Metro Area

Ekklesia Theatre launches its “Love Your Neighbor” season with Will Eno’s funny, haunting “Middletown,” Oct. 23-Nov. 1 at Magenta Theater, in partnership with NAMI Southwest Washington. The play follows an unlikely friendship between longtime Middletown resident John Dodge and newcomer Mary Swanson. Around them, a librarian, a mechanic, a police officer, tourists and other townspeople try to make sense of their lives — and one another. Their paths cross in surprising ways, taking audiences everywhere from a library to outer space. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 23-31 and 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1 at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. NAMI Southwest Washington will be at the theater after performances on Oct. 25 and 30 to discuss loneliness and mental health. Plays are recommended for viewers age 13 and older. Tickets are $15 at ekklesiatheatre.com/tickets.

Choreographer Lai Hung-Chung makes dances of striking beauty and intention. “Birdy,” his captivating signature work for Hung Dance, moves between suspense and explosive energy, between the weight of tradition and the pull toward something new. Hung Dance blends traditional Chinese arts, including tai chi, Peking Opera, and classical Chinese music, with contemporary dance technique and driving electronic music, creating work that is poetic and rhythmic at once. What audiences see on stage is a world in constant transformation, where bodies bend and resist, images linger, and the tension between holding on and letting go becomes the dance itself.

TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN

Birdy

“…a dreamy sensibility with astonishing athleticism in culturally sensitive modern dance performance.” —Charlie Smith, Pancouver

Sponsored by George & Nancy Thorn. White Bird’s Uncaged Series Sponsor: Ronni Lacroute

The Friday and Saturday performances will have pre-show talks. Come early to hear from the dancers from 6:15–6:45 PM. No ticket needed.

Join us November 3rd for the Hung Dance Lecture Demonstration, FREE with RSVP here .

Get ready for some serious chills, Portland. Bag&Baggage Productions is bringing back its Halloween show by popular demand, and it’s a spooky one. The Woman in Black, a celebrated ghost story, has terrified audiences since its 1987 London debut. You’ll find it atmospheric and relentless, making you question every shadow.

This acclaimed play, based on Susan Hill’s novel, follows a young lawyer unraveling village secrets. Just two actors portray all the characters, a true showcase of their talent. Directed by Ephriam Harnsberger, this chilling experience runs October 15–November 1 at The Vault Theater. Go if you dare!

Puppet show presented by Venezuelan Americans, Melissa and Carlos Bertran. A bilingual (Spanish/English) story from Venezuela. In this story, the tiny heroine thinks herself much too fine to accept the proposal of a common mouse. Instead, she sets her sights on 'worthier' matches, such as the sun, the wind, and the mountain. Yet, her search for the perfect suitor brings her right back to the romantic little mouse who first proposed. This show was developed with the guidance of Venezuelan Americans and features Venezuelan music. A truly bilingual experience!

Espectáculo de títeres presentado por los venezolano-estadounidenses Melissa y Carlos Bertran. Una historia bilingüe (español/inglés) de Venezuela. En esta historia, la pequeña heroína se cree demasiado fina para aceptar la propuesta de matrimonio de un ratón común. En cambio, fija su atención en pretendientes "más dignos", como el sol, el viento y la montaña. Sin embargo, su búsqueda del pretendiente ideal termina llevándola de vuelta al pequeño ratón romántico que fue el primero en pedirle que se casara con él. Este espectáculo fue desarrollado con la guía de venezolano-estadounidenses y tiene música venezolana. ¡Una verdadera experiencia bilingüe!

Beacock Music will celebrate its 50th year in the music business with “76, Trombones: The Beginning,” a musical show with a live band in the recital hall at 1420 S.E. 163rd Ave., Vancouver. Walk down memory lane with songs and stories from Beacock Music’s founding year, 1976. Ticket sales will benefit the Daryle Rustvold MusicForLife Scholarship, which provides music lessons and instruments to those in need. Performances are 7 p.m. Nov. 6, 7, 13 and 14. Matinee shows are 2 p.m. Nov. 8 and 15. Tickets are $25, available at beacockmusic.com.

Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right!

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.”

