Take a look at the photos and you’ll see why tickets to this rock-and-rolling show, set in the late 1950s, is a hit with audiences – and why you should reserve your tickets right now …

Conrad Birdie (Sam De Roest, playing the lead role of the ’50’s rock star about to be drafted) makes all the young gals in Sweet Apple, Ohio, swoon – as he sings his hit “Honestly Sincere” in the David Douglas High production of Bye Bye Birdie, running this weekend and next.

Story and lots of photos by David F. Ashton
We’ve come to expect top-notch productions from the Theater and Music Departments at David Douglas High School. “Bye Bye Birdie” – their winter production, which opened on December 4 and runs through December 13 – certainly raises the bar for high school musicals.

This show has it all – a love story, the portrayal of teenage angst, a cocky rock star, and swooning fans – brilliantly played out through story, song, and ballet, on a stunning, spectacular two-story stage.

The singing, dancing, and acting performed by the cast of 70 students, 12 DDHS staff members, and a full student orchestra rivals college and community theater productions.

Who’s going out with whom? That’s the question being asked in this number – called “The Telephone Hour”.

About the story …
About to be drafted into the army in 1958, rock star (picture Elvis Presley, really!) Conrad Birdie’s milquetoast agent, Albert Peterson, is upset about losing his meal-ticket to military service.

Peterson’s secretary, girlfriend, and perhaps fiancée, Rosie Alverez, comes up with a new song, “One Last Kiss“, that will be debuted live Ed Sullivan Show – during which one lucky girl from his fan club a real “one last kiss”.

“In reality, Conrad Birdie is a person of questionable character,” explained the show’s director, Judy Le Coq. “The comedy comes from the disruption his visit causes both in the girl’s family – and the entire town – by his actions, and by the town’s new-found fame.”

• Can Peterson’s racist, overbearing momma really come between Albert and Rosie and destroy their happiness?
• Will the father and/or steady boyfriend of Kim MacAfee, the fan chosen to receive the “last kiss”, prevent it from taking place?
• Will Rosie escape the frenzied, dancing Shriners?
• Will Conrad escape the clutches of the mob of town people who want to see him thrown in jail for eternity?

Find out – by seeing “Bye Bye Birdie” this weekend or next.

In song, agent and manager Albert Peterson (Keith Stokoe) advises fans feeling dejected that Conrad Birdie is about to go into the US Army to “Put On a Happy Face“.

Reserve tickets now
The show runs in the evenings at 7:30 p.m. tonight, and on December 6, 11, 12 and 13. And, there’s a special Sunday Matinee show on December 7 at 2:30 p.m.

All performances are at the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Avenue, between SE Stark and SE Division Streets.

We understand that reserved seating sales are going at a brisk pace; we recommend you call for reservations (unpaid reservations are held only for 24 hours), or head for the box office and buy your tickets today. You can pick up your paid tickets at the theater’s box office in advance or when you arrive for the show.

Tickets are $10 for adults; seniors/students $7. Call to make your reservations at DDHS Box Office at (503) 261-8270.

Bye Bye Birdie photo album

Momma’s boy Albert Peterson (Keith Stokoe) tells his girlfriend Rose Alverez (Amanda Pred) to welcome his shrewish, demanding mother, Mae (Andrea Brown) when they meet.

Hugo Peabody (Jordan Brown) asks Kim MacAfee (Kimberly Sawtelle) to “go steady” – but neither of them yet know she’ll be the one selected to give Conrad Birdie his “last kiss” before going into the Army.

Kim and her mother, Doris (Leigh Callahan) try to calm her dad, Harry MacAfee (John Ellis), who is unhappy that Conrad Birdie is staying in his home, disrupting his life, and has chosen his daughter to kiss the rock star – until he learns they’ll be on national TV together.

On the Ed Sullivan Show, Conrad sings “One Last Kiss” to Kim. (Just look at the staging, lighting and costuming!)

The smooch, the surprise appearance of jealous Hugo – and his resulting action – disrupts the show.

Rosie leaves Albert, decides she’s “Got a Lot of Living to Do” – becomes “Spanish Rose” at Maude’s Roadhouse – and whips a group of Shriners into a dancing frenzy. (The fourth Shriner from the left is, indeed DDHS Principal John Bier!)

Curtain call for a show well performed.

Although they don’t get to take a bow, theater manager and Theater Crafts instructor Mark Taylor, and some of the crew shown here, turned this show from simply good to spectacular.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why families come from all over greater Portland to take a ride into history along Oaks Bottom. And, find out why volunteers are working to make sure these steam locomotives have a future …

The ground shakes as the Southern Pacific 4449 locomotive – owned by the City of Portland, and which drew the Bicentennial Train around the country in 1976 – powers up for a nighttime Holiday Express run along Oaks Bottom. (We wish you could see this photograph in large-screen, full resolution!)

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Some folks come during the morning or afternoon to ride the Holiday Express train, pulled by a steam locomotive between OMSI and Oaks Amusement Park along the Willamette River. It’s a scenic trip in daylight. But many of them come back to repeat the trip at night, as we did this year.

