My hubby took me to the mystery dinner for our 2nd month anniversary date. It was an amazing…read moreexperience and he ended up being the murderer! We went to the Old Spaghetti Factory on South Waterfront. The location was beautiful for date night. Loved about it: It was nice to get into the character and be on the set of a real life clue game. Loved how we everyone was dressed for the Masquerade Billionaire Club Ball. It really added to the whole ambience. People actually got into character! Loved to see how everyone acted and showed emotions. Drawbacks: The people on our table were a little shy (on their 2nd/3rd date) and weren't participating as much so that was a drawback for us. Food was so/so but again we were there for the experience and not the food and that is where I took away a star. They were a little loose with the directions with what to do with money or who should respond how. Now we are looking forward to next time because we know what to do. They took mugshots in the beginning and during the event and promised to send us the link to the pictures via email. We never got them :( take your own pictures! Tips: Its all about the guests! Be involved in it and have fun. Going in a group would be fun. Its fun to see how your friends/other couples act/react in different situations. Talk and mingle with other.

Our first dinner murder mystery experience and we had a blast. The characters were fun and…read moreengaging and the food was delicious. The only down fall was the lack of all the clues, as well as short amount of time to solve the mystery. After the killer was revelaed and the reason why it was evident that the evidence we would have needed to come to that solution was in the killer's hand most the night. We are definitly going to go again once there is a new "show".

David and I recently attended a performance by Noam Pikelny and Friends at the Reser. I really…read moreenjoyed this performance, of which Noam's Friends who played Fiddle, String Base, Acoustic Guitar, and a "kick ass" Mandolin. Noam is widely recognized banjoist. We deeply appreciated his journey through "War Ravaged" Portland to get here. The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts is stunning venue. The auditorium had nice acoustics and sight lines, and I don't think there was a bad seat in the house. We actually sat next to Patricia and her husband, who happened to be one of David's old High School Teachers. Outside the Auditorium is a pretty multi-level lobby space, teaching rooms, an interesting art gallery, and great light. There's also a spacious outside plaza and an inviting entrance. Reser staff were all very professional hand helpful. The Reser was also an easy walk from my Hotel and the Max Light Rail, for those not driving. I'd love to come back, and maybe for the Stop Making Sense Tour?

This is a beautifully modern venue, featuring polished concrete, glass and wood details, with…read morethoughtful accessibility features throughout. The staff is welcoming and helpful. The building is clean and well maintained and the auditorium is inviting and intimate. I appreciate the design aesthetic and attention to detail. And as a Bay Area native, I was pleasantly surprised to attend LaRussell's performance, which is part of the Rhythm + Revolution event series that has an amazing line up of hip hop culture events. I also viewed the Black Matter and ReENVISIONED exhibits showcasing Black artists. Very grateful to The Reser for hosting these types of events, artists and artwork - thank you!

Small theater that never ceases to entertain. My wife volunteers on occasion as stage manager…read moreand/or lights. If you enjoy live theater, I can tecommend any BCT production.

We've been season ticket holders for several years now and have enjoyed their productions. From…read moremusicals to comedy and drama, the players and crew are enthusiastic, involved, and energetic. Last night we attended their first performance in their new adjunct, The Playhouse, located in the Cedar Hills Crossing Mall, of a short play called "Anybody for Tea?" by C.B Gilford. Done in improve style, the cast was, according the introduction, given scripts and some time with the director before the presentation, but they'd not met each other and had no idea who was in other roles or how it was going to play out. We recognized several of the actors from previous productions, including the play's 'coach,' the always talented, Les Ico. The only down-side was a bench that broke during seating, but the folks looked to be fine and the bench was quickly replaced by chairs. I hope they do more of these smaller productions along with their main stage plays. We'd definitely attend. It was great fun and the Peachwave just down the mall has a non-dairy frozen dessert offering that's pineapple and not vanilla.

I came here July 2018, and it was surprisingly lit. Did not have expectations going in and was…read morepleasantly surprised. Lots of vendors - diversity in food booths and cultures represented. Some booths sold cultural items and were very interesting. The performances were WOW.

