VLT ends season with sister story.

Byline: The Register-Guard

A drama about contemporary life, an anti-war play and a free outdoor production of "Romeo and Juliet" all open in Eugene this weekend.

OPENING THIS WEEK

The Sisters Rosensweig

Very Little Theatre

Friday through Aug. 25

Three brilliant and eccentric Jewish sisters have come together in London to celebrate the birthday of the eldest in this drama by Wendy Wasserstein.

Over several days, the sisters are forced to face their lives and how they define themselves. The outer layers of each sister's personality are peeled away, revealing their neuroses.

This four-week production closes Very Little Theatre's 78th season.

Maggie Muellner plays Sara, Emily Gilbert is Pfeni and Nancy Boyett is Gorgeous. Also in the case are Liza Burns, Mike Hawkins, Dale Flynn, Tom Wilson and Rick Brissenden. Maggie Tryk directs.

The play received five Tony Award nominations for its Broadway run in 1994.

Performances are Friday through Sunday; Aug. 10-12, Aug. 16-19 and Aug. 23-25. Curtain is at 8 p.m. except for the 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. VLT is at 2350 Hilyard St.

Reserved seat tickets are $14; Thursday prices are $10 and senior citizens may attend any of the three Sunday matinees for $10. Call 344-7751.

In Our Name

Iron Pig

Saturday only

Iron Pig, a new theater company in Eugene, will present a single preview performance Saturday of Seattle artist Elena Hartwell's "In Our Name" at Lord Leebrick Theatre, 540 Charnelton St.

The play explores the varied perspectives of ordinary women facing the collateral damage of an unwinnable war.

"In Our Name" is performed by Iron Pig co-founders Rebecca Nachison and Elena Hartwell, who play four characters.

Following this performance, "In Our Name" will open at the Independent Theater in Greenwich Village as part of the 11th annual New York City International Fringe Festival.

Admission is by donation at the door. Curtain is 8 p.m.

Romeo and Juliet

Free Shakespeare in the Park

Saturday through Aug. 26

Free Shakespeare in the Park sets its sights on tragedy for the first time with a production of "Romeo and Juliet" that will run through August at Amazon Community Park, 2700 Hilyard St.

The outdoor show runs at 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 26. A pre-show for children begins at 5 p.m. Admission is free.