I wrote nine previews of local theater and performance art for the Register-Guard’s fall 2014 arts preview guide, which promotes the next season of numerous arts organizations.
Actors Cabaret of Eugene, a dinner theater, does things a bit differently than other stage companies around town.
“We really make a big effort to get the latest releases from Broadway,” explains Gaylord Walker, the box office manager and sous chef.
ACE presents eight to 12 productions annually in its two theaters.
The theater continually produces world premieres, often from local writers, as well as West Coast or Oregon premieres of national productions.
“The Addams Family,” on stage now through Oct. 18, is that musical’s Oregon premiere.
“This is an example of a brand new show that’s never been performed in this area,” Walker says. “The national tour has not come by our area, so the theatergoing community here has not had a chance to see a live production of ‘The Addams Family’ musical, and we’re really excited about that.”
“Annie,” showing Nov. 21 to Dec. 20, is a fun Christmas show, Walker says. It, too, hasn’t had a major production in the Eugene-Springfield/Cottage Grove area for many years.
“We thought it would be a perfect opportunity to bring it back and reintroduce all those great songs,” he says.
Actors Cabaret is a dinner theater, and the menus continue the theme of some of their performances. For instance, the menu for “The Addams Family” features Gomez’s Ghoulash, and for “Annie,” there’s a blue plate special.
The company offers a special theater-person discount. If you have volunteered at any community theater, simply bring in a program with your name on it or some other documentation that shows that you volunteered, and you can buy a $24 reserved-seat ticket for $16.
“We know that many people who work in theaters don’t have a huge income because they often devote much of their time to the theater and aren’t being paid,” Walker explains. “We’re a volunteer-based theater, and we rely on community support for our success.
“We’re so blessed to have a great community of actors and theatergoers. We’re really lucky.”
Actors Cabaret Of Eugene
Where: 996 Willamette St.
Contact: 541-683-4368, www.actorscabaret.org
Tickets: Box office at 996 Willamette St., 541-683-4368, www.actorscabaret.org
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