“There’s something special about an evening ride from Oaks Park to OMSI,” said Ed Immel, VP of Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, the organization that maintains and operates the holiday train, which only runs in the first two weekends of December each year.

When one notices the powerful and historic Southern Pacific 4449 locomotive, and the railcars decked out in lights, hears the hissing as the steam rises, and sees the silhouettes of people standing near the train, it invokes a magical, sometimes nostalgic feeling.

“After dark, you can catch a glimpse of the Christmas Boats as they go around Ross Island, see downtown Portland light up at night, and feel the crisp night air,” Immel added. “Kids are always amazed when they see a working steam engine, but parents who have only seen steam locomotives in photos or movies are truly in awe of their size.”

Santa rides the rails
The Holiday Express, now in its fourth season, is becoming an annual event for families and to which people bring their friends.

“Santa comes aboard the train, and hands out candy canes,” noted Immel. “Last night it was just precious: A little girl came on the train with her family. She’d spent the entire week working on her list of wishes to give to Santa Claus. She came up to Santa very timidly read from her list, item by item. Her little two-year-old sister followed and stated, ‘Santa, I want a laptop computer’.”

Three of the chief fellows who organice the event are Donald Leap, volunteer coordinator of Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, who stands with event coordinator John Magusson and foundation vice president Ed Immel in the Holiday Express railroad station at Oaks Park.

Rides for a cause
The fares collected on the Holiday Express help the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation fund their most pressing need – building a permanent rail museum to house the locomotives and rolling stock in their collection.

“For the past 15 years or so, we’ve been able to use the former Southern Pacific roundhouse in the Brooklyn Yard near Holgate,” explained Immel. “But the railroad needs to expand their inter-modal container trailer facilities into the area where the roundhouse is located. Southern Pacific has been very considerate, and given us until 2011 to find a new place to park the locomotives.”

Because of the environmental sensitivity of the Oaks Bottom area, the dream of a Portland Rail & Transportation Museum located next to Oaks Park is all but out of the question, in his view, although another railroading group is still pursuing that concept, for an area just south of the wildlife park, in a spot where once there was a garbage dump.

“We’re looking at property near the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry,” Immel continued. “We can have a really good home there.”

As the conductor called, “All aboard!”, Immel asked us to thank Richard Samuels and the Oregon Pacific Road Company for letting them “run on their rails” and for their continuing support of their organization.

For more information, see their website by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See how Portland Fire & Rescue’s prompt response kept a burning van from setting this disabled woman’s home ablaze …

Thanks to a neighbor’s prompt call to 9-1-1, and fast response from Portland Fire & Rescue Station 25 and Station 11, this van fire didn’t turn into a tragedy.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The victim of a late-night fire on December 11 sat on a bench in her yard with her cane in hand as she watched Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) firefighters wrapped up their hoses and stow their equipment on their rigs near the modest home at SE 57th Ave and SE Carlton St. in SE Portland.

“I just got home from Wal-Mart,” she told us. “I pulled into the driveway, smelled smoke and and heard something. When I looked there was fire – and I mean a LOT of fire – coming out of my car. My cordless phone in my house didn’t work because the power was out; my neighbors called 911 for help.”

A fire investigator looks over the burnt van while firefighters gather their gear.

The fire burned so fiercely, it melted the overhead electric power and it fell into the street.

Three-minutes response saves home
At the scene, District Four Battalion Chief Todd Kethley said when crews arrived, “There were heavy flames coming from a van parked in the driveway.”

The fire was so intense, Keathly reported, the blaze melted the electrical power line overhead so that it dropped into the street. “Initially, this was a hazard for our firefighters.”

When the chief checked the call information on his truck’s mobile computer, he found it came in 11:38 p.m.; the truck from Station 25 arrived on scene within three minutes; and, they turned command over to the firefighters on Engine 11 who arrived a minute later.

“Fortunately, the flames from a van did not extend to the house,” pointed out Keathly. “We’ve checked the house and it appears okay. Portland General Electric just arrived and they’re working to restore electrical service.”

As homeowner got up to go back into her house, she said, “I sure do appreciate our firemen. They just saved my home from burning up.”

Even though her van is toast, the homeowner says she’s thankful firefighters saved her home from going up in smoke.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Multnomah County health officials say the Avian Flu is undoubtedly coming. There’s no vaccine for it. People will die from it. And there’s nothing the government can do to help you. Read and learn what steps you must take to protect the life and health of your family ‚Ķ

Jessica Guernsey Camargo, MPH, Project Supervisor, Pandemic Influenza Community Engagement, telling a SE Portland group there is no cure, nor prevention, for the coming Avian Flu. “The fact is, the only real way of managing the pandemic is through citizens taking personal responsibility.”

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Those listening to the project supervisor of Multnomah County’s Pandemic Influenza Community Engagement center, Jessica Guernsey Camargo, MPH, looked stunned when she said that there is little government can do if Portland is struck with a pandemic of Avain Flu.

Speaking calmly, Camargo was in SE Portland on June 6, sharing information about Avian Flu, the county’s preparation, and how people can protect themselves.

