Submitted photoWayne Newcome stars as aging artist Mark Rothko in the John Logan drama “Red” at Volcanic Theatre Pub in Bend.

Theater options abound this weekend

This weekend, local theater fans have three productions — a Shakespeare comedy, a musical theater classic and a Tony Award-winning new drama — to choose among.

Has this ever happened in August here? Even at the height of the season, rare is the weekend local theaters have three options. Here’s a roundup.

‘Twelfth Night’

Shakespeare in the Park’s production of “Twelfth Night,” a mistaken-identity comedy frequently listed among the Bard’s best plays, will take you on a journey to Illyria, on whose coast twinnies Sebastian and Viola have been shipwrecked. But! Viola believes Sebastian dead, assumes the identity of a young man named Cesario and begins working for Duke Orsino. Why? I don’t know, but who are you to question the almighty Shakespeare anyway? Orsino is in love with the grieving Olivia, who’s sworn off love, but she nevertheless takes a shine to Cesario, who’s really Viola, and who is falling for her boss, Orsino.

Trust me, it makes way more sense than a Kate Hudson rom-com.

In performance at 7 p.m. today and Saturday in Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd., Bend. Tickets are $22-$75.

The show heads south for a performance at 7 p.m. Sunday at Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center’s amphitheater, 57250 Overlook Road. Tickets for this show are $22, $10 for kids.

Gates open 5 p.m. for all shows.

Contact: www.shakespearebend.com or 541-323-0964.

‘Wizard of Oz’

Thoroughly Modern Productions’ presentation of “The Wizard of Oz,” featuring a cast of nearly 70 — including children portraying the Munchkins and flying monkeys — opens today at Summit High School, 2855 NW Clearwater Drive, Bend.

The production stays true to the famed 1939 film version, but at the same time brings modern elements into it, says show and TMP artistic director David DaCosta. Skylar Adams, 16, stars as Dorothy, with music direction by Scott Michaelson and choreography by Dakota Weeda.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29-30 and 3 p.m. Aug. 31.

Tickets are $20, $15 for children and seniors.

Contact: thoroughlymodernprod.com.

‘Red’

A short run of the drama “Red” continues with shows at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday at Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Drive in Bend.

The New York-set drama by John Logan concerns abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko (played by Wayne Newcome) and his new assistant, Ken (Nathan Woodworth). It’s the late 1950s, Rothko is doing commissioned work and Ken questions the artist’s relevance, what with Jasper Johns and others breathing down his neck.

Tickets are $15 and are available in advance at Volcanic Theatre Pub, www.bendticket.com or at the door.

Contact: www.volcanictheatrepub.com, derek@volcanictheatrepub.com or 541-323-1881.

—David Jasper