Comments for Portland Stage Reviews http://portlandstagereviews.com Thu, 10 May 2012 01:27:25 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Comment on Preview: White Bird Presents Brazilian Hip-Hop Company COMPAGNIE KÄFIG by Ellory Schrepel http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/04/20/preview-white-bird-presents-brazilian-hip-hop-company-compagnie-kafig/#comment-422 Ellory Schrepel Thu, 10 May 2012 01:27:25 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1613#comment-422 What are all of the names of the dancers who performed 'AQWA' free for 2700 students on May 9th? What are all of the names of the dancers who performed ‘AQWA’ free for 2700 students on May 9th?

]]> Comment on Review: Magenta Theater’s “The Thirty-Nine Steps” Sets a Fast Pace for Laughs by Terry Mendenall http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/04/24/review-magenta-theaters-the-thirty-nine-steps-sets-a-fast-pace-for-laughs/#comment-395 Terry Mendenall Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:47:35 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1667#comment-395 Fans may have to go twice because they missed so much while laughing their heads off!! Kudos to Bryan Shcmidt, cast & crew!! Fans may have to go twice because they missed so much while laughing their heads off!! Kudos to Bryan Shcmidt, cast & crew!!

]]> Comment on Preview: Artists’ Rep. To Regionally Premiere “Next To Normal,” Tony & Pulitzer Prize Winning Rock Musical by Of Editorial Retractions, Political Correctness, and Hobbyist Bloggers http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/04/14/preview-artists-rep-to-regionally-premiere-next-to-normal-tony-pulitzer-prize-winning-rock-musical/#comment-389 Of Editorial Retractions, Political Correctness, and Hobbyist Bloggers Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:02:14 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1526#comment-389 [...] them criticisms if you will – apparently a handful of vocal readers of her blog took issue with a post previewing a production of Next To Normal put on by Artists Repertory Theatre – a “…a heart-swelling, acutely searing dissection of a mother’s mental illness and her [...] [...] them criticisms if you will – apparently a handful of vocal readers of her blog took issue with a post previewing a production of Next To Normal put on by Artists Repertory Theatre – a “…a heart-swelling, acutely searing dissection of a mother’s mental illness and her [...]

]]> Comment on Preview: Artists’ Rep. To Regionally Premiere “Next To Normal,” Tony & Pulitzer Prize Winning Rock Musical by Robert Wagner http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/04/14/preview-artists-rep-to-regionally-premiere-next-to-normal-tony-pulitzer-prize-winning-rock-musical/#comment-379 Robert Wagner Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:45:44 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1526#comment-379 As someone who spent their entire childhood living with much the same thing, I've been quite interested in this production. The use of "crazy" above comes directly from the shows press release. If you have an issue with it, either take it up with the producers or marketing people behind the show or simply just don't go see it. The rest of us that have had to deal with severe mental illness in our families all of our lives can see past semantics and enjoy the production for what it is. As someone who spent their entire childhood living with much the same thing, I’ve been quite interested in this production. The use of “crazy” above comes directly from the shows press release. If you have an issue with it, either take it up with the producers or marketing people behind the show or simply just don’t go see it.

The rest of us that have had to deal with severe mental illness in our families all of our lives can see past semantics and enjoy the production for what it is.

]]> Comment on Preview: Artists’ Rep. To Regionally Premiere “Next To Normal,” Tony & Pulitzer Prize Winning Rock Musical by Michelle Madison http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/04/14/preview-artists-rep-to-regionally-premiere-next-to-normal-tony-pulitzer-prize-winning-rock-musical/#comment-378 Michelle Madison Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:44:14 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1526#comment-378 It is very thoughtless of the reviewer to so carelessly fling around a word like "crazy," with all of its negative and painful connotations to those of us who live with mental illness and have loved ones and friends who do as well. Please think before you type. It is very thoughtless of the reviewer to so carelessly fling around a word like “crazy,” with all of its negative and painful connotations to those of us who live with mental illness and have loved ones and friends who do as well. Please think before you type.

]]> Comment on Of Theatre, Babies, Reviews and Press Releases by faddah http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/04/12/of-theatre-babies-reviews-and-press-releases/#comment-374 faddah Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:49:21 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1520#comment-374 Welcome little Jack, a.k.a., <a href="http://twitter.com/millerlitepdx" title="MillerLitePDX on Twitter" rel="nofollow">Miller Lite PDX</a>, or as i like to call him, “ahab.” I'm sure he will experience much in the way of theater — Portland's own <a href="http://www.atomic-arts.org/" title="Atomic Arts' Trek In The Park" rel="nofollow">Star Trek in the Park</a> comes to mind. As to my own assistance — dubious, at best, but you are welcome. I wish I knew what I was being thanked for, it's all a hazy blackout to me, though i do recall, vaguely, an usher shaking me awake at one point telling me I couldn't spend the night in the theater. Boorish lout. Welcome little Jack, a.k.a., Miller Lite PDX, or as i like to call him, “ahab.” I’m sure he will experience much in the way of theater — Portland’s own Star Trek in the Park comes to mind.