The good news: its not here … yet …
At this time, nowhere in the world, is there an area yet experiencing a epidemic of Avian Influenza ‚Äì known as H5N1scientifically and “Bird Flu” commonly.

Right now, the H5N1 bird flu strain is commonly carried by wild birds. It does spread to domestic birds like chickens and ducks, Camargo told us. When the virus mutates so it can transfer among humans, we’ll have a pandemic. “There is no H5N1 bird flu in our country; but we do expect it to arrive at some time. We don’t know when.”

Currently, bird flu rarely spreads from person to person, she said. “When it does spread to humans, it is from very close, ‘beak to cheek’ contact. People who work with birds, or are in close contact with them, have a higher likelihood of infection.”

Thus far, the reported cases of the virus transferring from human to human have centered in Indonesia. “But, if something changes, there is a potential for a serious pandemic or plague.”

Pandemic defined
Camargo said “pandemic influenza” is a worldwide epidemic of flu. “Pandemics result from new flu strains emerging, rapidly spreading around the world, and infecting large populations very quickly. The most severe pandemics have been in 1918, 1957, and 1968.”

The reason the health department takes this so seriously is because, in humans, H5N1 progresses rapidly into organ and respiratory failure. And, the virus mutates as it gets passed person-to-person.

Health Department preparations offer little personal aid
“Our 2006 assumption is that we can’t prevent it,” continued Camargo. “It can’t be avoided. Vaccine for the virus is unlikely to be available in adequate supply. Antiviral drugs will have a limited role in easing the epidemic.”

Before and during the pandemic, she added, there will be open, continuous, and uncensored media coverage, because managing a flu pandemic will require broad community involvement.

“Specifically, we’re increasing public information–how you can prepare yourself. We’re working with hospitals to prepare their facilities for a large increase in seriously ill patients.”

No vaccine available
“We’re trying to increasing community education and dialog because we don’t have a vaccine for H5N1. We will most likely not have one early on in a pandemic. When we do, It will be given to responders, police and health care workers first,” Camargo warned.

Asked about using face masks, she replied, “We’re not endorsing using any kind of mask to prevent illness.”

Watchful waiting
“Right now, we are doing disease surveillance. We work with the state labs in Alaska; they are the entry point for birds on the Pacific flyway through Oregon,” Camargo explained.

Short notice warning
“We’re also doing emergency response exercises with our community partners and official responders, to prepare for when pandemic strikes.”

How long a notice will we have once such a pandemic arises? “A few weeks”, she predicted. “Most people will just think they have a cold, and won’t realize how ill they truly are. They’ll spread the illness.”

Our best hope:
Community-level prevention programsIf a pandemic were to strike now, the health department official said, “Local response would rest, largely, on community-level prevention programs.”

Specifically, help your family and community by:
> Covering your face when you cough;
> Wash your hands regularly;
> Protect others by staying home when sick;
> Use medical prevention and treatments appropriately.

If a pandemic worsens to the level of requiring community-level intervention, Camargo said the officials will begin to “enforce ‘social distancing’ such as patient isolation, focused contact notification, quarantine of small groups, cancellation of specific events, closure of specific facilities, communitywide “slow downs” — stay at home days; as well as broad closure of businesses, schools, events, and transportation; finally, strict communitywide quarantine.”

Be aware and prepare
We asked Camargo for her bottom line on surviving the Avian Flu.

“Multnomah County is helping people prepare for it; we’re doing all we can to prepare for it from the governmental side. But people put too much reliance on vaccines and medication. The fact is, the only real way of managing a pandemic is through citizens taking personal responsibility.I urge everyone to set aside an evening with their friends and families to begin to prepare for the possible pandemic.”

Instead of getting scared — get prepared!For more information, see www.mchealth.org, or call (503) 988-4454 for a recorded message.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

It sounded like an explosion, when his car flipped and tore through a utility pole, neighbors say. See why running from the cops – or from an OSP Trooper – can end up as shown in our exclusive photos …

This Chrysler 3000 has driven its last mile. Amazingly, the driver took off on foot after it landed here.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Not many folks were out for a drive, late at night on December 14, as a thick, freezing fog crept in over much of East Portland.

But, a northeast Portland man was out cruising I-205 when an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper noticed his driving wasn’t up to par. Instead of stopping when he was signaled to pull over, the driver took off, and tried to ditch the trooper just off SE Division Street.  He ended up wrecking the car he was driving.

Noted for minor infractions
“At 11:37 p.m., OSP Senior Trooper Brandi Zeckman attempted to stop a 2006 Chrysler 3000 sedan for failing to travel within a lane, and for an unsignaled lane change on Interstate 205,” Public Information Officer Lieutenant Gregg Hastings told us.

Instead of stopping, Hastings said, the driver took the SE Division Street exit and headed east, going about 40 mph on SE Division, and then made a quick right turn on to SE 101st Avenue. The fleeing driver stepped on the gas, hitting about 50 mph – before he realized his ill-conceived get-away was foiled at the street’s dead end.  That was just before he hit something else.

