As summer approaches, theater enthusiasts in Oregon are treated to a delightful array of performances from Portland down to Ashland, showcasing a variety of productions that offer escapism and comfort.
This year’s summer theater season arrives against a backdrop of financial uncertainty, particularly following President Trump’s recent cuts to National Endowment for the Arts grants, which have already affected numerous theater companies like Portland Playhouse, Profile Theatre, PassinArt, and Corrib Theatre.
In addition, Portland Center Stage is grappling with a significant funding shortfall, putting its upcoming 2025-26 season in jeopardy.
However, amidst these challenges, the creative spirit of Oregon’s theater scene shines bright.
The Original Practice Shakespeare Festival is expanding its offerings to include afternoon outdoor performances this summer, remaining accessible with free admission to all shows.
Moreover, Broadway in Portland is set to enchant audiences at the Keller Auditorium with two pop-powered hits: “MJ The Musical” and “& Juliet.”
Over at the Deb Fennell Auditorium in Tigard, Broadway Rose Theater Company is preparing for a high-energy production of “Anything Goes,” assembling one of its largest casts to date.
For those looking for summer theater highlights, here are nine appealing productions coming to Oregon’s stages this season.
Portland Center Stage’s adaptation of “The Importance of Being Earnest” brings Oscar Wilde’s sharp social commentary to life with stunning visuals and modern queer reinterpretations of key characters Algernon and Jack.
Rather than the original Victorian London, this production, directed by Kamilah Bush, shifts the setting to Washington, D.C., lending a fresh and fitting perspective to the timeless tale of deception and romance.
With the theater company actively seeking to recover from its financial setback, this summer performance represents a chance to witness their creative ingenuity.
Running through June 29, the show can be enjoyed at the U.S. Bank Main Stage at the Armory, located at 128 N.W. 11th Ave.
Tour de Force Productions presents “Fool for Love,” a raw portrayal of tumultuous love from famed playwright Sam Shepard, set in a seedy desert motel where passionate lovers Eddie and May engage in a brutal emotional struggle.
This piece, reminiscent of classic dramas like “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, will unfold in the intimate 40-seat 21ten Theatre, ensuring a close-up experience for the audience.
Performances will continue until June 22 at 2110 S.E. 10th Ave.
Another highlight is the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival, celebrating its 17th season with a unique approach to performance reminiscent of how Shakespeare’s plays were originally staged.
With performances including classics like “Hamlet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the festival will traverse various Portland-area parks, culminating at the Tillamook County Library.
Opening with a crescendo at Mount Tabor’s summit, the festival will run from June 20 to August 31, with free admission and a request for donations to support the performances.
In Ashland, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is bustling with a diverse selection of productions this summer, marking a return to more extensive programming.
Highlights include a captivating rendition of “Julius Caesar,” a fresh take on “As You Like It,” August Wilson’s compelling “Jitney,” and “Fat Ham”—twisting Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” within a family barbecue setting.
The outdoor stage recently premiered a lively interpretation of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and will be home to a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s timeless “Into the Woods.”
The festival continues its ambitious approach with the forthcoming production of “Shane,” an adaptation by Latina playwright Karen Zacarías, drawing more from the original novel than the 1953 film.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival runs from July 31 to October 25 at various venues in Ashland.
In Tigard, Broadway Rose Theatre Company will present “Waitress,” a heartwarming musical based on the 2007 indie film.
With a score by Sara Bareilles, “Waitress” follows the journey of Jenna, a waitress who discovers her own strength as she navigates a difficult marriage and strives for independence through her passion for baking.
Running from June 26 to July 20 at the Deb Fennell Auditorium, this production promises to leave audiences craving more.
Clackamas Repertory Theatre kicks off its summer program with “Sherlock Holmes and the Precarious Position,” offering a fresh take on the iconic detective through Margaret Raether’s comedic lens.
Featuring four actors portraying Holmes, Watson, and various supporting characters, this new twist on the classic saga will run from June 26 to July 20.
Following that, “Damn Yankees,” a beloved Broadway classic, will make its appearance from July 31 to August 24, combining a Faustian plot with classic showtunes and nostalgia for America’s favorite pastime—baseball.
Not to be missed, “MJ The Musical” pays tribute to the legendary Michael Jackson, showcasing his life and career through a dazzling array of hits.
Running from July 15 to 20 at Keller Auditorium, this production features three talented actors representing different stages of Jackson’s life and a script reflecting his musical journey, accompanied by vibrant choreography that brings his iconic dance moves to life.
Broadway Rose will also present a lively rendition of “Anything Goes” from July 31 to August 17, highlighting Cole Porter’s catchy score and featuring 15 expert tap dancers in a performance set aboard a luxurious ocean liner.
With direction by dance aficionado Peggy Taphorn, audiences can anticipate complex choreography culminating in an exhilarating finale.
Lastly, “& Juliet” promises a fresh twist on a classic story with a pop music twist, allowing Juliet to escape her tragic end and embark on a self-empowering journey.
This energetic production will run from August 5 to 10 at Keller Auditorium, intertwining contemporary hits from various artists for an unforgettable theatrical experience.
As the summer theater season kicks off, Oregon stages are set to deliver compelling stories and creative performances, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the world of theater once again.
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