Hansel und Gretel

IFCC (PSU SOAP and TASO)
July 31 - August 15, 2009

Summary:

Humperdinck’s classic retelling of the Grimm’s brothers’ fairy tale takes us into the dark woods of the Ilsenstein Forest, where a host of angels, fairies, and a sandman are not enough to protect Hansel and Gretel from the evil, nibbling, child-devouring Gingerbread Witch.

The Imaginary Invalid

PSU Dept. of Theater Arts
May 30 - June 7, 2009

Summary:

Molière's irreverent satire on the world of medicine - the questionable cures and costs - is a whirl of romantic triangles, double entendres and mistaken identities. Constance Congdon’s prickly adaptation gives this Molière classic a double dose of devilishness sure to cure whatever ails you with a laugh.

Minutes from the Blue Route

PSU Theatre Dept.
April 10 - 18, 2009

Summary:

Saturated by an atmosphere of panic, deprivation, mortality, loneliness, the story unfolds over one weekend as a family packs and unpacks their home. They fill the silences with mundane chatter about microwaved meals and childhood memories as the family members wrestle with their fears and defend their definition of home.

Electra

PSU Dept of Theater Arts
March 6 - 14, 2009

Summary:

Adapted in 1997 by playwright Frank McGuinness, Sophocles' 2000-plus-year-old story of revenge is grounded in the world of ancient Greece and our modern day war-torn counterparts. The tale of this most dysfunctional of all families plays out to a bitter end - justice, as Electra sees it, must be done.

Memory House

Portland State University
April 11- 19, 2008

Summary:

One winter night a mother bakes a pie as her daughter tries to finish her college essay. As the deadline looms, unexamined issues of the daughter's adoption, her parents' divorce, and the fear of leaving home break through the surface as her mother maneuvers around her own feelings of loss.

Haroun and the Sea of Stories

Haroun and the Sea of Stories

February 22 - March 1, 2008

Summary:

The stage version of Salman Rushdie's acclaimed novel is an absorbing theatrical experience that will entertain and enchant. Rushdie, in hiding and with writer’s block after a fatwah was placed upon him, started writing Haroun and the Sea of Stories as a bedtime story for his 10 year old son.

Glengarry Glen Ross

Portland State University
November 8-17, 2007

November 8, 2007
Posted by Followspot

Based on Preview Performance

Thoroughly enjoyable delivery of Mamet’s love letter to real estate salesmen. The on again off again broken glass poetry of rip-off American capitalism is there, though timing and dynamics occasionally falter. Kelly and Fuchs distinguish themselves as the immortal Shelley and Roma. Superb set. And you think your job sucks?

Vinegar Tom

Portland State University
Posted by Frenchglen May 24, 2007; closes June 2, 2007.

Strong production of Churchill’s weird if at times overly strident work on witchy women. Initial fast cutting combined with scene changes snapped me out of story a few times. Final 15 minutes deliver the experience. Lighting perfectly accents the crucial moment and keeps us staring. Interesting past and present juxtaposition.