“The trooper was approaching the dead end area when the car made a U-turn and drove towards the patrol car,” Hastings said. “The trooper moved to the right side of the road as the car sped past at a high rate of speed and the trooper lost sight of it.”

It doesn’t seem possible that anyone could have survived this crash. But, the trooper and police officers found the car empty, when they arrived on scene.

Went flying like a stunt driver
A neighbor who asked not to be identified said, “I saw the Chrysler shoot [north] across Division Street [on SE 101st Avenue]. The car went flying through the air – something like you’d see a stunt driver do in the movies. Obviously, he didn’t know there’s a steep drop-off hill there.”

As the trooper approached SE Division Street after turning around, she saw smoke coming from the area. The trooper saw what shook some neighbors out of their beds: The car had struck and sheared off a power pole, hit two unoccupied parked vehicles, and then overturned.

“It sounded like an explosion,” said neighbor Jamie Markley. “We thought something blew up out here; it almost shook us out of bed.”

The force of the impact snapped this fully-loaded utility pole like a twig. Only the wires above hold the upper portion in place.

Driver flees on foot
Instead of finding a bloodied car crash victim, the trooper discovered that driver had somehow gotten out of the overturned car and fled the scene.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers, including a police dog K9 unit, quickly cordoned off the area and started searching for the delinquent driver. Amazingly, the suspect made his way through yards, heading northeast, for about four blocks.
“With the help of witnesses who had called 9-1-1, the suspect was found minutes later on SE 104th Avenue at SE 104th Court,” stated Hastings.

Officials say this suspect, Robert Joseph Gilliam III, is now facing multiple charges in connection with a late-night joyride that ended upside down.

“Robert Joseph Gilliam III, age 29, from northeast Portland, was taken into custody,” Hastings reported. “He had minor scratches, and was first transported to Portland Adventist Hospital for a quick medical evaluation, and then to Multnomah County Jail – where he was lodged for Felony Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, and Hit and Run with Property Damage.  He was also cited for Driving While Suspended.

“Additional charges may be pending.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover how ballroom dance instruction, of all things, helps Sacramento Elementary students become better students and future citizens …

Ballroom dance instructors Daniel Hutchison and Rachel Lidskog demonstrate skills they teach.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Nasty wintry weather didn’t keep about 20 parents from coming to a special assembly at Sacramento Elementary School in the Parkrose School District, just before school let out for the Holidays.

Just before the fifth graders filed into the gym, instructor Daniel Hutchinson explained, “Today we’re going to have a ballroom dancing demonstration, showing what our students have learned during the past eight weeks. They’ve learned several different dances styles they’ll showcase here today.”

Hutchinson said the young students spent one period each week learning swing, waltz, tango, and merengue styles of ballroom dancing.

Sacramento Elementary School fifth graders Monica Chao and Alex Truong look like they enjoy showing off their newly-acquired dance skills.

Learning more than steps
“Ballroom dancing is really a vehicle in which to teach the children more about etiquette and teamwork,” Hutchinson explained. “Learning to dance inspires self-confidence.”

In addition to learning how to move to music, dance classes also teach a form of “social education” not often covered – the nature of “appropriate touch” in a social setting.

Some mathematics skills are also involved! Dance patterns, Hutchinson noted, are based on four, eight, or sixteen counts – or, in the case of the waltz, 3, 6, or 12 counts.  “And, dancers also must accurately count the number of certain turns and steps in whole numbers, and sometimes in fractions.”

Hooked on dancing
Lead instructor Rachel Lidskog shook the snow off her jacket as we met, and talked about the unique concept of teaching ballroom dancing to fifth-graders.

“The fun part for me is watching students transform from being skeptical about learning to dance – to deciding that it’s fun, and that they enjoy dancing,” said Lidskog. “At first, they’re unsure. Then, as they catch on, the find the ‘hook’ that excites them, and they really start wanting to learn.”

Every person, whether child or an adult, has a different sense of rhythm, Lidskog told us. “For some, rhythm in natural — but it can be taught. If one listens to music as a young child – or if their parents dance – than they usually find rhythm sooner.”

Lidskog said she’s taught dance for twenty years, and has been instructing fifth-graders for about eight years. “We actually start teaching children as young as second grade. This particular program was started by Young Audiences of Oregon.”

The program, funded by a grant funded by MetLife, helps children improve their physical health while they develop mental skills. “We want youngsters to be able to step away from video games, and develop skills leading to a healthier lifestyle – both now, and into their adult years,” Lidskog explained.

“1, 2, 3, and under,” calls instructor Lidskog, helping the students stay on beat.

Teachers overcome nervousness, too
The dance instructors said they enjoyed watching the Sacramento School teachers who took the classes along with their students, added Lidskog.

When a teacher gets involved, their class reflects their level of interest, she went on. “Some of the teachers are a little bit nervous about learning to dance, just like their students are. But when they admit their uncertainty to their students, their students realize that it’s okay to feel hesitant about learning something new.”

Stevie Blakely, Principal of Sacramento Elementary School, takes a turn on the floor with a student dance partner, as does fifth-grade teacher Julie Klansnic.

