Ten singers and a cookin’ onstage band power this sweet, romantic, semi-autobiographical musical about one of America’s most beloved composers
OREGON CITY, Ore. — July 11, 2017 — Some of Portland’s premier musicians will take center stage as Clackamas Repertory Theatre presents Irving Berlin’s “The Melody Lingers On,” August 3 – 27 at Osterman Theatre in Oregon City. Performances take place Thursday – Saturday at 7:30pm, with 2:30pm Sunday matinees. The August 4 performance has already sold out. Tickets may be purchased at www.ClackamasRep.org or by calling (503) 594-6047.
“We’ve assembled an incredibly talented cast,” said Director David Smith-English. “We sought out the area’s most powerful voices, and are eager for audiences to hear them. Many of the songs we’ll perform are American classics, songs we’ve grown up with, and it’s a joy to learn how Berlin, the son of Russian immigrants, came to write them.”
“The Melody Lingers On” features female vocal powerhouses Susannah Mars and Merideth Kaye Clark. Mars, making her Clackamas Rep main stage debut, will perform August 10 – 27. She is a resident artist at Artists Repertory Theatre, where she has performed in 12 productions and also serves as the Music Events Specialist. Merideth Kaye Clark was featured as Kate in Clackamas Rep’s 2013 production of “Kiss Me Kate” and has wowed audiences with her one-woman show in Clackamas Rep’s summer Cabaret Concert Series since 2013.
Mont Chris Hubbard, Don Kenneth Mason, James Dixon, Natalie Mallak, Caitlin Brooke, Matthew Brown, Kevin Minkoff, and Allesondra Helwig round out the talented cast.
This year, Clackamas Rep became a small professional theatre with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, and the production includes several Equity artists.
Each performance of “The Melody Lingers On” will feature a guest singing Berlin’s famous “Supper Time.” LaRhonda Steele, the 2016 Muddy Award-winner for Best Female Vocalist presented by the Cascade Blues Association, and Lauren Steele will alternate performances. Over the years, LaRhonda has enjoyed working with local, national and international artists. She performed at the Lincoln Center with Obo Addy in 2005 and her annual appearances at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival of Portland are not to be missed. The addition of this special performance is sure to bring down the house and make it an evening to remember.
The August 10, 17 and 24 performances will include interactive post-show talkback sessions with the cast and director to enhance the audience’s experience.
Clackamas Rep will celebrate opening night with a champagne and dessert reception in the lobby following the August 5 performance.
In addition to Director David Smith-English, the Clackamas Repertory Theatre production team includes Alva Bradford, Costumer; Wesley “Angel” Hanson, Choreographer; Lars Campbell, Music Director; Mont Chris Hubbard, Vocal Director; Chris Whitten, Scenic and Lighting Designer; and Deborah Dahling, Properties Designer.
About Clackamas Repertory Theatre:
Clackamas Repertory Theatre (www.clackamasrep.org) is a small professional theatre company in Oregon City, Ore. Founded in 2004, CRT offers high-quality, financially-accessible productions for the citizens of Clackamas County and beyond, prepares current and former Clackamas Community College students for a career in theatre, and gives Clackamas County youth the chance to experience theatre first-hand through summer internships and classes at the college.
For More Information:
Jayne Stevens, Assistant Managing Director
Clackamas Repertory Theatre
(503) 594-3914
jayne@clackamasrep.org