Portland Center Stage Announces Events in Support of OPUS

What happens when some of the world's most highly-strung artists become...unstrung? Portland Center Stage is proud to present 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.

In support of the current production of Opus, Portland Center Stage is proud to present the following community programs.

Sounds.Like.Portland
Saturday April 16th, 23rd, and 30th
6:30-7:15pm
In the Armory Café - FREE
Portland Center Stage continues is free Saturday night pre-show music series in The Armory Cafe with Classical Revolution PDX.

Shop Talk
A Brownbag Discussion Series
Wednesday April 20th
Noon to 1pm
Armory Café - FREE
Portland Center Stage and Oregon Humanities present Shop Talk, a brown bag lunch series that gives the public a chance to explore provocative ideas in PCS's spring productions. The programs pair humanities thinkers in conversation with the plays' writers, directors, and cast members.
Featuring Opus cast member Matthew Boston and Tim DuRoche, writer, artist, and jazz drummer, in a conversation about music, creativity, and chemistry.

Formative Stages Post-Show Discussion: Opus
Sunday, April 24th following the 2pm matinee
On the Main Stage - FREE
Moderated by Constance Jackson, MD
Presented in partnership with the Oregon Psychoanalytic Center, this series puts theater on the couch and the audience in the conversational driver's seat. A lively post-matinee discussion will focus on issues, themes, and lessons gleaned from the plays--revealing that theater is truly a microcosm of life.

Classical Revolution PDX Plays Opus!
Sunday, April 24th, at 7:30pm
On the Main Stage - FREE
An all-female quartet from local grassroots group Classical Revolution PDX will perform selections from Opus.
Presenting the works in a laidback, conversational format, these players will provide insight to the audience on the trickiest passages in Beethoven's Op. 131, as well as the juicy tidbits of what it takes to work together in the intimate atmosphere of chamber music.

About Opus
Opus tells the story of the world's foremost string quartet, on the verge of meltdown right before the most important performance of their careers--a live concert at the White House. PCS Artistic Director, Chris Coleman, makes his Portland acting debut in the role of Elliot, the quartet's volatile first violinist. Matthew Boston is cast as Dorian, viola player in the quartet; 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; in Opus, Stevens plays Grace, a young violist whose appearance on the scene shifts the well-established balance of the group. Finishing out the original quartet are Greg Jackson as Alan, on second violin, and Chris Hietikko as Carl, the cellist; both are making their Portland Center Stage debuts.

Opus is directed by Brendon Fox. Scenic Design is by James Kronzer, with costumes 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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