Cyrano at Portland Center Stage

April 11, 2015 by 4 Comments

I was excited to see that a production of Cyrano would be at Portland Center Stage from April 4 — May 3, 2015 on the U.S. Bank Main Stage, with Opening Night last night on April 10, which I attended. You may be already familiar with the story of Cyrano via the fun modern adaption in the Steve Martin/Daryl Hannah movie Roxanne (which I confess I saw many times as a kid and still love) or more traditional Cyrano de Bergerac lavish French movie for which Gérard Depardieu was nominated for an Oscar even though it was non-English speaking (among many other 33 nominations and 20 awards the actors and movie were nominated and won). The version at Portland Center Stage (PCS) is a translation and interpretation by Michael Hollinger and Aaron Posner, and directed by Jane Jones, of the original play by Edmund Rostand (1868 – 1918) .

The PCS production of Cyrano straddles both those lines of fun and traditional, providing the lush 17th century setting in France and costumes of the original (same time period as the Three Musketeers) and flowy poetic prose, but also adapting the French romance and injecting comedy to modern sensibilities. It has both heart and humor.
Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano poster, Art by Michael Buchino
Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano poster, Art by Michael Buchino

At a high level, Cyrano is a story about a man (who actually existed in real life) who you would traditionally see as a hero- he’s a swashbuckling swordfighter, well-read and articulate enough to be witty in banter and poetic in writing, the character of Cyrano is literally the definition of panache. But, although he’s brave outwardly to everyone who perceive him, even reckless, Cyrano’s weakness is that he is not brave in love because of his own insecurity and self doubts about his looks, specifically his large nose.
Andrew McGinn as Cyrano in Portland Center Stage's new adaptation of the classic romantic comedy. Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano, photo by Patrick Weishampel/http://blankeye.tv
Andrew McGinn as Cyrano. From Portland Center Stage’s new adaptation of the classic romantic comedy, both photos by Patrick Weishampel

All of this comes to a head when the woman he loves, Roxanne, tells him she has a crush on a handsome new man in town named Christian. When Cyrano learns Christian returns that attraction, he becomes the ultimate wingman of all time to help Christian romance her.  Exciting battles and laughs but also romantic dialogue and tugging at our heartstrings follow.
(L-R) Damon Kupper, Andrew McGinn and Chris Harder in Portland Center Stage's new adaptation of the classic romantic comedy Cyrano, photo by Patrick Weishampel/http://blankeye.tv
(L-R) Damon Kupper, Andrew McGinn and Chris Harder // (L-R) Leif Norby and Jenn Taylor. From Portland Center Stage’s new adaptation of the classic romantic comedy, both photos by Patrick Weishampel

Performance Times and Prices (Rush tickets are $20, youth/student tickets $25. See more details and other ticket specials for groups or military here):

  • Evenings at 7:30 PM: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun ($36-63) and Fri or Sat ($36-$69)
  • Matinees: 2 PM on Saturday and Sundays or Noon on Thursdays ($36-52)

The run time of the play is about 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission. Cyrano is recommended for ages 10+, children under 6 are not permitted at any PCS production.

If you don’t know the story, some thoughts to consider after watching the story are that I might suggest over cocktails or dinner include,

  1. Does Cyrano help Christian woo Roxane because he selflessly wants her to be happy? Or is he being selfish or prideful because he risks his life easily but won’t take the risk of the truth?
  2. The other men admire Cyrano for living a life where he does and says what he wants, whenever he wants, being true to himself. But that’s not true with Roxane. What part of Cyrano’s life do you think is the truth and what is the charade?
  3. Is Roxane worthy of the love of Christian and Cyrano?

As always, the Armory Cafe is always open before, during and after performances so if you want to grab a bite and a cocktail before the show,as they are always open 1.5 hours before the show, and you can take your beverage (with a lid) to enjoy during the show. Did you know you can also avoid the long lines at intermission by before going in to enjoy the first act, pre-order and pay for your drink to be ready for you at intermission with a sign at intermission? Seriously genius.

