My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

WHAT THE FOX? Comes to the Back Door From Fertile Ground and PATA

This production will run for four performances on April 5, 6, and 13.

By:
WHAT THE FOX? Comes to the Back Door From Fertile Ground and PATA

Fertile Ground and the Portland Area Theater Alliance will present the West Coast premiere of What The Fox?, a staged reading of an original coming-of-age comedy by playwright Jed Sutton. This production will run for four performances on April 5, 6, and 13 at the intimate Back Door Theater in Portland, Oregon.

 

What The Fox? is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of identity and community in a post-pandemic world. Playwright Jed Sutton describes it as “a post-pandemic coming-of-age story for a gender and neurodiverse group of young adults navigating the challenges of creating community in an increasingly hostile world.” Inspired by Sutton's experiences with Scout Troop 5813—the first LGBTQIA2S+ and neurodivergent-inclusive troop—this story captures the spirit of resilience, adventure, and self-discovery.

 

Los Angeles dramaturg Alice Tuan calls the play “a fun romp of a camping trip,” blending Chekhovian introspection with modern themes of authenticity and belonging. Composer Ariel Bittner adds rich soundscapes inspired by nature, while choreographer Andrea Parson uses movement to highlight the magical interplay between characters and the Pacific Northwest's rugged beauty.

 

Portland Composer Ariel Bittner adds, “I truly enjoy creating soundscapes from the heart. I draw my  inspiration from the natural environment  incorporating live instruments with nature's chorus.”

 

Portland Choreographer Andrea Parson offers, “Through movement we explore how physical gestures and facial expressions can capture and accentuate  both the magical realm and the earthines of the Pacific Northwest landscape that coexist within the play. Through a short, seated choreography sequence I aim to amplify the unique energy that each character brings to the story and give voice to the spirit that boldly claims one's true nature. “



Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Featured Performer in a Play - Top 3
1. Laurie Metcalf - Death of a Salesman
7.8% of votes
2. Danny Burstein - Marjorie Prime
5.7% of votes
3. Ben Ahlers - Death of a Salesman
5.1% of votes

Don't Miss a Oregon News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


Fat Ham in Oregon Fat Ham
Portland Center Stage at The Aromory (4/19-5/17)
Funny Girl in Oregon Funny Girl
Lakewood Theatre Company (4/24-6/07) PHOTOS
Next To Normal in Oregon Next To Normal
Twilight Theater Company (5/21-6/14)
A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music and Dance Sensation in Oregon A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music and Dance Sensation
Vert Auditorium (5/16-5/16)
The SpongeBob Musical in Oregon The SpongeBob Musical
Portland Playhouse (4/29-6/07)
Come From Away in Oregon Come From Away
Oregon Shakespeare Festival (3/14-10/24)
Henry IV, Part One in Oregon Henry IV, Part One
Oregon Shakespeare Festival (6/06-10/10)
You Can't Take It With You in Oregon You Can't Take It With You
Mask & Mirror Community Theatre (5/01-5/17)
The Outsiders in Oregon The Outsiders
Keller Auditorium (11/18-11/24)
Oregon State Beavers vs. Montana Grizzlies in Oregon Oregon State Beavers vs. Montana Grizzlies
Reser Stadium (9/19-9/19)