Portland Theatre + Broadway News

Artists Rep Honors Andrea Stolowitz with Folwer/Levin Prize

(5/14/2012) In early 2011, two longtime supporters of Artists Repertory Theatre approached Producing Artistic Director Allen Nause with a proposal to commission a new script to be produced and performed at Artists Rep. In January 2011, Artists Repertory Theatre invited playwrights from across the county to submit their ideas for the now-named Fowler/Levin Prize. Of the 14 playwrights who submitted proposals, Andrea Stolowitz's play concept was the unanimous choice by the artistic leadership at the theater.“We are grateful to Stephanie Fowler and Irving Levin for supporting Artists Rep’s longstanding commitment to new work with their tremendously generous gift,” said Allen Nause, Producing Artistic Director. "Andrea Stolowitz is an amazingly gifted playwright whose work I have long admired and I look forward to this new play with great excitement and anticipation!"

Monte Merrick to Hold Workshop at Lakewood Center for the Arts

(5/11/2012) Lakewood Theatre Company will offer a workshop with one of Oregon's most successful writers for stage and film, Monte Merrick. The workshops will be held Sunday, May 20th from 2:00-5:00 PM at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street in Lake Oswego. Fee for the 3 hour workshop is $50. Call the theatre at 503-635-3901 for a complete information or look us up on the web at www.lakewood-center.org.

Imago Theatre's THE BLACK LIZARD Opens Tonight, May 11

(5/11/2012) Since 2009, Jerry Mouawad has staged five silent productions Apis, Cuban Missile Tango, Tick Tack Type, Stage Left Lost and Zugzwang. Now he is breaking his silence with the English Language World Premiere of one of Japan's most popular plays, Yukio Mishima's The Black Lizard, opening tonight, May 11 and playing through June 2 at Imago Theatre located at 17 SE 8th Avenue.

Imago Stages the English World Premiere of Yukio Mishima's THE BLACK LIZARD, Now thru 6/2

(5/11/2012) Since 2009, Jerry Mouawad has staged five silent productions Apis, Cuban Missile Tango, Tick Tack Type, Stage Left Lost and Zugzwang. Now he is breaking his silence with the English Language World Premiere of one of Japan's most popular plays, Yukio Mishima's THE BLACK LIZARD, opening tonight, May 11 and playing through June 2 at Imago Theatre located at 17 SE 8th Avenue.

CoHo Productions Presents HARD TIMES, Now thru 6/2

(5/11/2012) CoHo Productions presents Hard Times, adapted by Stephen Jeffreys from the novel by Charles Dickens, from tonight, May 11 – June 2, 2012.

Lauren Weedman Returns to Portland for JAW Festival

(5/10/2012) Last spring, Portland audiences were delighted by actress, playwright and comedian Lauren Weedman, when she performed her outstanding solo show “Bust” at Portland Center Stage. Apparently, Lauren was delighted by Portland as well, because she’s coming back with a new show commissioned specifically for PCS entitled “The People’s Republic of Portland.” Portland theater-goers will be privy to a sneak-peek of this new work when the show will have a staged reading at this summer’s JAW Festival in July prior to its premiere in the spring of 2013.

Imago Theatre Opens THE BLACK LIZARD Friday

(5/9/2012) It's 1968 and a dazzling jewel thief has left Tiffany’s behind for Tokyo. In order to possess the perfect diamond, The Black Lizard and her underground amphibian gang pursue the Star of Egypt, through the jeweler's perfectly beautiful daughter. Her kidnapping leads to a pursuit all over Japan and into a museum of terror.

CoHo Productions Presents HARD TIMES, 5/11-6/2

(5/8/2012) CoHo Productions presents Hard Times, adapted by Stephen Jeffreys from the novel by Charles Dickens, from May 11 – June 2, 2012.

BWW Reviews: In and Out of Madness, an Opera's Tale - NEXT TO NORMAL at the Artists Repertory Theatre

(5/8/2012) At the Artists Repertory Theatre in Portland, NEXT TO NORMAL shows that musicals just require some conviction and fire to be successful. Mixing an ensemble of hard talent, a very full docket of songs, and a story of mental illness in a fragile family takes the audience on a troubling but not unhappy ride.

