COCOA’S PICKS
‘Hadestown’
March 6–9 and 13–16
Blaine High School, 1055 H St., Blaine
As a product of the ‘90s (and recovering theater kid), I’m most partial to Broadway shows from my childhood: Think “Wicked,” “Rent” and other early-aughts mainstays. There is, however, one contemporary exception: “Hadestown.”
The 2019 Broadway show is a fleshed-out version of musician Anaïs Mitchell’s “folk opera” about Orpheus and Eurydice. The concept could be described simply as: What happens if Greek tragedies took place in a Great Depression-era, post-apocalyptic version of New Orleans?
Even if you’re not a fan of Greek mythology or musicals, “Hadestown” is quite the ride. Its songs were originally written in 2006, but their themes — namely the Act One closer “Why We Built the Wall” — are relevant as ever. If you missed the touring version of “Hadestown” at Mount Baker Theatre last year, now’s the time to support your local theater kids and grab a ticket to Blaine High School’s production. Info: instagram.com/blainehstheater.
Roaring ’20s Absinthe Party
7–11 p.m. Saturday, March 8
Chuckanut Bay Distillery, 1311 Cornwall Ave.
The first time I sampled absinthe, I was 22 years old, lost in downtown Prague and morbidly curious. Contrary to urban legend, the drink didn’t make me hallucinate green fairies — but I did discover an appreciation for the rituals surrounding its consumption.
Absinthe is meant to be sipped over sugar, diluted with ice-cold water and stirred with an adorably tiny spoon. With the exception of The Foxhole (which is temporarily closed), few places in Bellingham offer traditional absinthe service. On Saturday, March 8, however, Chuckanut Bay Distillery is throwing a whole shindig in honor of everyone’s favorite wormwood spirit.
In addition to absinthe, partygoers can enjoy tarot readings, specialty appetizers, cocktails and a vintage photo booth. The event takes place in Chuckanut Bay’s new ballroom, and roaring ‘20s attire is highly encouraged. Info: chuckanutbaydistillery.com.
‘Lilly’
5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6
Pickford Film Center, 1318 Bay St.
Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival and the Pickford Film Center (in partnership with Western Washington University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences) have a very special screening lined up for International Women’s Day. “Lilly” is a dramatic feature based on the true story of Lilly Ledbetter, an Alabama tire factory worker who “fights for justice after 20 years of being mistreated and cheated by the company.”
“Lilly” is based on the life of one woman, though its message about “the impact a single, courageous person can have on society” is universal. The feature film stars Patricia Clarkson and has already been nabbing awards in the festival circuit; here’s your chance to catch it before its theatrical debut this spring. Stay after the screening for a Q&A with Director Rachel Feldman led by Maria McLeod, associate professor of journalism at Western. Info: pickfordfilmcenter.org.
‘Sugar’s Big Top’
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 7
Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
Brie Mueller — aka the creative force behind “Sugar: A Cabaret” — is a well-known face around town. Last winter the real estate agent/performer opened Sugar & Co., an upscale American bistro occupying the former Milano’s space in Fairhaven. And in March, you can catch Mueller back on the Mount Baker Theatre stage for “Sugar’s Big Top,” which she describes as “a little bit circus, a little bit creepy and a whole lotta fun.”
Much like “Sugar: A Cabaret,” “Sugar’s Big Top” has all the makings of a memorable show: powerhouse vocals, dance numbers, impressive acrobatics and no lack of glitzy charm. Ultimately, however, the production is “a sassy celebration of the power of self-expression.” Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
‘When the World Closed Its Doors: The COVID-19 Tragedy and the Future of Borders’
5 p.m. Saturday, March 8
Village Books, 1200 11th St.
Since Bellingham is a stone’s throw away from Canada, borders are a frequent topic of conversation in Whatcom County (and the newsroom at Cascadia Daily News). Just last week, my colleagues Annie Todd and Andy Bronson visited White Rock, British Columbia to report on growing tensions between the U.S. and our Canadian neighbors. Of course, that conflict is just one conversation amid an ongoing dialogue about borders — a dialogue that changed drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The book “When the World Closed Its Doors: The COVID-19 Tragedy and the Future of Borders” is an exploration of the “re-bordering of the world during and after 2020, which created ongoing shocks to the international system of travel and migration.” Using personal stories — many sourced from our own region — Dr. Laurie Trautman and Edward Alden paint a picture of these lingering effects, not just on the U.S. and Canada but other regions where “social commerce” between nations came to a halt. The authors and Western Washington University professors will be in conversation on March 8 at Village Books. Info: villagebooks.com.
Alden will also be a panelist at a March 27 CDN Town Hall, “A Border Between Friends,” in the Sehome High School Theater. Get tickets here before they sell out.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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For questions, ideas and feedback, email cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com.
Before heading out to attend in-person happenings, check with individual venues to make sure the event is still taking place as scheduled.
The A-List appears weekly. To submit an event for consideration, email calendar@cascadiadaily.com.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
