— What’s the Word?In Washington County, Oregon —

Posts Tagged ‘Broadway Rose’

Be Mine, Valentine: Kayak, Dinner, Bowling, Plays for Valentines

Posted on: February 7th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Valentine’s day deserves some recognition. Whether you enjoy kayaking, comedic plays or a steak dinner, Oregon’s Washington County has these offerings and more to make the holiday your own.

Package Deals

Nothing says romance like a romance package! These hotel packages include special “romantic extras,” such as wine, chocolates, gift cards, movie tickets and more–which can save you money and offer a realm of possibilities of what to do. Or, for a full night’s change of scenery, book a lodging and dining package.
McMenamins Grand Lodge has a special “Sweethearts Package” running for the nights of Feb. 8-16, with an overnight hotel stay, dinner, wine and breakfast. Optional extras are at Ruby’s Spa on the premises.

Dinner & More

A steak dinner is just one Valentine’s Day option out of many here.

The historic Jenkins Estate in Beaverton hosts its 15th annual Chocolate Fantasy on Friday, Feb. 8.  Enjoy a showcase of the finest chocolate delicacies from local chocolatiers, treats from local bakeries, sips from area wineries, and unique Valentine’s Day gift items available for purchase.  Admission $5 per person; 2 years and older.

A Daddy-Daughter Dinner Dance is Friday, Feb. 8 in Portland from 6-8 p.m. Dress in your best, dance to your favorite music, have a special dinner, and celebrate Valentine’s Day together.

A Feb. 14 valentines dinner at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse includes a multi-course dinner with a choice of appetizers, a selection of entrees (including prime rib) and dessert.  Vegetarian options available; please request when booking.

Five courses are on the menu for dinner, and live music is offered as well on either Thursday, Feb. 14 or Friday, Feb. 15 at Primrose & Tumbleweeds in downtown Hillsboro. Each dinner course will be paired with an Oregon wine. Dinner highlights include a Dungeness crab cake and specialty dried charcuterie from Portland’s Olympic Provisions. Reservations are required.

Enjoy a special Sweetheart Valentine’s Dinner the night of Feb. 14 at Champions Grill in the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains. Entree options include smoked prime rib, Pacific halibut and grilled pork tenderloin. A wine list will also be available. Reservations are recommended.

Staged Events

Love Letters (February 14): Returning for a one-night-only performance is this production, where two actors read aloud the letters written to each others characters over the course of their lives. (Tickets are $28 each)

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (through February 24): The Broadway Rose Theatre Company–one of the Greater Portland’s most acclaimed theatre companies–will take you on a musical trip from dating to marriage, through the truths and myths behind the contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship.” (Tickets start at $20 each)

How the Other Half Loves (February 15-March 3): This punchy comedy is about the interaction of sex and social class in modern English society, performed by Hillsboro’s HART Theatre.  The play juggles time and environment to present the lives and loves, passion and panic of three married couples.  (Tickets are $14 each)

Bowling & Kayaking!

Spend Valentine’s Day at Big Al’s and get special pricing! From 5 p.m. to close on Thursday, Feb. 14, enjoy 2 personal pizzas, 2 medium sodas, choice of dessert, $10 fun (gaming) card, 2 games of bowling, and 2 shoe rentals for $30.

Explore the waters of the Tualatin River on Saturday, Feb. 16 with Kyle Sheeley of OutKayaking, Portland’s LGBT kayaking club, on a three-hour Valentine’s kayak paddle.  This trip is suitable for all skill levels; be sure to pack a lunch and snacks.

We’ve also chronicled the wine-related Valentine’s offerings in the area, including a special “Valentine’s Wine Loop” self-guided winery tour Feb. 15-17 — so be sure to find what your heart and wine palate desire!

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

A Closer Look At Our Cities: Tigard

Posted on: August 31st, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

The Broadway Rose Theatre Company stages a slate of professional live musical theater productions season after season.

With a population of more than 48,000, the bedroom community of Tigard is located just south of Portland in southeastern Washington County.  It is home to the region’s premier tax-free shopping destinations, has a thriving community is devoted to the arts, and offers outdoor recreation opportunities.

Arts & Culture

Tigard is the proud home of the Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Washington County’s only award-winning professional musical theatre company. Each season, Broadway Rose produces a slate of musicals that range from well-known classics to world premieres.

