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
JUMP TO: Dates, Run Time, Playbill, & More
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)
More About This Production
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
JAW Community Artist Lab: Using Images to Catalyze New Work with Dr. Taylor Barfield
Playwrights from August Wilson to Stephen Sondheim have found inspiration for their dramatic works on the canvas of a visual artist. In this workshop, we'll use images and music as a way to launch the playwriting process, craft language, and listen for character.
JAW PRESS PLAY: Featuring the Pablo Rivarola combo
JAW PRESS PLAY: Featuring live music by the Pablo Rivarola combo.
JAW Play Reading: Teen Playwrights Showcase
Celebrate the newest generation of theater artists in this high-energy showcase of 8-10 minute plays written by local teens. These young writers are selected from PCS’s year-round education programs and the PCS Teen Council. The playwrights are commissioned to create bold new works that reflect their voices and experiences.
JAW PRESS PLAY: The Latino Network's Ballet Folklórico dancers
A performance by the Latino Network’s Ballet Folklórico students, a program that honors and promotes Mexican culture, heritage, and identity through traditional dance classes and performances for youth and the community.
JAW Play Reading: Out There
Created by William Carlos Angulo, Isaac Gómez & Michelle J. Rodriguez
Music & Lyrics by Michelle J Rodriguez
Book by Isaac Gómez
When MJ, a once-great musician turned recluse, summons his best friends to his beach house with a "code red," old tensions and buried secrets resurface as the characters confront their shared pasts and uncertain futures. A PCS Commission, Out There is a richly layered story about family, love, and redemption told through the intersecting lives of three lifelong best friends—MJ, David, and Lars—and the people bound to them, in this deeply resonant portrait of connection. Set against the Pacific Northwest’s storm-lashed coastlines, and bustling cityscapes, Out There offers breathtaking music and heart-bending harmonies that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Be the first to catch this gem of a new musical before it launches into the world.
JAW PRESS PLAY: REST JOY PLAY: A Queer Literaoke (Drag Edition!!) presented by Liminal Bodies
Join us for Rest | Joy | Play: A Queer Literaoke Pop Up (Drag Edition!!!), a pre-reading community event centering and celebrating queer and trans artists as they sing karaoke favorites and read from their own literary works. Enjoy singing, mingling, and supporting local queer organizations! Presented in partnership with Liminal Bodies.
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
Production Sponsors
2017-2018 Season Supporting Sponsors
