PORTLAND, ORE.: Portland Center Stage has announced its 2021-22 season, with a planned return to in-person performances in October.
“This powerhouse lineup of plays and musicals resonates deeply for me as we create a space onstage to examine resilience within the framework of bright theatricality, sharp humor, and full-hearted connection,” artistic director Marissa Wolf said in a statement.
The season features four plays previously canceled due to the pandemic, as well as three newly announced titles.Lauren Yee
The season will begin with Frida…A Self Portrait (Oct. 9-Nov. 7), written and performed by Vanessa Severo. Severo cracks open the brilliant, nuanced world of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s tumultuous life. Joanie Schultz will direct.
Following will be the rescheduled production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Nov. 27-Dec. 24), adapted by Simon Stephens from the novel by Mark Haddon. The play takes audiences inside the mind of an extraordinary boy trying to solve the murder of his neighbor’s dog. Wolf will direct.
The season will continue with Lauren Yee‘s The Great Leap (Jan 15.-Feb. 13, 2022) in a co-production with Artists Repertory Theatre. This sharp and funny story weaves together political and family history with the notion that sometimes there’s more to life than making the shot. Zi Alikhan will direct.
Next up will be Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Jan. 22-March 6, 2022) by John Cameron Mitchell, with music and lyrics by Stephen Trask. The wickedly funny musical returns from its sold-out 2020 engagement at PCS. Chip Miller will direct.
Following will be Gem of the Ocean (March 5-April 3, 2022) by August Wilson, also directed by Miller. The play follows Citizen as he is sent on a mystical journey by a 285-year-old healer to understand the past and forge his future.
The season will continue with Freestyle Love Supreme (April 8-May 1, 2022), created by Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Anthony Veneziale. The original hip-hop musical sees performers taking suggestions from the audience and turning them into improvised musical numbers. Kail will direct.
The season will close with Jonathan Larson’s Rent (May 21-June 26, 2022). Twenty-five years after its premiere, the iconic musical reminds us to measure our lives in love. Miller will direct.
PCS will also welcome the Artists Repertory Theatre’s ArtsHub for a residency at the Armory for the 2021-22 season.
Portland Center Stage produces a mix of classic, contemporary, and world premiere productions, along with a variety of education and community programs, and is dedicated to new play development.