Says classes influence students’ behavior
After Stevie Blakely, Principal of Sacramento Elementary School, took a turn dancing, she told us, “It’s been wonderful to have this experience for our fifth-grade students.”

In addition to the exercise they get during the dance classes, and the physical skills they learn, Blakely said another important lesson the students learn is increased respect for one another.

“We’ve actually seen this new level of respect transfer outside the class,” observed Blakley. “There’s been much less teasing among students. They have to put themselves outside of their comfort zone when they’re doing this, and now they understand what it’s like when others see you differently.”

Sacramento is one of four schools in the greater Portland area chosen by the Young Audiences grant program, which provides $10,000 worth of instruction for $1,000 in matching funding, the Blakely added. “In so many ways, this has been a great investment.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Attention outer East Portland: Read this article and see why you should plan to see this wacky character, when she brings her outrageously funny show to Midland Library at the end of January …

Little guest Lana helps Mz. Pearl try to get her madcap act right.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Some entertainers haul in a truck full of props and equipment used in their act. Not so with “Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show”. Using minimal props, Pearl enchanted the children and entertained the adults at her January 17 show at the Woodstock Branch Library.

In show business lingo, they’d say that physical comedienne Heather Pearl (a/k/a “Mz. Pearl”) has mastered the art of “packing small, playing big”.

Mz. Pearl makes her big entrance.

While demonstrating the “death defying” skill of juggling silk scarves, Ms. Pearl became entangled in her costume. Never have we seen oversized underpants cause such laughter.

Her solo clown show was filled with physical comedy, juggling, magic, dance, and word play. Pearl got audience member really – and we mean really – involved in her show: In their seats, as volunteers, and in a mini-workshop at the end.

Members of the audience, even adults, are quickly drawn into Mz. Pearl’s wacky world.

Seriously, funny
Pearl started performing in 1990, and graduated from the Dell’ Arte School of Physical Theater located in Northern California. This well-educated clown also graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Arts. While living in San Francisco, she performed with several troups; she also taught clowning and circus skills to special populations.

Coming to Portland, several years ago, she performed with the “Do Jump! Extremely Physical Theater” troupe. In 2002, Pearl began working with Michael O’Neill as the Nomadic Theater Company. Together, they’ve created several shows, and continue to teach and perform throughout the region.

No matter how she tries to make it right, Mz. Pearl seems to continuously experience “wardrobe failures” – to the delight of her audiences.

Exposing truths
After her show, we talked with Pearl about her experience performing as a clown character. “What I love about clowning is that it’s not about being false; we seek to find human truths, then expand them.”

The best thing about doing shows in several branches of the Multnomah County Library system, Pearl says, is making parents and children laugh together. “Adults will laugh at some gags, the kids at others – they don’t always laugh at the same thing. It makes it a more layered experience as a performer.

Asked how she develops new ideas for shows, Pearl said, “I find an idea that interests and excites me, and then explore the possibilities in our studio. This show is a combination of my favorite routines. I can change the show to fit the need of the audience.”

About her vocational choice, she added, “I am forever grateful for meeting ‘the red nose’ 16 years ago, and for all the adventures working in it has brought me – and for the adventures yet to come.”

Mz. Pearl will stand on her head to make her audiences laugh out loud!

Coming to Midland Library January 29
With all of the “bad news” around these days, come take a few minutes to laugh like a kid – even if you don’t have children – when “Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show” comes to Midland Library on Thursday, January 29.

Seating is limited: free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Her one-woman circus of laughs runs from 3:30 until 4:15 p.m. at Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Avenue. Call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

To learn more about Pearl and her comedic cohorts, check out their website by CLICKING HERE!

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover why – thanks to a whole lot of folks, including a Portland City Commissioner – outer East Portland’s tree canopy expanded during one January morning …

One of the event’s prime organizers, Powellhurst/Gilbert’s John McDonald, finishes bracing a newly planted tree with Friends of Trees crew leader Rachel Larson at Gilbert HydroPark.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For the first time ever, the Powellhurst/Gilbert and Lents Neighborhood Associations sponsored a two-neighborhoods-wide planting event with Friends of Trees on January 17.

“We’ve planted 15 trees at the Gilbert HydroPark alone,” said Friends of Trees crew leader Rachel Larson. “Overall, throughout the neighborhoods, we’ve planted 50 trees.”

Friends of Trees is important to Larson, she said, “because the activity provides a sense of community. People working on tree-planting projects together get to know their neighbors. It gives people a feeling that they can do something positive for their city, for their neighborhood, and for their block.”

Additionally, getting kids involved “helps encourage the younger ones to think about how they can help, and be part of their community in the future,” Larson added. “It’s exciting. I love it.”

“Hurry up and take the picture,” urged many of the happy, energetic, and cold volunteers who planted trees on this clear – but freezingly chilly – Saturday morning.

John McDonald, the Powellhearst/Gilbert board member and land use chair, said he contacted Friends of Trees and arranged for the planting. “This has been quite successful, almost more than I expected. We’re already planning to do it next year.”

