The State of the State Yes, well, it’s been more like April than early February around here, which is more than a little scary. Trees are budding out, and I saw daffodils blooming today while on a walk. Eagles won the Super Bowl. Robert Mueller continues his silent quest. I head for Tucson in a […]
Astoria Parts One and Two–a world premiere and a final bow
I have awaited and anticipated the world premiere of Astoria: Part Two since I saw Astoria: Part One at a year ago at Portland Center Stage. This sprawling drama, based on Peter Stark’s best selling Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson’s Lost Pacific Empire, A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival, was adapted and directed by PCS Artistic Director Chris […]
Alex Wren Meadows, Anthony Lam, Astoria Oregon, Astoria Part One, Astoria Part Two, Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire, Ben Newman, Ben Rosenblatt, Benjamin Tissell, Chris Coleman, Chris Murray, Christopher Hirsch, DeLanna Studi, Diane Ferry Williams, Douglas Dickerman, F. Tyler Burnet, founding of Astoria, fur trade, Gavin Hoffman, history of the Pacific Northwest, Jeremy Aggers, Jimmy Garcia, John Jacob Astor, Jonathan Thorn, Leif Norby, Marie Dorian, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Matthew M. Nielson, Michael Evans Lopez, Michael Morrow Hammack, Nick Ferrucci, Peter Stark, Portland Center Stage, Rafael Untalan, Randall Robert Tico, Rick Lewis, Toni-Leslie James, Tony Cisek, U.S. History, Wilson Price Hunt, World Premiere playsJanuary Newsletter
The State of the State The holidays are past. Thank goodness. They were fine, except for a few last minute glitches from the weather. Nothing serious. A little ice. Lots of good food and a bit of traditional music and bright lights. Significant infusions of butter. For me, looking back on the year that was […]
Artists Repertory Theatre, Astoria Part 1, Astoria Part 2, Chris Coleman, E.M. Lewis, Magellanica, novel writing process, Patrimony, Portland Center Stage, Portland-based playwrights, The Gun Show, Toni Morgan author, Two-Hearted Crossing, World Premiere playsMy favorite plays of 2017–Portland area
Thinking back today about what a wonderful time I had reviewing plays in 2017, it occurred to me that a round-up of my favorites might be a good thing to do. So, without further fussing around, here it is: Astoria Part I, by Chris Coleman, ran last January at Portland Center Stage. Adapted from Peter […]
Alison Bechdel, An Octoroon, Andrew Lippa, Artists Repertory Theatre, Astoria Part 1, Astoria Part 2, Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire, best plays 2017, Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Chris Coleman, Ellen Margolis, Fun Home, His Eye Was On The Sparrow, Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire: A Story of Wealth, Jeanine Tesori, Lisa Kron, Luis Alfaro, Marshall Brickman, Michael Mendelson, Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Oscar Wilde, Pericles Wet, Peter Stark, Portland Center Stage, Portland Shakespeare Project, Portland theatre, Rick Elice, The Addams Family, The Importance of Being ErnestThe House on Maple Avenue–Fun Home at Portland Center Stage
The house on Maple Avenue is a brilliantly restored Victorian, beautiful, perfect inside and out. It’s on the local historic tours. Alison Bechdel’s (Allison Mickelson) father Bruce (Robert Mammana) couldn’t be prouder. He is the one who did the exacting work, who prowled old barns and garage sales with his daughter (Small Alison, Aida Valentine) […]
Aida Valentine, Alison Bechdel, Allison MIckelson, Chris Coleman, coming out, drama, Faith Sandberg, family drama, Fun Home, graphic novel, Jeanine Tesori, Joe Knispel, Karsten George, Kirsten DiMercurio, Lisa Kron, Portland Center Stage, Robert Mammana, Sara Masterson, Theo Curl, William Bloodgood