Fri, Nov 6 from 7-9:30pm

Sat, Nov 7 from 1-3:30pm & 6-8:30pm

Fri, Nov 13 from 7-9:30pm

Sat, Nov 14 from 1-3:30pm & 6-8:30pm

Adult (ages 19 and up) – $22
Youth (ages 2-18) – $20
Senior (ages 62+) – $20
Groups of 15+ –

At Fort Vancouver High School

Wizard of Floyd is a dark reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, where the familiar journey through Oz is told through the lyrics of 21 iconic Pink Floyd songs, with a live Pink Floyd cover band creating an immersive soundtrack that drives the characters’ journey from Kansas to the far reaches of Oz.

Part theater, part rock concert, and part psychedelic fever dream, Wizard of Floyd is a dance and musically spectacular journey into a world where nothing is quite what it seems.

Monday Mic Night is an open mic event. Bring whatever you’d like to share—music, poetry, a soliloquy, a painting, even a magic trick. All ages and talent levels are welcome. Non-performing audience members are welcome too.

This event is free, all ages, and open to the public.

Date: Monday, November 9
Time: 7-9pm (Signups start at 6:30pm)
Location: Sherwood Center for the Arts, Maera Boughey Theatre
22689 SW Pine Street, Sherwood OR 97140

More information at our website: Monday Mic Night | Sherwood Center for the Arts

Union High School will present “Elf, Jr., the Musical,” showing Nov. 12-14 at 6201 N.W. Friberg-Strunk St., Camas. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Nov. 12 and 13, noon and 4 p.m. Nov. 14. The musical, based on the 2003 film, follows Buddy, a human who was raised as one of Santa’s elves. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students age 2-18 and free for children age 2 and under. Learn more at uniontheatreplayers.com.

Puppet show presented by Venezuelan Americans, Melissa and Carlos Bertran. A bilingual (Spanish/English) story from Venezuela. In this story, the tiny heroine thinks herself much too fine to accept the proposal of a common mouse. Instead, she sets her sights on 'worthier' matches, such as the sun, the wind, and the mountain. Yet, her search for the perfect suitor brings her right back to the romantic little mouse who first proposed. This show was developed with the guidance of Venezuelan Americans and features Venezuelan music. A truly bilingual experience!

Espectáculo de títeres presentado por los venezolano-estadounidenses Melissa y Carlos Bertran. Una historia bilingüe (español/inglés) de Venezuela. En esta historia, la pequeña heroína se cree demasiado fina para aceptar la propuesta de matrimonio de un ratón común. En cambio, fija su atención en pretendientes "más dignos", como el sol, el viento y la montaña. Sin embargo, su búsqueda del pretendiente ideal termina llevándola de vuelta al pequeño ratón romántico que fue el primero en pedirle que se casara con él. Este espectáculo fue desarrollado con la guía de venezolano-estadounidenses y tiene música venezolana. ¡Una verdadera experiencia bilingüe!

Polynesian dance and narration from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand with authentic costuming and music. Troupe of 10 to 18 dances for 50 minutes. Interactive dance with the audience—the show is exciting and colorful for all ages.

A concise program of staged readings explores what it means to be lost. The lineup includes Words, Words, Words, which turns the classic idea of monkeys at typewriters into a lively exchange among the primates themselves. Sure Thing follows two people in a café as an offstage bell resets their missteps, clearing the path toward a genuine connection. The Items Forgotten centers on spouses Kira and Travis, locked out yet again on a freezing night, whose search for a spare key prompts doubts about memory and marriage. Alfred and Lily and Their Marvelous Tank in the Forest follows two pond dwellers moved to a strange tank by unseen caretakers. Lily embraces the change, while Alfred notices the water receding and neighbors vanishing, raising unsettling questions. Written by David Ives and Tara Meddaugh and directed by Dylan Sladky, this PG-13 program runs about 30 minutes. The venue is open to the public, and donations are welcome but optional. Presented as part of a First Friday performance series.

Loowit Brewing, 507 Columbia St., Vancouver, hosts Laughs on Loowit, a stand-up comedy show hosted by Kevin Hossom at 7:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Enjoy beer, food and comedy from regional talent. Shows are intended for adults.

