Greetings from Portland, Ore.!
Yes, Portland Has a Seal
I’m just about to do the second preview performance of Ben Franklin: Unplugged at Portland Center Stage. I’ve been having a great time: the theater staff is amazingly friendly, helpful, and erudite; the first preview audience, last night, was warm and receptive; and, thrillingly, I’ve been able to hang out a bunch with my theatrical collaborator, director David Dower. (We used to see each other all the time, but then he moved from the Bay Area to work at Arena Stage in Washington D.C., where he’s been doing incredible things — albeit [*sniff*] 3,000 miles away.)
Some quick highlights from my first week here (mostly spent rehearsing):
- David and I wandered over to a local gym, and I happened to mention that I really missed my Berkeley-based personal trainer Georgia — who has made my life, previously beset by frequent back ailments, so much better. Almost as if by magic, a trainer named Von Ray appeared. Within a short time, somehow David and I had both committed to training with Von Ray while we’re here (seven more weeks for me, a few more days for David). A moment later, I found myself at Whole Foods with Von Ray helping me choose my exact meals for the next few days. Von Ray is a force of nature: yesterday was “Terrific Tuesday,” today is “Wonderful Wednesday.” He’s been working our asses off. Oh, and one other thing: He doesn’t allow cursing! I said, “Look, Von Ray, I’m from New York!” No sympathy. Every time I curse, I have to do 25 pushups. Yesterday, I had to do 50. Today I made myself say things like “Jiminy Crickets!” It felt weird. Golly.
- People at the theater told me I needed to check out Stumptown Roasters. I did, and their coffee does indeed rock. (As does their music: last time I was in there, I was delighted to hear them playing one of my all-time favorite albums, Television’s Marquee Moon.)
- Powell’s Books!!! In a rapidly digitizing world, it is a sensual thrill to wander through their “City of Books” (just a block from my hotel, and from the theater) and pick up actual, physical volumes. Heaven. (Plus, given the horrifyingly slow Internet service at my hotel, rather than Google, it’s often faster just to walk over to Powell’s and look something up. It might even be faster to walk to Tanzania, actually.)
And in two weeks, my wife and son come to visit me here! And today is the birthday of my youngest brother, Sam (hero of Citizen Josh)! And Joni Mitchell is playing on my computer’s tinny speakers (“People’s Parties,” one of my favorites), and she still sounds glorious!
Gosh darn, it’s enough to make you want to cuss for joy — but I don’t think my arm muscles can take anymore pushups today. So I’ll just sip some more Stumptown coffee, run down to get my laundry from the machines downstairs, and prepare for that second preview. (The official opening is on Friday.)
If you know Portland, I’d love your suggestions for places I should visit. And if you know people who live around here, please suggest that they come visit me at the theater — that would be way, um, friggin’ cool!
Posted: September 30th, 2009 under Ben Franklin: Unplugged, Citizen Josh, Coffee, Georgia, Oregon, Performances, Portland, Touring, Von Ray.
Comments: 7
Comments
Comment from jake
Time: September 30, 2009, 9:34 pm
I am thinking of coming up towards the end of October. I can’t wait to check Portland out, it sounds like it actually is as cool what I’ve been hearing for years!
Comment from jeff
Time: October 2, 2009, 12:25 pm
Saw your performance last night (Thursday). Was great. I didn’t know what to expect and thought it might be some serious two hour drama. Was pleasantly surprised.
While in PDX visit the Chinese and Japanese Gardens . Check out what is going on at some of the many other regional theaters. Some good restaurants include Kenny & Zukes Deli ( best pastrami this side of NYC), Park Kitchen ( near the theater), 10-01 Happy Hour, Pok-Pok Thai ( Our friends from Berkeley love this place). If you get a chance go to the coast and the gorge.
Comment from Jonathan Causey
Time: October 2, 2009, 10:51 pm
Hi and welcome to Portland. I was quite surprised to discover that you are here and starring in your latest play, as I’ve been a fan of your work since 2002 with “Haiku Tunnel.” I’ve been in Portland for nearly four years and love it, but the best experiences of PDX are often not the tourist-centric ones. I’d recommend picking up a copy of “Finder” by Willamette Week to locate excellent local restaurants or simply use WWeek’s website. You’ve already discovered Stumptown’s Coffee Roasters so you are definitely heeding some good advice regarding cafes and dining. The food carts also offer an inexpensive side to eating (with tasteful selections to boot). As to the cultural side of Portland sans culinary arts, I’d definitely second advice on the Japanese Garden and Rose Garden before the rainy seasons gets underway. The Classical Chinese Garden is goreous, but music is Portland’s strength. Catch shows when you can at the Doug Fir, Someday Lounge, Berbati’s Pan… Portland may not have nearly the diversity of a metropolis like New York City, but I’m sure you will find quite a few interesting niches here. New York transplants tend to be split: either loving or hating the city, and often for the same reasons.
http://www.wweek.com/
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/selling-oregon/
I’m looking forward to catching tomorrow’s show (Saturday, October 3rd).
Comment from Doug
Time: October 5, 2009, 7:16 pm
Find Michael Griggs, Executive Director at Portland Taiko. http://www.portlandtaiko.org/contact-us/index.html You’ll want to put drums in your next show. And try Rimsky-Korsakoffeehouse for music and desserts http://rimskys.blogspot.com/
Comment from sara
Time: October 6, 2009, 11:27 pm
Here’s my PDX advice: come on over to the east side and haul your butt up Mt. Tabor (it’s a volcano!) for sunset, Crepes at Le Happy on NW Lovejoy & 17th, cough up $4.00 and ride the tram, roller skating at Oaks Park is awesome, catch the roller derby, wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, the corn-maze on Sauvie Island, Wordstock!, Jetboat the Willamette but don’t drink the water, Clear Creek Distillery tour, Glow in the Dark mini-golf, Forest Park and Hoyt Arboretum, people watch on the waterfront.
Trackback from Kylie Batt1
Time: June 12, 2010, 10:15 pm
Согласен, ваша мысль блестяща…
I’m just about to do the second preview performance of Ben Franklin: Unplugged at Portland Center Stage…..
Comment from Lois
Time: September 30, 2009, 8:52 pm
I visit Portland a couple of times a year, and yes – Powells is THE place to visit. I always come home to Vancouver with a pile of new scripts from the Pearl Room. I can spend hours walking around downtown Portland. And I will be in Portland in mid-October so perhaps I’ll have to come check out your show.