First Show of the Year

An Adult Comedy

Feb. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 at 7:30 and Feb. 14 at 2:00pm

Written by Joe Orton directed by Jeanette Burkhardt

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In What the Butler Saw, British playwright Joe Orton combines elements of traditional farce, comedy of manners, revenge drama and Greek tragedy and wraps them up in a fireworks display of language aimed at alternately delighting and surprising his audience.

Set in the clinic of a fashionable London society psychiatrist, the play takes us on a “rake’s progress” that offers us a peephole glimpse into a world of power and appearance, sexuality and identity, sanity and madness. What the Butler Saw is as outrageous as it is entertaining, and its unrestrained depiction of a world gone mad displays Orton’s talent at its subversive best.

Premiering posthumously in 1969, the play remains as bold and provocative today and has become a contemporary classic – a cornerstone of twentieth century theater.

Ticket Information

Click for details and for ticketing info What the Butler Saw

About the Theatre

The Columbia Center for the Arts' theater hosts plays, dance performances, concerts, lectures and films, and is the home of CAST, the Columbia Arts Stage Troupe.

CAST has a proud history of providing live theater for residents of the Columbia River Gorge. Founded as a grassroots effort in 1978, it offers a range of opportunities for people who are experienced performers, and for those who want to develop their skills.

At least four productions are planned by CAST each year: Winter (February), Spring (May), Summer (July/August) and Fall (October). New talent and new faces to assist in the creative process are always welcome. Please join us!

Additional productions are brought to the theatre via partnerships and other arrangements.

Show Archive

Click for information on previous theatrical events at Columbia Center for the Arts.

CAST: Since 1978!

CAST, now part of the Columbia Center for the Arts, has been providing community theatre since 1978. Click to learn about the history of CAST.

February, 2010

What the Butler Saw

British playwright Joe Orton combines elements of traditional farce, comedy of manners, revenge drama and Greek tragedy and wraps them up in a fireworks display of language aimed at alternately delighting and surprising his audience. Learn more: What the Butler Saw

Mark Your Calendar

More great performances are currently planned for 2010, and more still are in the works.  Be sure to mark your calendar!

May: The Laramie Project

June: Vagina Monologues

July: Forever Plaid

Opportunities

February 21 and 22

Auditions for The Laramie Project

Auditions will be held 2/21 at 2:00, and 2/22 at 6:30. If you would like to read a copy of the play or have questions about the audition process, please contact the show's director, Mary Fassel, at 541-490-6633. Click for more info about the Laramie Project.

March 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28

Acting Workshop

CAST is offering an adult acting workshop to be taught by Sharon Laughlin. Sharon graduated from the University of Washington in Drama, and went directly to New York where she worked in theatre for 30 years. Click for more info about the CAST Acting Workshop.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival 

May 20 - 22

Plan now for the 3rd Annual Trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. Trip takes place in May every year, this year it's May 20 - 22. Click to learn more about the Columbia Arts theatre trip to Ashland.