CAST BACK Erika LaVonn is grateful to make her Portland Playhouse debut as “Rose” in Fences, and counts this as her 8th production of an August Wilson play, and the 5th within his cannon. She’s worked small and big screens, in soaps and dramas, including Law & Order: SVU, and War of the Worlds. From […]
CAST BACK Bryant is very excited to return to the Portland Playhouse. You might remember him when he portrayed Boy Willie in August Wilson’s THE PIANO LESSON. Other credits include MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM, TWO TRAINS RUNNING, JITNEY, GEM OF THE OCEAN, FENCES, BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY, A SOLDIERS PLAY, DETROIT 67, MASTER HAROLD AND
CAST BACK Veteran actor Lester was introduced to the world of theater during his senior year in high school, which lead to 17 lead roles while attending Mars Hill University. Lester started acting professionally with summer stock but, it was what seemed an ambitious move to Minnesota for an actor of his “type” with only
Music Director BACK Music Director Chika Kaba Ma’atunde, formally Carlton Leake, was an adroit student of Dr. Lulah Hedgeman (PBUH) and Prof. Merle Gartrell (PBUH). Chika began his professional career at 14 when he played bass for Erma Clanton’s theatrical production An Evening of Soul. During his career, he assumed the role of an actor/singer,
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DIRECTOR BACK Patdro Harris (Director/Broadway Choreographer/Writer) is nationally and internationally recognized and respected by colleagues, critics, and fans. The Washington Post hails him as a “superb choreographer”. The New York Times applauds his artistry as “praiseworthy”. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution enthusiastically commends his work as “dynamic … brilliant…solid season after season”. And the Houston Chronicle says
CREATIVE TEAM BACK Playwright Regina Taylor is the author of OO-BLA-DEE, which received its world premiere at the Goodman Theatre in 1999 and later transferred to the La Jolla Playhouse. In April 2000, OO-BLA-DEE received the American Theatre Critics/Steinberg New Play Award. Ms. Taylor’s other projects include CROWNS, which premiered at McCarter Theatre in their
CAST BACK Man/Elegba Andre’ Neal is and actor,singer,dancer,writer and director that’s known for his high energy performances, this artist started his career at the behest of his amazing mother Charlotte, whom he lost Christmas 2016.This diversely talented entertainer first started acting at the age of 5 when he was cast for a Dr. Pepper commercial
CAST BACK Mabel/Shango Portland native Kristin Robinson has played roles from Alma Hix in the Music Man to Harriet Tubman working in local NW Repertory Theatres over the last eight years. Most recently during the 2017-2018 season Kristin wowed sold out crowds at the Lakewood Center for the Arts in the lead role of Deloris
CAST BACK Mother Shaw/Obatala After 35 years as a revered member of the Portland music scene, Marilyn Keller has been inducted into the 2016 Jazz Society of Oregon’s Hall of Fame. Not only has Marilyn excelled in Jazz, Ragtime and Dixieland- she started her career as a Top-40 Band Vocalist. Her style has morphed into
CAST BACK Velma/Oya Shalanda is making her Portland Playhouse debut in Crowns. Last seen in The Color Purple at Portland Center Stage at The Armory, favorite credits include Dreamgirls at The Armory, The Pirates of Penzance with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival at Portland Opera, and Gospel Christmas at Oregon Symphony. Shalanda studied theater at University
