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Published 2:18 pm Monday, May 1, 2023

Don Matthews, left, as Horace Vandergelder and Livia Genise as Dolly Levi, star in Camelot Theatre's production of "Helo, Dolly." Photo by Steve Sutfin

The Rogue Valley has a vibrant theater arts community. Check out our list of local live productions and livestream options.

Ashland High School TheatreMountain Avenue Theatre, 201 S. Mountain Ave., Ashland. Tickets can be purchased online at ashlandhs.booktix.com. For further information, call 541-482-8771.

‘Curtains!’: It’s the Odeon Theatre in 1933. The Great Depression has hit hard, and President Roosevelt assures us that “The only thing to fear is … fear itself!” Unless you are small-time con man Charlie Leach, looking for an easy break; or his sweet new bride, Cheri, who is oblivious to his scheming ways; or local mobster Tony Tenore, to whom Charlie owes a bit of “moolah.” Or perhaps even Cheri’s cousin, Isabella de Starr, and her all-female theatre troupe who are looking for a home for their cutting-edge adaptation of “Frankenstein.” All gather in an abandoned (and maybe even haunted) theater, along with a nutty professor, his genius nephew, a hard-as-nails realtor and assorted others in this over-the-top romp filled with great 1930s music, sumptuous costumes, and if you look closely, a few things to say about art and commerce when hard times hit. This comedic play assures explosions of laughter with lots of over-the-top characters and fantastic stage action played for laughs. Directed by Michael J. Hume. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 12-13, and Thursday and Friday, May 18-19, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 14, and Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21. Tickets are $15, $10 for students under 18 and seniors over 65. Tickets available online, or at the door on a first come, first seated basis.

Barnstormers Theatre112 N.E. Evelyn Ave., Grants Pass. See barnstormersgp.org, email at barnstormersgp@gmail.com or call 541-479-3557 for showtimes, tickets and information. Group discounts are available.

‘Rapture Blister Burn’: After grad school, Catherine and Gwen chose polar opposite paths. Catherine built a career as a rockstar academic, while Gwen built a home with her husband and children. Decades later, unfulfilled in polar opposite ways, each woman covets the other’s life, commencing a dangerous game of musical chairs — the prize being Gwen’s husband. With searing insight and trademark wit, this comedy is an unflinching look at gender politics in the wake of 20th-century feminist ideals. Directed by Gabrielle Hahn. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through May 7. Were it a movie, “Rapture Blister Burn” would be rated PG-13, due to frank discussions about sex. Tickets begin at $18.

Camelot Theatre101 Talent Ave., Talent. Tickets and information available at camelottheatre.org or 541-535-5250. Group and discounted season packages, as well as special rate performances, are available. Box office hours are noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. See website or call box office for current COVID-19 requirements.

‘Hello, Dolly!’: A Broadway classic, this musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play “The Matchmaker’’ bursts with humor, romance, high-stepping dances and some of the greatest songs in musical theater history. It took home 10 Tony Awards in 1964, including Best Musical. It follows the story of Dolly Gallagher Levi, a strong-willed matchmaker, as she travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a wife for the miserly “well-known half-a-millionaire,” Horace Vandergelder. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, May 4-28. Tickets are $33-$38.

Collaborative Theatre Project555 Medford Center, Medford. Tickets and information are available at ctpmedford.org, on Facebook, or by calling the box office at 541-779-1055. Group rates are available. See website or call box office for current COVID-19 requirements.

‘Into The Woods’: A collection of fairy tale characters’ stories intertwine as they journey into a dark, forbidding forest — Cinderella, Rapunzel and their respective Princes; the Baker and his Wife who yearn for a child and are denied by the witch next door. This musical covers multiple themes — growing up, parents and children, accepting responsibility, morality, and wish-fulfillment and its consequences. Almost everything in this fairy tale goes wrong, and nothing is quite what it seems. James Lapine said that the most unpleasant person (The Witch) would have the truest things to say, and the “nicer” people would be less honest. In the Witch’s words: “I’m not good; I’m not nice: I’m just right.” Directed by Christine Williams, with musical direction by Laurie Hunter. This production is suitable for ages 6 and older. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. Sundays, May 4-28. A low-priced preview will be offered Thursday, May 4, and the formal opening gala, Friday, May 5, will feature light snacks for patrons before the show. The entrance gallery will showcase art pieces by Annekatrine. Regular tickets are $35, $28 for seniors and students.