As always, they have a few themed cocktails invented based on the current shows. I enjoyed the Roxane with Campo Viejo Cava Brut Rose, St Germaine Elderflower Liqueur,  and Peychaud’s Bitters sugar cube and also the Mon Panache with Monopolowa Vodka, vanilla simple and pear nectar.
Cocktail of Roxane with Campo Viejo Cava Brut Rose, St Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, and Peychaud's Bitters sugar cube at the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano Cocktail of the Mon Panache with Monopolowa Vodka, vanilla simple and pear nectar at the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano. You can pay for your order before the first act and during intermission, it will be waiting for you with a sign so you don't have to wait in the long line You can bring your drink into the Portland Center Stage theater if you enjoy it with a lid and a straw...

If you want to continue to a meal with a French theme after the show, I would also recommend Little Bird, a French Bistro located only less than half a mile away and open until midnight everyday (and bonus, 10 PM -midnight is their late happy hour). Other nearby French options might be Brasserie Montmartre or if you are looking at eats before a matinee or after the Tuesday early show, Nuvrei or Le Bouchon.

If you are interested, there is also a special FREE event PCS will be hosting on Sunday April 26 from 4 – 7:30 PM, the La Fête de Rostand. In the Armory lobby between the matinee and evening performances of Cyrano (4:30-7 PM) they are holding a celebration in honor of the playwright of Cyrano de Bergerac, Edmund Rostand and all things French. During that time PCS will have specialty cocktails, French press coffee, champagne and pastries from the Armory Café and local musicians performing music in French.

Because I attended on Opening Night, I had a chance to enjoy a few extras, including the always fun centerpieces they have upstairs to reflect the production (Roses with Noses here for Cyrano). After the show there were some themed appetizers such as “French cheese platters”, some sort of pastry cylinder filled with ratatouille, two types of tartines, and mini galettes (galettes are mentioned in the play, as well as several other baked goods and food in 2 difference scenes!). And they had some people making balloon swords!
Beer and red and white wines flowing on Opening Night at Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano (as hinted by that centerpiece with roses and large noses) Fun centerpieces at the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano Opening Night Fun centerpieces at the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano Opening Night Some of the fun French themed appetizers at Opening Night of the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano, including tartines, mini galettes, and French cheese platters and some sort of pastry filled with ratatouille Opening Night the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano included balloon swords, ha ha

Are you familiar with the Cyrano story, from reading it in school, the movies/plays? What are your thoughts on the idea of a character/person like Cyrano?

Disclosure: I was invited to see this production, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

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Portland Center Stage Twist Your Dickens, version 2014

December 5, 2014 by 3 Comments

It’s December! And holiday time! This is my favorite time of year!

While I’m brimming with holiday spirit and cheer, F is more of a grouch. While I’m excited to see sparkling lights everywhere and decked out trees with shiny ornaments (this weekend is also the worthy Providence Festival of Trees at the Oregon Convention Center) and an excuse to wear sequins at holiday parties, he’s muttering about the crowds and the killed trees. If he could, he would stay inside at home every day. I used to get excited buying presents as a challenge of thoughtfulness and also because it’s fun to gift wrap with all that pretty paper, but with his influence we no longer exchange gifts, and we put up a fake instead of a real tree. What a Scrooge right?

In previous years I’ve spent the holiday with my family, ranging from Hawaii one year to Manhattan Beach in California if I didn’t go home to Chicago for Christmas. With all the travel I’ve done this year though, this year F and I are spending the holidays here at home in Portland. I was carefully looking for events and activities that could both fulfill my need for holiday cheer while not being too over the top for Grinchy F.

Enter the fact that earlier this week we went to Portland Center Stage‘s production of Twist Your Dickens, playing at the Armory (128 NW 11th Avenue, in the Pearl District) in the U.S. Bank Main Stage.
Portland Center Stage Twist Your Dickens poster, Art by Julia McNamara running November 22 - December 24, 2014
Art by Julia McNamara

This is a show that is a sketch comedy version of the famous Christmas Carol story by Charles Dickens, and because of that nature no single show is the same. Each cast can throw in their own spins into a production by adding new content to the general outline, and add to the fact that there is a fair amount of improv. In fact, specifically you may see your suggestion thrown into that night’s show!

