Don't miss Red Octopus Theater at Eureka Live Fri. and Sat. [Click to enlarge]

* Eureka will soon be tickled by the improvisational tentacles of Red Octopus Theater.

  In town for two engagements at Eureka Live, the troupe's members will be roaming the city's streets during daylight hours, "interacting" with locals and visitors in weirdly, improbable ways.

  The group is named after a coffee table that resembled the sea creature and has produced original sketch comedy, classical dramas and premier musicals since 1991. This makes ROT one of the oldest sketch troupes in the nation. It's been a long haul, but 90-something shows and more than 100 actors later, Red Octopus is presently smiting the foe, defeating the odds and hurling new comedy right at patrons right in the middle of its 15th season of mockery and malcontent.

  Friday and Saturday night's shows at Eureka Live will start at 8 p.m. For details or reservations, call 253-7020 or e-mail eurekalive@eurekalive.net.

  You can check out their CD, Assswell? 1997--2007 and view some of their antics on MySpace and YouTube.

-- Vernon

Thursday, March 20

* Jack's Place: Karaoke with Lynne

* Eureka Live: Acoustic Jam & Open Mic with Tony

* Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Free Pool & 9-Ball

* Shawbee's Big Dawg Saloon: Ladies Night

Friday, March 21

* Basin Park Hotel Ozark Room: Eureka Dancers, 8:30-11 p.m. ($10), Free Dance Lessons with admssion at 7:30

* Crescent Hotel Dr. Baker's Lounge: Crosstown Richard

* Eureka Live: Red Octopus, (8-Person Comedy Troupe)

* Grand Central Hotel Grand Taverne: Arkansas Red, (Jazz Guitar) 6-9 p.m.

* Henri's: Karaoke with Tiny

* Jack's Place: Watts It 2 Ya

* Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Boot Scootin' Country Music

* Pied Piper Cathouse Lounge: David Singleton, 8 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver: Jerry Runnersmith

* Shawbee's Big Dawg Saloon: Karaoke with The Big Dawg

Saturday, March 22

* Crescent Hotel Dr. Baker's Lounge: Eric Miller

* Eureka Live: Red Octopus, (8-Person Comedy Troupe)

* Henri's: Karaoke with Tiny

* Jack's Place: Watts It 2 Ya

* Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Anything Can Happen

* New Delhi Cafe: Kharmasonic, 6:30 p.m.

* Pied Piper Cathouse Lounge: David Singleton, 8 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver: Pope County Bootleggers, (Bubba & Cooder)

* Shawbee's Big Dawg Saloon: Karaoke with The Big Dawg

Sunday, March 23 H

* Crescent Hotel Crystal Dining Room: Easter Brunch with Catherine Reed & Arkansas Red, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

* Ollie's: Nascar

Monday, March 24

* Chelsea's: Ladies Night

* Crescent Hotel Crystal Dining Room: Locals' Night with the Crescent Trio, (Swing & Jazz Dance Music), 5:30-8 p.m.

* Jack's Place: Karaoke with Lynne

* Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Happy Hour with Mary

* Shawbee's Big Dawg Saloon: Free Pool Night, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, March 25

* Chelsea's: Open Mic

* HI Elks Lodge: Charitable Bingo, 6:30 p.m.

* Shawbee's Big Dawg Saloon: Guys Night Out

Wednesday, March 26

* Eureka Live: Meet the Locals -- Dorothy's Night Out

* Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Game Night with Guitar Hero

* New Delhi Cafe: Open Jam, 6:30 p.m.