As to my own assistance — dubious, at best, but you are welcome. I wish I knew what I was being thanked for, it’s all a hazy blackout to me, though i do recall, vaguely, an usher shaking me awake at one point telling me I couldn’t spend the night in the theater. Boorish lout.

]]> Comment on Of Theatre, Babies, Reviews and Press Releases by Linda http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/04/12/of-theatre-babies-reviews-and-press-releases/#comment-373 Linda Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:08:35 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1520#comment-373 Theater is one of the most wonderful things I have ever shared with my children. From their dance classes (also started at 3 yrs old) to children's theater groups, to local traveling theater, to Broadway. Being performers gave them confidence and a solid work ethic. Being a member of the audience has expanded their world. I am thrilled every time I see the joy on their faces at a show. Enjoy sharing your love of theater with your son. He's a lucky guy! Theater is one of the most wonderful things I have ever shared with my children. From their dance classes (also started at 3 yrs old) to children’s theater groups, to local traveling theater, to Broadway. Being performers gave them confidence and a solid work ethic. Being a member of the audience has expanded their world. I am thrilled every time I see the joy on their faces at a show. Enjoy sharing your love of theater with your son. He’s a lucky guy!

]]> Comment on Review: “Recognition” at PSU Lincoln Hall by Margaret Innocenti http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/03/23/review-recognition/#comment-332 Margaret Innocenti Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:00:45 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1402#comment-332 As the mother of Laura Mathans I can only speak from my perspective. I have been in the audience for the first three performances all of which got standing ovations and will be there today as well. I have heard a lot of comments from the audience and the common thread has been that they wanted more, especially about the three children in wheelchairs. But everyone loved it. People left the auditorium wiping their eyes. This work is inspired. Chris wrote about my personal experiece through his parent characters. First with wanting my child to have what I did not and being willing to fight for her. Then by doing a lot of little things hoping to add up to the right things. Then by showing my child the way by knowing myself. I was once chewed out by a therapist when we were in family counseling over Laura's situation. She asked me how did I expect my children to thrive if I did not thrive myself. I was so angry at the therapist for six months until I realized she was right. What is so amazing to me is that Chris seemed to know all about our lives and we never met until Laura auditioned in September. I could not disagree with the opinion that this show is syrupy. I would use the word substance instead and this show is filled with substance. In a time when most news stations would prefer to report crime musicals like "Recogniton" are so needed to open people's hearts to let in some fresh air!!! As the mother of Laura Mathans I can only speak from my perspective. I have been in the audience for the first three performances all of which got standing ovations and will be there today as well. I have heard a lot of comments from the audience and the common thread has been that they wanted more, especially about the three children in wheelchairs. But everyone loved it. People left the auditorium wiping their eyes. This work is inspired. Chris wrote about my personal experiece through his parent characters. First with wanting my child to have what I did not and being willing to fight for her. Then by doing a lot of little things hoping to add up to the right things. Then by showing my child the way by knowing myself. I was once chewed out by a therapist when we were in family counseling over Laura’s situation. She asked me how did I expect my children to thrive if I did not thrive myself. I was so angry at the therapist for six months until I realized she was right. What is so amazing to me is that Chris seemed to know all about our lives and we never met until Laura auditioned in September. I could not disagree with the opinion that this show is syrupy. I would use the word substance instead and this show is filled with substance. In a time when most news stations would prefer to report crime musicals like “Recogniton” are so needed to open people’s hearts to let in some fresh air!!!

]]> Comment on Review: “Recognition” at PSU Lincoln Hall by Kevin http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/03/23/review-recognition/#comment-330 Kevin Sun, 25 Mar 2012 01:26:51 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1402#comment-330 This original play is much better than the reviewer would have you believe. Chris Tabor captures the challenges of raising children, career frustrations and the love of dance very well. It is well worth seeing! This original play is much better than the reviewer would have you believe. Chris Tabor captures the challenges of raising children, career frustrations and the love of dance very well. It is well worth seeing!

]]> Comment on Review: “Recognition” at PSU Lincoln Hall by G. Moon http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/03/23/review-recognition/#comment-326 G. Moon Sat, 24 Mar 2012 05:04:35 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1402#comment-326 It has been an amazing experience with a fantastic cast. Chris's honesty was heartwarming, his choked up moment absolutely beautiful. I think I speak for most parents, when I say that we all had a moment of recognition, as we watched the various parents doting over their children. It has been an amazing experience with a fantastic cast. Chris’s honesty was heartwarming, his choked up moment absolutely beautiful. I think I speak for most parents, when I say that we all had a moment of recognition, as we watched the various parents doting over their children.