Make sure you come at least 20 minutes before the show because in the lobby they are collecting written confessed misdeeds you have done (anonymous of course) in the Misdeeds Booth and may uses them in the show! There will also be calls for audience suggestions to incorporate in the show, so think of interesting year from the past, or a funny/scandalous occupation and hobby, and a holiday song for instance to fill in Mad Libs style for the cast…
Tell the Twist Your Dickens cast your misdeeds and they may end up in the Portland Center Stage show that night!

This seemed to the the perfect balance of Christmas cheer and satiric humor for a couple like us. And, I know I piqued his interest when I showed him on the PCS Facebook page how somehow, there would be a Dalek in this production (he is a big Dr. Who fan). Sold! We had a cheerful time and it was fun to hear F, who doesn’t laugh heartily often, do so during the show. I was surprised to see some really fun physical comedy in the second half of the show in addition to the verbal snarkiness that I was expecting and lots of references to pop culture.
Portland Center Stage The Second City’s A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens L-R: Nicholas Kessler as the Ghost of Christmas Future and Craig Cackowski as Scrooge with a Dalek-inspired robot from the future. Photo by Patrick Weishampel.
Twist Your Dickens L-R: Nicholas Kessler as the Ghost of Christmas Future and Craig Cackowski as Scrooge with a Dalek-inspired robot from the future. Photo by Patrick Weishampel.

The running time for Twist Your Dicken is about 1 hour and 50 minutes, including an intermission. The show does have some risque material and language, so recommended for ages 14 years old or older.

Performance times:

  • Tuesday – Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m ($39-$63 except Saturday evening $49-$69)
  • Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. or Thursday matinees at noon ($36-52)

There is another Christmas show at Portland Center Stage show in the Ellen Bye Studio, Santaland Diaries, which is another classic comedic look at Christmas. Use the code word “Surprise” to get $10 off any full price adult tickets to either holiday show!
December 2014 at the Portland Center Stage located at the Gerding Theater at the Armory

Also keep in mind that on the first and third Saturdays of each month (so for December that means tomorrow December 6 and also on December 20), the Gerding Theater at the Armory hosts FREE public tours at noon that last 1 hour that include a total behind the scenes look, so you might want to come see the show and then tour, or tour and then see the show. To join the tour just meet at the concierge desk inside the lobby of the building slightly before noon (I’ve taken this tour before when seeing another play).

You might also consider, as a holiday present, a Sweetness and Spotlight package they are offering! It includes a voucher that is good for two tickets for any Portland Center Stage show in the season, PLUS a dozen Cupcake Jones cupcakes (those ones with the extra stuffing inside the cupcake) as a present for $80, a value of $160 – check here for the Holiday Package.

That includes opportunities for your gift recipient to see the Broadway comedy hit Other Dessert Cities, the smaller intimate musical show The Lion (One man, six guitars, and a true story of love, loss, family loyalty, and the redemptive power of music) or Three Days of Rain (the show you may have heard stars actors from the Portland-filmed NBC television series GRIMM: Silas Weir Mitchell / Monroe and Sasha Roiz /Captain Renard) and more!

Are you seeing any holiday shows or doing any special holiday entertainment activities this month, I’m interested to find more holiday things to do!?

Disclosure: I was invited to see this production, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

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Portland Center Stage Show The Last Five Years Musical

June 14, 2014 by 2 Comments

Last week,  I had a really good time attending the Portland Center Stage Show Lizzie, a musical about Lizzie Borden and possible version of the events. I went with my girl friend M (I reviewed the production and my recap of the experience,  as well as shared some trivia and tips for food and drinks before or after the show here).

But, I lamented the fact I hadn’t been paying more attention to the shows and they were now ending their 2013-2014 season (during 2 months of summer July August the theater has other short events such as various staged readings you can find out at their website, rather than production runs). Luckily,  there are two theaters on Portland Center Stage,  so there is one other show available to see. This time I made it part of a date night with F. I was particularly interested when I found out that story is slightly autobiographical, and that it is currently a movie adaption in production starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan and written/directed by Richard LaGravenese.
Portland Center Stage The Last Five Years Art by Michael Buchino April 26–June 22, 2014
The Last Five Years by Portland Center Stage for 2014, Art by Michael Buchino

