The History of Storefront Actors’ Theatre onstage

Triangle Productions’ last show of the season is entitled Storefront Revue: The Babes are BACK!

The backstory: In 1967, Portland State University sponsored a full-time Equity theatre; the American Theatre Company helmed by Tom Hill. When it closed in 1970, it would be another 16 years before Portland would have OSF-Portland (which then became Portland Center Stage). American Theatre Company, became Storefront Actors’ Theatre, a thriving theater company during the mid 70’s until it all came to an end in 1991.

Storefront Actors’ Revue is a new stage musical celebrating one of Portland’s iconic theatres with the best burlesque acts from another era with bits like Cooking with Power Tools and The Menyani Sisters; just a portion of what made Storefront infamous. The show runs from May 7 through 30 and all the info is at trianglepro.org.

A couple of other Storefront-themed events are coming up before the production:

Storefront Art Exhibit is April’s installation at Blackfish Gallery, 420 NW Ninth Ave, Tuesdays-Saturdays through May 2. Gallery hours are 11-5 and it’s free and open to the public. Portland artist Henk Pander is assisting the installation. Stumptown Stories will be on hand to tell stories of Storefront’s past along with others that were part of that history. Tuesday April 21 and Tuesday, May 12 from 5-7 pm. This is an Oregon Historical Society-hosted event.

Glimpses of Portland Theater History is Second Sunday April 12 at 2 pm. It’s free and open to the public. Organized in honor of Storefront Actors’ Revue, this panel discussion brings together the longstanding leaders in Portland’s local theater community. Speakers include José Gonzales, Executive Director and founder of Milagro Theater; Don Horn, Executive Director and founder of triangle productions; and Julianne R. Johnson-Weiss, an actor with over thirty years’ experience performing throughout Oregon and Washington. Bob Hicks, formerly of The Oregonian and now Performance and Visual Arts writer for Oregon Artswatch, will moderate the panel. OHS archival material related to Portland theater history will be on display.

The History of Storefront Actors’ Theatre onstage

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