Perspectives series on "The Color Purple": Norman Sylvester & Mel Brown
Please join us for a series of 30-minute post-show discussions following select Sunday matinee performances of The Color Purple. Hear and share personal reactions and thoughts inspired by the play, filtered through the perspectives of local musicians, leaders, health workers, historians and community leaders. Join us and discover how The Color Purple connects directly to our community. All speakers identified and discussions moderated by Lenanne Sylvester.
Immediately following select Sunday matinee performances
Perspective series on The Color Purple
September 23 – Norman Sylvester & Mel Brown
September 30 – Cyreena Boston-Ashby & Antoinette Edwards
October 7 – Margaret Carter & Carmen Sylvester
About The Speakers
Norman was born in Bonita, Louisiana in 1945, his earliest musical influence came from hearing gospel singing in church, and blues greats; BB King, Johnny Taylor & T Bone Walker coming from the Juke Joints on the back streets of town. He formed his current band; The Norman Sylvester Band in 1987, has released four albums to date and plays regularly around the Portland area.
Mel performed as a drummer with Motown legends Diana Ross and The Temptations before applying his distinctive style and consummate skill to the jazz idiom. In addition to leading several high profile combos, Mel's rock-solid time and high-energy solos have made him the drummer of choice for jazz superstars Leroy Vinnegar, Monty Alexander, Teddy Edwards, Lou Donaldson and Joey DeFrancesco.
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!
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.
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!
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).
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