The Portland Center Stage Show The Last Five Years is also a musical,  and has a cast of only one man (Drew Harper as rising novelist Jamie Wellerstein), one woman (Merideth Kaye Clark as aspiring actress Cathy Hiatt), and one behind the scenes tireless pianist Eric Little during its 90 minute run time. The premise is you listen to the story from the man’s perspective going sequentially in time while simultaneously following the woman’s perspective going backwards through time in their five year relationship.
Portland Center Stage The Last Five Years Drew Harper as Jamie Wellerstein Please credit: Patrick Weishampel The Last Five Years Written and Composed by Jason Robert Brown April 26–June 22, 2014 in the Ellyn Bye Studio
Portland Center Stage production of The Last Five Years, Drew Harper as Jamie Wellerstein, Photo credit: Patrick Weishampel

Because of this narrative construct,  there is only one time they are present together at the same time in both their time lines, although there are moments both are on Stage together but yet are also alone. This theme of being together yet alone is one of the many topics that arise in the story, making this a great show to discuss over drinks afterwards with other friends,  whether they are single or in a relationship. Myself, I went with a Pistachio Martini with house infused pistachio vodka, Absolut Vanilla, Midori, Half and Half and crushed pistachios at nearby Piattino after the show.
Piattino cocktail of Pistachio Martini with house infused pistachio vodka, Absolut Vanilla, Midori, Half and Half and crushed pistachios Piattino cocktail of Pistachio Martini with house infused pistachio vodka, Absolut Vanilla, Midori, Half and Half and crushed pistachios

Other topics include

  • Role of breadwinner in a couple
  • Choices between work and family
  • Value of a career in defining who you are
  • How you are told to keep trying until you succeed but also the reality of how far you can go with a dream
  • What does supporting your partner really mean
  • Where is the line between asserting for yourself and being self centered
  • Where was the missed connection or point where things could have been saved or was it doomed… And how often instead of maturely ending a relationship it seems easier to do something stupid to destroy it
  • The time is also set in the 90s, so would modern communication tools like texting and internet video calls have made a difference?
  • Although unfortunately in the production it isn’t always clear what scenes are in New York versus Ohio, the environment you live can also play a role
  • He is Jewish and she is Christian, but we didn’t know enough to talk about whether religion and upbringing also played a role

As the conversation with your date(s) continues on, or maybe even only internally with yourself, there might even be reminiscing your own history of individual failed relationships. Inevitably parts of the play will resonate with something in your own past situation.

This may make it sound like the musical is quite melancholy,  but there are also threads of excitement of the rush of love, and humor in many scenes just like the course of real life. It’s also quite amazing to see the actor and actress singing their hearts out for these 90 minutes (and on some days twice a day!), with some of the songs requiring fast lyrics that they never hesitate or tumble over. There is very little speaking so they have to communicate the story as well as the distinct character quirks all in song. In particular, Merideth Kaye Clark is insanely talented – it was hard to buy that her character was a struggling actress because Merideth is incredible. And, oh, she also has a degree in neuroscience.

Portland Center Stage production of The Last Five Years, Merideth Kaye Clark as Cathy Hiatt, Photo credit: Patrick Weishampel

Hurry though as The Last Five Years will be closing on this next Sunday June 22, so only 1 week of performances is left. Lizzie closes on the following Sunday June 29. When did Portland Center Stage become our little Off Broadway theater!??!

In the smaller more intimate studio theater space downstairs, the Ellyn Bye Studio only holds 199 and has open seating,  unlike the 590 seats assigned seating arrangements of the Gerding Theater. The doors open 30 minutes before showtime so show up early to claim your seat and then send your date to bring back your lidded drinks! They have a special cocktail for The Last Five Years (though you can order whatever you’d like, even the Lizzie cocktail of course) called Bittersweet Love Song that includes Ketel 1 Citroen, Campari, Combier Orange Liqueur, Orange Bitters, Lemon Juice, and Honey Syrup.
At Portland Center Stage, they have a special cocktail for The Last Five Years (though you can order whatever you'd like, even the Lizzie cocktail of course) called Bittersweet Love Song that includes Ketel 1 Citroen, Campari, Combier Orange Liqueur, Orange Bitters, Lemon Juice, and Honey Syrup.

