Chaos and love abounds at ‘The Bookstore’: Comedy opens April 11 in Baker City

Published 7:53 pm Wednesday, April 9, 2025

BAKER CITY — This book shop sounds like every booklover’s dream.

“Imagine if Willy Wonka’s factory was a bookstore,” said Peri Wood, who is directing “The Bookstore” for Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre.

A bookstore with a disco room, a waterfall room and a green room and so many other spaces to explore.

And, of course, all the books you never knew you needed.

“It’s a crazy comedy with lots of different characters,” Wood said.

Twenty-six characters, in fact, played by a cast of 10 who change demeanor and costumes to portray the different parts.

“They make it work,” Wood said with a smile.

The play follows the story of Rachel, who inherits the bookshop from a relative. She, however, isn’t quite sure whether she’ll keep it or sell it.

You see, Max Brewer just keeps offering more and more money for the site, and Rachel finds it hard to resist.

Until she discovers more charms among the shop’s many rooms, and the people who find what they seek among the shelves.

“The Bookstore,” a play by Adam Szymkowicz, opens Friday, April 11, with a special ticket price of $10 for adults. The show continues Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, then again April 25-27.

Showtimes are 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, at 2101 Main St.

Regular ticket prices are $13 adults, $11 members and $5 students. Purchase tickets in advance at easternoregonregionaltheatre.com, by calling 541-523-9652, or at the door before each performance.

The cast features Daisy Burns, Jennifer Button, Samantha O’Conner, Raevyn Whiting, Kate Loennig, Helen Loennig, Channin Becker, Jay Billings, Tina Ota and Emilia Heredia.

Lisa Britton is editor of Go! Eastern Oregon, and a reporter for the Baker City Herald. Contact her at 541-518-2087 or lisa.britton@bakercityherald.com.

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