First time to this event on a beautiful August evening…read more Event opens at 5 p.m and closes at 10 p.m. Event is popular and inclusive of the many diverse cultures in the area. Plenty of people. Come early. Highlights: * Free admission * Plenty of food and drink stands with variety of flavors to suite diverse tastes and dietary needs * Unique hand made crafts from around the world * Organized event staff - helpful, ready to answer any questions * Max train station close by * Interesting performances at the two stages with many international themes * Activities for kids and adults * Free give-aways from some exhibiting organizations * Accessible ATM and restrooms * Plenty of information to learn about other cultures * Good music and vibes Lowlights: * Long lines for food - especially at popular food stands like the Himalayan Dumplings * Parking - this event is popular and parking lots around the area get full. Event parking is not encouraged in surrounding parking lot. Didn't see a dedicated event parking area. Use Max train if possible * Some vendors up-charge items and only take cash. * Not enough seating areas to watch the performances at the main stage * Crowded - be comfortable being very close to people and possibly rubbing shoulders. If you are in the area, bookmark this event. I found it worthwhile, enjoyed it, and learned a lot. Check their website for event details and dates. Bring cash and an empty stomach to taste all the different foods and drinks.

Baffled sometimes when people say theatre is expensive to watch. We have so many great places to…read moresee plays for many different budgets, and Portland Center Stage hits the mark on it. They have a number of programs, like $25 tickets, Rush/Standby Tickets, Arts for All, Pay What You Will days. All very affordable! And for the quality of the shows here, it's absolutely worth it to go see at least one show a season. The stage crew and actors put on great shows! Every staff member I've encountered there have been friendly, patient and accommodating. I've done the Standby tickets for a few shows now and it's a great experience. Put your name on the wait-list about 90 minutes before showtime, go grab a bite to eat, and if you get a seat, that's great! If not, they can put you on the wait list for the next show (and then you can go do another activity downtown). They keep the place pretty clean too, really nice bathrooms haha.

I need to do an update as I have become a lot more attending of the performances here. The reason…read morefor this is accessibility. As someone with limited mobility often - I have a tissue disorder and some days I am far more mobile than others. I am also, due to the tissue disorder, more modest means. Thankfully Portland Center Stage is a proud Arts for All member. In addition - they really do welcome people. They have a lot of seating for ADA and accommodate you should you need chair arms or no arms or will have a spot cleared for your wheelchair. I appreciate tickets being low cost for me but with ADA it can be tricky and the events at the most challenging ADA locations expect you to show up right before a show hoping they will have an extra ticket which I cannot physically do and would not want that on ushers either. When inquiring, I have been treated with less than stellar attitude. I would love to have money and mobility and I used to! I know so many who are starting to struggle with mobility as they age and I really encourage them to go to spaces like this where they can easily get in and out. But even just calling - they actually answer the phone and are so helpful! I get that they want to sell as much at full price but it makes me really appreciate how truly welcoming Portland Center Stage is. Arts are healing and the productions here really are top notch. Their staff is very diverse throughout the theater making it feel like a safe space for everyone also. When seeing shows here, they do have a great concessions stand/bar with a great wine selection and some decent snacks. The theater is in such a great location - to the back of the theater is a favorite gelato place of mine and also some of the most delicious West African food if you want to make a whole night of it!

The Christmas Revels were one of the true highlights of our holiday season…read more But, for context I should point out that my son and I are their target audience... Exhibit 1: We attend every renaissance faire in the state (repeatedly) Exhibit 2: We love musical theatre Exhibit 3: We are history buffs When we were attending a holiday show at Portland Center Stage, I was fortunate to see an advertisement for this production. This was the 20th anniversary of the Christmas Revels show in Portland and there are similar revels productions throughout the U.S. [1] One of the elements that makes this show unique is the level of audience participation. Each year they create a new show that has elements of choral and instrumental music, as well as Morris, sword and country dancing, storytelling and comedy (including a Mummers play). Before the show began, the director walked us through the program, highlighted the sections where the audience would sing (typically in Latin) and we had a little mini-rehearsal. The cast is comprised of around a dozen children, who were great fun during the dancing segments, a handful of members in their teens and 20s and then a larger contingent in their 30s - 60s and beyond. This year's production had a modern teenager transported back in time during a tour of the Tower of London to celebrate the holidays with families who were prisoners there in the 17th century. All of the acting and the story were beautifully done, with many comedic moments. But, I have to say the dancing was particularly fine. And the costumes were stunning. We attending the last show of the season and the venue (St. Mary's Academy) was packed. In many cases families were attending with grandparents and children. There were 30 songs/dances in the performance, but it really moved along and there was a brief intermission. The content is suitable for all ages, but it might be a little much to keep young children seated for that long. However, my son had a ball and with any luck he'll join their merry troupe next season. [1] The first show was in Cambridge, MA in 1971.

