Sometimes A Great Notion

World Premiere
by Aaron Posner, adapted from the novel by Ken Kesey; Directed by Aaron Posner; painting by Michael Brophy, courtesy of Laura Russo Gallery
April 1 – 27, 2008 || main stage

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Sometimes a Great Notion runs approximately 2 hours, 35 minutes, with one intermission.

Ken Kesey’s epic tale is set amid the conflict between the Stamper clan – a family of hard-nosed, self-centered lumberjacks – and the out-of-work union loggers in town. But the heart of the story is the struggle between two brothers: one who represents the land, the body and the spirit the pioneers brought with them over the Oregon Trail; the other an introspective, Yale-educated gentleman whose long-awaited return home provides the play’s catalyst. The fury of the brothers’ long-held grudge rises to the surface as their love for the same woman becomes increasingly impossible to ignore. Writer/director Aaron Posner has telescoped this monumental work into two jam-packed hours on the stage, while managing to encompass the scope, passion and power of the original story as well as the eloquence of Kesey’s unique literary voice.

Warning- Just like Ken Kesey’s life, his production contains strong language, nudity, theatrical haze and smoking.

Did you know the man? Learn more about Ken Kesey and share your own personal remembrances of the man here.

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sponsored by
Wieden + Kennedy, Babler Development and The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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24 comments

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James Clark said in 3-28-2008 @ 21:57:47

Can one purchase tickets on line? I would like to purchase for the 4/27 performance of Sometimes a Great Notion.

Marguerite Powell said in 3-29-2008 @ 16:39:01

I am bringing my students to see “Sometimes A Great Notion,” and wondered if you had a study guide to go along with the play.

Thanks - Marguerite Powell

trishap said in 3-31-2008 @ 13:40:02

Yes you can purchase online. Click the buy tickets button on the top left of the page.

Study guide should be available by Opening Night, April 4th. You’ll be able to download it directly from this page. We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Judy said in 4-1-2008 @ 20:11:20

Hi folks — For planning purposses, how long is this play?
Thanks!

Sophia Treleven said in 4-1-2008 @ 20:19:40

I am delighted to hear Keseys work lives on. I will defenately be purchasing tickets- one as a 66th birthday gift for my Mother who is a Ken Kesey admirer. Looking forward to seeing ‘Sometimes a Great Notion’ in Portland.

Ed said in 4-2-2008 @ 09:17:45

What is the running time for this show? Is there an intermission?

John Davis said in 4-6-2008 @ 15:11:10

Most aspects of Notion were excellent. The
rest quite good, best, P.J.Sosko salute to solidarity at currain call. “An injury to one is . . . ” jd

grantsgoddess said in 4-7-2008 @ 11:26:39

Hello Judy and Ed -

We’ve got the running time further up on the page, just above the synopsis. The play is about 2 hrs, 35 minutes, with one intermission. Opening night’s performance ran from 7:30 to 10:06.

robert allen said in 4-8-2008 @ 15:26:06

I want to buy a ticket and use my “Chinook Book” Coupon for the second.Are some performances unavailable and how do I buy this way? Thanks

Pat B said in 4-9-2008 @ 08:55:44

Two friends and I attended the preview eve on 4/1.
Incredible set and characters were true to Kesey’s vision. Since my friends and I are contemporaries of Kesey (I was one year behind him at UofO) and had relatives in the logging trade, we had some comments on costumes.. no Carharts, no hems on pants (usually fringe and strings hanging), pants usually black denim, and “hickory” shirts.
Thank you for a great production. I’ve told all my friends that no Oregonian should miss this one.

Bill Anderson said in 4-9-2008 @ 09:30:18

SGN. “conflict between the Stamper clan – a family of hard-nosed, self-centered lumberjacks – and the out-of-work union loggers…”
No psychoanalysis necessary Dr.Freud. The play shows clearly decendents of a pioneering family with strong models and leaders, a strong operating belief system pitted against a weaking culture of workers.

Box Office said in 4-9-2008 @ 11:10:46

RE: Chinook Book. These coupons are valid any Sunday through Thursday performance - buy one at the Adult price get one free. Since it is a coupon, you’ll need to purchase via phone or in person. 503.445.3700

ben said in 4-9-2008 @ 11:12:32

I saw the show last night and had a terrific time. The cast deserves big props. I would recommend it to all.

Tara said in 4-13-2008 @ 21:49:04

Saw “Sometimes” today. What a production! P.J., Tobias and Andy were just incredible!!! The set was phenominal, and from what I remember from the book, it was a great adaption. I intend on re-reading the book when I finish my current tome. Definately to be seen at least twice. PCS has hit a home run with this one. I really hope it travels. If so, PCS, make sure you send Tobias with it. Wag it and shake it!!!

Stone Manly said in 4-15-2008 @ 23:02:25

I saw it tonight. 98% of people will find this play incredibly boring.

