Get Thee to a Theater!

Got a case of the post-holiday blues? Then get yourself out of your undecorated home and into a theater. Playing Saturday are two one-night-only events that I’m hard-pressed to choose between.

Feeling like something honest and thought provoking? The Actors’ Table of Eugene’s next series of staged readings is centered on the theme “To Be Determined.” Local actors will read their favorite scenes and monologues examining the beauty and betrayal of that sticky virtue: determination. Carol Massahos directs the overall performance and Laura Robinson and Emily Hart direct individual scenes. Laura Robinson will be your emcee for the evening. There will be only one show, Jan. 19, at Tsunami Books. If you have $5-$10, donate it at the door to defray costs.

Feeling like something heart-poundingly entertaining? Rock of Ages is coming to the Hult Center, a Tony-nominated homage to The Big ’80s. Sherrie, a small town girl, and Drew, born and raised in South Detroit, find love and adventure on the Sunset Strip amid rockin’ guitar licks and superstar egos. Depending on your parenting style, this could be an excellent opportunity for parents and teenage children to bond over classic pop. Plus the entire cast is super hot. Seriously, I’ve seen the promotional photos. Tickets are $35-$55 and can be purchased through the Hult Center.

Whatever your bent, get your behind off the sofa now and get some drama back into your life.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!