Portland Playhouse — Attraction in Portland

If you get the chance to visit this amazing place for A Christmas Carol DO IT. I'm not even sure I can put in to words how amazing that performance was in every single way without spoiling the delight in noticing all of the details for yourself. It's a small production company but that certainly doesn't stop them from transforming their small space in to a winter wonderland in a far away time. Throw out all the preconceived notions you have of theater and allow yourself to feel the magic that this cast, crew and stage itself lends to this show. The attendants didn't have to let us in as the show had just began its opening scene and once it starts the doors are locked (the sign stating so is cute) because late seating directly interferes with the performance. It's a 360 experience that utilizes spaces you would never even think of. It doesn't matter where you sit either, as it is intimate enough that even the backrow feels like floor seats. They even saved check in for after the show for us so we wouldn't miss anything. There was evidence of concessions being avaliable, which I will definitely be exploring next time. The play is roughly an hour and a half long with no intermission so if you don't have everything you need like water because you often have a dry throat then you will find yourself trying to stiffle a cough that you can't help, thus causing the poor woman in front of you to lean as far forward as she can except there is nowhere to go (did I mention it's INTIMATE in there?) and nowhere for you to escape to. Unless you want to walk right through the scene of the moment. Choices. I stayed in my seat and buried my face in to my husband's body to try to dampen the cough because I couldn't fathom missing a moment of this incredible performance. Like most of us, I've seen every version of Scrooge imaginable right down to an animated duck. Never have I been so captured by a story I've heard a million times. This will not be our last visit to this theater and we are determined to catch this show again before the run ends on the...

Walking down the street after breakfast with some friends about noon on one of the last Saturdays of Summer I was suddenly treated to the wonderful sounds of Japanese drums! It was all at once surreal in it's contrast to the idyllic American neighborhood surroundings and at the same time completely appropriate. If you know Portland, then you know what I mean... If you don't know what I mean -- in Portland you learn to just accept and even expect what would really (other times other places) be bizarre blends of the loud and unique offerings vastly unrelated cultures mighty offer... In true Portland style the passers-by seemed either unphased or moved to ululate and contribute their own tribal-inspired interpretive dance before continuing on their way.

I have to say, the rythm and performance of the drummers was good quality and showed considerable commitment of time and a true devotion and dedication to the art. I enjoyed everything about my encounter with the company brief though it was, and I cannot wait until I can find time to get to know Portland...

This place is the jam! We recently saw Matilda and were blown away by the talent. Seats are comfy and positioned well so that visibility to the stage is accessible for all. Staff are helpful and enthusiastic. There’s a small concession stand with 5 dollar bowls of popcorn (free refills), tea, baked treats, soda water, and free beer. They don’t use plastic cups or bowls which is something the rest of the hospitality world should start doing. Bathrooms are super clean,...