Also if you can sit on the left side the doors farthest from the stairs you come down to get to the floor the theater is on. The studio can be configured in many ways depending on the stage design, and for this production the stage is in the middle like runway with seats facing in either side. It does mean that you will at least half the time be listening to the actor/actress as they are singing in profile or even their back. I felt during certain emotional scenes the actor/actresses were blocked facing towards that side more.
Portland Center Stage production of the Last Five Years

And finally,  because the actors/actresses move in and out of the small space and there is no intermission,  go to the restrooms before the show and be ready to wait 90 minutes until your next visit!

The Last Five years is Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown and directed by Nancy Keystone. You can purchase tickets here. Tickets range from $30-45-55 depending on the show day and time. Performance times:

  • Tuesday – Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
  • Thursday matinees at noon

You can find Portland Center Stage (PCS) online at Facebook PDXcenterstage, Instagram @portlandcenterstage and Twitter @PCS_Armory. Also check the hashtag #pcs_LastFive! You’ll find more about Portland Center Stage shows on the PCS blog.

Disclosure: I was invited to see this production, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

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Portland Center Stage Show: Lizzie Musical

June 3, 2014 by 8 Comments

Disclosure: I was invited to see this production as part of a complimentary bloggers event, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

The Portland Center Stage has just opened recently a new show called LIZZIE. It’s been a while since I visited Portland Center Stage- the last time I blogged about it was when I reviewed I Love To Eat and did a backstage at Portland Center Stage at the Armory, though I also saw The People’s Republic of Portland. Then summer happened, and Feast, and the holidays, and somehow I didn’t get back to a show. Thankfully they came back to my attention when I was invited to Blogger Night at Portland Center Stage, which was also the official opening night of LIZZIE! The show is playing May 24 — June 29 so it only has a 4 week run!

LIZZIE Art by Julia McNamara May 24–June 29, 2014 pcs.org/lizzie
LIZZIE Art by Julia McNamara

A Review of the LIZZIE Musical

LIZZIE is described as

“A rock-show retelling of the bloody legend of America’s favorite ax-wielding double-murderess and Victorian hometown girl. Lizzie Borden, who has become fodder for jump rope rhymes and TV movies of the week, was a Massachusetts woman who was acquitted in 1892 of the ax murders of her father and stepmother, and lived the rest of her life as American’s first infamous tabloid star. But did she really do it? And if so, why?”

Mary Kate Morrissey, who will play Lizzie Borden in Portland Center Stage's upcoming production of LIZZIE - a rock musical about the legendary ax murderess. Please credit: Patrick Weishampel LIZZIE By Steven Cheslik-deMeyer, Tim Maner and Alan Stevens Hewitt Directed by Rose Riordan May 24–June 29, 2014 on the Main Stage
Mary Kate Morrissey, who will play Lizzie Borden in Portland Center Stage’s production of “LIZZIE” – a rock musical about the legendary ax murderess. Photo credit: Patrick Weishampel

My friend M and I went to the opening night last week and had a lot of fun. It turns out that the play is more like a rock concert / musical telling a story with four women fronting a six-piece rock band. Yeah! It was awesome watching these women taking command of the stage with strong performances and crossing genres with their exquisite voices, varying from operatic drama and sweet love ballads to head banging classic rock and roll tinged even with a little punk through the 28 songs that evening.

The first third of the performance starts out slow and a little discordant as the audience (at least IMHO) is presented with the visuals of these four proper ladies in Victorian mannerisms and long dresses and pinned hair singing the story exposition (as you would expect in a musical). At the start it seems to really pile on the background of the situation and characters and possible motivations all seemingly too quickly.

