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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.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

May 24-26, 2018

Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm

An evening of student-written, student-directed, and student-produced world premieres!

On Sale May 5 (Subscribers Apr 28)

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.