Opening Nights

A Soft Kiss While Visiting Samuel Opens at LCC's Blue Door Theatre Thursday, April 3.

Local theater talent Johnny Ormsbee doesn't just act and direct; he also writes, and Soft Kiss runs as his tribute not only to Beckett but to his local inspirations, LCC's Patrick Torelle and the UO's John Schmor. "We have gone into Beckett's head with express permission from the ghost," the playwright says. It might be about a corpse, but it's a comedy. Show dates are April 3-6 and 10-12. Tix available at 463-5761.

Wild Oats Opens at the Willamette Rep Friday, April 4.

WillRep's Kirk Boyd describes this play with glee. This joint UO-WillRep production gives Boyd 20 actors to work with, and, despite a cast change due to illness, this energetic farce that mixes social commentary with amusing scenes should be one fantastically popular way to fill those seats in Soreng. There's humor and meaning, hilarious names and a Very Nice Message about good people — what's not to like? Show dates are April 4-5, 10-13 and 17-20. Tix at www.hultcenter.orgor 682-5000.

Chicago Opens at the Cottage Theatre in Cottage Grove Friday, April 4.

Murder, jail, Broadway songs, love, death, infidelity, lust and corruption, all with a lot, and I mean a lot, of jazz hands. OK, more than jazz hands. The choreography's as hot as can be in this ridiculous tale that somehow won an Oscar when it became a soft-core movie a few years ago. Better to see the stage version and appreciate anew Bob Fosse's effin' genius. Show dates are April 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 & 25-26. Tix at www.cottagetheatre.orgor 942-8001.