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Celebrate the Holidays with "Liberace & Liza" and Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night" at Portland Center Stage

Experience laughter, music, and holiday magic with two unforgettable productions, plus a stellar spring lineup!

Presented by Portland Center Stage November 4, 2024

Portland Center Stage is rolling out a theater season packed with laughter, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable performances. This holiday season, two must-see productions will bring joy and sparkle to Portland audiences: Liberace & Liza: Holiday at the Mansion (A Tribute) and Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. These shows promise warmth, wit, and holiday cheer that will light up the winter months. Plus, looking ahead, the spring season is filled with thought-provoking dramas, iconic classics, and dynamic comedies that are sure to captivate.

First, get ready to be dazzled by Liberace & Liza: Holiday at the Mansion (A Tribute). This production pays homage to two of show business's brightest stars, bringing Liberace and Liza Minnelli’s larger-than-life personas back to the stage. Expect all the glitz, glamour, and humor of Liberace and Liza, with a unique holiday twist. From sparkling costumes to dazzling piano numbers and Liza’s signature charm, this performance recreates the magic of an extravagant holiday evening at the mansion of two showbiz legends. Whether you’re a longtime fan of these iconic figures or new to their charm, Liberace & Liza is a heartwarming, joyous celebration perfect for all ages.

Following Liberace & Liza, Twelfth Night brings a timeless Shakespearean comedy to Portland Center Stage’s stage. This production reimagines Shakespeare’s beloved story of love, mistaken identity, and hilariously mismatched couples. Set in the festive and colorful world of Illyria, Twelfth Night follows shipwrecked twins, love triangles, and mischievous schemes that will have audiences laughing, gasping, and rooting for romance in all its forms. With cross-dressing antics, memorable characters, and witty wordplay, this Twelfth Night brings holiday warmth with a classic twist. It’s a reminder of the power of love and laughter—and an ideal outing for the entire family this season.

Once the holiday magic settles, Portland Center Stage’s spring season heats up with an incredible lineup of plays that span genres and themes. R. Eric Thomas’s Mrs. Harrison, a gripping two-hander, dives into a heated confrontation between former classmates who question each other’s stories and truths. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Edward Albee’s razor-sharp drama, examines a married couple’s volatile relationship in one unforgettable evening of intensity. The Light, by Loy A. Webb, reveals the tender yet complex issues within a young couple’s relationship, addressing love, trauma, and reconciliation in a powerful way.

The season continues with The Brothers Size, Tarell Alvin McCraney's lyrical story of brotherhood and resilience, which mixes African mythology with contemporary storytelling. Chris Grace as Scarlett Johansson brings comedic flair to the season, delivering laughs as Grace examines identity, celebrity culture, and how we see ourselves. Lastly, Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest promises an evening of wit and satire in a world premiere adaptation by Kamilah Bush, bringing Wilde’s iconic humor to life in the ultimate comedy of manners.

Photo of the cast and creative team at the first rehearsal of Twelfth Night.

Image: Andrés Lopez

From holiday tributes and Shakespearean classics to spring dramas and comedies, Portland Center Stage offers a rich season for every kind of theatergoer. Don’t miss out on Liberace & Liza or Twelfth Night this holiday season, and make plans to experience the powerful storytelling set to unfold in the spring. Whether you're looking for laughter, tears, or thought-provoking drama, Portland Center Stage has a seat waiting for you.

Get your tickets at pcs.org. Currently on sale: 3 shows for $150 season ticket packages. Catch our spring shows with this perfect gift for the theater-lover in your life!

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