Eugene Weekly : Calendar : 12.28.06

If the Eugene Opera's production of Arthur Sullivan's and W.S. Gilbert's (pictured) Pirates of Penzance is just one or two iotas more exciting than Topsy-Turvy, the painfully dull film about their work on The Mikado, then we predict a standing ovation. Then again, standing ovations are so en vogue at the Hult Center as of late (they feel somewhat facile and a bit "Oh I need to stretch my legs" lazy, if you ask us), so we urge courtesy restraint in its use until it can be, once again, an actual symbol of a groundbreaking performance. But we digress … Pirates! Oh yes, almost as popular as penguins. Penzance! A seaport at the toe of the British boot … meaning: These pirates are probably afraid of you and they might (but probably won't) kick your butt. Oh, but they can sing and swashbuckle like the best of 'em. See Friday Calendar.

We wait ALL YEAR to say this: get ready, get set … for the Last Last Friday ArtWalk (of the year!) Everyone's favorite pastime gets a fitting send-off with this monthly gathering at interconnected art spaces, lounges, bars, record stores, cafés, coffeehouses and clothing stores. You have your "official" opening at Sam Bond's with Cassandra Warren's acrylic paintings (pictured). Her work is also currently on display on our computer monitors, but mini quiches and Macs don't mix. Also, you have your "unofficial" opening at the Museum of Unfine Art (unofficial because we never "officially" heard about it; but trust us, there will be new work shown and much merriment). Wandering Goat Coffee Roasters breaks onto the art walk scene with photography by Mickey Stellavato, another unofficial artist in an unofficial venue. Wow, with all this talk of unofficial, you'd think the art walk is some underground network of sinister conspirators. But, no, it's just art (and good folks). Welcome to Eugene. See Friday Calendar.

Take one part family, add four parts sisters, subtract one absent Dad, stir in cream of Civil War and what do you get? Corvallis Community Theater's production of Little Women, a light-hearted drama of sisterly love amidst the roil and wreckage of wartime Massachusetts. The characters are at their archetypal best with a lineup of tomboy Jo, motherly Meg, shy Beth and spoiled Amy. There's much growing up needed, and, once a sister falls terribly ill, growing up is what these little women eventually do. Opening Friday at the Majestic Theater. See Corvallis listings.