The Poison Squad at Coho Theatre

The Poison Squad is a musical comedy based on a true story, about men used as guinea pigs in a quasi-experiment on the effects of untested preservatives on the human body. In the early 1900's, Dr. Harvey Wiley, head chemist at the Department of Agriculture, wanted to pass the Pure Food and Drug Act, and he needed some colorful evidence to persuade Congress.

Well, these poor boys gave it to him. Formaldehyde, borax, sulfites and sulfates, all went down their gullets, with spectacular results. Filled with catchy melodies and toxic meals, The Poison Squad is a steampunk trip through one of the greatest legislative battles in history, whose results we’re still living with today!

Fertile Ground is an annual city-wide festival highlighting new work from Portland’s creative community in myriad art forms and offering dozens of Portland-generated “acts of creation” for audiences to experience each year. Where other new works festivals are typically curated by one entity, this festival is collaboratively shaped by community participation, uplifting a variety of aesthetic voices.

Projects can range from fully staged world premieres, to theatrical workshops and play readings, to ensemble, multidisciplinary and collaboration-driven work, to a variety of dance, comedy, film events and more.

Unlike a typical fringe festival, Fertile Ground features the new work of our LOCAL artists, performers, and resident theatre companies, ensuring that the artistic and financial benefits of the festival stay in Portland.

The festival will take place April 4-19, 2025