It’s beginning to look a lot like ... entertainment

By Nancy Townsley

The Forest Grove News-Times, Dec 17, 2009

Maggie Chapin, Jessica Cavanaugh, Tylor Neist, Maria Aparo and (up in the air) Marion Rossi bring life to the stage in “A Christmas Carol” at the Venetian Theatre.

Courtesy photo / News-Times

With seven days left until Christmas Eve, you might expect things to be winding down and shifting toward a quiet holiday.

Not so in the performing arts world.

There’s a Santa’s toy bag full of choices for those who thrive on seasonal entertainment – from stage productions to concerts, it’s all within a 15-mile radius of western Washington County.

Consider any of the following for placement on your busy, bustling December calendar:

“A Christmas Carol”

On stage at Bag & Baggage Productions through Dec. 22 (no show today, Dec. 16).

Called the theatre company’s “funniest and most moving production,” this adaptation of the traditional story line springs from a single line in Dickens’ journal, according to director Scott Palmer.

“It’s where he describes his experience writing ‘A Christmas Carol,’” Palmer said. “He wrote like a madman, often speaking aloud in his study, as if he were in conversation with the characters in the story he was writing.”

Performers skillfully bring Dickens into the action of the play and audience members watch while he argues, debates and flatters the characters in his story – including Scrooge.

Likewise, the audience participates in this one-of-a-kind adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale of the Christmas spirit.

The show opened Dec. 11 and runs through Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. for matinees.

Tickets are $18-$23 and can be purchased online at www.bagnbaggage.org.

Performances are at the Venetian Theatre in Hillsboro, 253 E. Main St. Call 503-693-3953 for details.

“Cinderella”

Theatre in the Grove has staged a two-hour version of the classic fairy tale by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

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