Want a more hands-on experience? Main Street in downtown Tigard is home to two do-it-yourself shops. Blow your own glass masterpiece at Live Laugh Love Glass,  or blend your own wine at Tigard Wine Crafters.

Outdoor Recreation

Recreation is tops here, as Tigard’s Cook Park provides access to the Tualatin River, a calm waterway that is popular with kayakers and canoeists. During weekends through September, rent a canoe or kayak from the Tualatin Riverkeepers for a peaceful and leisurely paddle along the river.

Tax-Free Shopping

Tigard is home to some of the best known shopping brands, and boasts the state’s most beloved shopping centers.

Washington Square is Oregon and Southwest Washington’s premier shopping center with five anchor stores–including Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Oregon’s largest Nordstrom–and more than 170 distinctive shops and restaurants.

Located in the border of Tigard and neighboring city of Tualatin is Bridgeport Village, a European-style outdoor shopping experience with a unique blend of upscale national and local retailers, restaurants, bookstore, spa, and a first-run, multiplex movie theater.  Just a couple blocks down the street is Stash Tea, a retail shop offering more than 200 premium loose-leaf teas, a variety of tea pots, customized gift baskets and other unique gifts.

From the arts to the art of shopping, Tigard provides visitors with many things to see and do. Add Tigard, as well as other cities, towns and attractions to your Oregon’s Washington County itinerary.

 

Valentine’s Getaway in Oregon’s Washington County

Posted on: February 8th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Alloro Vineyards, in Sherwood, Oregon, is one of several wineries in Washington County offering special Valentine's weekend tastings.

This February, bring a little romance to your Valentine’s Day with a getaway to Oregon’s Washington County. Although this year, Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday, there are plenty of events and special Valentine-themed activities that will keep the romance burning between you and your special one.

Enjoy a sweet sampling of events happening just in time for Valentine’s Day:

Weekend Events

The annual Chocolate Fantasy event at Jenkins Estate returns for its 15th year, Friday, February 10. Enjoy samples of locally produced chocolates, baked goods and wine pairings from Washington County wineries. Admission is $5 per person.

Also on February 10, cut a rug, ballroom style, this Valentine’s weekend at the Valentine’s Ball with Soundstage Rhythm Orchestra. The set list will include a variety of music from the Beatles to Green Day, each performed with big orchestral flare. Tickets are $25 per person, in advance, and $30 on the day of the ball.

Saturday, February 11, Ponzi Vineyards will explore ice wines and taste various styles during its Valentine’s themed seminar, “Sweet Wines for Sweethearts: Divine Ice Wines.” Tickets are still available, and space is limited. Tickets are $30 per person.

Back by popular demand, Montinore Estate is offering its blend-your-own wine event, “Bottle Up Your Love,” this Saturday, February 11. With samples from Montinore’s three best vineyard blocks, you can blend to create your own perfect Pinot Noir that will be bottled and taken home to enjoy. The event is $45 per couple, and includes blending samples, a bottle of your perfectly blended Pinot and two wine flights.

This weekend, February 11-12, world-famous saké brewery, SakéOne will put a little “shock” in your sweetheart with a special Valentine’s Saké Shock tasting flight.

Three Washington County wineries are pairing up for a special Valentine’s weekend, February 11-12. Enjoy “Valentines in Wine Country” at Ardiri Winery and Vineyards, Alloro Vineyards and Cooper Mountain Vineyards for special tastings and more. Pick up a “passport,” have it stamped at all three wineries and become eligible to win a gift basket.

Valentine’s Day

Hillsboro’s only professional theatre company, Bag&Baggage, presents “Love Letters,” a play that explores the relationship of two people, told by a series of letters written to each other. Back by popular demand, this play takes the stage February 13-14, and tickets are $25.

Dine in style during your Washington County getaway at the area’s notable and romantic eateries. On Valentine’s Day, Hall Street Grill will serve a special four-course menu with champagne, plus wine pairings. Dinner is $55 per person, $75 including the special wine pairings. Reservations are recommended.

Ongoing Events

Put a little musical theater into your Valentine’s weekend plans, courtesy of the Broadway Rose Theatre Company. The musical with a country flair, “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” runs weekends from February 2 through March 4. This charming, humorous tale of friendship, romance and heartbreak will offer you and your sweetie foot-stomping good time. Tickets are $20-40.

Finally, add a little romance to Valentine’s Day with an overnight stay by booking a romance package at an Oregon’s Washington County hotel. Stay overnight in a romantic room or suite and enjoy the special added treats for your dream Valentine’s Day weekend getaway.

