Ian Leiner, director of the Nutz-n-Boltz Theater Company’s (NNB) October production of “Woman in Black," by Stephen Mallatratt and based on Susan Hill’s book, notes that while the show doesn’t have a giant monster or haunted house, he hopes it will give the audience something to think about.

“My goal is to make people go home and before they turn on the light they
get a little creeped out,” Leiner said.

And while October is known for the spooky holiday at the month’s end, area
theaters will offer a variety of shows for theater goers.

NNB’s endeavor offers the story of a lawyer who hires an actor to help in the
recounting of the story of a woman in black, a specter that haunts the
neighborhood where her illegitimate child was accidentally killed. Leiner noted
the show is all about atmosphere, and even with it’s frightening nature, there
are some lighter moments and it’s not about startling the audience.

“It’s not a jump scare thing,” he said, adding that it would be appropriate for
all ages.

The production features two long-time veterans of NNB shows, Scott Caster
and Justin Lazenby.

“I needed two people with really good chemistry, they work well off of each
other,” said Leiner, who has performed in numerous area theaters and is
making his directorial debut.

NNB presents “Woman in Black” from through Oct. 14 at the Boring Grange,
27861 Grange Street in Boring. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and
Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for
children and seniors, and $11 for teachers and law enforcement.
For more information, or to make reservations, call 503-593-1295 or visit
nnbtheater.com.

Wolfpack Theater has ‘Proof’
Howard Bickle, Artistic Director of the Wolfpack Theater and director of this
month’s production of “Proof,” by David Auburn, described the play as a
“psychological mystery” about a troubled young woman in the aftermath of
the death of her brilliant father. Bickle added that it poses the question of
what does somebody do when their friends and family don’t believe them.
“Sometimes you need actual proof at times to build a foundation of trust,” he
said. “There’s just so many different layers. It’s pretty complex; I really love
the complex plays.”

And despite the serious topic, Bickle noted there is a lot of comedy in it, which
he feels was left out when the play was made into a movie featuring Anthony
Hopkins and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The show features three actors who have each performed in at least two past
productions with the Wolfpack. Bickle noted that continuing to work with
dynamic performers that have built a trust makes for a better process.
“There’s just kind of an ease because we have so much trust between the four
of us,” he said, also noting that he believes the audience will walk away
thinking about the power of love and trust in relationships.

The Wolf Pack Theater presents “Proof” from Thursday, Oct. 11 through
Sunday, Nov. 4, at 39570 Pioneer Blvd. in Sandy. Show times are 8 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $18 for general
admission and $15 for students and seniors. Law enforcement, firefighters
and veterans have free admission with valid ID. For more information, visit
www.wolfpacktheater.com or call 541-722-2667.

Sandy Actors Theatre brings the October laughs
Sandy Actors Theatre’s (SAT) production of “Over the River and Through the
Woods,” by Joe DiPietro, started as a reading by a group of people one
Saturday. The show’s director, Jim Lamproe, noted that after they were done,
they all said it was worthy of a full production.

The comedy offers the story of Nick, a single Italian-American in New Jersey.
Now that his parents have moved to Florida, Nick takes an offer for his dream
job in Seattle, but his grandparents aren’t so thrilled, and they scheme to
keep him from going.

“It’s an interesting story, because what it’s telling you is that family is
important and sometimes we lose sight of that,” said Lamproe, who is
directing his first production. “Nick is more focused on career and promotion,
(he) doesn’t see value of grandparents.”

Lamproe added that he sees the same thing happening today, with families
coming as a lower priority, while previous generations often held family first.
He added that by the end, it really drives home the point for people to cherish
what they have.

SAT presents “Over the River and Through the Woods” from Friday, Oct. 26
through Sunday, Nov. 18, at 17433 Meinig Ave. (behind Ace Hardware). Show
times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets are $18 general admission, $15 for students and seniors and $13 for
children under 12 (reservations are recommended). For more information, or
reservations call 503-668-6834 or visit sandyactorstheatre.org.