Fantastick actors needed

Classic romantic plays like Romeo and Juliet would have audiences believe that parents are unaware of what's going on right under their nose. The musical "Fantasticks" is an allegorical twist on this premise.

Gallery Theatre hosts auditions on November 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. for this tale of two fathers who build a wall between their houses to ensure their children fall in love.

Under the direction of Ted Desel, the theatre seeks to fill a cast of nine characters. Those auditioning for the fatherly roles need good comedic timing, while the Mute, the narrator El Gallo, The girl Luisa, and the boy Matt require quality, trained singing voices.

Auditions are held at the McMinnville Covenant Church, 2155 W 2nd St, and require a refundable deposit of $25 for script and musical rehearsal materials.

A harpist and percussionist is also needed in the music department, along with costumers and crew members.

Rehearsals are scheduled around an actor's schedule and the holidays, but are generally held Sunday-Thursday evenings,

"The Fantasticks" is scheduled to run January 29- February 20.

For more information, call 503-472-2227.

A female perspective

Kicking off their 2009-2010 season, Chemeketa Community College presents "Eurydice," a re-telling of the classical myth of Orpheus written by Sarah Ruhl. The theatre offers insight into the eyes of the stories heroine in its run from November 12-21.

"This play in particular does many things I love in theater," Gabrielle Brewer-Wallin, director, said. "It takes an ancient myth and opens it up for contemporary understanding."Kia Geraths plays Eurydice opposite Kory Klopp's Orpheus amongst a small cast of seven. Dying on her wedding day, Eurydice journeys to the underworld where she is reunited with her father, though she struggles to remember her lost love.

"Ruhl is actively collaborating with the artists who will produce this play," Brewer-Wallin said. " She leaves room for interpretation and development that are freeing."

This premiere production is held in building 6 and all performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The second Friday performance is ASL intrepreted. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for students and seniors, and free for high school students with id. Call 503.399.6980 or go to theater@chemeketa.edu to reserve tickets.

Comedy + Opera = Pirates?

Though this is not a leap year, Oregon State University's Department of Music, Friends of OSU Opera, and Theater department present a comedic opera about a man named Frederic who life is in upheaval when he finds out that he was born of February 29.

"The Pirates of Penzance" runs from November 12-21. This two act opera opens on Frederic's 21st birthday when he is released from his apprenticeship to band of friendly pirates. He meets a woman named Mabel and falls in love with her, but upon discovering of his birthday, he must technically be indentured to the pirates for another 63 years.

Audiences can laugh out loud in the Withycombe Main Stage Theatre during 7:30p.m. performances, with the exception of a Sunday matinee on November 15 which is held at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5-14 and can be purchased through http://oregonstate.edu/dept/theatre.