Reviews of "The Oregon Trail"
Brash and Funny
"With a script that's brash and funny, a cast of talented actors with great comedic timing, and deft set design, The Oregon Trail is a fun show, particularly for adults of a certain age group. This is definitely not a show for kids, despite the video game tie-in, but for anyone who grew up playing "Oregon Trail" or came of age in the '90s, The Oregon Trail hits all the marks." -EDGEMedia
Crisply Written Dark Comedy
"Brunstetter's dialogue is flooded with wit and warm '90s nostalgia ... it's a heartening sign that geeks will inherit the earth when a nerdy educational video game from middle school gets such a strapping theatrical production at Portland Center Stage." -The Oregonian
You will be Transported
"For the Nostalgia-Factor alone, "The Oregon Trail" stage-play would be worth the price of admission for students of a certain era ... it was the little things that made the play enjoyable, not only the tidbits of nostalgia, or the self-deprecating jabs at my generation, but also things you'd never have thought of had you not been reminded ... If you want to vividly relive a moment in time, see The Oregon Trail." -The Crippled Critic
Smart and Funny
"It’s well-acted, well-directed by PCS associate artistic director Rose Riordan, and beautifully staged. Now Jane’s dialog with the ever-present computer game is brilliant." -Judy Nedry
A Well-Meshed Cast
"I loved the contrasting stories and especially the wry voice of the Narrator as it gave a deeper substance to the inner self of Jane. Riordan has cast it well and kept the story understandable, even when jumping back and forth through centuries." -Dennis Sparks
Hilarious Effect
"Besides the nod the The Oregon Trail, there are multiple nostalgic nods to the 90s peppered through the play, varying from floppy disks to Teen Spirit to more prominently, music that somehow crosses over between Now Jane and Then Jane to hilarious effect. I loved the staging of the entire production ... A turntable is used wonderfully during a ford the river scene, and a tumbleweed doubles down on conveying the environment around the wagon." -Pechluck's Food Adventures
More about The Oregon Trail:
10 Beloved Coming of Age Stories (For Girls)
From The Outsiders to Little Women, Growing Pains and My So-Called Life, Bekah Brunstetter's play The Oregon Trail has us reminiscing about our favorite coming of age tales.
"The Oregon Trail" Cast and Creative Team
Learn about the team battling dysentery in The Oregon Trail.
Perspectives series for "The Oregon Trail"
Join The Armory in partnership with PIGSquad, Rose City Games and the Oregon Games Organization for a series of 30-minute post-show discussions following select Sunday matinee performances of Oregon Trail.
Resource Guide for Educators: The History of the Game
What The Oregon Trail game meant for one pre-teen girl
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!
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