What Are You Doing This Weekend?

We're going to the theatre. How about you?

There are a variety of choices available for the finicky theatre-goer out there. Let's look at the freshest first:

@Riverside
Working Group's brand-new play Toymaker's War opens tonight (February 23rd) at Riverside Theatre on Gilbert St. Written by Jennifer Fawcett and directed by Sean Christopher Lewis, it tells the story of an ambitious young journalist sucked into a world of child soldiers and ambiguous ethics. (Review here.)

@TCR
In the Grandon Studio at TCR, Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde continues. It's Moises Kaufmann's look at the persecution of the famous satirist (Look here for a review).

@The Ox Yoke Inn
Murder Rides Again continues riding strong. (If you haven't made reservations for this weekend, never fear: they've added dates!

@Oster Regent Theatre
If you're in the Cedar Falls area (or you're not, and you're just up for a trek), you might want to check out the Oster Regent Theatre's production of Gogol's classic comedy, The Inspector General. It's a laugh-a-minute spectacle of mistaken identity, in its final weekend (7:30pm Friday & Saturday)

@The Englert
If you've been following the campaign season this year, you've probably heard a lot of talk about "Lincoln/Douglas" style debates. Wondering what all the fuss is about? Seeing The Rivalry might be informative. It's a docudrama by L. A. Theatre Works, using the original transcripts to create a entertaining and educational night of theatre. (Tonight only, 7:30pm)

@U of I
Or maybe you're thinking you'd sell your soul to see some college theatre? Then Dr. Faustus is the show for you! Christopher Marlowe's classic tale of reckless bargains, showing in Theatre B (Thursday through Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm)

@Cornell College
And if you're wondering what the devil that noise is next door, it's Cornell College's production of Sarah Ruhl's In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play. The play tells the curious and hilarious history of the creation of the vibrator, in Kimmel Theatre at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon. (Friday through Saturday 7pm, Sunday 2pm).

Last but not least, there are two special annual events going on in the area: Diamonds and Denim, by Riverside Theatre and Puppets and Pastries by Eulenspiegel. Diamonds and Denim includes an auction to support live professional theatre, and Puppets and Pastries involves a puppet show and some tasty treats. Both are guaranteed to be a great time, so get out there to celebrate and support local theatre!

That's your roundup for the week. Variety is the spice of life, so pick something and get out to the theatre!