A Chorus Line

Stumptown Stages
October 2 - 17, 2009

Review by peanutduck

True to story, only star is Cassie (Lisa Schale), her impassioned “The Music and the Mirror” a show-stopper. Ensemble’s spirit whole-hearted, nary an ego in sight; and strongest in group numbers, notably “At the Ballet.” Individually, acting, vocals weak; show drags, nail-biting audition angst absent. Cavernous space grossly distorts sound.

The Wiz

Stumptown Stages **Photo credit: Paul S. Fardig**
February 12 - March 1, 2009

Review by peanutduck (closing)

Like Kansas and Oz: Experience in polarity. At one end - Scarecrow (Quincy Hickson), Tinman (Jerrod Neal), Addaperle’s (Kamaria Wilson) vocals (among the best in town), fantastical costumes, sassy Jefferson Dancers; at the other, inconsistent ensemble, production values, sound system (but this is a new space for Stumptown), non-musical acting.

The Road to Oz: Stumptown Stages Benefit

Stumptown Stages
November 14, 2008
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Our Lady of Sorrows @ 5239 SE Woodstock Boulevard
$50.00

Summary:

On Friday, November 14th, Stumptown Stages will be hosting a benefit cabaret. Benefit will help support the costs of producing The Wiz, the first musical collaboration between Stumptown Stages and Jefferson High School. Includes Julianne R. Johnson-Weiss, Michael Allen Harrison, Kirk Mouser and Tina Paradiso, Corey Brunish, and Tayrn Darr.

The Last Five Years

Stumptown Stages
May 30 - June 28, 2008

Review by peanutduck
Final performance

A problematic, mediocre musical - lyrically, musically, structurally - made semi-enjoyable in this production by Wheatley’s pure, earnest voice. Johannes, who occasionally sings with an odd country twang, lacks spark or humanity (even as ‘Schmuel’) until three-quarters in. The set is distractingly flimsy, and silly-couple projections incongruent with relationship’s de-evolution/evolution.

Dreamgirls

Stumptown Stages
March 7 - April 5, 2008

Review by peanutduck

The looming question: Can Stumptown pull this off?
YES.
Dreamgirls immediately grabs the heart and holds on. Fantastically cast; vocals are stunning. Johnson-Weiss (Effie) is soul-wrenchingly beautiful and true; Blackmon (Jimmy) charms as he grooves and glides across the stage. An enchanting, enrapturing two hours, and definitely worthy of notice.

Godspell

Stumptown Stages
November 2 - December 1, 2007

November 11, 2007
Posted by Followspot

Moving, contemporary, top speed. The spare, mostly unamplified approach effectively showcases pure voice and found object instruments, though several solos are too quiet to be heard. Lots to watch as pace moves ever onwards. There is a hunger to know what these characters will do next. Several great old songs.

Floyd Collins

Stumptown Stages
Posted by Frenchglen June 8, 2007; closes June 30, 2007

Fears and desires just below the surface. Restrained set and lighting frame a convincing Appalachian holler and cave world. Music more texture and tone than hit. Splendid chorus line of reporters gone wild. What was missing at times was an emotional connection with Floyd. Who was this lost spelunker fellah?

Interview - Kirk Mouser - Floyd Collins Preview

A conversation with Kirk Mouser, Artistic Director at Stumptown Stages, about the upcoming production of Floyd Collins, which opens June 8 at IFCC.

Click on comments link to read the interview.

Stumptown Stages 2007-2008 Season

Stumptown Stages 2007-2008 Season:

Godspell
Dreamgirls
The Last Five Years

Grease

Stumptown Stages
Posted by Frenchglen February 24, 2007; closes March 24, 2007

Enjoyable, downright silly fun. Stumptown’s regulars turn out for a reunion tour to old RHS. Two microphones passed around when needed, but unamplified lung power takes center stage in this intimate production. Solid, barely visible band lays down time at just the right volume. Quietly growing IFCC venue has arrived.

Reefer Madness

Stumptown Stages
September 10, 2006; closes October 7, 2006

Straight-arrow, pushy pacing runs a bit roughshod over camp-noir musical style, but Stumptown’s sensibilities still evident in talented principals (incorrigible Andrew Bray, wholesome Erin Charles, sardonic Jami Chatalas-Blanchard) who belt beautifully over Ben VanDeipen’s superb musicians. Out of the literal shadows, watch for Lisamarie Harrison, who really knows her stuff.

Urinetown

Stumptown Stages
November 17, 2005; closes December 18, 2005

An invigorating wake-up call for Portland musical theatre. Sparse production elements bowed to precise, bing-bang-booming performances through meticulous satire parody of Wade Willis, rafter-shaking vocals of Lori Paschall, endearing Brian Bartley, crisply-comical Courtney Freed, goofy Shawn Rogers, slippery James Peppers, gumdrop Joy Fischer, exceptional ensemble. Fortissimo four-piece band occasionally too loud.