Artists Repertory Theatre

Send to phone Phone number: --

Like a cross between a copper candelabra and a four-way candy dish, they stand every couple of blocks downtown and tend to puzzle newcomers. (read more) Can I drink it? Hell yes! Those are Benson Bubblers, pushing up fresh drinking water for the masses since 1917. The iconic fountains—52 in all, plus 74 one-bowl variations—are a reminder of what makes Portland’s downtown lovable. While it’s still the center of political and financial power, it remains a livable place where you can find quiet street corners (sometimes a little too quiet for a major city) and, yes, a free sip of water. To get the lay of the land, gaze down from the 30th floor of the U.S. Bancorp Tower (lovingly dubbed “Big Pink”) during happy hour at Portland City Grill (111 SW 5th Ave., 450-0030, portlandcitygrill.com). Downtown’s heart beats at Pioneer Courthouse Square (Southwest 6th Avenue and Morrison Street). Culture-heads and foodies should make for the South Park Blocks, home to the Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park Ave., 226-2811, portlandartmuseum.org) and the Portland Farmers Market (Southwest Park Avenue between Harrison and Montgomery Streets, portlandfarmersmarket.org) every Saturday from March 21 to Dec. 19. And for the terminally lazy, the MAX Green Line opens this fall, connecting Portland State University and Old Town’s Union Station. —James Pitkin

• Heathman Restaurant and Bar Food
• Portland Farmers Market Food
• Ben & Jerry's Food
• Artists Repertory Theatre Stage
• Winningstad Theatre Stage
• West End Theater Stage
• Oregon Children's Theatre Young Professionals Studio Theatre Stage
• Portland Actors Conservatory Stage
• The Firehouse Theatre Stage
• CLOSED Veganopolis Outdoors
• Pine Street Bistro Live Music
• Alessandro's CLOSED Live Music
• Alexander's CLOSED Live Music
• Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Live Music
• ArtBar & Bistro Live Music

Events Today

Tuesday November 24

STAGE

Holidazed

Last November, Artists Rep premiered this pan-holiday comedy by Marc Acito and C.S. Whitcomb, which covers the entire season from Halloween to Christmastime. It has been brought back, according to the company’s P.R., by popular demand. Supermom Julia (Susannah Mars), who scrambles to balance holiday preparations with Luna (Ana Reiselman), a homeless, pagan teen who charms her way into Julia’s heart and household. Though some may find the time-old messages of love and charity touching, it’s a far cry from A Christmas Carol and the hokey script isn’t always saved by the talented actors supporting it. Mars gives an energized and skillful performance but is too often dragged down by camp, in the form of her drag-queen college friends, or schmaltz, in the form of the ghost of her hippie mother. Michael Mendelson, playing multiple roles, gives the most endearing performances—specifically as Julia’s sister, Krystee, who manages to make even a hair flip hilarious. Jon Kretzu’s direction makes for an entertaining two hours, but for a holiday tale it lacks heart, despite an impressive turn in the second act from Reiselman. ALI ROTHSCHILD. Artists Repertory Theatre, 1515 SW Morrison St., 241-1278. 7:30 pm Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 pm Sundays. Closes Dec. 20. $20-$47.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday November 25

STAGE

Holidazed

Last November, Artists Rep premiered this pan-holiday comedy by Marc Acito and C.S. Whitcomb, which covers the entire season from Halloween to Christmastime. It has been brought back, according to the company’s P.R., by popular demand. Supermom Julia (Susannah Mars), who scrambles to balance holiday preparations with Luna (Ana Reiselman), a homeless, pagan teen who charms her way into Julia’s heart and household. Though some may find the time-old messages of love and charity touching, it’s a far cry from A Christmas Carol and the hokey script isn’t always saved by the talented actors supporting it. Mars gives an energized and skillful performance but is too often dragged down by camp, in the form of her drag-queen college friends, or schmaltz, in the form of the ghost of her hippie mother. Michael Mendelson, playing multiple roles, gives the most endearing performances—specifically as Julia’s sister, Krystee, who manages to make even a hair flip hilarious. Jon Kretzu’s direction makes for an entertaining two hours, but for a holiday tale it lacks heart, despite an impressive turn in the second act from Reiselman. ALI ROTHSCHILD. Artists Repertory Theatre, 1515 SW Morrison St., 241-1278. 7:30 pm Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 pm Sundays. Closes Dec. 20. $20-$47.