Sharing some holiday laughs with YOU
Chantal DeGroat plays Belle in Twist Your Dickens, along with iconic characters like Tiny Tim, little orphan Annie, and even Sally from the Peanuts gang. In the interview below, she shares some highlights from her time in the show.
What is your favorite moment in Twist Your Dickens and why?
I love being Annie in the show — I sometimes feel like I'm an actual living cartoon — my head has literally almost popped off! In that same moment on stage, there is no comparison to feeding off of Lauren Modica's energy as the iconic Dorothy who lives in all our hearts.
Describe your craziest costume change:
I have about .00004 seconds to change from one fully actualized ridiculous Xmas character into Tiny Tim, leg brace and all! Thank the stars we have our team of the best dressers you can find anywhere, or this show would be up the creek!
What is your favorite character in the show (played by you or someone else)?
Sam Dinkowitz as the Ghost of Xmas Past almost breaks me on stage on a nightly basis. Just to see him out there, relentlessly giving 100% in that costume with that look on his face (and sweet dance moves) is a holiday treat that keeps on giving
What is the best audience misdeed you can recall?
Gosh, I'd have to say that the amount of misdeeds revolving around poop is a delight. In those moments, I know we are truly coming together as spiritual creatures united in humanity.
What is the most surprising thing that has happened during the run?
Both Jaime Moyer and Beth Melewski were just dynamite as Ruby Santini. The words those ladies would improvise in song have caused the house to roar with laughter like I've never heard! Most of the cast is mesmerized back stage, listening, just loving to hear what they come up with out there.
Anything you’d like to share with people thinking about coming to the show?
If you haven't seen Twist yet, come on down! Who knows how many more chances there will be to see a holiday show that stretches the boundaries like this? ...and if you've already seen it, come watch for the new scenes and improv. We're having a blast up there and would love to share the holidays laughing with you!
More about The Second City’s A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens:
Reviews of "Twist Your Dickens"
"Twist comes at humor from so many angles, with such irreverence and zeal, your amusement is practically guaranteed."
Supporting Oregon Culture is as Simple as 1, 2, 3!
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Holiday Specialty Cocktails at The Armory
From Dickensian-era cocktails to mulled wine and eggnog, our Resident Mixologist Melissa Larrabee has created delicious concoctions to warm your spirit this holiday season.
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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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