Yukio Mishima's THE BLACK LIZARD Begins Previews Tonight

(5/8/2012) Yuio Mishima's THE BLACK LIZARD: A THRILLING EROTIC GROTESQUE MYSTERY begins $5 special previews starting tonight - May 8, 9, 10 at 8PM. Containing nudity and only reccomended for adults, the show opens May 11 and will play untill June 2 on Thursdays at 7:30 and Friday and Saturday at 8:00.

Photo Flash: Portland's Miracle Theatre Group Presents OEDIPUS EL REY, Now thru 5/26

(5/4/2012) OEDIPUS EL REY, written by Luis Alfaro and directed by Elizabeth Huffman, runs now through May 26 at Miracle Theatre Group's Milagro Theatre in Portland, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Check out photos from the production below!

BWW Interviews: Spotlighting Portland Solo Artist Eleanor O'Brien

(5/4/2012) Eleanor O'Brien is a force of nature and her one-woman show, Good Girls Guide: Dominatrix for Dummies has thrilled Portland audiences with its unexpected tale of a woman finding self-confidence and self-acceptance while looking to survive as an actress in New York City. In the upcoming months, O’Brien is taking her show on the road and performing in several fringe festivals across the country. I had the pleasure of talking with Eleanor about her show and other exciting projects she has in the works for her theatre company Dance Naked Productions.

Northwest Children's Theatre Presents EL ZORRITO Now thru May 27

(5/4/2012) El Zorrito is a world premiere, musical adventure from the team behind last year's award-winning Snow White. El Zorrito runs tonight, May 4th through May 27th at Northwest Children's Theatre and is most enjoyed by ages 6 & up.

Voting Opens for the 2012 BroadwayWorld.com Awards - Vote Now on the Best of the New York Season!

(5/3/2012) The TONY Awards Nominators had their say earlier this week and now it's your turn! We're pleased to announce that voting has now opened for the 10th Annual BroadwayWorld.com Awards!

Milagro Theatre Presents OEDIPUS EL REY, Now thru 5/26

(5/3/2012) OEDIPUS EL REY, written by Luis Alfaro and directed by Elizabeth Huffman, is set to take the stage at the Milagro Theatre tonight, May 3 through May 26. Performances will be heeled Thursdays at 7:30PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM. Tickets will range from $15-$29 and can be purchased at www.milagro.org or 503-236-7253.

Triangle Productions Presents GRACIE Tonight, 5/3

(5/3/2012) Triangle Productions presents a new original musical GRACIE that celebrates the life of Northwest native, Gracie Hansen. The musical begins on the eve of her gubernatorial announcement in 1970 and looks back on her years in entertainment in Morton, Washington; the ’62 Seattle World’s Fair and the years at the Hoyt Hotel’s Roaring 20’s Room.

Mad Horse Closes Season with CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION, Now thru 5/20

(5/3/2012) Mad Horse Theatre Company closes its 26th season with Annie Baker's comedy Circle Mirror Transformation, winner of the 2010 Obie Award for Best New American Play. Circle Mirror Transformation runs tonight, May 3 through May 20 at Lucid Stage, Portland.

Imago to Stage the English World Premiere of Yukio Mishima's THE BLACK LIZARD, 5/11-6/2

(5/1/2012) Since 2009, Jerry Mouawad has staged five silent productions Apis, Cuban Missile Tango, Tick Tack Type, Stage Left Lost and Zugzwang. Now he is breaking his silence with the English Language World Premiere of one of Japan's most popular plays, Yukio Mishima's THE BLACK LIZARD, opening May 11 and playing through June 2 at Imago Theatre located at 17 SE 8th Avenue.

BWW Reviews: Glimpsing the Aristocratic Elbow - ANNA KARENINA at Portland Center Stage, Ends 5/6

(5/1/2012) Portland Center Stage puts on ANNA KARENINA, and the women of both the story and the show are more dynamic than they get credit for. Also a much-needed discussion concerning adaptation decisions, Modernism's place in realist fiction, and why selling a joke can ruin can ruin a punchline. Runs through May 6.

NWCTS Presents SEUSSICAL, New CINDERELLA, et al. 2012-2013

(4/27/2012) The Northwest Children's Theater opens its 20th anniversary season with numerous classic tales told in many new ways, including Peter Pan, a tapping Cinderella, Seussical, and BFG.

