By Janette Turner

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale….that is if you head this weekend to ‘An Epic Parody: Gilligan’s Island,’ produced by Phoenix Theatre and the Snohomish Theater Project. All of your favorite castaways, from Thurston Howell III to Mary Ann, will come to life in the Firdale Village venue on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Read on for additional Edmonds highlights for the upcoming week.

Frances Anderson outdoor movie: ‘E.T.’ plays Friday

If you crave nostalgia and aliens, then check out ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ showing at the Frances Anderson Center Playfield at dusk on Friday. This 30-year-old (!) film is sure to attract families, blankets, popcorn, and memories. The free event is sponsored by Angie Bueing Farmers Insurance, Penny Berglund D.D.S., Downtown Edmonds Chiropractic, and 1st Security Bank.

Wade James Theatre:  ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ plays twice on Saturday

The Missoula Children’s Theatre spent the week here casting and rehearsing local youths in the play, “Jack and the Beanstalk.’” The young actors will perform the show twice on Saturday, at 3 and 5:30 p.m., in the Wade James Theatre, home of the Driftwood Players.  According to fundraiser Kathleen Huston, Saturday night’s show will have some special guests in the audience because 30 children and 20 parents will be attending. “These kids have never been to a live performance before,” said Huston. “In fact, neither have their moms. Our fundraising committee has been working on making this happen for a month or two now.” She added that the Chamber of Commerce donated funds for refreshments. Sounds like it will be a big night both on and off the stage. More info here.

Bookshop: author Bill Neville visits Saturday

Paxton, Horse Killer, and Eagle Who Broke His Wing may or may not help confirm a vision found in local writer Bill Neville’s novel. The public is invited to meet with the author at the Edmonds Bookshop, noon on Saturday.

Edmonds City Park: MoodSwings Jazz Band performs Sunday

B.Y.O.C. – bring your own chair – on Sunday to the Edmonds City Park to enjoy The MoodSwings. This group of “musically-minded” women will “play a variety of music from jazz to Latin, with an exciting big band sound.” Rumor has it you’ll soon be in the mood to ditch the chair – and swing. Concert starts at 3 p.m.; in case of rain, the concert will be canceled at 2:30 p.m. www.edmondsartscommission.org.

ARTspot: Fabric art portraits

Ever wonder what your face would look like as a fabric collage? ARTspot instructor Mary Peterson will help you turn scraps into skin, eyes and hair. No sewing experience needed. Ages 15+. Class runs 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 7 and Aug. 9.  More info at https://www.artspotedmonds.com/ARTspot/Adult_classes.html

ECA: Edmonds in Bloom awards reception on Wednesday

The public is invited to honor the winners of the Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour and other floral competitions at a reception, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 7-8:30 p.m., Edmonds Center for the Arts. Free. Info at www.edmondsinbloom.com.

Edmonds Arts Festival Museum Gallery: Kathleen Cavender

Lush landscapes in oil by artist Kathleen Cavender are on display in the gallery space inside the Frances Anderson Center, through Sept. 16. According to the artist’s bio, Cavender has paint in her veins: her great-grandfather supported a family of 12 on his art in London over 100 years ago. Cavender continues the family tradition Stateside, and her work has been collected by Boeing, B.P., and SAFECO.

Edmonds filmmaking: Kickstarting comedy

Edmonds filmmaker Lorraine Montez and her Abundant Productions team have reached over $6,500 of their $10,000 fundraising goal via micro-lender Kickstarter. If you’ve never been to Kickstarter, you may want to peruse the projects for funding, which range from music to technology. Backers can pledge $1 or more and in return receive a copy of the product or a chance to witness a performance. If the venture does not make its fundraising goal, all pledges are wiped out and returned to backers. In Montez’s case, her comedy series, ‘Locally Grown,’ has fewer than 10 days to raise the remaining cash. Check out Kickstarter and clips of Montez’ series here. 

Senior Center: Hot lunches today and every day

Sometimes nothing is as delightful as a hot meal with a view. The Edmonds Senior Center fills the bill with lunch every day, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for a $2.50 suggested donation for members. “Come for the view, stay for the friendships,” is their motto, although at these prices, you may never go home. Download the menu and robust activity calendar here: 

How to be an informed consumer and other classes

The library has numerous free literary and arts-related classes, but here’s a tip – many are already filled. Wise up and sign up early. Here are two classes that show the library’s range of offerings:

–Want to navigate the library’s free consumer resources? Pre-register for this class, “Librarians as Information Guides: Be An Informed Consumer,” to be held Saturday, 2 p.m., at the Edmonds Library.

 –If you are a teen, learn to make “Glow in the Dark Tote Bags,” on Monday, 3 p.m., at the Edmonds Library. Funded by Friends of the Edmonds Library. Registration for these and other library events  is here.

Advance notice: Taste of Edmonds

Get your party hat ready for the Taste of Edmonds, coming Aug. 10-12. To get in free, be there when the gates open at 11 a.m. or any time before 3 p.m. on Aug. 10. Headliners for this 30thannual event include American Idol 2007 runner-up Blake Lewis on Aug. 10 at 6:30 p.m.; Beatles tribute band ‘British Export’ on Aug. 11 at 8:30 p.m., and ‘Heart by Heart,’ with some of the original members of the famous local band Heart. Insider’s note: the former drummer for Heart used to be an Edmonds resident. More info on the food, beer garden and bands here.

Advance notice: Mariners fundraiser for Sister City Commission on Aug. 14

Make plans to support the Edmonds Sister City Commission Scholarship Fund by buying a $20 reserved seat ticket for the Aug. 14 Mariners game at Safeco Field. Tickets at www.mariners.com/escc  – enter “Edmonds” as your special offer code to support the students.

Arts reporter Janette Turner is your guide to local culture. In addition to covering visual, performing and literary events for My Edmonds News, Janette is managing director of EPIC Literary Series and a member of the Swedish Hospital Art Committee.   (Photo by Jennifer McKinney)