Sold-Out 20th Anniversary Gala for Jesuit Performing Arts Center Features Over 50 Alumni
Portland, OR. Over 50 notable alumni of Jesuit’s nationally-recognized drama program returned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Performing Arts Center on January 6th. “We’re celebrating a place that our alums found while they were students at Jesuit High School,” says Drama Co-Director Jeff Hall. “It’s gratifying to see them so enthusiastic about returning to that place.” Supporters enjoyed some favorite moments of the past 20 years (and beyond) on the Marilyn Moyer Theatre stage, featuring performances by JHS favorites including Mike McKinsey, Marianna Thielen, Isaac Lamb, Courtney Freed, Nick Ardell, Abby Irwin, Bryce Earhart, Kathleen Hooper, Drew Schmidt, Isabel Klein, Jon Matter, Casey Collins, Brandon Gille and dozens more. (Photo credit, Lois O’Halloran)
The gala featured talented performers from across the years, some of whom are now professional performers.
Brother and sister team Michael and Kelsey Hall hug after their duet.
Paul Danowski sings a song from the upcoming production of Newsies.
For more tickets and more information about the 2017-18 JHS Drama Season, visit www.jesuitportland.org/drama.
The co-director of the program is Elaine Kloser. “It is really exciting to reunite some of our ensembles, from key players in our production of LES MISERABLES to the ogre, princess, and donkey from SHREK,” says Jeff Hall.
Here’s a look at some of the production photographs from years past:
Les Misérables
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
LITTLE WOMEN
HILDREN OF A LESSER GOD
PETER PAN
METAMORPHOSES
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN – 2012
CURTAINS
IN THE HEIGHTS – 2015
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE – 2013
SHREK THE MUSICAL – 2014
WIT – 2016
HAMLET – 2015
HANDS ON A HARDBODY – 2015
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME – 2017
ROMEO AND JULIET – 2017
For more information about the 2017-18 JHS Drama Season, visit www.jesuitportland.org/drama.
In addition to the upcoming production of Newsies, there are some special events coming up like viewings of the National Theatre Live:
Jan 28, 2018
Noon and 4 pm
As part of Third Rail’s goal to bring brilliant theatre to local audiences, they partner with National Theatre Live, the National Theatre’s groundbreaking project to broadcast the best of British Theatre live from the London stage to cinemas across the UK and around the world. And now they’re partnering with us, to provide these high definition screenings in the Marilyn Moyer Theatre.
May 24-26, 2018
Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm
An evening of student-written, student-directed, and student-produced world premieres!