January/February Arts Calendar

Posted on: January 6th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

The new year begins with a slate of worthy cultural exhibits, live musical performances, spoken word and theater productions. The following are some of the highlights of happenings in Oregon’s Washington County for January and February.

 

Snapshots! at the Washington County Museum through April 21

EXHIBITIONS

The Washington County Museum (17677 NW Springville Rd., Portland, on the Portland Community College Rock Creek campus) presents “Snapshots!” (through April 21; $3),  a retrospective of Washington County’s history told through photographs ranging from the late 19th century to the Roaring Twenties.

LIVE MUSIC

Traditional Irish music takes center stage at the Winona Grange (8340 SW Seneca St., Tualatin) with upcoming 2nd Saturday Celtic Community Concerts featuring Molly’s Revenge (January 14, 7:30 p.m.; $15) and Laurence Nugent (February 11, 7:30 p.m.; $15).

Up-and-coming jazz band Blue Cranes will be performing at the Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center (527 E. Main St., Hillsboro; January 20, 7:30 p.m.; $12 in advance, $14 day of show). The band’s style has been described as “walking a thin line between improvisation and catchiness.”

Enjoy an evening of koto (a traditional Japanese stringed instrument) as East meets West with Mitsuki Dazai & Friends at the  Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center (527 E. Main St., Hillsboro; February 3, 7:30 p.m.; $15 in advance, $17 day of show).

Pacific University Performing Arts Series presents the Good Lovelies (Pacific University, Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove; February 4, 7:30 p.m.; $22), an all-female trio from Canada performing an upbeat combination of pop, folk and western swing.

LIVE THEATER

The the acclaimed, award-winning Broadway Rose Theatre Company (12850 SW Grant Ave., Tigard) presents a one-night-only performance of an original work, titled “Sing Now or Forever Hold Your Peace,” (January 14, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; $40), a delightful evening of tales and songs from Broadway Rose’s 20-year history.

Broadway Rose also is presenting a staged reading of the colorful musical, “Oil Change the Musical Comedy” (January 20-21, 7:30 p.m.; January 22, 2 p.m.; $10), a family-friendly musical featuring 18 original songs ranging from rock, county and blues to rap, Latin and love ballads, all accompanied by a live band.

The 2012 Season of Great Escapes officially starts with Broadway Rose’s country music revue, “Pump Boys and Dinettes” (February 2 – March; $20-35), in a tale of friendship, romance and heartbreak.

Professional Theater company Bag&Baggage presents “Love Letters” at the Venetian Theatre (253 E. Main St., Hillsboro; February 13-14, 7:30 p.m.; $25). Back by popular demand, the performance is an exploration of two characters’ lives as they read aloud love letters they’ve written to each other over the course of their lives.

Portland-born artist Mark Rothko is the subject of January's Spoken Word series at the Walters Cultural Arts Center

SPOKEN WORD

The Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center (527 E. Main St., Hillsboro) features a spoken word discussion about  Portland-born and internationally acclaimed artist Mark Rothko (January 17, 7 p.m.; $12 in advance, $14 day of show). Caroline Kim, of the Portland Art Museum, will provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at Rothko and his work.

On February 21, local historian Richard Engeman will present an illustrated history of Oregon with 49 illustrations in 49 minutes at the Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center (January 20, 7 p.m.; free).

For a complete list of art and culture events and performances in Oregon’s Washington County, including community performing arts groups, visit the Event Calendar.

Surviving Winter Break: Escape to Oregon’s Washington County

Posted on: December 9th, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Let’s face it, by the time winter rolls around, we’re ready for a break, and if you have kids-especially teenagers–you know they are chomping at the bit to get out of the house. Why wait until summer for a weekend or week-long getaway? Winter is a fabulous time to venture to Oregon’s Washington County.  The following is quick look at what’s going on this season:

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

FOR ARTS & CULTURE BUFFS: ‘Tis the season for arts and culture to take the spotlight, from performing arts to art exhibitions.  

  • Local professional theatre companies Bag&Baggage and Broadway Rose offer a year-round slate of productions, including special holiday-themed performances.
  • The Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center has a strong performing arts calendar featuring a diverse array of musical performances, spoken word and poetry readings.
  • Through April 12, 2012, the Washington County Museum is home to its latest exhibit, Snapshot!, an impressive and extensive collection of photography equipment, objects depicting home and farm life and numerous historic images.
  • Print Arts Northwest has a calendar of several different art exhibitions with varying themes, featuring established and up-and-coming artists from the Pacific Northwest.