Oregon Cabaret Theatre241 Hargadine St, on the corner of First and Hargadine streets, Ashland. Tickets and information are available at oregoncabaret.com or by calling 541-488-2902. Reservations are required for pre-show dinner and brunch. Appetizers, beverages and desserts are available without reservations. See website or call box office for current COVID-19 requirements. Student rush tickets are $15 and can be purchased 30 minutes before curtain with valid ID, subject to availability. Group discounts available.

‘Five on Fire — Groundbreaking Women of Song’: Five powerhouse musicians bring some of the world’s most famous songs to life on the Cabaret stage and tell the stories behind their creation. A concert-style celebration of the greatest hit-makers from the 1960s to today, “Five on Fire” features music from Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchell, Carol King, Carly Simon, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Shania Twain, Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin, and many other influential women of song. Created by Natasha Harris, Carrie Lyn Brandon, Sarah Wussow and Valerie Rachelle.The musicians in this Cabaret play multiple instruments in the show. Directed by Lauren Blair. Performances are set for 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, Mondays and select Wednesdays, and 1 p.m. Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, through June 4. Were it a movie, “Five on Fire” would be rated PG, with some mild adult themes. Tickets are $43, $39 or $29.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival15 S. Pioneer St., Ashland. Showtimes, ticket prices and information available at osfashland.org or at 800-219-8161. See website or call box office for current COVID-19 requirements. Group discounts available.

O! digital: OSF’s interactive and immersive digital content platform, O! can be accessed for free at osfashland.org/digital. Some content carries a fee, including streaming plays.

Cyberland Cinema House: Curated OSF favorite short films celebrating the boundless theatrical imagination will be screened at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, May 11-July 16, in the Thomas Theatre. Lose yourself in our award-winning short films created by theater-makers, featuring powerful stories, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable characters.

Live Performances:

‘Romeo and Juliet’: One of the most famous stories of young love explodes with intense passion in this contemporary production — as two star-crossed lovers from different backgrounds sacrifice all to be together. Set on the West Coast, this production explores the financial and class divisions of our current time. Directed by OSF Artistic Director Nataki Garrett, written by William Shakespeare. The show runs through Oct. 15, in the Angus Bowmer Theatre. Tickets are $35 to $75.

‘Rent’: In this Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, a group of young artists fights for justice and visibility during the AIDS crisis, drawing strength from the beautiful bonds of friendship and chosen family. With its profound message of joy and hope in the face of uncertainty, this iconic musical reminds us to measure our lives by what truly matters — love. Directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene, with book, music, and lyrics by Jonathan Larson. The show runs through Oct. 14, in the Angus Bowmer Theatre. Tickets are $35 to $75.

‘The Three Musketeers’: An inspiring tale filled with laughter and adventure, “The Three Musketeers” is a reminder to all that courage, honesty and valor can change the world. Kirsten Childs’ adaptation finds its inspiration in the oft-ignored fact that writer Alexandre Dumas was of French-Haitian heritage. Directed by Kent Gash. The show runs May 31 through Oct. 14, in the Angus Bowmer Theatre. Tickets are $35 to $75.

Rogue Theater CompanySee roguetheatercompany.com or call 541-205-9190 for showtimes, tickets and further information.

Shakespeare Studies: Oregon Shakespeare Festival actor and dramaturg Barry Kraft will lead a two-part series on the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio from 10 to 11:30 a.m Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21; new material will be presented each day. The outdoor Ashland location will be confirmed at time of booking. Participation can be in-person, via Zoom, or you can receive recorded videos of the sessions. Tickets are $50; includes admission for both days. Further information and tickets are available online through the theater company’s website or by phone.

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