PORTLAND — After being sidelined for more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Portland Center Stage is bringing back live performances beginning in October.
The seven-show 2021-2022 season, which was announced Tuesday, includes the return of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” a production that was halted in March 2020 after only a week of performances. Also on the schedule is the popular musical “Rent,” and “Freestyle Love Supreme,” an early work that was co-created by Lin-Manuel Miranda before he wrote “In The Heights” and “Hamilton.”
“This powerhouse lineup of plays and musicals resonates deeply for me as we create a space on stage to examine resilience within the framework of bright theatricality, sharp humor, and full-hearted connection,” Artistic Director Marissa Wolf said in a press release.
Subscriptions are on sale now and single tickets for most shows will go on sale Sept. 15; 503-445-3700, or pcs.org/21-22. Ticket packages start at $94.50 for three plays.
Here’s a look at the 2021-2022 season:
“Frida … A Self-Portrait”: A one-woman show, written and performed by Vanessa Severo, exploring the world of the celebrated Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. (Oct. 9-Nov. 7, 2021; U.S. Bank Main Stage)
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”: An adaptation of the novel by Mark Haddon, this drama won five Tony Awards, including Best Play in 2015. (Nov. 27-Dec. 24, 2021; U.S. Bank Main Stage)
“The Great Leap”: This co-production with Artists Repertory Theatre comes from Asian American playwright Lauren Yee, who wrote the popular show “Cambodian Rock Band.” (Jan. 15-Feb. 13, 2022; U.S. Bank Main Stage)
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”: PCS revives its popular production of John Cameron Mitchell’s rock musical. (Jan. 22-March 6, 2022; Ellyn Bye Studio)
“Gem of the Ocean”: August Wilson’s landmark play explores themes of justice, mysticism and freedom. (March 5-April 3, 2022; U.S. Bank Main Stage)
“Freestyle Love Supreme”: Before conquering the theater world with “In the Heights” and “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda was the co-creator of this semi-improvised hip-hop show, in which performers take suggestions from the audience and turn them into full musical numbers, guaranteeing that every performance is unique. (April 8-May 1, 2022; U.S. Bank Main Stage)
“Rent”: After a long run on Broadway, Jonathan Larsen’s musical about Bohemian life in 1990s New York City gets a home-grown production. (May 21-June 26, 2022; U.S. Bank Main Stage)
