News / Clark County News

Try This: Dark comedy at Clark

By Ashley Swanson, The Columbian

Published: November 15, 2013, 4:00pm

Clark College Theatre presents a darkly comic exploration of the American family in "Curse of the Starving Class," through Nov. 23 at Decker Theater.

Clark College Theatre presents “Curse of the Starving Class,” a dark comic exploration of the American family with an absurdist twist. The Tate clan consists of a drunken father, a burned-out mother, a rebellious teen daughter and idealistic son trying to hold onto their family bond, rural farm and traditional ways of living.

When: 2 and 7:30 p.m. today.

Where: Decker Theater, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.

Admission: $13, $11 for seniors, $9 for students and alumni.

Telephone: 360-992-2815.

Web: clark.edu/cc/theater

The production is among options for getting out and about this weekend.

2. Concert for arts

Portland pianist and band leader Michael Allen Harrison will be giving a benefit concert for the Seton Catholic Prep’s fine arts programs. The concert will also feature a performance by the Seton Choir. Harrison is best known for his philanthropic Ten Grands concert series.

When: 4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8701 N.E. 119th St., Vancouver

Admission: $20, $15 for seniors.

Telephone: 360-258-1932.

3. Last chance

Three high school theater productions will give their final fall performances tonight at 7 p.m.

o Woodland High School Drama Department presents “Diary of Anne Frank,” following the two years Jewish teenager Anne Frank and her family spent in hiding with the Van Daan family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. Recommended for ages 13 and older.

Where: Woodland High School, 757 Park St., Woodland.

Admission: $6, $5 for seniors, $2 for students.

Telephone: 360-841-2800.

o Prairie High School presents the musical “Oliver!” Based on Charles Dickens’ novel, Oliver endures life as an orphan in the workhouse, only to escape and become part of a gang of pickpockets led by the miser Fagin. But life on the streets comes with its own set of perils.

Where: Prairie High School Auditorium, 11500 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver.

Admission: $10, $8 for seniors, $5 for students.

Web: prairiehighschool.org

o Heritage High School Thespian Society presents “The Passion of Dracula,” a gothic drama set in 1911 in the English countryside, where several villagers have mysteriously died after the arrival of a reclusive foreigner. Dr. Van Helsing suspects the newly arrived Count Dracula, who has turned his sights on the beautiful Wilhelmina, must be destroyed.

Where: Heritage High School, 7825 N.E. 130th Ave., Vancouver.

Admission: $6, $4 for seniors, students and children 12 and younger.

Telephone: 360-604-3400.

4. History seen in different ways

o Fort Vancouver’s Lantern Tours offer a mix of history and a re-enactment as park rangers lead guests through the fort’s reconstructed buildings to meet with costumed interpreters. Reservations are required for the lantern tour.

When: 7 tonight.

Where: 1001 E. Fifth St., Vancouver.

Admission: $10, $17 for ages 15 and younger.

Telephone: 360-816-6230.

Web: nps.gov/fova

o Or head across the river for the Free Family and Community Day at the Portland Art Museum. In honor of the museum’s latest exhibit, “Samurai!,” visitors can explore the world of the samurai warriors with storytelling, art-making and martial arts demonstrations. The exhibit features intricate battle gear from Japanese samurai warriors of the 14th through 19th centuries, including weapons and horse armor.

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Portland Art Museum, 1219 S.W. Park Ave., Portland.

Admission: Free.

Telephone: 503-226-2811

Web: http://pam.org

5. ‘About Time’ for a romantic comedy

Who wouldn’t like a second shot at making a first impression? That’s what Dad (Bill Nighy) reveals to his son Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) when he turns 21: The men in their family can wish their way back in time to relive a moment. When Tim meets Mary (Rachel McAdams), sparks fly, so he plots to win her heart. But time-traveling can protect him from the troubles of ordinary life. “About Time” is rated R.

Where: Cinetopia Vancouver Mall 23, 8700 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive; various Regal Cinema locations.

Cost: Varies by location.

Telephone: Battle Ground Cinema, 360-666-7200;Cinetopia, 360-213-2800; Cinetopia Vancouver Mall 23, 360-448-4100; Regal Cinemas, 800-326-3264.

Web: battlegroundcinema.com, cinetopia.com, regmovies.com