Opening This Week

Biglittlethings
Much like Frogz and their other repertory works, the good folks at Imago have reworked this original kid-friendly animal/illusion showcase, wisely incorporating the presence of a giant dinosaur who will be wrestled by prehistoric humans. Imago Theater, 17 SE 8th, 231-9581, Opens Sat, runs Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, through Jan 1, $16-31

I Am A Superhero
Cool experimentalists Fever Theater present a new play by Matthew Nicely, in which two brothers explore their relationship through slideshows, animation, film projections, puppetry, and other magical vocal/physical dabblings. Goldsmith Building, 10 NW 5th, 233-4420, Thurs-Sun 8 pm, $10-15 sliding, Thurs pay-what-you-can

It's A Wonderful Life
A one-man version of Frank Capra's holiday classic, which sounds dumb, but probably won't be because it's being performed by Mark Setlock, whose other one-man show, Fully Committed, was fucking awesome. Portland Center Stage, 1111 SW Broadway, 274-6588, Opens Fri, runs Tues-Wed, Sun 7 pm, Thurs-Sat 8 pm, Thurs 12 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm, through Dec 24, $15-56

Oleanna
Having settled into its new home at the CenterRing out on SE Foster, Tribe Theatre presents a new production of David Mamet's play about a college student's strange relationship with her professor. Stars Sabra Choi and Michael Teufel. CenterRing, 5339 SE Foster, 788-3389, Fri-Sat 8 pm, through Dec 17, $10-12

Current Runs

Alice In Bed
Integrity Productions' rendition of Susan Sontag's Alice In Bed centers, literally, on Alice James, the younger sister of Henry and William James. Alice occupies a large bed in the middle of the stage, bedridden by what appears to be a case of crippling depression. She refuses to get out of bed, instead dwelling in a complicated inner world depicted via disjointed monologues and fanciful visitations from imaginary friends. AH Theater! Theatre!, 3430 SE Belmont, 286-3456, Thurs-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm, through Dec 11, $5-15

Owen Meany's Christmas Pageant
For those unfamiliar with John Irving's book, A Prayer For Owen Meany, Owen Meany is not, as his name may suggest, a bully. Quite the contrary, Owen is a wisp of a tween in 1953 New Hampshire. Fed up with playing the harnessed angel in the annual Christmas pageant, this year Owen refuses and, in so doing, shakes up tradition. Besides questioning the presence of no fewer than six turtledoves circling the manger, Owen also introduces a bit of metaphysics to his hometown and, of course, nothing is ever the same again. Considering the Senior Citizen Center-friendly humor of Irving's story, ART's cast does well not to annoy. Genevieve Andersen (as the wallflower who wins the part of Mary) and Paul G. Miller (as the Angel on High) are particularly good, though the production's greatest asset is its ensemble cast. WG Artists Repertory Theatre, 1516 SW Alder St, 241-1278, Tues-Thurs, Sun 7 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm, EXTENDED: 7 pm Dec 21-24, 4 pm Dec 23-24, $15-40

Urinetown
A new local musical theater company, Stumptown Stages, presents a production of the fairly entertaining Broadway hit, Urinetown. Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, 5340 N. Interstate, 381-8686, Thurs-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm, through Dec 18, $25

Dance

The Grammar of Regret
Conduit regular Tere Mathern's new work explores how regret gets expressed in sentiment and language. With guest choreography by the lovable Gregg Bielemeier. Conduit Studio, 918 SW Yamhill, 4th Floor, 221-5857, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, and 3 pm Dec 11, through Dec 11, $11-14

Comedy/Improv

Extra Medium
As always, don't miss this pretty-much-monthly showcase of live sketch comedy, video shorts, and stand-up. This month's theme: "Oh God, You Shit!" Jasmine Tree, 401 SW Harrison St, 223-7956, Tues 8:30 pm, $3