Astoria: Part Two
A World Premiere!
Continuing the ambitious adventure of Part One, which told the stories of the Astor expeditions by land and sea to establish trade routes to the Pacific Northwest, Part Two is about the extraordinary endeavors that lead to the establishment of Astoria, the first permanent United States settlement on the West Coast.
Reprise performances of Astoria: Part One will be offered as a special engagement on February 11, 15 and 17. Each of the performances of Part One is paired with a performance of Astoria: Part Two, providing the opportunity to experience the entire adventure in one day.
Who’s Who:
View the cast and creative team bios.
Playbill:
Explore the playbill.
Run Time:
Approximately
2 hours and 35 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 at The Armory.
Resource Guide:
Download resource guide (PDF)
Astoria: Part Two
- Previews are Jan. 20-25 | Opening night Jan. 26
- Adapted and directed by Chris Coleman
- Based on the book ASTORIA: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire, A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival by Peter Stark
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.”
Specialty Cocktails Inspired by "Astoria: Part Two"
Resident Mixologist and The Armory Bar Supervisor Melissa Larrabee writes about creating the delicious specialty cocktails inspired by Astoria: Part Two.
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..."
Behind the Scenes of "Astoria"
From props to rehearsal to creating 53 wooden pikes, get a special sneak peek into the making of Astoria.
"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.
"Astoria: Part Two" Receives Creative Heights Grant
We were very excited to recently receive a $100,000 grant from The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) through its Creative Heights initiative.
The "Astoria" Design Team Visits Astoria
Artistic Director Chris Coleman blogs about the day the Astoria design team piled into a van and drove West.
Current & Upcoming
Gallery Exhibit: #MaskOutHate
Portland Center Stage will host an art and textile exhibit titled #MaskOutHate in partnership with the community collective of the same name. The exhibit will feature face masks and designs created in collaboration with impacted community members in the Portland area as a response to increased racism experienced by BIPOC communities during the current and ongoing pandemic.
Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord
A tour-de-force performance by Kristina Wong, whose sharp humor — and “Auntie Sewing Squad” — explores the early days of the pandemic to offer an inspirational path back to a healing world.
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
This heartwarming journey of community triumph is reimagined for the stage as a live radio broadcast complete with a stellar cast, gorgeous music, lavish costumes, and — of course — George Bailey!
Musical Theater Dance for Actors Who Move
Dance auditions can be intense and intimidating, but they don't have to be! This class will teach Broadway-inspired choreography and focus on strengthening jazz fundamentals, learning to capture choreography details, improvisation, and how to give your best dance audition.
Liberace & Liza Holiday Show
David Saffert and Jillian Snow Harris share the stage as Liberace and Liza Minnelli, creating an exhilarating night of musical and comical fireworks. Bo Ayars, Liberace’s actual arranger/music director, conducts the show for an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment that includes loads of Liberace holiday piano medleys, showstopping Liza hits, and enough comedy and sequins to keep you giddy well into the new year!
Standup Comedy: Good News with Lee H. Tillman
Good News with Lee H. Tillman is a monthly live comedy event where Portland’s funniest comedians riff on the day's headlines. Sometimes it’s geopolitics and sometimes it’s celebrity gossip but it’s always hilarious. For the December show lineup, taking the stage will be comedians Avery Scott II, Quinne Salameh, and Zane Thomas. Hosted by Lee H. Tillman.
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
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