Young Americans
A world premiere from one of the hottest playwrights in America!
This hilarious, heartfelt new play takes audiences on two road trips, 20 years apart. In one, immigrants Jenny and Joe depart for their new home in Portland, learning to connect as a newly engaged couple. 20 years later, Joe and their adopted daughter, Lucy, set out for a similar cross-country adventure. As Jenny and Joe traverse the strange territory of their new country, and Lucy pieces together their bittersweet family history, this beautiful comedy explores what home and belonging truly mean — and the lengths we will go to for the people we love.
Don't miss this PCS-commissioned play from the acclaimed playwright of The Great Leap and Cambodian Rock Band.
Young Americans
- By Lauren Yee
- Directed by Desdemona Chiang
Fri, Mar 17, 2023
For the 7:30 p.m. performance of Young Americans
We invite all who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and their guests, to attend a performance of Young Americans.
GENERAL PERFORMANCE TIMES*
Evenings
Wednesdays – Sundays at 7:30 p.m.
Matinees
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 p.m.
Select Thursdays at 2 p.m.
*Schedule may vary for some shows. Please check our season calendar to confirm.
Approximately 90 minutes. No intermission.
Audio Described
February 26, 2 p.m.
Sign Interpreted
March 9, 7:30 p.m.
Open Captioned
March 11, 2 p.m.
NOTE: Assistive listening devices are available for all performances.
We are committed to making our performances and facilities accessible to all of our patrons.
This production is recommended for ages 13 and up. It contains adult situations and language, depictions of racism, and drug use.
Learn more by calling 503-445-3700.
We have deals to meet every schedule and budget!
Health and flexibility are our top priorities. Please read about the protocols we have in place to ensure the health and safety of our patrons, artists, staff, and community.
Young Americans Reading List
Calling all readers! Multnomah County Library put together a reading list inspired by our production of Young Americans.
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.
Live Podcast: Klyph Notes with DJ Klyph with guest Bocha
DJ Klyph is a staple of the Portland scene and consistently provides local hip-hop communities through terrestrial radio (XRAY.FM) and live events (My People's Market, The Numberz FM, etc.). The Klyph Notes program is now coming to Portland Center Stage with an opportunity for fans to be a part of a live recording of the podcast and interact with host Klyph, resident DJ O.G.ONE, and special guest Bocha.
March First Thursday with DJ Gila Suspectum and DJ Lapaushi
Join us for March First Thursday featuring DJ Gila Suspectum (UwU PDX collective member and Director of the Portland Two Spirit Society) and DJ Lapaushi (Noche Libre DJ collective) as they spin music that spans across varied genres and geography.
Pre-Show Music Featuring Rainezra
As part of The People's Party BIPOC Affinity Night for Young Americans, join us for a pre-show happy hour solo set by Portland-based musician Rainezra. Complimentary beer provided by Deschutes Brewery.
The People's Party: BIPOC Affinity Night for Young Americans
We invite all who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and their guests, to attend a performance of Young Americans.
Art Exhibit: The Year of The Rabbits by Qi You
Portland Center Stage will host The Year of the Rabbits, an art exhibit by Portland-based artist Qi You. The Year of the Rabbits draws upon the artist’s history as a design student at China Central Academy of Fine Arts and Qi and involves reinventing traditional zodiac animal iconography and bringing her wishes into a new collective story with this dedicated life-long project.
Young Americans
Danny Bernardo* | Joe |
Sammy Rat Rios* | Lucy |
Marielle Young* | Jenny |
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Lauren Yee | Playwright |
Desdemona Chiang | Director |
Junghyun Georgia Lee | Scenic Designer |
Susan Tsu | Costume Designer |
Solomon Weisbard | Lighting Designer |
Andre Pluess | Sound Designer |
Kamilah Bush | Dramaturg |
Janine Vanderhoff* | Stage Manager |
Dana Petersen* | Assistant Stage Manager |
Chip Miller & RaChelle Schmidt | Casting |
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
The Director is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union.
The Scenic, Costume, Lighting, and Sound Designers in LORT theaters are represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.
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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