Miracle Theatre Group's 29th Season to Include RAÍZ DE LA VIDA, LA CELESTINA and More

(4/25/2012) Miracle Theatre Group announces its 2012-2013 season featuring five stage productions, including three world premieres, a national touring production and a play in Spanish with easy-to-follow supertitles in English.

9 Gay Marriage Plays Close in STANDING ON CEREMONY Program Tonight

(4/21/2012) Artists Rep will add a short run of Standing On Ceremony to their 11/12 Season with eight performances of plays. This run is a follow up to a one-night event last November where over 30 theatre companies internationally presented the plays in solidarity to increase public awareness about marriage equality. Enthusiastic audiences from that event encouraged Artists Rep to bring the show back. Performances will be offered April 6 through April 21.

GOLDILOCKS Opens at Lakewood Theatre Company, 4/20-21

(4/20/2012) The Lost Treasures Collection, a series of rarely performed musicals, continues its second season at Lakewood Theatre Company with the musical, Goldilocks, directed by Ron Daum. This show, the third in a series of musicals featuring movie themes, is presented in a concert/cabaret style and will be performed for two nights only, Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21, 2012 on Lakewood's Side Door stage. The musical features a book by Jean and Walter Kerr, music by Leroy Anderson, and lyrics by the Kerrs and Joan Ford. The title sponsor for the series is Banner Bank.

Mad Horse to Close Season with CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION for May 3-20

(4/19/2012) Mad Horse Theatre Company will close its 26th season with Annie Baker's comedy Circle Mirror Transformation, winner of the 2010 Obie Award for Best New American Play. Circle Mirror Transformation runs May 3 - 20 at Lucid Stage, Portland.

Triangle Productions Presents GRACIE, 5/3

(4/18/2012) Triangle Productions presents a new original musical GRACIE that celebrates the life of Northwest native, Gracie Hansen. The musical begins on the eve of her gubernatorial announcement in 1970 and looks back on her years in entertainment in Morton, Washington; the ’62 Seattle World’s Fair and the years at the Hoyt Hotel’s Roaring 20’s Room.

Lakewood Center for The Arts' CITY OF ANGELS Set for May 4 - June 10

(4/17/2012) With stage direction by Wade Willis and musical direction by Alan D. Lytle, City of Angels, a deliciously funny spoof of 1940s film noir and hard-boiled detective fiction, opens Friday, May 4 and continues through Sunday, June 10, 2012. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 7:00 PM (May 6, 13 and 20), and Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM (May 13, 27 and June 3 and 10). The show sponsor is The Richard & Janet Geary Foundation.

Julie Taymor Awarded AIFF Award, 4/15

(4/15/2012) According to Ashland Daily Tidings, Tony award-winning director Julie Taymor will receive an Ashland Independent Film Festival award.

Lakewood Theatre Company Closes ON GOLDEN POND by Ernest Thompson, 4/15

(4/15/2012) Lakewood Theatre Company's 2011-2012 Season closes tonight, April 15, its production of Ernest Thompson's award-winning play about a couple in the twilight years of a long and glorious marriage.

Miracle Theatre Group Presents Conversation Series This May

(4/13/2012) The Oregon Humanities conversation series, to be held at El Centro Milagro (525 SE Stark St., Portland), will follow each Sunday matinee performance. Miracle will host community leaders, social service professionals and scholars to provide an initial exploration of the topics; the discussions will then open up to audience questions and commentary. The three conversations will be free and open to the public; guests need not have attended the preceding matinee to participate in the Oregon Humanities conversations.

Milagro Theatre Presents OEDIPUS EL REY, 5/3-5/26

(4/10/2012) OEDIPUS EL REY, written by Luis Alfaro and directed by Elizabeth Huffman, is set to take the stage at the Milagro Theatre May 3-26. Performances will be heeled Thursdays at 7:30PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM. Tickets will range from $15-$29 and can be purchased at www.milagro.org or 503-236-7253.

StarKid Launches 2nd National Tour, APOCALYTOUR, in Chicago, 5/9

(4/9/2012) Following the success of The SPACE Tour, internet sensation Team StarKid announces a second national tour: APOCALYTOUR, featuring a cast of StarKid veterans performing hits from the company’s acclaimed original comedy musicals A Very Potter Musical, A Very Potter Sequel, Me and My Dick, and Starship, as well as their latest parody show Holy Musical B@man!. APOCALYPTOUR will launch at the House of Blues in Chicago on Wednesday, May 9, and culminate in New York City at the Roseland Ballroom on Sunday, June 10.

