Eugene’s Oregon Contemporary Theatre (OCT) answered audience demand by scheduling a second run of the electrifying pop‑rock musical LIZZIE. The production, which dramatizes the infamous true‑crime story of Lizzie Borden, originally opened last fall to enthusiastic crowds and will return to the OCT stage Oct. 24‑Nov. 8.
Why the encore matters
Producing Artistic Director Craig Willis said the decision was clear after hearing repeated praise from theatregoers: “LIZZIE was one of the best OCT productions ever!” The theatre even asked the original cast and crew to commit to the revival before the first run had officially closed, an unprecedented move that underscores the community’s appetite for live, locally produced theatre.
Creative team and cast
The returning production features Abigail Moon as Lizzie Borden, Kathleen Borrelli as Emma Borden, Jocelyn Kerr as Bridget, and Kelly Finch as Alice. Director Brian Haimbach leads the team, with scenic design by Amy Dunn, costume design by Laura Tuffli, lighting by L’Via Rodriguez, properties by Teiya Beyer, and stage management by Riley Allen.
Collaboration with Orchestra Next
Last fall’s run marked OCT’s first collaboration with Orchestra Next, a nonprofit that pairs student musicians with professionals. Executive Director Brian McWhorter and Willis praised the partnership, noting that it “aligns beautifully with OCT’s mission” to bring artists and audiences together in the same room.
Tickets and special pricing
Pay‑what‑you‑can preview performances are scheduled for Oct. 21 and 22, giving families and budget‑conscious patrons a chance to experience the show without a set price. Regular performances run Oct. 24‑Nov. 8. Tickets can be purchased online at octheatre.org or by calling the box office at (541) 465‑1506.
Season subscriptions
While LIZZIE is on stage, OCT is offering a subscription package for the remaining five shows of its season. Subscriptions start at $150, include reserved seating, and provide a 40 % discount compared with buying individual tickets. The offer ends Nov. 6.
Upcoming events
Beyond the musical, OCT’s calendar includes several diverse events that highlight the theatre’s commitment to community storytelling:
- SEE JANE RUN (Nov. 20‑22): Solo memoir performance by Jane Vogel Mantiri, exploring grief, resilience, and the post‑World War II Indonesian diaspora.
- OY VEY IN A MANGER (Dec. 11‑13): The Kinsey Sicks return with their holiday drag‑apella comedy, a bawdy take on a manger‑sale plot.
- A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (Dec. 18‑19): Family‑friendly jazz concert featuring the José “Juicy” Gonzales Jazz Trio and music from the classic Peanuts special.
All events aim to bring Eugene residents together for shared cultural experiences, reinforcing the vital role of live theatre in the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