Perhaps part of it was I had to try to adjust so quickly of them switching from singing of longing and desire for freedom and love, which meets normal musical story expectations, to already hiking up their skirts and pulling out a microphone to belt lyrics ranging of the father’s disappointment of not having a son and being a penny-pinching control freak to struggles of inheritance and implied incest and lesbian love.
LIZZIE Clockwise from top: Kacie Sheik (Alice Russell), Leslie McDonel (Emma Borden), Carrie Cimma (Bridget Sullivan) and Mary Kate Morrissey (Lizzie Borden) in LIZZI
Clockwise from top: Kacie Sheik (Alice Russell), Leslie McDonel (Emma Borden), Carrie Cimma (Bridget Sullivan) and Mary Kate Morrissey (Lizzie Borden) in “LIZZIE” at Portland Center Stage. Photo credit: Patrick Weishampel

Thankfully, after that initial 1/3 of the act, the script seems satisfied with having established rational and emotional motives and enough broad brushstrokes of who each of the characters are to begin having fun. Starting at the point where we begin to contemplate the murder alongside with Lizzie with the beautiful song Shattercane and Velvet Grass, LIZZIE begins to hit its stride.

It’s an admirable feat, balancing tragic drama with a few lines here and there of touches of clever dark  humor along with quite a bit of over the top visuals, varying from bloody pigeons to a spurting ax and head banging to a song titled “What the F**K Now, Lizzie?!”. Yet, it seems not so jarring now, but in line with the yearning for and expression for freedom that the audience now has bought into and is right with Lizzie Bordon in supporting rebellion and yes, reveling in it. I think everyone walked out at the end with a smile.

LIZZIE l-r: Mary Kate Morrissey (Lizzie Borden) and Kacie Sheik (Alice Russell) in LIZZIE at Portland Center Stage. Please credit: Patrick Weishampel LIZZIE By Steven Cheslik-deMeyer, Tim Maner and Alan Stevens Hewitt Directed by Rose Riordan May 24–June 29, 2014 on the Main Stage
LIZZIE l-r: Mary Kate Morrissey (Lizzie Borden) and Kacie Sheik (Alice Russell) in “LIZZIE” at Portland Center Stage. Photo credit: Patrick Weishampel

LIZZIE Show and Ticket Details

The show is playing May 24 — June 29 on the Main Stage of Portland Center Stage. LIZZIE is written by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer, Tim Maner and Alan Stevens Hewitt and Directed by Rose Riordan.

Note: This production features a live rock band, along with theatrical effects such as strobe lights, fake blood and fog. LIZZIE contains mature content, strong language and sexuality; It is recommended for ages 16+ and children under 6 are not permitted.

Performance times:

  • Tuesday – Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
  • Thursday matinees at noon

Ticket prices range from $34- $72 depending on the seats and date/time of performance. Sunday and Thursday matinees are the most affordable ($38-52 matinee), followed by Sunday evenings ($44-54) and weekday evenings ($44-66), and Friday and Saturday being prime show nights ($54-72).

I have a special deal to offer in that you can use the promo code PDXBLOGS to get $10 off each ticket to LIZZIE when you purchase online through the PCS ticketing website. Also, if you lucky enough to be in time, they are having a special Beer, Bikes, and Blood promotion on this Friday June 6 as part of Pedalpalooza where you can get bike parking, Deschutes’ Chainbreaker White IPA brew and snacks in a private party at 5:30pm on the PCS mezzanine before the show AND a ticket to see the 7:30 evening LIZZIE all for just $20!

Portland Center Stage Lizzie production, Opening night of #lizzieborden #lizzie #pcs_lizzie @PCS_Armory

You can find Portland Center Stage (PCS) online at Facebook PDXcenterstage, Instagram @portlandcenterstage and Twitter @PCS_Armory. You’ll also find more about LIZZIE and other Portland Center Stage shows on the PCS blog.

Find out more about this musical at www.lizziethemusical.com, where you can even listen to a bit of the music to get an idea of what’s in store for you, and that studio album includes Storm Large as one of the Borden sisters and Carrie Manolakas as Lizzie Borden (you might know Carrie from her YouTube cover of Radiohead’s Creep)! Carrie Cimma who plays the housemaid on that album is the same Carrie who plays the housemaid in the Portland Center Stage production! You can also see a few sneak peak videos of other productions at the Portland Center Stage blog, as well as a preview of what the staging and costumes will be for the performance here in Portland.

Tips and Trivia

As a bonus, a few other tip and tidbits.

