Casting Announced for Portland Center Stage’s OPUS

Rehearsals have started and the fine-tuning begins at Portland Center Stage for Opus, by Michael Hollinger, the tart, witty play about the politics and passions that threaten a classical string quartet. Opus previews on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, with opening night set for April 15, and performances through May 8. Performance times are Tuesday through Sunday, 7:30 pm, with matinees at 2:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and some Thursday matinees at noon. Tickets start at $33 for full adult prices, with student and under age 30 discounts available. Rush tickets may be available for some performances at $20 each. For a full calendar of performances and ticket availability, visit the show page at www.pcs.org/opus.

Making his Portland acting debut in the role of Elliot is PCS Artistic Director Chris Coleman. "Having been performing since I was five, it's a little hard to believe that I took [this] long of a hiatus, but I've had plenty to keep me busy. And honestly, it's pretty rare that I discover a part I'd really like to play. But Elliot got my attention," said Coleman about taking on the rolE. Coleman has previously performed with Dallas Theater Center, Actors' Express and Alliance Theater Company.

Also in the cast is Matthew Boston, as Dorian. Boston was last seen at PCS as Adult Reuven in The Chosen. Also returning to the Gerding Theater stage is Sarah Stevens who played Betty Schafer in Sunset Boulevard. The cast also includes Greg Jackson and Chris Hietikko, who are making their Portland Center Stage debuts.

Opus is directed by Brendon Fox. Fox is a former Associate Artistic Director for The Old Globe Theater in San Diego and has directed plays at Texas Shakespeare Festival, Playmakers Repertory Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse and others. Scenic Design is by James Kronzer. Costumes are by Holly Poe Durbin. Lighting design is by Patricia Collins and the sound designer is Casi Pacilio.

Production Sponsors for Opus are Umpqua Private Bank, Ann and Tom Ridenhour and Ronni Lacroute/Willakenzie Estate.

Portland Center Stage's 20010/11 season is funded in part by Umpqua Private Bank, the Regional Arts & Culture Council and Work for Art; the Oregon Arts Commission; the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation; and Tim & Mary Boyle.

Portland Center Stage inspires our community by bringing stories to life in unexpected ways. Established in 1988 as a branch of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, PCS became an independent theater in 1994 and has been under the leadership of Artistic Director Chris Coleman since May 2000. The company presents a blend of classic, contemporary and original productions in a conscious effort to appeal to the eclectic palate of theatergoers in Portland. PCS also offers a variety of education and outreach programs for curious minds from six to 106, including discussions, classes, workshops and partnerships with organizations throughout the Portland metro area.

THE GERDING THEATER AT THE ARMORY houses a 599-seat Main Stage and the 200-seat black box Ellyn Bye Studio. It was the first building on the National Register of Historic Places, and the first performing arts venue, to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. The Gerding Theater at the Armory opened to the public on Oct. 1, 2006. The capital campaign to fund the renovation of this hub for community artistic activity continues.

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