Puppet show presented by Venezuelan Americans, Melissa and Carlos Bertran. A bilingual (Spanish/English) story from Venezuela. In this story, the tiny heroine thinks herself much too fine to accept the proposal of a common mouse. Instead, she sets her sights on 'worthier' matches, such as the sun, the wind, and the mountain. Yet, her search for the perfect suitor brings her right back to the romantic little mouse who first proposed. This show was developed with the guidance of Venezuelan Americans and features Venezuelan music. A truly bilingual experience!

Espectáculo de títeres presentado por los venezolano-estadounidenses Melissa y Carlos Bertran. Una historia bilingüe (español/inglés) de Venezuela. En esta historia, la pequeña heroína se cree demasiado fina para aceptar la propuesta de matrimonio de un ratón común. En cambio, fija su atención en pretendientes "más dignos", como el sol, el viento y la montaña. Sin embargo, su búsqueda del pretendiente ideal termina llevándola de vuelta al pequeño ratón romántico que fue el primero en pedirle que se casara con él. Este espectáculo fue desarrollado con la guía de venezolano-estadounidenses y tiene música venezolana. ¡Una verdadera experiencia bilingüe!

Come join New Century Players’ Annual Christmas Reader’s Theater!

What:
New Century Players presents old-time radio plays for the winter holidays. We’re looking for six actors who can bring Christmas spirit, energy and enthusiasm from the page to the audience.
Actors will play multiple roles. One actor will be performing as a Foley artist in addition to some roles.
Sides will be available at auditions. Directed by Sara McNaughton.

When:
Saturday, November 7 from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
(Actors need not attend the whole session.)

Where:
Samaritan Odd Fellows Lodge
10282 SE Main St
Milwaukie, OR 97222

All auditioners are considered for all characters without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender assigned at birth, or the presence of a medical condition or handicaps.

If you are unable to attend auditions, please email [email protected] for instructions on how to submit virtually.

Rehearsals will be at the Odd Fellows Lodge beginning on Sunday, November 29 through Thursday, December 3 from 6 to 8:30 PM.

Performances:
December 4, at 7:30 PM
December 5 & 6 at 2 PM

See you at the theater!

New Century Players Community Theatre
http://www.newcenturyplayers.org/
Message phone: 503-367-2620

Prairie High School drama students present “Singin’ in the Rain,” showing Nov. 13-21 at Prairie High School, 11311 N.E. 119th St., Vancouver. Tap your toes and sing along to the songs you know and love while enjoying dance performances drawn from the silver screen. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Nov. 13, 14, 20 and 21. Matinee shows are 1 p.m. Nov. 14 and 21. Tickets range from $7 to $15, available online at gofan.co/event/6962419 or at the door.

Stephen Mallatratt’s The Woman in Black has been terrifying audiences since its London debut in 1987 and is one of the most successful and terrifying shows in West End history. Based on Susan Hill’s beloved novel, it’s one of the most celebrated ghost stories ever staged: atmospheric, relentless, and the kind of theatrical experience that makes you question every shadow on your way to the car.

Set in a remote English village, it follows a young lawyer unraveling the secrets of a recently deceased client and the vengeful presence that doesn’t want him to. Just two actors portray all the characters, leaning into what B&B’s performers do best.

Chilling, clever, and unforgettable. Halloween is back at Bag&Baggage.

Sat, Oct. 24th – ASL Interpreted Performance
Sun, Oct. 25th – Audio Described Performance

Magenta Theater presents Shelley Tate’s 90-minute play “Gumbo,” showing at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 6-15, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. From bayou kitchens to front porches, this play celebrates the heart, humor and resilience of Louisiana’s women. Tickets are $15. Buy tickets at magentatheater.com/gumbo.

Welcome to Metropolitan Performing Arts, Southwest Washington’s home for theatre education and community theatre. We offer expert training for kids, teens, and adults in acting, dancing, music, and theatre tech. Our professional theatre productions feature top talent from the Vancouver-Portland metro area. Join us for a class, audition for a show, or come experience the thrill of live theatre!