1. Show up a bit early for the show to enjoy a cocktail! They have a full bar, and also have a few special cocktails created to reflect these last shows of the season, LIZZIE and THE LAST FIVE YEARS. I ordered the one that was LIZZIE themed, a cocktail dubbed Life Ain’t Pear with house-infused pear brandy, triple sec, lemon, and splash of orange. Yes, there is a pear reference in the performance! Also, the bartendress Jamie who created our drinks was fabulous. You can pre-order your drink for intermission, btw. No need to chug your beverage before entering the theater- just make sure to grab a top for your drink and a straw!
Portland Center Stage Lizzie production, Ooooo the special cocktail for #lizzieborden #pcs_Lizzie Life Ain't Pear with house-infused pear brandy, triple sec, lemon, and splash of orange. #pdxcocktail #pdxdrinks Portland Center Stage Lizzie production, Ooooo the special cocktail for #lizzieborden #pcs_Lizzie Life Ain't Pear with house-infused pear brandy, triple sec, lemon, and splash of orange. #pdxcocktail #pdxdrinks

2. If you are in the neighborhood. I highly recommend Oven and Shaker as one option for a meal after the show so you can chat with your other theater companions about the fun you just had and the story. I’ve blogged about the Oven and Shaker great salad and pizzas and cocktails several times. If you just want a few cocktails after the show, within a 2 block radius besides Oven and Shaker I recommend Teardrop Lounge or Vault Martini for some cocktails. The pics below are from Oven and Shaker (Wild Fennel Sausage – potato, tomato, chilies, scallions, smoked mozzarella; the Nostrana Salad; and a Pepper Smash cocktail) and example cocktail from Teardrop.

There are many other options in the area, since Portland Center Stage is so well located in the Pearl and easy walking distance to downtown- so make it a great girls’ night or date night or night out with friends!

Wild Fennel Sausage with potato, tomato, chilies, scallions, smoked mozzarella Oven and Shaker, Cathy Whims, Pearl DistrictOven and Shaker offers as part of their happy hour the iconic Nostrana Radicchio Caeser, a small portion for half price. Clearly the portion is very generous Oven and Shaker Pepper Smash cocktail, Oven & Shaker, Cathy Whims, Wood fired pizza, Portland San Francisco Swell, Appleton Reserve rum, lime, mint, blackberry honey, Angostura bitters, egg white, Chandon brut sparkling, Teardrop Lounge, happy hour, cocktails

3. Some trivia I learned from the back stage tour, guided by Chris, I took that evening as part of the Bloggers Night. If you check the This Week at PCS Blog, they will sometimes list extra information sessions or tours you can join in on- not just for LIZZIE but for any production they have year round.

LIZZIE behind the scenes tour with guide Chris

  • They use two different kinds of blood in the LIZZIE production. There’s the usual stage kind with corn syrup which stays, but there is also another kind that has non-bleach detergent in it in order to be easy to clean. During one of the blood splattering scenes the actress playing LIZZIE has that detergent blood getting everywhere- including her eyes – but she has to finish singing through the scene before she gets a chance to run offstage to the eye rinse! That scene is already intense, now that you know that how much more crazy is it!?
     They use two kinds of blood during the Portland Center Stage production of LIZZIE, the kind with corn syrup for color/lasting and the kind with bleach to easily wash out Decapitated pigeons are pretty gross in the Portland Center Stage production of LIZZIE
  • The decapitated pigeons are really gross. They are soaked with blood- so either have to wear gloves when you handle them or as you’ll see in the production, you get bloody hands really fast!
  • There are microphones hidden in the actresses’ hair (and it is all their real hair, no wigs are used), but those hand microphones they use are also real and help them rock out above the sound level of the band. They have to do sound checks on ALL the microphones before every performance- and use thousands of batteries so order them in bulk!
  • Two of the musicians were in the band Everclear!
  • Once a performance has an opening night, there is no more changes- it is locked down and so what you will see if you see this show is going to be what I saw! It is also the first time everyone gets paid!

Thank you to Portland Center Stage for inviting me to Bloggers Night. And one last little thing… I loved the centerpieces they had for the cocktail tables of snacks for opening night, aren’t they awesome (and don’t you want to reuse that for your Halloween party?!)
Portland Center Stage Lizzie production, Opening night of #lizzieborden #lizzie #pcs_lizzie @PCS_Armory I loved the centerpieces they had for the cocktail tables of snacks for opening night, aren't they awesome?