We attended the 2018 Christmas Revels production - "Highland Voyage, A Scottish Celebration of the…read moreWinter Solstice" last weekend, and I have mixed feelings about the performance. Much of the singing was lovely, and the trio of performers who told the story were very entertaining. My main issue, though, was the length of the show - it was close to 3 hours long! Compare this to a movie - I'd expect anything over 2 hours to be extraordinary - think Schindler's List, Titanic, The Godfather. The Revels is community theater, and in my opinion should have been edited down to 2 hours, max.

Fun shop with lots of classic magic nostalgia. Also has a theatre for live magic shows! The owner…read morewas really nice. Will be back again!

We hired All American Magic (Mark) for a happy hour function, at the Stockpot, prior to being…read moreseated for a birthday dinner. He was awesome! Our guests really enjoyed his magic shows for small groups around the room. We highly recommend!

I try to stay up with a lot of local theater, but just discovered this little gem today. I saw…read moretheir production of "The Taming" today and it was great! Everything about it was first rate...the three actresses were outstanding, the script was so well written, witty, timely. I will now be sure to research other productions there. The theater itself is a hidden gem. Small, so intimate that you feel you are part of the play, not a bad seat in the place. No assigned seating so get there early and I imagine they sell out due to limited seats. They can count me in for future productions.

As has been said by many reviews prior to mine, this is an intimate theater. That can be very good…read moreand also, have a few negatives. I am going to address the ADA situation here first so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle, and you know what you're getting into. The ADA spaces are a chair which can be removed but the chairs they have are something from the 90s - a half moon wrap around situation which is possibly one of the worst things I've sat in. I was looking around at all the other seating and their normal seats seem to be velvet have several inches more room than the monstrosity I was in + cup holders! I saw another device user (she had a walker versus my cane) sitting in a normal seat and I was very envious. The same lady accidentally triggered the screen on her cellphone which illuminated much of the theater for a solid 20 minutes until she was finally prompted by one of her party the situation. I was not in the mood to scream to the other side of the theater but seriously folks... the screen is at floor level though so you really feel immersed in the production. I cannot imagine any seat in the theater being bad for the view! Warning that this area doesn't have the best parking options so you are gonna want to factor in that. I was closer to the start time, then I would have liked especially since they seem to have a really happening snack bar! I smelled and saw popcorn! The bad part about the intimacy is when you get an audience like the one I did. I have misophonia so you wrestling around your bag or trying to open your candy makes me twitch. I am used to it and I power through but this was a bit much. Let's talk... we were in it together - the London production of Dangerous Liaisons. FYI - this is not a play about good people & is about a lot of sex, grooming and people being absolutely horrible to each other! There's a warning out front! Have you not seen the very well known movie... apparently the whole row behind me had not so I was immersed in listening to them, clutch their pearls through the entirety of the production. When they were not audibly sharing their disapproval of behavior, a man off to the side of me was making very odd throat sounds. A dear friend went to the same production a few days later (we couldn't align our schedules to go together). I was so glad she did not have my audience experience at all. Hysterically during the intermission I could hear the group talking about Aiden Turner, who is one of the main bad people. They were saying that they were used to seeing him as Poldark and as good... umm, that character pines after a married woman while being abusive and gaslighting his wife the whole series. That's not my idea of a good guy, but you do you. ANYHOO... I needed to restroom and waited. I personally don't mind that there's a very open urinal next to the ADA stall but it did surprise me a moment as a gentleman came in to use the urinal when I was washing my hands. So, just an FYI if you are uncomfortable in a bathroom situation with open stalls.

