This is a world premier! Be the first to see this beautiful work
Great Wide Open
By Jessica Wallenfels
April 12th – May 7th, 2023
BIPOC Performances
Wed, April 19th, 7.30pm
Sun, April 30th, 2pm
Fri, May 5th, 7.30pm
Join us at Firehouse Restaurant on April 15th to Celebrate Opening Night with special guests - Co-Directors Jessica Wallenfels & Charles Grant.
[adapted from the novel Into the Great Wide Open by Kevin Canty]
Directed by Jessica Wallenfels and Charles Grant
This is a Co-Production with Many Hat Collaboration
ABOUT
In a world of confusion two teenagers find hope and solace in each other…
World-weary Kenny wants to escape the nightmare of his family life when his world collides with troubled, fiercely independent Junie’s and he finds the refuge he’s been seeking.
Seniors in high school, and on the brink of possibility, Kenny and Junie take us on an intense, messy, and confusing journey that evokes the heady emotional truth of young love and confronts the hypocrisy of the American dream head on.
Exciting, beautiful and full of life lessons that teach us to speak our truth out loud.
Photos by Shawnte Sims
Masking At Portland Playhouse
Masks are optional, but strongly recommended, at Portland Playhouse.
We recognize there are some members of our community who will find it difficult to safely enjoy their Playhouse experience in a mask-optional environment. Therefore, there are a number of performances that are designated masks required. Please see the event page, which indicates the performances that still require masks.
Health and Safety remains a top priority at Portland Playhouse, as such we will continue to monitor Covid 19 in our community. We ask that you remain flexible as our masking situation may change in the future if we feel it is in the best interest of our cast, crew, staff and patrons.
Creative Team & Cast Listing
CREATIVE TEAM
Playwright: Jessica Wallenfels
Directors: Jessica Wallenfels & Charles Grant^
Choreography: Jessica Wallenfels, Charles Grant^ & the Cast
Original Music: Eric Nordin, Katie Sawicki & Zanny Geffel
Scenic & Lighting Designer: Kaye Blankenship
Costume Designer: Maia Denzler^
Properties Designer & Scenic Artist: Bei Yi Teo^
Sound Designer: Eric Nordin
Stage Manager: David Levine*
Assistant Stage Manager: Vanessa Elsner
Dramaturg: Stephen Robinson
Cultural Competency Consultant: Keela Johnson
Covid Compliance Officer: Cassie Greer
Head Electrician: Allison Knight-Blaine
Head Carpenter: Brent Hall
Sound Engineer: Saibi Khalsa
CAST
Kenny: Anthony Michael Shepard^
Junie: Leiana Rousseau Petlewski
K, Dr. Mrs Williamson, Mike, EMT, Syd: Lane Barbour^
EN, Woman in Tracksuit, Ms. Connolly, Dr. Richards, Cop: Beth Thompson
NY, Jacob, Wentworth, Dad, Waiter, Severin Watkins: Bobby Bermea*
UNDERSTUDIES
Kenny: Orlando Reyes Cabrera^
Junie: Claire Aldridge
K, EN, & NY: Alec Lugo
Appears as courtesy of Actor's Equity
Portland Playhouse Apprentice Company Member
Former Portland Playhouse Apprentice Company Member
Thank you to our Show Sponsor
Charlotte Rubin
Our Season Funders
Thanks to these media sponsors
Interested in Getting Involved?
We are always looking for volunteers as well as apprentices, crew members and corporate partnerships.