bond brought by war. Willum feels indebted to Rick, who saved his life after being seriously wounded.
The civilian life is quite different, however. When Rick unexpectedly shows up at Willum’s door on the eve of his 34th birthday party he is ecstatic until he realizes what a hopeless nerd his savior is. Rick stays on with Willum and his friends, leading to an explosion of comedic incidents. However, Willum finds himself contemplating violence, so his friends must save the day, ensuing even more bizarre and hysterical moments.
Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees start at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults and $9 for seniors and students.
For more info, visit www.majestic.org.
‘Til death do us part
Oregonian playwright Jeff Whitty brings together a literary universe where Medea, Tosca, Little Orphan Annie, and other archetypes can’t die until the public has forgotten them.
“The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler” is the auditioning play for Albany Civic Theater, April 12-14. This Shakespeare Festival hit, directed by John Elliot, follows Gabler’s quest with her servant Mammy to the imaginative furnace so she can stop killing herself and re-write their lives.
For this production a minimum of four women and four men are needed. Two female actors must be African American.
Each actor may need to play up to four roles, filling the 32 characters present in the play that runs from July 9-24.
Auditions are held at the theater and begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact the director at jelliott@peak.org.
A fisherman’s tale
Portland State Japanese professor Larry Kominz has brought an authentic, traditional play to Willamette University. A performer of Japanese dances such as nihon buyo and kyogen, he directs yet another kabuki play. This Yukio Mishima production was translated by Kominz, therefore this is the world premiere in English.
“The Sardine Seller’s Net of Love” tells a classic love story of two people separated by class. Sarugenji, a sardine seller, finds it hard to find the energy to work and has no money to spend time with the beautiful Kyoto courtesan he’s in love with. His wealthy father finally steps in to help him become someone he’s not.
Full of plot twists and mistaken identities, the comedy is presented with stylized drama and elaborate makeup that is the tradition in kabuki.
The play runs April 16-May 1 in the Arena Theatre with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.wutheatre.com.
