Current Runs

Valparaiso
The ever-ambitious folks at Theatre Vertigo tackle Don DeLillo's Valparaiso, about a man who boards a plane headed for Indiana, but ends up in Chile instead. Theater! Theatre!, 3430 SE Belmont, Thurs-Sat 8 pm, $15

City of Gold
Don't miss this chance to see one of last season's funniest and most exciting productions: Hand2Mouth's City of Gold, back for a limited run. This wildly inventive take on the gold rush features conquistadors, cross-dressing, and a hilariously raunchy orgy scene involving bananas. Goldsmith Building, 20 NW 5th, 233-4420, Thurs-Fri 8 pm; Sat 8 pm, 10 pm, $10-15

Orestes
Classic Greek Theatre of Oregon presents a sneak-preview of their upcoming show, as part of the Multnomah County Library's "Scene at the Library" program. Central Library, 801 SW 10th, 988-5471, 2 pm, free

The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Portland Actors Ensemble offers up a perfectly serviceable, surprisingly accessible rendition of Merry Wives, complete with "traditional" costumes and music. Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock, Sat-Mon, 3 pm, free

Wicked
Based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maquire, Wicked goes behind-the-scenes of The Wizard of Oz, telling the tale of two witches (one good, one bad) who met during sorcery school. Among the many treats promised by this production are flying monkeys, a giant dragon, and the use of two hundred pounds of dry ice. Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay, 222-5538, Opens Wed Sep 6, runs Tues-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 1 pm, 6:30 pm; 2 pm show on Thurs Sep 8, $35-74

Comedy/Improv

Summer in Brodavia
An evening of long-form improv, based on suggestions from the audience. Brody Theater, 1904 NW 27th, 224-0688, Sat 9 pm, $7-10

Superego: Believe It or Awesome!
Sketch comedy troupes are a dime a dozen, but Superego's smart, pop culture savvy writing is better than most—and the Fez Ballroom is a great place to grab a drink, sit back, and let the laughs begin. Fez, 316 SW 11th, 221-7262 x. 41, Fri 8 pm, $7 (includes admission to Shut Up and Dance)

Theatresports
Two teams go head to head in this comedic battle of wits, in an all-improv contest based on audience suggestion. Brody Theater, 1904 NW 27th, 224-0688, Fri 9 pm, $7-10