Jessola said in 4-17-2008 @ 12:28:12

That’s a funny statistic to pull out of thin air.

I actually think this is one of the best productions we have done at PCS since I have been here. It is beautifully done from so many aspects. I have heard many people in the community buzzing about Sometimes A Great Notion and how good it is. I would venture to say quite a bit more than 2% of people will and do enjoy this show.

Ann said in 4-20-2008 @ 18:33:14

Saw it last night with my DH - very impressed with all aspects - set, lighting, sound, choreography,and acting, not to mention plot interpretation. Some people who anticipate the “song and dance” theater might be disappointed, but those who appreciate good drama and theatrical experience will find this an excellent experience.

JB said in 4-21-2008 @ 00:12:44

Just saw the show tonight and loved it. This is one of my top five books — a desert island book for sure — but it had been hard for me to envision its transformation to the stage. PCS’ production, however, nailed it for the most part. All the main characters are great (Viv maybe not as strong as the rest and possibly a little too much Niles Crane in Leland, but minor digs, all), perfect stage, liked the chorus. The whole take did the book justice, much more than the movie ever did and I’m glad it’s part of the Kesey repertoire. Great job.

cynpup said in 4-21-2008 @ 12:33:36

I was very impressed with the play, the acting & the production. The close of the first act was especially energizing and I loved the stamping choreography for the logging. I was also very impressed with Hank’s stream of consciousness while strenuously swimming the river and the fight scene between the brothers. All very real, emotionally and physically. I agree that almost every Oregonian would relate to the play…and I think it has meaning beyond Oregon. There are timeless elements of Greek and other myths here (Phedre; Cain and Abel), and issues of labor and work are being debated in the presidential campaign. In any case, I hope it travels throughout Oregon — including Ashland — at the very least. Bravo!

chris said in 4-22-2008 @ 10:09:51

I saw the play with my wife and two friends on Sunday night. After finishing the book on Saturday, I had the story fresh in mind for the performance. I believe the play captured the plot, spirit and conflict of the book as best as possible for live theater. The characters were developed to their most important points, the plot was accurate and included the strong and necessary scenes. The actors, particularly the one portraying Lee, did their characters justice - no small feat for this story. I am amazed and impressed at how true Kesey’s work was portrayed. Congratulations.

HB said in 4-23-2008 @ 17:38:22

I hope that the theater-goers who want gentle or predictable shows skip this one. The novel was neither of those things and this production does the book justice. The sets and lighting/effects capture the experience of being deep in the coastal range and the use of the chorus is just a perfect way to help bridge the gap between Kesey’s prose and dramatic action. Loved it and have recommended it to many.

JHS said in 4-25-2008 @ 09:16:18

I took 32 high school students to this play and they were engrossed. I’m frankly astonished (maybe amused) at the idiocy of the comment above (98% would find it boring). Near as I could count 100% of the house yesterday stood and applauded at the end of the show. I can’t think of a single one who looked bored. I’ve seen over twenty live productions in the past year including six in Ashland (two of which I thought were fantastic, the others were very good) yet I would put this production right up there with any of them. The acting is incredible and this play manages to create a world that you lose yourself in for two and a half hours.
I’ve seen the show twice now and would happily go see it again.
Don’t miss this- it’s really something special.

Remington said in 4-25-2008 @ 18:12:20

I went with my buddy JHS along with the 32 students on 4-24-08 and must say this production truly is a once in lifetime theatrical event. It possesses the raw emotionality and literate imagery along with the requisite universality to make it all the way to Broadway (ala KENTUCKY CYCLE and other plays birthed in regional theatres). To be apart of such a magical experience is unique as well as a privilage. With the 16 days remaining in its run, GO SEE IT now! It grabs one by the guts and holds on for dear life. It doesn’t “give a inch” and refuses to allow the audience to “get off the bus.” Well-paced and expertly staged the play flies by. The actors find the living roots of themselves manifested in the characters and create human beings. This will soon vanish into the ephemera that is theatre. Be a part of history now and see it while you can. Or wait and pay 180.00 bucks to see it on Broadway. When it does make it to Broadway, here’s to hoping the original cast remains intact. The casting cannot be improved. Well done folks!

Roberto said in 5-9-2008 @ 18:08:09

I saw the play last night (5/8/08) and loved it. Thought it was a great performance. Unfortunately there was an unusual annoyance coming from the audience. There was a man who could not contain himself and his reactions, which were inappropriate and excessive. It was as if he were at a football game rather than in the theater. His loud laughter I can excuse (even though that was interfering with the actors’ delivery of lines), however his commentary and exuberant “cheering” (he would sometimes repeat words, eg. a profanity in an actor’s line) I cannot. I felt embarrassed that the actors had to have him in the audience. I now wish someone had attempted to try to get him to tone it down

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Portland Center Stage

Sometimes A Great Notion

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