Astoria: Part One
Adapted from the best-selling book by Peter Stark, this harrowing dual journey — one over land, one by sea — will be told with an exceptional cast of sixteen actors. At a time when the edge of American settlement barely reached beyond the Appalachian Mountains, two visionaries — President Thomas Jefferson and millionaire John Jacob Astor — foresaw that one day the Pacific would dominate world trade as much as the Atlantic did in their day. Just two years after the Lewis and Clark Expedition concluded in 1806, Jefferson and Astor turned their sights westward once again. Thus began one of history’s dramatic but largely forgotten turning points in the conquest of the North American continent.
Who's who:
View the cast & creative team bios.
Playbill:
Explore the playbill.
Run Time:
Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one intermission.
Note:
Recommended for ages 14 and up. Contains gunshot sound effects, and some mature content and language. The actors in this production will be using tobacco-free herbal pipes. Children under 6 are not permitted at any production.
Please be Advised:
Astoria: Part One is a limited engagement outside of the regular 2017-2018 season. Vouchers, promotional codes and coupons are not accepted for this production.
Resource Guide:
Download resource guide (PDF)
Reviews of "Astoria: Part Two"
"Astoria is a great way to learn the history behind the place we all call home. It reminds us to be grateful to the people who sacrificed their lives, as well as recognize the cultures that had been here long before Astor conceived his plan.”
A Family History Unfolds On Stage
In 1811, Alexander McKay and his son Thomas arrived at the mouth of the Columbia River aboard the Tonquin ship as members of the Pacific Fur Company. 206 years later, in 2017, Alexander’s great-great-great-great-grandson, Bob Nelson, settled into a seat at The Armory to watch Astoria: Part One.
Art Installation by Portland Cherokee Artist Brenda Mallory
The Armory will host Recurring Chapters in the Book of Inevitable Outcomes, an art installation by Brenda Mallory, a local artist and member of the Cherokee Nation. Now through the run of And So We Walked.
The Astor Expedition Ale
In celebration of Astoria: Part Two, we've partnered with the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce and five Astoria brewers to create a limited edition beer to commemorate the 19th century expedition.
The Music of Astoria
From the French Canadian voyaguer songs to traditional American folk songs, explore the music in Astoria.
Resource Guide for Educators: Peter Stark
Astoria author Peter Stark talks about writing and researching the book, and the journey's lasting impact today.
A Bird's-Eye View of "Astoria"
Astoria is an overflowing treasure chest of history; this article offers a peek into the context of the world of the play and snapshot introductions to some of its fascinating inhabitants.
"Astoria" Marathon Day Happy Hours
Artisans from our costume department will be showing off their work between marathon performances of Astoria: Part One and Two.
Reviews of "Astoria: Part One"
"Astoria is comparable to The Crown, Marco Polo, Frontier or any other prestige period drama saved in your Netflix queue. Even better: This monumental miniseries is live..."
"Astoria" Reading List
From Washington Irving to Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee to the French Canadian voyageurs, dive deeper with the books that inspired Astoria. Includes links to buy or read for free online.
Key Dates of the Astor Expedition
From John Jacob Astor's first days as an immigrant to the War of 1812 and Oregon's statehood, explore the Astoria timeline.
"Astoria" Cast and Creative Team
Learn about the incredible cast and creative team we've assembled for Astoria: Part One and Two.
"Astoria" Cast and Creative Team
Learn about the incredible cast and creative team we've assembled for Astoria: Part One and Two.
Current & Upcoming
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B
A bold, feminist take on the iconic crime-fighting duo! This wonderfully farcical comedy packs non-stop laughs and crime-fighting hijinks galore.
Photography Exhibit: Pas de trois by Jingzi Zhao
The photography series Pas de trois will feature Jingzi Zhao's ongoing collaboration with Xuan Cheng and Brian Simcoe, two principals from Oregon Ballet Theater. These images are a celebration of motivation, artistry, and creative alchemy created over the last three years.
Art Exhibit: Augury House presents Breaking Ground Lunar New Year Celebration
BREAKING GROUND is an exhibition by Carissa Te-Hsuan Chu to celebrate the 2023 Lunar New Year and serve as a conceptual opening ceremony of the Lone Fir Cemetery Block 14 Cultural Heritage and Healing Garden. The event will feature pre-show writing prompts and audience interactions in the main lobby.
Pre-show Music featuring Jermaine
As part of The People's Party: BIPOC Affinity Night for Ms. Holmes & Ms.Watson - Apt. 2B join us before the show for a performance by Portland-based multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Jermaine. Plus, there will be a Sherlock-worthy mystery game for guests to solve as part of Affinity Night programming.
The People's Party: BIPOC Affinity Night for Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B
We invite all who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and their guests, to attend a performance of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B.
Young Americans
With Bowie blaring from a mixtape, two road trips veer back and forth in time, as an upbeat father and his jaded daughter take a journey that mirrors the father’s life-changing road trip 20 years earlier.
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
Show Sponsors
2017-2018 Supporting Sponsors
