Make a Day of it: Portland Center Stage performs “The Oregon Trail”

Run Oregon loves running - that's no surprise. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer. Running is a part of us, but it does not fully define us. In our new "Make a Day of It" feature, we aim to showcase some great local non-running events and highlight where to run and how to make the most of your experience! Many of us have grown up playing the "Oregon Trail" game on computers that only came with monochrome screens. (And my kids have played it on their iPods as well!) Living at the end of the Oregon Trail, we also hear and learn a lot about the westward journey in the early 1800s. Most recently, the city of Oregon City has put on a 5k race based on the game, called "The Oregon Trail Game 5k" where participants make decisions along the way to complete their journey to the finish line. This year, the race was MC'd by Chris Murray, whose assigned profession for the game/race day was "actor." It just so happens that Chris Murray's actual profession is also actor, and this fall he plays the roles of Billy and Matt in Portland Center Stage's performance of "The Oregon Trail." The play follows two characters named Jane: "Now Jane" is playing the Oregon Trail game on her computer in 1997, while "Then Jane" is on the trail in 1848. 

In this fresh and funny retelling of our history, two Janes traverse The Oregon Trail. “Now Jane” is playing the computer game in 1997; “Then Jane” is in a covered wagon in 1848. A judgey game show narrator, a domineering sister and two oxen try to corral the two Janes. Fate maneuvers them both to a conclusion that changes their lives and sends them to the end of the trail.

In addition to partnering with The Oregon Trail Game 5k Run, PCS is also partnering with Travel Oregon and encouraging you the Travel the Trail yourself! This six day itinerary will take you from Portland eastward (backwards) on the Oregon trail with exploration, learning, and new experiences all the way to Hell’s Canyon in Eastern Oregon. You will be sure to find new trails to run, new sights to see, and new appreciation to find for those brave souls on the Oregon Trail.

TICKET AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

When:  October 29* – November 20, 2016
                *Opening Night/Press Night is Friday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Preview Performances: October 29, 30 and November 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: On the U.S. Bank Main Stage at The Armory
                 128 NW Eleventh Ave., Portland, Ore., 97209

To Purchase:
Regular tickets range from $25 to $70. Rush tickets are $20. Students and patrons who are 30 or younger may purchase premium seating areas for $30. Discounts for groups of 10+. Prices vary by date, time and seating area, and are subject to change.

Online:            www.pcs.org
By Phone:       503.445.3700, 12–6 p.m.
In Person:       The box office is at 128 NW Eleventh Avenue
12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on performance days
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on non-performance days
Groups:           Discounts available for groups of 10+ by calling 503.445.3794.

More Info:      https://www.pcs.org/oregontrail

Showtimes:     Showtimes are Tuesday through Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. (excluding November 13); Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. (excluding October 29, 30 and November 5); and Thursday matinees at noon (excluding November 3).

Please Note:   The Oregon Trail is recommended for ages 16+. Contains mature content, explicit language and adult situations. 

Accessibility: Learn about our accessibility options at http://www.pcs.org/access/