Dex Dixon Paranormal Dick @ Stumptown Stages

"Dex Dixon: Paranormal Dick" is doubtlessly the most bizarre show currently running on a Portland stage. I am as yet undecided if it has beaten "Flash Ah-ahhhh" as the weirdest thing I've seen this Season, coincidently both productions are from the truly strange mind of Steve Coker.

"Dex" is a film noir parody musical, sprinkled with vampires, werewolves, and zombies. See? I told you it was one of a kind! As was the case with "Flash-Ahhhh" the show's unconventionality is never used as an excuse to have subpar production values. Both the singers and the several-piece band are impressive. "Dex" is the middle-show of Stumptown's Season, and for me, it holds the top spot.

I have become very fond of Mr. Coker's work, and I cannot wait for his next outing, a musicalization of the Steve Martin comedy "The Three Amigos."

"Golden Boy" @ Lakewood Theatre Company

"Golden Boy" is the best show Lakewood has mounted in all the years I've been attending. The show is a departure from the kind of material Lakewood usually produces, it is the first non-musical non-mystery I have seen there. This is not to say I don't enjoy those kind of shows,  I liked this season's "Unnecessary Farce," and the upcoming "Bullshot Crummond" will also be a return to form, but it is nice to see Lakewood stretch their wings.

"Golden Boy" is a classic Clifford Odets drama. The set is gorgeous and massive. The acting is breathtaking.

I heard mutterings in the lobby during the Opening Night Reception that this choice was a bit of a risk for Lakewood. I sincerely hope that they are richly rewarded.