See the complete list of performing arts companies and venues, art galleries and museums and historical sites in Washington County.

FOR TEEN SPORTS FANS: See the brightest high school athletes compete in the annual basketball tournament and slam dunk contest.

Watch the college and NBA stars of tomorrow duke it out on the basketball courts when the annual Les Schwab Invitational hits the court December 26-30. This year’s tournament features the top basketball teams in Oregon and welcomes nationally ranked teams Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA), Yates High School (Houston, TX) and Riverside Academy (New Orleans, LA).

Great Blue Heron (Photo: Ed Bustya)

FOR WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS: Catch a glimpse, or take a photo of wildlife and birds as they “winter” in Oregon. 

Not all birds fly south for the winter. Various species prefer to stay in the peaceful nature preserves of Washington County. Heron, geese, eagles, hawks, pheasants, quail, chickadees, wrens, and the occasional seagull, along with beavers, otters, coyote and deer, can be spotted in various locations throughout the area. Best places to view wildlife are the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (TRNWR), Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve and Tualatin Hills Nature Park, to name a few.  See what common, uncommon and rare species of birds and more can be found with the TRWNR’s handy Watchable Wildlife guide (PDF).

 

 

FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY: The family that plays together will find a host of winter-fun activities in Oregon’s Washington County.

It may be a challenge to find activities that will entertain teens, while inspiring adults.  Try these family-friendly ideas on for size:

Countless hours of activities and a multitude of attractions are waiting to be explored in Oregon’s Washington County.  The question isn’t what can you do in Washington County? It’s when can you get here?

 

Related Articles:  

 

Appearing On Stage

Posted on: September 9th, 2011 by Angie Marsh No Comments

It’s a chock-full fall performance season in Oregon’s Washington County, with four plays opening this month. With so much talent showcasing onstage, you have your pick of performances. But be warned: Local productions do sell out, so getting tickets in advance is advised. I remember hearing people voice regret about not buying tickets to “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” that Broadway Rose sold out last spring. It pays to plan!

Here are this month’s openers, sorted by opening date:

Bag&Baggage presents entertaining performances

Blithe Spirit
Hillsboro Artists’ Regional Theatre
now through Sept. 18
Charles Condomine, a happily married man, doing research for a book he intends to write, invites the eccentric Madame Arcati to hold a séance at his home. She unwittingly calls back the ghost of his first wife making Mr. Condomine into a sort of  “astral bigamist”. Noel Coward’s acerbic wit, in this love triangle that spans the world of the living and “the other side,” makes for a charming, classic comedy. More info.

Crimes of the Heart
Bag&Baggage Productions – Venetian Theatre in Hillsboro
Sept. 21 – Oct. 9
This is a twangy Southern story of the three Magrath sisters loving, feuding and fussing through a very bad day. How bad? Well, Babe has just shot her husband, Meg is fresh from the loony bin, and poor Lenny celebrates her 30th birthday alone in the kitchen by sticking a candle in a cookie and making wish after desperate wish. Her horse has been struck by lightning, and Grandpa, who raised the girls after their mother’s sensational suicide (she hung the family cat as well as herself), is laid up in the hospital, possibly forever. Beth Henley’s 1981 Pulitzer Prize-winning black comedy is equal parts prickly emotional thickets and Dixie-style gallows humor. More info.

I Love You Because
Broadway Rose New Stage – Tigard
Sept. 22 – Oct. 16
It’s New York City, and Austin has just discovered the woman he planned to spend his life with has other 
plans. His brother, Jeff, decides it’s time to get back into the dating 
scene and arranges dates for them both
 through an online dating service. Jeff and Diana hit it off straight away – after 
all, they’re only after a bit of fun. Things don’t go as smoothly for free-spirited Marcy and
 straight-laced Austin. Full of mishaps, misunderstandings, and mistakes, I Love You Because is a fun, contemporary, romantic comedy. More info.

Three Murders and It’s Only Monday!
Beaverton Civic Theatre
Sept. 23 – Oct. 9
Private eye Harry Monday investigates three murders at the Peaceful Pines Sanitarium, in this spoof on old-style private-eye movies. Who killed an old sea captain? The lawyer? More info.