
Feb. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 at 7:30 and Feb. 14 at 2:00pm
Written by Joe Orton directed by Jeanette Burkhardt
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.
Click for details and for ticketing info What the Butler Saw
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.

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

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
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
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.
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.
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.
Unless otherwise noted, you may purchase your tickets online by visiting the page describing your event, and by then clicking the "Purchase Tickets Online" link.
Also available In Hood River at Columbia Art Gallery and Waucoma Books; in White Salmon at Collage of the Gorge.
Click here for info about season tickets
You may also purchase tickets at the door just prior to the show. Call Columbia Center for the Arts at 541-387-8877 for more information.