Reviews of *Clyde's*
Local Reviews
"There were multiple times during CLYDE’S that I wished time would stop so I could absorb it all... CLYDE’S is a must-see play and the best possible way to end the PCS season." —BroadwayWorld
“...in this heart-filled, embodied production, a talented group of artists have channeled their energy toward understanding and aspiration. Come ready for a taste.” —Oregon ArtsWatch
Audiences Reviews
"I’ve been a subscriber since the first PCS season. This play was the best I’ve ever seen! The set and costumes were striking, the dialogue lively and thought-provoking, and the actors perfect for their roles."
"You guys, just saw Clyde’s. It was absolutely FANTASTIC! What an amazing cast. I loved every minute of it. 
"I feasted at this epic 5 Michelin star extravaganza, created by the literary playwright genius Lynn Nottage, dished up by a voraciously talented cast, plated by an extraordinarily delicious design team, and served open faced in your face by the superbly meticulous Chip Miller. I dare not say I “relished” the experience. (Absolutely not. I did not say that.) Go see this funny play that has more layers, complexity, and depth than a perfectly-crafted sandwich. It’s food for the soul, and proof that light can shine in the jagged edges of our brokenness. PS: Andrea Vernae is Tony Soprano, Othello, and the Queen of Hearts in glitz. A truly jaw dropping performance! Brava!!!"
"Saw Clyde’s yesterday. Powerful stuff. Small cast of 5 providing much fireworks."
"GO SEE THIS! It’s SOOOOOOOO GOOD!!! 
"This play was brilliant. The writing was beautiful, and the actors beautifully embodied their characters and wonderfully told the story."
"The show was so wonderful, poetic; It touched on so many ways our humanness directs us for better or for worse."
"Saw "Clydes" on opening night and was transfixed with the emotional swings created by the plot, the characters, the superb acting, and rhythmic quality. What a well-executed Nottage is all about. Plan to return to experience it again. (Be sure to include a deli stop before or after the theatre!)"
In the News
'Delicious' comedy Clyde's coming to Portland Center Stage; KOIN Interview with Chip Miller and Setareki Wainiqolo.
Critic Reviews
“As they fix plates for perpetually on-the-move and hungry truckers, the enterprising cooks enthusiastically trade visions of the perfect sandwich … Clyde’s sandwiches aren’t just convenient meals served at lunch and dinner; they tell stories, hold truths and nourish dreams.” –The Hollywood Reporter
“Clyde’s is a surprisingly convivial enterprise, funny and warm and with just enough slap to keep from tilting too far towards the gooey.” –Deadline
“The characters Nottage creates are vivid and just as enticing as the food, making you want to follow their stories when they leave the stage. This show is raucous, bawdy, and full of surprises. If there’s any downside, it’s that the eminently delicious Clyde’s will leave you ravenously hungry for more!”–Chicago Sun Times
“Anyone who has ever had to work for a charismatic bully will recognize the storm of terror, supplication, and idolatry Clyde provokes every time she appears in the kitchen with a new chic wig and gleaming stilettos.” –LA Times
“Though it’s still about dark things, including prison, drugs, homelessness, and poverty, it somehow turns them into bright comedy. … Clyde’s is a comedy does not mean it doesn’t have tragedy baked in. (It was originally called “Floyd’s” — until George Floyd was murdered.) Though it ultimately rejects the Greek model, it is still about gods and mortals.” –The New York Times
“The twice-anointed Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright is as masterful as ever behind the wheel of this work, nimbly shifting gears from barbed exchanges to elegiac ponderings on Zen and the art of sandwich construction, coming together in a gritty lyricism that holds true and holds sway, too.” –Post and Courier
“Nottage really is going after the forces that control Broadway and the upper echelons of the other branches of showbiz. This shrewdest of American playwrights is tacitly accusing them of a lack of imagination, unkindness toward vulnerable workers, the propagation of unsafe work environments, and a determination to play to the lowest common denominator when it comes to the tastes of customers who would prefer better quality fare if only they were offered such a menu.” –Chicago Tribune
“In a roadside sandwich shop, good and evil are duking it out, but not the trite or abstract sorts. At Clyde’s, good is so extreme that kitchen counter becomes church altar; sandwich roll, cradled communion host.” –Date Book
Current & Upcoming
Summer Teen Academy 2024
Our Summer Teen Theater Academy builds skills and confidence, while deepening the connection to the inspiring world of theater. Bring the power of theater to the teens in your life!
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!
JAW: Street Dance Showcase
Join us as we kick things off for the 2024 JAW weekend with this wildly popular showcase, presented by Jesus Rodales of WWJP. Featuring street, club, and urban dance styles, performed by artists from a variety of local Portland area dance crews and institutions.
JAW Play Reading: A Re-Enactment of the Imagined Trial of Daisy the Cow, who (Allegedly) Caused the Great Chicago Fire By Julia Izumi
A Re-Enactment of the Imagined Trial of Daisy the Cow, who (Allegedly) Caused the Great Chicago Fire is a re-enactment of the imagined trial of Daisy the cow, who allegedly caused the Great Chicago Fire. A deep interrogation of our criminal justice system, this fabricated trial will question what truth, justice, blame, and guilt actually mean.
JAW: Pre-show Music with Kimo Camat
Portland based performer Kimo Camat will be performing a pre-show set to the afternoon’s play filled with songs ranging from Funk, Neo Soul, and a dash of Musical Theatre. Joined by Mak Kastelic on keys and Juliet Terrill on bass, Kimo wants you to come hang for an afternoon of cool drinks and soft tunes downtown in the Pearl.
Write Like You! Finding Your Voice with Julia Izumi JAW Community Artist Lab
One of the biggest lifelong hurdles as a writer is to find your voice--and learn to love it! In this workshop, through several writing and performance exercises we'll explore all the different ways to encourage your creativity and imagination and let your own authentic voice soar, even through characters and stories that are totally, 100% fictional.
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