In all, McDonald said, about 50 volunteers showed up on a crisp, cold, and windy-but-sunny morning.

Better together
Portland’s newest City Commissioner, Amanda Fritz, helped out at the Gilbert HydroPark planting. “I love Friends of Trees plantings. This is the 17th or 18th that I’ve participated in.”

Fritz said, in spite of the cold weather, she came out because “During my campaign, I promised this neighborhood association that I would come back to help out in their community. This is a wonderful project, especially near the park.”

Her other reason for coming out to help, Fritz said, was to participate in Mayor Sam Adams’ “Better Together” program.  “Mayor Adams encourages everybody to see what they can do to help out their community and help out their neighbors.”

The newly-planted trees will improve the appearance of the park – and the neighborhood in general, Commissioner Fritz said.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Here’s why you should plan now to come see this powerful story presented by the Parkrose High School Thespians, starting February 26 …

The Parkrose High School actors practice a scene from their new play. A slave girl who did a little more than just dabble in the occult, Tituba (Kylie Simmons), professes her faith in God – and accuses other village women of witchcraft – to Reverend John Hale (Jason Newman), an expert in occultist phenomena.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For their winter season production, Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 is taking on the challenge of presenting The Crucible by Arthur Miller.

This dramatic classic is based on historical events that led to the Salem Witch Trials. Playwright Miller wrote it during the early 1950s as a response to US Government “blacklisting” people like himself, who were accused of being (or associating with) communists by Senator Joseph McCarthy’s House of Representatives’ Committee on Un-American Activities, in 1956.

“The Crucible is a timeless play,” Ms. Zena, theater instructor and director, said as we watched the cast work on their parts this week. “Miller’s demons were wrapped up in the McCarthy era. This story still resonates today; we still face prejudices based on a lack of knowledge – and sometimes on selfish actions based on a desire to make ourselves feel better or safer.”

The show features a cast of 30 students, as well as a production crew of 20 more. From what we saw, this should be a great evening of theater. However, due to the adult themes (but not the content), it might be uncomfortable for very small children.

Giles Corey (Sterling Arkills) looks on as Betty Parris (Shannon Webb), daughter of a not-well-respected reverend, lies lifeless. Reverend Hale and the greedy Thomas Putnam (Derek Rathke) wonder if witchcraft had anything to do with the girl’s condition.

Show opens February 26
Opening night for this dramatic presentation of The Crucible is February 26. It also plays on the evenings of February 27 and 28 – then again on March 6 and 7. Curtain time is 7 pm for all shows.

Tickets are available at the door, and are only $8 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under, and $5 for honored citizens 65+. Come early to assure yourself a good seat.

The shows are on the stage of the Parkrose High School Theatre, 12003 NE Shaver Street, just west of NE 122nd Avenue.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Don’t pass up seeing this powerful story presented
by the Parkrose High School Thespians, now playing.
It closes March 7 …

Slave girl Tituba (Kylie Simmons) tends her witch’s brew, as village girls dance with wild abandon – in defiance of their parents wishes.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 winter season production is the dramatic classic written by Arthur Miller, The Crucible.

The sparsely-decorated sets and evocative lighting focus audience members’ attention on the story, based on actual historical events surrounding the 17th Century Salem Witch Trials.

When Senator Joseph McCarthy set about “blacklisting” people like Miller, who were accused of being (or associating with) communists, during the infamous House of Representatives’ Committee on Un-American Activities hearings in 1956 – Miller said he wrote this story as an allegory as a response.

The sly and deceitful Abigail Williams (Taylor Grady) tells John Proctor (Olimpio Arellano), a man with whom she had an affair, that she will make sure his wife is charged with witchcraft.

About the story …
Teenage girls are caught cavorting around a pot of witch’s brew in the forest outside of a small Massachusetts hamlet in 1692. To keep from being hanged for practicing witchcraft, the girls, led by their cunning and devious friend Abigail Williams, start accusing other villagers of instigating devil worship.

Tituba admits she did little more than just dabble in the occult. To escape the gallows, she professes her faith in God – and accuses other village women of witchcraft – to Reverend John Hale (Jason Newman), a self-proclaimed expert in occultist phenomena.

The astute, yet weak of character, Ezekiel Cheever (Caesar Santizo), a onetime friend of Proctor, “finds” a doll planted by Abigail Williams with the aim of implicating Proctor’s wife in witchcraft, as an astonished Reverend Hale looks on.

Accusations start flying, as a visiting, well-meaning preacher – a self-professed expert in witchcraft – tries to find the truth. Instead, he accidentally fans the flames of deception. Some lie to advance in wealth; others tell falsehoods out of fear.

In the end, magistrates prosecute more than 150 townsfolk accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693 – and, sadly, many of the falsely-accused are put to death.

In the vestry of the Salem, Massachusetts, court, citizens and the accused make charges and countercharges of trickery, witchcraft and land theft.

Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth (Tom Crawford) is gulled by the performance of three of the girls caught dancing around the witch’s caldron, Margaret Parker (Amariah Moran), Lydia Foster (Amanda Coalwell), Betty Parris (Shannon Webb), when the treacherous Abigail Williams pretends to be plagued by spirits.

