So fall is here. Or are we in winter now? I think we're still in fall... anyway, we're in the midst of a season in which things are cold and wet, which means us Portlanders are seeking out activities to do indoors. Preferably things that entertain, engage, and stimulate so that our minds are kept at bay and away from thoughts about failed relationships, the housing market, unused gym memberships, and all the other depressing things we seem to dwell on when the gray skies cometh. And what better way to keep that mind engaged and cultured than to go see a play. Yes, a friggin play! Uh-huh that's right, people still put them on. In fact we're just at the beginning of theater season here in PDX and so far we've been graced with a few gems. And there's more to come. Here is a shortlist of things worth seeing right now and things that will probably be good (fingers crossed) in the coming months.

If you're looking for something to see that correlates with the season of spookiness, than I would have to recommend Northwest Classical Theater Company's stage adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula. The show is well acted, directed, and presents some honest to goodness frights. It runs until November 7th. Check their website for more info.

Looking for something a little less on the ghosty/ghoulie side but still looking for something kinda edgy? Alison liked Portland Playhouse's Telethon and you still have a chance to catch it. It closes this Sunday (the 31st/aka Halloweener), so get on it if seeing one of Portland's up and coming theaters in their prime, is something that interests you.

More recommendations? Fine! Follow me to the jump!

There has also been some good things said about Artist Repertory Theatre's production of The HIllsboro Story. Alison thought it to be pretty thought provoking and I for one am happy to see ART produce brand new material that isn't just settling for the surface. The HIllsboro Story runs for only a few more shows and closes this Saturday, the 30th.

And while Portland Center Stage's Sunset Boulevard was apparently a flop, there has been some good praise for their one-man-show production of An Iliad . I think Alison liked it. But she had to pee through most of it. It runs until November 21st.

Ok, so that does it for things you should see in the next couple weeks. What about upcoming shows that will perhaps be worth checking out?

Avant-dance/theater troupe tEEth have a new show opening soon called Home Made. tEEth's last full production Grub was pretty rad and I'm excited to see what they've been up to.

Third Rail's next show, The Wonderful World of Dissocia by Anthony Neilson, will hopefully be a bit more hard edged than their current run. It has a killer looking cast, but we are going to have to wait until January to see it.

And I am very much looking forward to ART's production of The LT. of Inishmore. I saw this on Broadway a few years back and it is a wonderful wonderful play. Probably playwright Martin McDonagh biggest hit. I just hope ART doesn't fuck it up.

Whew. Alright, there you go folks. My fingers are tired so I'm going go cool them off by wrapping them around a pint of beer. Did I miss anything? Do you have recommendations? Comment my friends. Comment.