Wow... Light Opera of Portland is doing a performance of The Gondoliers. I am severely disabled and…read morehave a pretty limited income. I try hard to stay going out, being supportive best I can of the arts. Light Opera of Portland is listed as offering Arts for All and to contact them for ticket arrangement. I emailed and received an email back they were passing my information on to someone so they could arrange a ticket. After 2 weeks, the event was getting closer. I emailed again stating that I had heard anything... crickets... I was going to the symphony next door at Arlene Schnitzer. I figured I would just go to the box office... however, they informed me that Arts for All tickets were not available, per Light Opera of Portland until 2 hours before the show. She also said she just turned away another disabled person for the same things. She said LOOP what's aware that the only seats remaining for the shows were ADA, that those exact seats were $27 versus $5 and that they realize those of us with disabilities are not able to jump through the gauntlet of crowded will call lines or get to a show 2 hours ahead to sit around very unfriendly seats, praying we can get a seat to a show... maybe or if the trek of trying to find parking downtown or walking blocks from public transportation just to get into the venue. Those of us with disorders like MS, Lupus and a long list of varying tissue disorders swell and suffer from pain when stresssed. The arts are healing but not when we are made to feel this unwelcome. If you are not going to actually offer Arts for All tickets, please don't. Do not sign up stating that you are welcoming to people with disabilities, including income when it is clear, very clear that you are not welcoming.

We saw A Christmas Carol here on December 21st 2017 and it was a cute little play. A Christmas…read moreCarol is one of my favorite holiday movies and plays to see during the holiday season and my family and I have made it a tradition. Let me start off by saying if you have kids or don't like sitting through a long show this is PERFECT! There was only one act and there really isn't a bad seat in the theater. The people who volunteer or work here are very pleasant and greeted us with big smiles. The seating is ok. I would not be comfortable in these seats for very long. Take into account I also have Chronic Illnesses so I get more uncomfortable than most, HOWEVER they actually were not that bad, there was plenty of room in front of you which I LOVE! And even though the theater is small they don't pack you in there, so you definitely don't feel cramped in. Again if you are on the fence about bringing your kids to a play here this is something that is a plus. Also they do have WONDERFUL accommodations for the disabled. This is something I take notice of because of my illness, so when I notice these things I always try to include them. One thing to keep in mind is that because the theater is small some of the "effects" can be more overwhelming such as the smoke, or laser lights. The smoke used in some of the scenes definitely bothered me and some of the others I was with. But not a big deal. The sound is INCREDIBLE! Dont worry about not hearing, again because it is a smaller space you are really right there, but they do have a good sound system that really makes you feel as if you are right in with them. I thought that was pretty cool! Now as for the actual play, I personally thought it was about a C+. It was definitely a cute, and the acting and singing was fun! However being such a big fan I noticed a lot of stuff that was off, Ebenezer Scrooge was definitely different. No top hat! Lol but that totally ok! New and different are always good! The actor who played him did a great job! Same with Bob Cratchet. The ghost of Christmas past had a really good voice, and the ghost of Christmas present was cool, but I wish they would have spent more time with Christmas present as he is the most fun! Marly was extraordinarily talented! In fact probably one of the more of the bunch. Someone made a comment that they felt that the parts didn't necessarily fit the characters, that the people choose their parts. I could see that. Even though they were all very talented some of them just didnt seem to fit that part. But I suppose that isnt something you would notice unless you are a theater geek, or professional (like the person in our group who made that comment) All in all I would recommend this if you are looking for something cool to do with kids during the Holidays. I'm not sure if I would go back to see this again, but I am definitely glad I went to see it. I would recommend seeing it at least once! Its a CHRISTMAS CAROL! with that said Merry Christmas, to one and all!!

I've been an actor at this company for 5 years now and not once have I thought about leaving. After…read moreI did my first mainstage show at Lovegood I found out just how nice the whole community is. And I've even seen a handful of shows from this company like Beetlejuice which was just jaw dropping. The only issue I've ever had with this company was some actors being... something I can't really say here. I wish the company the best of luck in the future

A great staff and my child had such a great experience with their week long summer camp.read more