• Is it possible that Abigail Williams will get John Proctor all to herself, using her treacherous and deceptive means?
• Can “expert occultist” Reverend Hale find the truth – and convince magistrates of his findings – before innocent people hang at the gallows?
• Will Thomas Putnam get away with “appropriating” John Proctor’s land and animals while John languishes in jail?

Who will die? Who will be set free? Will slave girl Tituba really find her way back to her home in Barbados?

Come see The Crucible and find out!

“Miller’s demons were wrapped up in the McCarthy-era hearings,” noted Ms. Zena, the show’s director. “This story still resonates today; we still face prejudices based on a lack of knowledge – and sometimes on selfish actions based on a desire to make ourselves feel better or safer. This makes The Crucible a timeless play.”

Even though he seems to know that the witch trials in Salem are a sham, Deputy Governor Danforth (Tom Crawford) fears of being seen as weak – and of having his high government position undermined – if he releases any of the prisoners falsely accused of witchcraft.

John Proctor (center, blue shirt) professes his innocence, and holds to his convictions – but will this act cost him his life?

Production values add to the drama
Well-thought-out set design and decoration, period costumes, and dramatic lighting increase the realism of the story, as the drama builds throughout the evening.

The show features a cast of 30 students, and a production crew of 20 more. This production of The Crucible promises to be a great evening of theater. However, due to the dramatic adult themes (but not the content), it might be uncomfortable for very small children.

The cast assembles for a low-key curtain call at the end of this moving performance.

The Crucible runs through March 7
Opening night was on February 26; it plays on the evenings of February 27 and 28 – then again on March 6 and 7. Curtain time is 7 pm for all shows.

Tickets will be available at the door, and are only $8 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under, and $5 for honored citizens 65+. Come early to assure yourself a good seat.

The production is staged at the Parkrose High School Theatre, 12003 NE Shaver Street, just west of NE 122nd Avenue.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

You’ll be laughing out loud, as you try to figure out who is trying to romance whom in a hilarious play that has audiences saying, “Hello, Dolly!”

Dolly Levi (played by Kathryn Martin) – who states her principal occupation is “a woman who arranges things” – gives pre-nuptial advice to her late friend’s husband, the irascible merchant of Yonkers, Horace Vandergelder (John Ellis).

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because so much grim news is in the headlines daily, David Douglas High School Theater Department instructor Michael Givler and the David Douglas Thespian Troupe decided to serve up a burgeoning buffet of laughter – by offering Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker as their winter production.

This classic comedy is based on an 1835 one-act farce in by John Oxenford called A Day Well Spent. Wilder adapted it into a full play, The Merchant of Yonkers, updating the play to the 1930s and moving the setting to New York; it closed after a few performances. At the urging of a Broadway director, Wilder extensively rewrote and renamed the play – and The Matchmaker became a hit, playing over 400 performances on Broadway before being turned into the Tony-Award-winning Broadway musical, Hello, Dolly!

Seeking to introduce some adventure in their otherwise dull lives as employees at Vandegelder’s grocery and hardware store, newly-named head clerk Cornelius Hackel (Sam DeRoest) hatches a plan for himself and his young associate, Barnaby Tucker (Carson Cook), to go on an escapade in New York City. A few ripe, exploding tomato cans later – they’re off to the big city!

Vandergelder thinks something fishy is going on (and he’s correct) when he and Dolly visit the hat shop owned by the woman he plans to marry, Irene Molloy. Irene certainly doesn’t love the grumpy, stingy Vandergelder, but she hopes to escape her dull life as a milliner.

Malachi Stack (Josh McKinney), Vandegelder’s newest clerk, listens from behind the potted plant with his boss, while Dolly advises young lovers – Vandegelder’s niece Ermengarde and her beau, poor artist Ambrose Kemper (Corey T-Cedarleaf) – of her uncle’s nefarious kidnapping plan.

About the story
This is a situation comedy about love and courtship, mistaken identities, and the desire for adventure and romance. This production of The Matchmaker is enhanced by the splendid sets and lighting provided by the student-run crew, led by theater manager Mark Taylor. The period costuming, supervised by theater instructor, Judy LeCoq, completes the characters.

Horace Vandergelder – a miserly old merchant of Yonkers, New York – is a wealthy widower. He wants to remarry, and engages the services of matchmaker Dolly Levi. As Vandergelder learns to his surprise, Dolly is determined to became his new wife.

Barnaby is nonplussed, and Minnie Fay (Vicki Walter), Irene Molloy’s clerk and Barnaby’s date, is shocked, as Cornelius demands that the foursome be given the exclusive use of the veranda at NYC’s exclusive Harmonia Gardens Restaurant – as Ruby (Audrey White), its snobbish senior waiter, tries to maintain dignity when dealing with the antics of the play’s main characters. The table Cornelius is upsetting was previously reserved for – who else? – Mr. Vandergelder.