Disclosure: I was invited to see this production as part of a complimentary bloggers event, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

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PCS presents I Love to Eat

January 6, 2013 by 1 Comment

I Love to Eat

I Love to Eat I Love to Eat

Written By James Still; Directed by Jessica Kubzansky; Design by Julia McNamara; Art direction by Michael Buchino. Photo by Patrick Weishampel.

I Love to Eat
January 8–February 3, 2013
Presented by Portland Center Stage on the Main Stage
Runs 75 minutes with no intermission
Tuesday – Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m
Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Thursday matinees at noon

This one man stage play “celebrates the life and talent of a Portland, Oregon, original—James Beard. Before Julia Child, before today’s proliferation of cooking shows and networks, there was James Beard, the first TV chef. He brought fine cooking to the small screen in 1946 and helped establish an American cuisine. But, as is often the case with pioneers, his early efforts on screen have been lost. He went on to become America’s first “foodie,” and the award bearing his name is still the prize most coveted by chefs. Playwright James Still invites you to meet the man described as ‘the face and belly of American gastronomy’ in this play that recreates an evening at Beard’s New York home.”

The play is performed at the Gerding Theater at the Armory – Main Stage located in the trendy artsy urban Pearl District, so you can plan on grabbing great cocktails and small bites in easy walking distance (such as at my favorites Clyde Common or Teardrop Lounge , although there are many other options too!) before or after the show, and/or dinner. In fact, you may have to go out and have dinner after watching this show after all the food references and watching James Beard (played by Rob Nagle) prepare food during the show.

Portland Center Stage presents I Love to Eat Jan 8–Feb 3: www.pcs.org/eat

For an extra special treat, consider joining in with Forktown Tours, who is doing a special edition tour followed by attending this show called the Portland Loves To Eat tour on Fridays and Saturdays during the show run. Its price-tag of $99 includes a walking tour with food samples and backstory on the life and times of “the Dean of American Cuisine” James Beard and his influence on the way we eat, a backstage tour of the Gerding Theater, an hour of time for you to fill your stomach before then going in for a Friday or Saturday night performance.

Another cool option might be to attend on January 15, after attending PCS’s Shop Talk from 6:30 – 7 p.m. Admission is free, and is a time to get answers from the production staff to questions such as how they created a working kitchen, finding the right foods to include in the production (and after auditioning various brioches and challahs, what kind of bread made the final cut?) Also find out how a fridge be used as an actor’s entrance and about some “sandwich trick”? Come tackle these questions and ask some more of your own at their free pre-show discussion!

Also, for the official West Coast Premier on Friday, January 11th, after the evening performance theater goers will be treated to a tasting reception which will feature 5 of the 7 James Beard winning chefs in Oregon, including Philippe Boulot of Multnomah Athletic Club (and previously the Heathman), Greg Higgins of Higgins Restaurant, Caprial Pence of Basa Basa, Gabriel Rucker of Le Pigeon and Little Bird, and Cory Schreiber of The Art Institute of Portland (and founder of Wildwood Restaurant). This $125 event tickets are for a limited time and can only be purchased by visiting directly or calling the Portland Center Stage box office  and providing the code “James Beard Public Market Event” (tickets for the other performances of the show’s run can be purchased over the PCS website.) All proceeds from the evening will benefit the planned James Beard Public Market, a concept for a local market that will rival Pike Place Market but located here in hometown Portland.

Finally, during the performance run PCS is also partnering with the Oregon Food Bank for a food drive, so consider bringing non-perishable items with you. We are very fortunate in that we have choices in deliciousness and can leisurely love to eat, but there are others who are in need and hungry and would love to eat too. Note there is a Whole Foods only a few blocks away. You can also use a promo code FOODBANK that will get you a $5 discount off tickets and PCS will donate $10 to Oregon Food Bank for using the code.

I had mentioned this show to F before Christmas, and after asking a couple times more (it was repetitive reminding…) he purchased matinee tickets for us to attend on January 20,. We’ll be attending with the Foodie Meetup group so that we can join in a free backstage tour – an example how PCS is stepping up to reaching out to the foodie community to celebrate the first Portland Foodie of them all.

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