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128 NW Eleventh Ave, Portland, OR 97209 · 503-445-3700 · www.pcs.org
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Astoria: Part One

January 13 – February 17, 2018
On the U.S. Bank Main Stage

Astoria: Part One

JUMP TO: Dates, Run Time, Playbill, & More

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.

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More About This Production

Preview image for Reviews of "Astoria: Part Two"

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.” 

Preview image for A Family History Unfolds On Stage

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.

Preview image for Art Installation by Portland Cherokee Artist Brenda Mallory

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

Preview image for The Astor Expedition Ale

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.

Preview image for The Music of Astoria

The Music of Astoria

From the French Canadian voyaguer songs to traditional American folk songs, explore the music in Astoria. 

Preview image for Resource Guide for Educators: Peter Stark

Resource Guide for Educators: Peter Stark

Astoria author Peter Stark talks about writing and researching the book, and the journey's lasting impact today.

Preview image for A Bird's-Eye View of "Astoria"

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.

Preview image for "Astoria" Marathon Day Happy Hours

"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.

Preview image for Reviews of "Astoria: Part One"

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..."

Preview image for "Astoria" Reading List

"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.

Preview image for Key Dates of the Astor Expedition

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.

Preview image for "Astoria" Cast and Creative Team

"Astoria" Cast and Creative Team

Learn about the incredible cast and creative team we've assembled for Astoria: Part One and Two.

Preview image for "Astoria" Cast and Creative Team

"Astoria" Cast and Creative Team

Learn about the incredible cast and creative team we've assembled for Astoria: Part One and Two.

Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).

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Production Sponsors

2017-2018 Season Supporting Sponsors