In Eugene
This Thursday, University Theater will open its final show of the season, an adaptation of the classic Lewis Carroll story, Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland. The show will run May 29, 30, 31, June 5, 6, 7 at 8 p.m. and June 8 at 2 p.m., giving plenty of opportunities to check out this wacky adventure story.
The story of Alice in Wonderland has managed to stay relevant through its questionable drug references, Urban Outfitters products and electronic remixes. The images of little blonde-haired Alice and her crew of crazy characters is thought-provoking and unforgettable. However, the story’s 1865 publication year makes certain aspects of the story a bit outdated. Thankfully, University of Oregon theatre arts professor and Alice director La Donna Forsgren adapted the play for a more contemporary audience.
In University Theater’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, Alice is still a feisty 8-year-old, but one who learns about Twilight and hip hop. Forsgren artfully crafts modern references while staying true to the lessons of the original story. The large multi-talented cast consists of UO students who will be touring the show to Oregon schools in September.
Check out Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland in the Hope Theatre, part of the Robinson Theatre Complex just through Dad’s Gate (1231 University of Oregon). Tickets are free for students. Arrive at the theatre half an hour before the show with a student ID. Tickets are $14 general admission. The show is for all ages.
Off Campus
May 30 UO Jazz Combos: Catch jazz musicians from UO’s School of Music perform downtown. The Jazz Station (124 W. Broadway St.), free admission, 5:30 p.m.
May 30 Twilight Tastings: Enjoy wine tastings paired with artisan cheeses while enjoying live music and gorgeous Oregon views. Sweet Cheeks Winery (27007 Briggs Hill Rd.), free admission, 21 and over, 6 – 9 p.m.
May 30-31 Into The Woods: Enjoy the whimsical Stephen Sondheim musical about fairy tales gone awry. Actors Cabaret (996 Willamette St.), tickets $16-27, 7:30 p.m.
May 31 Children Of The Ken Eugene Battle: Check out kendamas, a Japanese toy that has become a trend in this tournament, hosted by Oregon’s own kendama team. Monroe City Park (10th and Monroe St.), free admission, 1 p.m.
May 30 Just The Tip: A Str8 Disco House Party: Called “A music project. A dance experiment,” this free dance party should provide a wild Friday night. Global Scholars Hall, Rm. 23, free admission, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
In Portland
May 30, June 1 Buried Child: Check out this Pulitzer prize-winning Sam Shepard 1979 play about the break down of the nuclear family. Profile Theatre (1515 SW Morrison ), tickets $15 for students, Friday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.
May 30 Time Capsule Opening: In 1984, Portland residents placed clothes, art and other items into a time capsule, which was buried in the SE corner of Pioneer Courthouse Square. Attend the unveiling, complete with ’80s music, coffee and treats. Pioneer Courthouse Square (701 SW 6th Ave.), free admission, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
May 30 – June 1 Experimental Film Festival: Check out a weekend of experimental films and art installations in Portland’s own strange festival. Clinton Street Theater (2522 SE Clinton St.), tickets $7-18, Friday 6 – 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 – 10 p.m., see site for details.
May 31 “Come As You Are”- 90s Dance Flashback: Get your groove on to Nirvana, the Beastie Boys and more with the best music videos of the 90s projected on giant screens. Dressing up is encouraged. Crystal Ballroom (1332 W. Burnside St.), tickets $6 at the door, 21 and over, 9 p.m.
May 31 Little Hurricane: Enjoy a night of Americana blues-rock with this San Diego-based duo. Wonder Ballroom (128 NE Russell St.), tickets $13-15, 8 p.m.