]]> Comment on Review: “Recognition” at PSU Lincoln Hall by Dan http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/03/23/review-recognition/#comment-325 Dan Sat, 24 Mar 2012 04:26:08 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1402#comment-325 This is a well written review, but having just come from the opening night performance I can say that the show was greatly enjoyed by the enthusiastic audience. As a parent of a dancer, I too watched a dress rehearsal as this reviewer must have to post his comments prior to opening night. The difference in energy, emotion, and authenticity in front of a live audience vs. the rehearsal was startling and wonderful. The play offers dramatic emotion without being cloying, surprisingly good music and vocals, some clever comedic moments, and both modern and ballet dancing. The overall effect is quite satisfying – though again as the parent of a dancer I would have enjoyed a bit more of that in the show! Putting aside my parental biases...I'd rate it as 3 of 4 stars and worth taking the time to watch. It deserved the standing ovation bestowed upon it by the audience. This is a well written review, but having just come from the opening night performance I can say that the show was greatly enjoyed by the enthusiastic audience. As a parent of a dancer, I too watched a dress rehearsal as this reviewer must have to post his comments prior to opening night. The difference in energy, emotion, and authenticity in front of a live audience vs. the rehearsal was startling and wonderful.

The play offers dramatic emotion without being cloying, surprisingly good music and vocals, some clever comedic moments, and both modern and ballet dancing. The overall effect is quite satisfying – though again as the parent of a dancer I would have enjoyed a bit more of that in the show! Putting aside my parental biases…I’d rate it as 3 of 4 stars and worth taking the time to watch.

It deserved the standing ovation bestowed upon it by the audience.

]]> Comment on Preview: Epiphany Theatre Presents: Spider Baby, The Musical by Kat http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/03/02/preview-epiphany-theatre-presents-spider-baby-the-musical/#comment-321 Kat Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:41:24 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1085#comment-321 This is soooo cool! I'm going tomorrow night! This is soooo cool! I’m going tomorrow night!

]]> Comment on Review: Serindipity Players Presents – Happy Anniversary by Robert http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/03/15/review-serindipity-players-presents-happy-anniversary/#comment-279 Robert Fri, 16 Mar 2012 01:17:22 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1306#comment-279 Sounds like a must-see! Sounds like a must-see!

]]> Comment on Review: Northwest Dance Project’s Spring Premieres by Faddah Wolf http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/03/10/review-northwest-dance-projects-spring-premieres/#comment-273 Faddah Wolf Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:58:21 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1202#comment-273 @Mary - you'd have to ask the Oregonian that. {shrug} glad you liked it. @Mary – you’d have to ask the Oregonian that. {shrug} glad you liked it.

]]> Comment on Review: Northwest Dance Project’s Spring Premieres by Mary Naman http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/03/10/review-northwest-dance-projects-spring-premieres/#comment-270 Mary Naman Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:01:06 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1202#comment-270 Nice review of an impressive dance company. Why didn't The Oregonian do a review of the two shows ? Nice review of an impressive dance company.

Why didn’t The Oregonian do a review of the two shows ?

]]> Comment on Review: The Irish Curse — A “Small” Problem Is More Than Meets The Eye by Kevin http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/03/09/review-the-irish-curse-a-small-problem-is-more-than-meets-the-eye/#comment-266 Kevin Tue, 13 Mar 2012 01:47:56 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1155#comment-266 This play is hilarious and worth your time. There are no men on earth that havent wondered if they were shortchanged, well maybe 2 or 3 guys, but we don't count them! Don is amazing in everything he directs and brings such great theater to the community. Support your local theater. This play is hilarious and worth your time. There are no men on earth that havent wondered if they were shortchanged, well maybe 2 or 3 guys, but we don’t count them!
Don is amazing in everything he directs and brings such great theater to the community. Support your local theater.

]]> Comment on Review: Northwest Dance Project’s Spring Premieres by Barbara Linn http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/03/10/review-northwest-dance-projects-spring-premieres/#comment-263 Barbara Linn Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:27:31 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=1202#comment-263 It was a stunning evening of dance! To witness such fluid movement, was a site to behold. It was a stunning evening of dance! To witness such fluid movement, was a site to behold.