After finding a wallet stuffed with money at the restaurant, Malachi Stack explains that he, a reformed petty thief, has decided to exercise one vice at a time, and he’s chosen booze! Not realizing it actually belongs to Vandergelder, Malachi “returns” the wallet to Cornelius – saving the two clerks from the embarrassment of taking Irene and Minnie to the pricy Harmonia Gardens – when they can’t even afford dinner at a hot dog stand.

Minnie, Barnaby, Cornelius, and Irene listen from behind the screen as Dolly tells Vandergelder that his intended – Irene Molloy – has fallen in love with another man, and won’t be joining them for dinner.

Dolly lectures and browbeats Vandergelder into feeling like he’s a small child who needs to be spoon-fed – telling him he’s not likely to find any woman who would want to be his new wife because of his unpleasant personality – except, perhaps possibly, herself.

Woven into this comedic tapestry is an assortment of characters associated with Vandergelder – including three of his employees, relatives, and friends who all yearn for romance and adventure in New York, and who end up pulling the wool over the blustery merchant’s eyes.

• Will Barnaby get kissed “by a real woman” for the first time?
• Can Ermengarde escape her uncle’s kidnapping plans, and marry Ambrose?
• Will Irene Molloy marry for money – or love?
• Is it possible for Cornelius to pay for an expensive date with the woman of his dreams when he’s broke, stay out of jail, and find the adventure he seeks?
• And, will Dolly be able to soften old Vandergelder’s heart?

Audiences are laughing as they discover the answers to these questions by watching performances of The Matchmaker, now playing!

Standing behind her sofa, the slightly addled Flora VanHuysen (Amanda Pred) – a friend of Vandegelder’s late wife – tells Ermengarde and Ambrose that she’ll have nothing to do with the uncle’s kidnapping plans, because she considers herself “a friend of all young lovers”. Cornelius is exasperated, because Flora has confused Ambrose with himself.

After love finds its way, and mistaken identities are cleared up and confusions are resolved, the cast accepts the applause of an appreciative audience.

Show runs through March 14
The Matchmaker continues its run on March 6 and 7; and on March 12, 13, and 14. Curtain time for all performances is at 7:30pm.

Order your tickets today: The cost is only $5 for students and seniors; $7 for adults. The Box Office is open from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information, call (503) 261-8270 during Box Office hours.

The David Douglas High School Howard Horner Performing Arts Center is located at 1400 SE 130th Avenue, between SE Division and Stark Streets.

Theater arts instructor and theater manager Mark Taylor lends a hand backstage during one of the choreographed scene changes.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Are you a surfer (or ho-dad), looking for good time? Come out and enjoy this fun-in-the-sun musical, presented on March 19 and 20 …

Can these kids help save the Surf Shack from greedy developers? Come see this musical, that tells the story.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Even if you aren’t a surfer, you’ll enjoy the new musical being presented by Lent School called Wipeout! It will be playing on their stage on March 19 and 20.

“Our musical uses the talents of an all-star cast composed of 23 students from 5th through 8th grades,” said Rebecca Rothery, who occupies a triple role as the school’s eighth grade language arts teacher, the social studies teacher, and the drama director.

“The musical features students singing and dancing as they reveal life on sunny Avalon Beach,” Rothery explained, as the cast rehearsed a musical number. “This surf musical takes us back to a simpler time when life was groovy, the music was hip, and the world was about to change. It’s about a group of plucky teens who get together to save Mom and Pop’s ‘Surf Shack’ from being destroyed by a greedy, heartless land developer.”

In addition to the cast, five students serve as the show’s technical stage crew.

Show supports unique school program
“Lent School is the only elementary school with a dramatic program,” Rothery told us. “We have a music teacher, and a theater and an art teacher here.”

She added that many organizations have donated time and materials. “Some of our set design and props came from Michael Curry of Michael Curry Design – the man who won a Tony Award for ‘The Lion King’, and who has done work with Cirque du Soleil. We’ve had a lot of support generated to support these kids.”

Come hear The Verbtones live, as they rock out with surfer favorites before the March 20 show. Image used with permission

The Verbtones play before March 20 show
Pre-show entertainment is planned for both days. And, we learned that the fabulous Verbtones will be the ones to kick things off at the Friday, March 20 performance, at 6:00 p.m.

Formed in 2001, this band promotes their performances as “Showcase haunting, spine-chilling, vintage-yet-modern surf melodies for ho-dads and grimmys in Oregon and beyond”. They have a true love for today’s surf music – and “a respect for their surfin’ forefathers has influenced their unique sound, providing a time capsule from yesterday that somehow seems right for today.” To visit the band’s website, CLICK HERE.

Dinner and a show
During the pre-show entertainment, pizza and other refreshments will be available for sale as a part of the Lent Theater Program fundraising efforts, Rothery said.

The Lent SUN Community School proudly presents its musical comedy, Wipeout!, on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 from 6:00 until 8:30 pm.

Admission to the performance is $3.00 at the door. Admission for children 12 years & younger is $1.00. Lent School is located at 5105 SE 97th Avenue (between SE Harold Street and SE Holgate Boulevard).

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News