Entertainment abounds in, around Stanwood/Camano

Living in a rural area has its advantages and disadvantages. But finding good entertainment within a reasonable driving distance isn’t one of them in the Stanwood/Camano Island area.

For many residents here, just leaving their homes again after a long evening commute takes a little motivation. Still, for those who do, most will find it worthwhile.

Live entertainment of various

Live entertainment of various genres can be found on weekends at Brindles Marketplace on Camano, and in Stanwood, three establishments on the west side of town offer country dance music, rock, jazz and blues. Park the car and within one block, you can check them all out by walking to the Stanwood Hotel, Leatherheads and Jerry Andal’s.

Local live theater comes in bursts with two shows opening this week, “The Wedding Singer” at Stanwood High School Performing Arts Center, and Camwood Players’ “Foreigner” at Stillaguamish Grange Hall.

A short drive north to Conway’s “The Muse,” a coffeehouse in a small barn, offers concerts in a hayloft-like setting that boasts big-name entertainers in genres such as jazz, blues, Creole and more.

Friday night my sister and I enjoyed my favorite professional theater 30 minutes south of Stanwood. Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers,” directed by Tony Award-winner Brian Yorkey, is being produced by Village Theatre in Everett through March 28.

I have seen several quality musicals and dramas at Village Theatre and I have never been disappointed. Many of the productions have taken my breath away with its artistic and ever-changing sets, along with costumes that would rival New York’s Broadway.

“Lost in Yonkers” is a coming-of-age story, where two brothers are forced to live with their extremely grumpy Jewish immigrant grandmother and loopy aunt after unfortunate circumstances cause their father to find work on the road for 10 months.

It’s as compelling as it is comical. And is convincinglywell acted by Suzy Hunt as grandma Kurnitz, Jennifer Lee Taylor as Aunt Bella, and the two boys, Collin Morris (Jay) and Nick Robinson (Arty). The World War II era play is set in Yonkers, New York and although the set doesn’t change and only basic costumes are worn, the story is timeless and held me captive for two hours.

Then it was just a short 30-minute drive home.

–Kelly Ruhoff

Editor