1. Adventure awaits
“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” offers an enduring vision of American childhood: a little mischief, a dose of imagination, a nose for adventure and a bit of unsupervised freedom. This Journey Theater Arts musical, adapted from Mark Twain’s classic novel and playing Feb. 15-24 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver, captures all that (plus Tom’s iconic straw hat) in a family-friendly show that brings Twain’s characters to life: Tom’s best friend Huckleberry Finn, his Aunt Polly and his sweetheart Becky Thatcher. Tickets are $10 to $16, available at 360-750-8550 or www.journeytheater.org.
2. Days of wine and chocolate
Enjoy fine wines paired with decadent chocolate during a self-guided Wine and Chocolate Weekend tour from noon to 5 p.m. on Feb. 16 and 17. Indulge yourself with Fleur Chocolatte at Burnt Bridge Cellars, Truffettes de France at Stavalura Vineyard, Le Belge Chocolatier at Windy Hills Winery, Whimsy Chocolates at Emanar Cellars, Liveat Chocolates at Heisen House Vineyards and even more chocolate treats at six other wineries, plus live music and nibbles in some places. For a list of participating wineries and a map, visit www.swwawine.com. There’s no fee to take the tour, though tasting prices and times may vary at each location.
3. Southern charm
After Robert Harling’s 33-year-old sister died, he poured his grief into a short story, creating characters based on his sister, mother and the other women in his Louisiana hometown. “Steel Magnolias” became a play and then a 1989 movie with Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton and Sally Field. Love Street Playhouse, 126 Love St., Woodland, performs this tale about sassy-but-wise women from Truvy’s Beauty Salon — a revival of its original production, which packed the house 10 years ago. Tickets are $20 for performances from Feb. 15 through March 3. 800-966-8865 or www.lovestreetplayhouse.com
4. Double the fun
Quinn Kun Liu and Deborah Shuster are masters of the cello, beloved for its rich, resonant and emotionally evocative sound. Liu, who won her first competition at age 10 and has a degree in cello performance, is a chamber musician who plays in multiple symphonies. Shuster has played with orchestras in Washington, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Canada and Italy. The pair will perform duets and solos during “Classical Jam With Two Cellists,” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Old Liberty Theater, 115 N. Main Ave., Ridgefield. Tickets are $20 for all ages. 360-887-7260 or www.oldlibertytheater.com
