Rusty Tennant News

Artists Repertory Theatre's 2013/14 season will continue our vision of finding and producing adventurous, provocative work that challenges audiences and artists alike. Next season's play offerings will enhance Artists Rep's role as Portland's premiere mid-size regional theatre company by offering nine of the most cutting-edge plays available today, written by internationally prestigious playwrights, guided by esteemed directors and featuring casts who will unleash these stories onto our stages.

Artists Rep's 2013/14 season kicks off with The Big Meal by Dan LeFranc in its West Coast premiere, directed by new Artistic Director Damaso Rodriguez. Set in a quintessential American restaurant, entire lives whiz by for a modern family whose stage and age are short-order fare. From birth to that inevitable last course - and every corndog, calamari and Cadillac margarita in between - a multi-generational potluck of characters live life's major and minor moments around the dinner table.

We enter the world of Padua, which in director Michael Mendelson's vision takes place in the swinging 1960s. The set is a clear reminder of Laugh-In, with its pastel colors and patterned walls with small doors that the actors can peep through. The costumes are witty reminders of that era, particularly the women's outfits and wigs. And the music throughout echoes Carnaby Street.

With one of Shakespeare's most beloved, romantic comedies, Portland Shakespeare Project will delight summer audiences with a rich and comedic production of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW directed by Michael Mendelson. A fascinating theatrical complement of John Fletcher's THE TAMER TAMED (staged reading) will begin in rotating repertory on July 24. Both shows will be performed on the Alder Stage at Artists Repertory Theatre. Tickets are on sale through Artists Rep's Box Office. Performances are Wednesday through Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm, Sunday at 2pm. Full schedule and more information at www.portlandshakes.org. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below!

The OUTwright Theatre Festival kicks off today!

The OUTwright Theatre Festival kicks off next week!

Yes, Fuse fans: we're continuing with our exploration of breaking down the theater walls and joining you at the bar for karaoke! Along with our friend Mr. Rocky Rhodes, longtime KJ, Godfather of Portland karaoke, and recent theatre patron, we give you Karaoke Night! the Musical. Entry is free, but drinking and tipping are encouraged.

Yes, Fuse fans: we're continuing with our exploration of breaking down the theater walls and joining you at the bar for karaoke! Along with our friend Mr. Rocky Rhodes, longtime KJ, Godfather of Portland karaoke, and recent theatre patron, we give you Karaoke Night! the Musical. Entry is free, but drinking and tipping are encouraged.