Astoria: Part One
- Previews: Jan. 14-19 | Opening night Jan. 20, 2017
- Adapted and directed by Chris Coleman
- Based on the book ASTORIA: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire, A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival by Peter Stark
JUMP TO: Dates, Run Time, Playbill, & More
Adapted from the best-selling book by Peter Stark, this harrowing dual journey — one over land, one by sea — will be told with an exceptional cast of sixteen actors. At a time when the edge of American settlement barely reached beyond the Appalachian Mountains, two visionaries — President Thomas Jefferson and millionaire John Jacob Astor — foresaw that one day the Pacific would dominate world trade as much as the Atlantic did in their day. Just two years after the Lewis and Clark Expedition concluded in 1806, Jefferson and Astor turned their sights westward once again. Thus began one of history’s dramatic but largely forgotten turning points in the conquest of the North American continent. Special engagement repeat performances of Part One.
A World Premiere!
Run Time:
Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one intermission.
Who’s Who:
View the cast and creative team bios.
Playbill:
Explore the playbill.
Note:
Recommended for ages 14 and up. Contains gunshot sound effects, and some mature content and language. The actors in this production will be using tobacco-free herbal pipes. Children under 6 are not permitted at any production.
Resource Guide:
Download resource guide (PDF)
More About This Production
Behind the Scenes of "Astoria"
From props to rehearsal to creating 53 wooden pikes, get a special sneak peek into the making of Astoria.
The "Astoria" Design Team Visits Astoria
Artistic Director Chris Coleman blogs about the day the Astoria design team piled into a van and drove West.
Beer Tastings from Fort George Brewery
Join us for a series of complimentary of beer tastings from the Fort George Brewery located in Astoria before select performances of Astoria. Must be over 21 to participate.
Resource Guide for Educators: Astor Expedition
A detailed look at the two journeys that took the Hudson Bay Company to Astoria.
"Astoria: Part One" Cast and Creative Team
Learn about the incredible cast and creative team we've assembled for the world premiere of Astoria: Part One.
Native Voices Symposium on Native American Art and Literature
Join Deana Dartt, PhD, independent scholar and curator and other experts for a special symposium on the indigenous history, art and contemporary issues of Columbia river peoples, Sunday, January 22 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Visit Astoria
Watch Astoria: Part One, then experience the story in real life with the "Visit Astoria" travel itinerary.
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
Production Sponsors
2016–2017 Season Supporting Sponsors
