Live Performance

Step Afrika!

Step Afrika

Portland Ovations dedicates this performance to the life and memory of our dear friend Jane C. Wellehan. “Exciting and brilliantly choreographed.” THE NEW YORK TIMES A joyful mixture of songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation make STEP AFRIKA! so much more than a dance concert. The thrilling company of dancers blends percussive dance styles practiced … Read more

Sphinx Virtuosi

Sphinx Virtuosi

“True to their name, the Sphinx Virtuosi call up the vision of an iconic mythological feline with its immeasurable power, unwavering command and soulful beauty.” THE WASHINGTON POST Read program Notes for Sphinx Virtuosi voiced by George Lopez The Sphinx Virtuosi are the nation’s most dynamic, exhilarating professional chamber orchestra dedicated to increasing racial and … Read more

“Summer: The Donna Summer Musical”

Summer

“PURE BLISS. An ebullient era in music! It gives the trailblazing songstress her rightful place in pop culture” THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER Our February presentation of SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical at Merrill Auditorium has been rescheduled to June 5. She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel … Read more

Music from the Sole: “Partido”

Music from the Sole: 'Partido'

“Polyrhythmic groove and […] light, quick mystery. Mr. Sandoval and his five dancers shared a loose athletic grace.” THE NEW YORK TIMES Blurring the line between a dance and music performance, PARTIDO explores the convergence of percussive dance and live music with contemporary urban styles in African-American and Afro-Brazilian culture. Inspired by Leonardo Sandoval’s experience as an … Read more

“Cartography”

“Cartography explores a world alive with transitions and movement by characters speaking their minds; representing those often made purposely invisible by others…A wonder of theater-making.” DC METRO Inflatable rafts on the Mediterranean. Dark holds of cargo trucks. Family photos hidden carefully in a backpack. Hear the stories of young refugees when CARTOGRAPHY asks what part … Read more

“RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour”

"RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour"

“It has become more than a musical – it’s a cultural touchstone, a rite of passage and a source of joy and strength for millions. RENT has become a part of us forever.” BROADWAY WORLD In 1996, Jonathan Larson’s masterpiece transformed Broadway. Twenty years later, RENT returned to the road in a vibrant 20th Anniversary … Read more

Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro – ‘Och and Oy! A Considered Cabaret’

Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro - 'Och and Oy! A Considered Cabaret'

“Together, Cumming and Shapiro crafted an entertaining evening, showcasing their shared and individual talents for song and story.” PORTLAND PRESS HERALD Witty banter. Heartfelt stories. Unrivaled showmanship. Award-winning performer Alan Cumming (Cabaret, The Good Wife) and beloved NPR personality and musician Ari Shapiro (NPR’s All Things Considered, Pink Martini) both transport audiences to other worlds through … Read more