]]> Comment on Preview: The North End Players Presents – Let’s Murder Marsha by Gary Corbin http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/02/10/preview-the-north-end-players-presents-lets-murder-marsha/#comment-201 Gary Corbin Sat, 25 Feb 2012 20:14:47 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=790#comment-201 Saw this play on opening night and it was hilarious! Fast-paced, witty, sometimes a little slapstick - in other words, great farce. Well acted and tightly directed. Highly recommended! Saw this play on opening night and it was hilarious! Fast-paced, witty, sometimes a little slapstick – in other words, great farce. Well acted and tightly directed. Highly recommended!

]]> Comment on Preview: Serendipity Players Presents “Happy Anniversary” by Bonnie Littleton http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/02/07/preview-serendipity-players-presents-happy-anniversary/#comment-183 Bonnie Littleton Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:06:34 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=770#comment-183 Don't miss 'Happy Anniversary'! It is humorous and also insightful. One of Corbin's best. Don’t miss ‘Happy Anniversary’! It is humorous and also insightful. One of Corbin’s best.

]]> Comment on Preview: Serendipity Players Presents “Happy Anniversary” by Dorinda http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/02/07/preview-serendipity-players-presents-happy-anniversary/#comment-181 Dorinda Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:44:23 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=770#comment-181 I too saw this reading at PCS a couple of years ago. I'm glad to see local groups using local playwrights - good luck with your production! I too saw this reading at PCS a couple of years ago. I’m glad to see local groups using local playwrights – good luck with your production!

]]> Comment on Preview: Serendipity Players Presents “Happy Anniversary” by Shirlene http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/02/07/preview-serendipity-players-presents-happy-anniversary/#comment-180 Shirlene Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:34:26 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=770#comment-180 I attended the Fertile Ground presentation of "Happy Anniversary" two years ago - witty, clever, funny and engaging - just a few words to describe this play. Gary Corbin is a masterful playwright who offers great insight into human relationships. A must see! I attended the Fertile Ground presentation of “Happy Anniversary” two years ago – witty, clever, funny and engaging – just a few words to describe this play. Gary Corbin is a masterful playwright who offers great insight into human relationships. A must see!

]]> Comment on Preview: Serendipity Players Presents “Happy Anniversary” by Claire Wheeler http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/02/07/preview-serendipity-players-presents-happy-anniversary/#comment-173 Claire Wheeler Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:16:08 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=770#comment-173 I saw a staged reading of this show a few years ago and even in that raw state, the play touched me with its humor and honesty about the way relationships change over the years. Gary Corbin is an astute observer of human nature with a unique talent for showing us who we are in his writing. Go see this! I saw a staged reading of this show a few years ago and even in that raw state, the play touched me with its humor and honesty about the way relationships change over the years. Gary Corbin is an astute observer of human nature with a unique talent for showing us who we are in his writing. Go see this!

]]> Comment on Preview: Serendipity Players Presents “Happy Anniversary” by Robert http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/02/07/preview-serendipity-players-presents-happy-anniversary/#comment-171 Robert Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:26:14 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=770#comment-171 Sounds great! But I've never heard of Serendipity. What other plays have they done? What is the new space like? Sounds great! But I’ve never heard of Serendipity. What other plays have they done? What is the new space like?

]]> Comment on Preview: Serendipity Players Presents “Happy Anniversary” by Sandra http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/02/07/preview-serendipity-players-presents-happy-anniversary/#comment-145 Sandra Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:39:45 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=770#comment-145 Love this website! Also, very excited that there is a new theatre in Vancouver...and showing a talented local playwright! I would say that is gutsy, but Corbin really knows how to tell a story. I saw this read at PCS - funny. Can't wait! Love this website! Also, very excited that there is a new theatre in Vancouver…and showing a talented local playwright! I would say that is gutsy, but Corbin really knows how to tell a story. I saw this read at PCS – funny. Can’t wait!

]]> Comment on Review: Willfully Inciting Fire in a Theater (and Your Mind) — Ignite Portland 10 by More Portland Stage Reviews http://portlandstagereviews.com/2012/02/16/review-ignite-portland-10/#comment-140 More Portland Stage Reviews Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:01:32 +0000 http://portlandstagereviews.com/?p=798#comment-140 [...] I convinced Sabrina of Portland Stage Reviews to let me do a review on Ignite Portland 10 — hey, it’s on a stage (the Bagdad), it’s presentational, it has a lot of entertainment and humor, and it’s about getting people excited about what excites you, or what you geek-out on. If that’s not theater, i don’t know what is. So here it is, I called it: Willfully Inciting Fire in a Theater (and Your Mind). [...] [...] I convinced Sabrina of Portland Stage Reviews to let me do a review on Ignite Portland 10 — hey, it’s on a stage (the Bagdad), it’s presentational, it has a lot of entertainment and humor, and it’s about getting people excited about what excites you, or what you geek-out on. If that’s not theater, i don’t know what is. So here it is, I called it: Willfully Inciting Fire in a Theater (and Your Mind). [...]

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