Eugene Weekly : Calendar : 09.28.06

A place where nightclub singers commit multiple murders and still manage to keep their makeup in order. A place where scum-sucking lawyers see only photo ops for dueling divas. A place more concerned with celebrating celebrity than an eye for an eye. A place where nothing is real but everything has an air of "truthiness." A place that knows its jazz and will make you dance. That's Chicago! See Saturday Calendar.

By virtue of some intense marketing, we heard about this show that, at first listen, seemed kinda … not Weekly-esque. It's set in a long-term care facility, and the show's only happening once. But then we went to the dress rehearsal, and frankly, folks, there's nothing like real life to trump your ideas every time. The six Valley West Health Care residents and show participants in the Blue Giraffe Theatre Company's Messages from the Valley put on a show that was as moving as it was hokey. Sure, when you hear a 95-year-old woman singing "You Are My Sunshine," you might start to wonder just when nursing homes will broaden their repertoire to include "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" or "Hungry Like the Wolf." But then you get to the heart of the show, when the cast members speak their regrets and their joys, and you find yourself solidly in the midst of some stunning narratives. Director Judith Voss recruited a ton of talented crew members to help out, and the residents, from cheerful Thomas to perceptive, smart Helena to sweet Lily (pictured, right, with Edna, left), provide a glimpse of life most of us, separated from our elders, don't get to see or hear. You have one chance to see this show. Don't miss it. See Saturday Calendar.

Speaking on behalf of all people with the word "calendar" in their titles — and therefore always thinking weeks in advance — we must spill the beans on this glorious late September weather we're having: It's coming to an end. Slowly. The high temperature will drop a whopping 20 degrees over the weekend, with rain back over our heads by next Wednesday. So get thee outside! The best bet for indoor/outdoor mingling is the Last Friday Artwalk this Friday night. New artists and venues are hopping on the art walk bandwagon all the time. This week it's Ahau at 10th and Washington with symbolic expressions of illuminating destinations (we love symbolism!) and new Studio C resident John Holdway, who has linocut prints on display (and pictured). Cassandra Warren debuts her paintings at Better Yet, Leslie Lucir takes over Sam Bond's Garage and mystical clay masks make omens at Immortal Souls (we love puns, too!). But whatever you do, do not stop and gawk at the funky houses or make real estate speculations — you may get garbage thrown at you. For the full scoop (and a self-guided map) go to www.lastfridayartwalk.comand chart a course. See Friday Calendar.