Staged readings from:

Words Words Words

Sure Thing

The Items Forgotten

Alfred & Lily and Their Marvelous Tank in the Forest

Magenta Theater presents “The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon,” playing Nov. 27-Dec. 13 at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. This family-friendly parody of made-for-TV seasonal romantic comedies is set in Hopewood Falls, Vermont, where singles converge to look for love. Can disguises help royalty and movie stars find the down-to-earth connections they crave? Will evil city slickers destroy charming inns and Christmas tree farms? Isn’t it creepy for a meet-cute to depend on one person being in a coma? Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with matinee shows at 2 p.m. Sundays. Opening night includes a festive costume and holiday sweater contest at 7 p.m. Tickets are $28 ($30.20 with fees). Get tickets at magentatheater.com.

Eurydice reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, not through Orpheus’s infamous pilgrimage to retrieve his bride, but through the eyes of its heroine. Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. With contemporary characters and plot twists, the play is a fresh look at a timeless love story.

Nov 12-22, 2026
Thur-Fri – 7:30pm
Sat-Sun 2:30pm
Friday,. Nov. 20 at 10am

Tickets can be purchased at www.clackamas.edu/theatre

La Gringa follows the emotional journey of a woman navigating cultural dislocation, family expectations, and the search for self. ETP's immersive staging transforms the theatre into a multi-room domestic space — a cramped apartment, a bustling street corner, a back-alley shop — so you feel as though you've slipped into her neighborhood.

Performed entirely in Spanish, the production uses live, discreet English subtitles projected within the space to ensure non-Spanish speakers follow every nuance.

As the action unfolds, you'll overhear arguments at the stove, witness private remembrances, and sense the push-and-pull of community dynamics. Close proximity to the performers amplifies every gesture and expression, making small domestic details monumental and revealing the emotional stakes behind each line. The play blends naturalistic dialogue with moments of heightened theatricality — music, movement, and atmospheric sound design — to evoke memory, longing, and resilience.

La Gringa narra el recorrido emocional de una mujer que enfrenta el desplazamiento cultural, las expectativas familiares y la búsqueda de sí misma. La puesta en escena inmersiva de ETP transforma el teatro en un espacio doméstico de múltiples ambientes — un apartamento pequeño, una concurrida esquina, una tienda en un callejón — para que sientas que te has adentrado en su vecindario.

Presentada completamente en español, la producción utiliza subtítulos discretos en inglés, proyectados en vivo dentro del espacio, para asegurar que quienes no hablan español puedan seguir cada detalle y matiz de la historia.

A medida que se desarrolla la acción, escucharás discusiones junto a la estufa, serás testigo de recuerdos íntimos y sentirás las tensiones y vínculos que forman parte de la dinámica de la comunidad. La cercanía con los actores amplifica cada gesto y expresión, haciendo que los pequeños detalles domésticos cobren gran importancia y revelando lo que está en juego emocionalmente detrás de cada línea. La obra combina diálogos naturalistas con momentos de teatralidad intensificada —música, movimiento y un diseño sonoro atmosférico— para evocar la memoria, la nostalgia y la resiliencia.

Content warnings

- Themes of discrimination, immigration stress, family conflict, and emotional distress

- References to domestic violence, substance use, and loss (staged, non-graphic)

- Mature language and intense emotional scenes — recommended for ages 12+

The Clark College Theatre Department presents the American classic, “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams. Shows are in Clark College’s Decker Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. General admission is $12. Senior citizens age 60 and older are $10. Admission is free for students, faculty and staff of Clark College with ID. Get tickets at clarkbookstore.com/site_theatre.asp

Helen Rapits and Beth Willis return. Pen Pals is the extraordinary play about two women, Bernie and Mags and their friends that unfolds over decades. Bernie and Mags live in different countries, never meeting, but since they were teenagers, they’ve shared trivial bits, the most intimate details, all the happiness, all the heartache.

The play is an extended flashback in which they read the letters they sent to each other over the past 50 years. The characters age before the audience as they tell the stories of their lives without the aid of costumes, make-up, or wigs.

90 minutes - no intermission

Ready for a heartwarming journey through time? Helen Raptis and Beth Willis return to the stage in Pen Pals, an extraordinary play spanning decades. You’ll meet Bernie and Mags, two women living in different countries, who never actually meet.

Their story unfolds through shared letters, detailing trivial bits, intimate thoughts, and all of life’s happiness and heartache. The characters age before your eyes, telling their stories without costumes or make-up.