Reviews of The Light
Local Reviews
"In just 75 taut minutes, this play starts out as sort of a rom-com, takes a deep dive into complex social and emotional territories, and provides a model for forgiveness, hope, and reconciliation. It is also some of the best acting I’ve seen on any stage in quite a long time... the performances by Alexander and Vernae are electric." - Krista Garver, BroadwayWorld
“The Light is the best new play I have seen in many years.” - Kris Haines, The Crippled Critic
"a breathtaking feat of burn-down-the-house acting by its two stars" - Oregon ArtsWatch
"powerful, funny, and expertly acted" - Sandra de Helen, Shoutout
Audience Raves
“Do not miss this one. An outstanding play brought to life by a stellar cast under pitch perfect direction, on an awesome set. With the intimacy of this small theatre, every sigh and movement has its own power. Theater does not get any better than this, anywhere.”
“This is my favorite show all year... a must see for everyone.”
“Moving, gripping, humorous, warm. This show was wonderful.”
“Best play I have seen in ages! Acting, stage setting, script were fantastic!!!”
“The actors were amazing. They took me on an emotional roller coaster ride.”
“It was amazing, loved the set design, the actors were fantastic, and loved the conversation it generated. My partner and I loved it.”
“One of the best productions PCS has staged in years. Excellent acting, great dialogue and a captivating story line.”
“Don't miss seeing this outstanding play with amazing performances. It is as perfect as a theater experience can get.”
"I saw this last night and man - blown away. This show is so relevant and necessary. The emotions they brought to the play and the subtle direction made it the most perfectly imperfect human experience. And I love that it ended in a really hard place, because that's where we are. I'm tearing up this morning just remembering how real it was. Please tell all of the crew and staff - thank you."
National Reviews
“An exploration of truth, pain, and ultimately, the power of love.” - Playbill
“The Light is the full package - great writing, superb acting, sensitive direction, excellent production values and timely, relevant subject matter presented with honesty, humor, dignity, passion and love. A powerful and affecting combination.” - New York Theatre Guide
“an unexpected mix of #MeToo and Rom-Com” - New York Times
“explosive and exquisite” - Stage Left
More about The Light:
Chicago Fire: The Music that Shaped the Chi
Brush up on a little Chicago Hip Hop history to help round out the setting of Loy A. Webb's The Light, courtesy of PCS Literary Manager and Dramaturg Kamilah Bush.
The Light Reading List
Calling all readers! Multnomah County Library put together a reading list inspired by our production of The Light.
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!
Pre-show Panel Discussion with Black Men's Wellness
Join us for a pre-show panel discussion as part of BIPOC Affinity Night for The Brothers Size, featuring Black Men’s Wellness.
Adult Class: Before & After - The Brothers Size
Join Literary Manager and Dramaturg Kamilah Bush for an opportunity to explore the work of playwright Tarrell Alvin McCraney and his relationship to the southern aesthetic, masculinity and African cosmology, and how these elements come alive in PCS production of The Brothers Size.
May First Thursday featuring Tahirah Memory
Join us for May First Thursday featuring live music by Portland-based soul singer and songwriter Tahirah Memory, playing a mix of original songs and covers in a fun combo of jazz and R&B styles.
Foundations of Improvisation: Sunday Afternoon Series
Looking to expand your knowledge and skills of improvisation? Whether you did theater in high school and want to jump back in, are looking to find creative connections with others, or are a theater professional looking to deepen your training, this course is perfect for you!
Acting for Adults Level III: Actors' Toolbox
Explore Anne Bogart’s viewpoints, Meisner’s technique of repetition, Adler’s emotional recall, Laban’s eight efforts, Lecoq’s seven levels of tension, Michael Chekhov’s psychological gestures and learn to apply these to text of your choosing.
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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