Lakewood Theatre Company 2012-2013 Season to Include SOUTH PACIFIC, WHITE CHRISTMAS, RUMORS, More

(4/6/2012) Lakewood Theatre Company will celebrate its 60th anniversary season with six productions on its Mainstage and three productions on its Side Door stage beginning July 13, 2012. Season tickets for the 2012-2013 season are on sale now and prices for the six-show season range from $170.00 - $160.00. Performances are Thursday -Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 7:00 PM and some Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. Season tickets can be purchased at the LTC Box Office at 368 S. State Street in Lake Oswego. Box Office hours are 9-5 weekdays and 10-4 on Saturdays. Call 503-635-3901 to charge your order by phone. Season tickets may also be purchased on line beginning April 14th at http://www.lakewood-center.org.

Artists Rep Opens NEXT TO NORMAL, 4/24

(4/6/2012) Next to Normal is described as "a heart-swelling, acutely searing dissection of a mother’s mental illness and her suburban family trying to hold it all together. A brave, powerfully emotional musical takes on new territory, with the musical format and taking on serious issues, with mix of raw energy and grace."

Northwest Children's Theatre Announces EL ZORRITO for May 4-27

(4/6/2012) El Zorrito is a world premiere, musical adventure from the team behind last year's award-winning Snow White. El Zorrito runs May 4th - 27th at Northwest Children's Theatre and is most enjoyed by ages 6 & up.

9 Gay Marriage Plays Set for STANDING ON CEREMONY Program, 4/6-21

(4/6/2012) Artists Rep will add a short run of Standing On Ceremony to their 11/12 Season with eight performances of plays. This run is a follow up to a one-night event last November where over 30 theatre companies internationally presented the plays in solidarity to increase public awareness about marriage equality. Enthusiastic audiences from that event encouraged Artists Rep to bring the show back. Performances will be offered April 6 through April 21.

MEMPHIS Announces National Tour Stops Through 2013!

(4/3/2012) Hockadoo! The 2010 Tony winning Best Musical MEMPHIS will continue to blow the roof off of theatres across the country into the 2012 -2013 season. The season will kick off on September 11th in Portland, OR at the Keller Auditorium, and a return engagement is scheduled in the city where it all began – Memphis, TN at the Orpheum Theatre. On Wednesday, March 14th MEMPHIS celebrated its’ 1,000th performance on Broadway where it continues to bring audiences to their feet on a daily basis.

The Pianobike Kid Debuts Musical Comedy THE ANYTHINGERS

(4/2/2012) From the mind of Dezy Walls, aka The Pianobike Kid, comes “The Anythingers,” a musical playing from April 7 to 14.

Good Theater's LITTLE ME Closes

(4/1/2012) Good Theater presents LITTLE ME with book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh through April 1. The show is directed by Brian P. Allen, featuring musical direction by Victoria Stubbs and choreography by Tyler Sperry starring Stephen Underwood, Kelly Caufield Lawson and Lynne McGhee headlining a cast of 13.

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA Joins OSF Rep; Opens 3/31

(3/31/2012) The Oregon Shakespeare Festival will open Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida, directed by Rob Melrose, at 8 pm. Saturday, March 31 in the New Theatre. The play will run through November 4. Troilus and Cressida joins Chekhov’s Seagull, adapted and directed by Libby Appel, also playing in the New Theatre, and Romeo and Juliet, Animal Crackers and The White Snake, which run in the Angus Bowmer Theatre.

Gallery Theater Presents ON GOLDEN POND, 3/30-4/14

(3/30/2012) On Golden Pond opens Friday, March 30 through April 14 in Gallery’s arena theater. Themes of mortality, family relationships, marriage and generations all play out at Norman and Ethel Thayer’s small lake house in Maine beside Golden Pond. The aging couple spends each summer at their home on a lake called Golden Pond. When they are visited by daughter Chelsea with her fiancé and his son in tow, the often turbulent relationship the young woman shared with her father growing up and the difficulties faced by a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage.