This North Coast Weekend

North Coast Rep continues the musical Little Shop of Horrors, and Redwood Curtain's production of QED has its final performances Thursday through Saturday at the Arcata Playhouse. I reviewed both in my Journal column. "Horrors" is a well-done confection and QED seems directionless but its subject, Richard Feynman ("as though Groucho Marx was suddenly standing in for a great scientist") is a fascinating figure whose point of view on science and life is well worth knowing. This play offers only a taste, dressed up in a dramatic moment, but if it introduces Feynman to those who haven't read his books (especially Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman) or seen him on video, then it's well worth it. Plus Randy Wayne holds the stage impressively. Barry Blake reviews "Horrors" at the T-S, a good complement to my review. Betti Trauth reviews QED there, too.

Also up this weekend, the annual "The Finals" at Dell'Arte: this year, five ten minute plays by D.A. students, Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM in the Carlo Theatre.