Run Oregon loves running – that’s no surprise. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer. Running is a part of us, but it does not fully define us. In our “Make a Day of It” feature, we aim to showcase some great local non-running events and highlight where to run and how to make the most of your experience!
The next installment of this series is Oregon Children’s Theatre “Ella Enchanted“.
As a father of three young girls, we have seen all of the famed Disney princess movies. While they love them, and I love seeing their excitement over the adventures, the older ones are starting to question some of the standard tropes in them. Even my oldest (9) is starting to delve more into the strength of the princesses in the tales, and less with the romantic side. So with the kickoff of the 2018/2019 Oregon Children’s Theatre season starting this month, Ella Enchanted seems like the perfect show.
First the Running – Two Runs Inspired by Ella Enchanted:
Marquam Nature Park
In Ella Enchanted, the title character is described as “a strong and intelligent role model—instead of taking her misfortune sitting down, she marches off to rid herself of the troublesome curse.” This leads her to encounter ogres and gnomes in the woods. The Newmark Theater (at SW Main and SW Broadway) sits about 1.5 miles from Marquam Nature Park. Just head south on SW 6th and you will be there before you know it. Once in the park, you will still be close to the familiarity of the city yet amidst beautiful trees and trails – much like Ella is near her home of the castles and finishing schools, but amidst the greenery where fantasy grows as tall as the trees.
Hit the Track
If you have read “Ella Enchanted” by Gail Carson Lavine, you know that, at birth, Ella was enchanted by a foolish fairy’s spell and must obey any command she is given, no matter how absurd. Duniway Park and the track is just about a mile away. I know this may sound odd, but make this a game of sorts- head to the track and start running. The first person you come across, ask them “how many laps should I run?” and then obey and take off! If you are less social, send a text or message to a random person in your phone and ask the same question. If they give shorter amounts, maybe consider doing them at a faster tempo. Do this a few times and you should be good to go!
More about the show:
This production is recommended for those 6+, so be selective about how you take. Though this is obviously fine for boys and girls, I’m really excited to use this as an opportunity to engage my daughters in the themes of the show (which are quite pertinent nowadays):
- Set goals! Strive to achieve them.
- Your role in life is not pre-destined.
- Always be your true self.
As with all OCT productions, there are generally fun activities to engage the little ones before the show. You may want to show up early (maybe 30-45 minutes) to pick up my tickets, use the restroom, and participate in the activities they have set up. If your little ones are on the smaller side, they graciously have booster chairs for rent for $1. The OCT volunteers are great and finding your seat shouldn’t be an issue at all.
Ella Enchanted runs 60 minutes and offers two shows on Saturdays (at 2p and 5p) and two shows on Sundays (at 11a and 2p). There is a special production of this show as well. On October 27th at 2p, there will be an ASL-interpreted performance. And stick around afterwards to get your playbills signed by the cast after the play.
Dates and Times:
- October 20 – November 18, 2018
- Saturdays at 2p and 5p
- Sundays at 11a and 2p
Cost:
- $15-$34
- Discounts available for groups of 8 or more.
- Buy tickets HERE
