Portland Center Stage | Portland Center Stage (2024)

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Deidrie Henry stars as Billie HolidayinLady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grillat The Armory, but her history with Portland Center Stage and former Artistic Director Chris Coleman go way back. From a degree in aeronautical science to first acting with Chris at the age of 16,learn more about this incredible artist and her fascinating career.

Deidrie has the distinction of performing in Chris’s opening (Closer in2000) and closing seasons (Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill in 2018) as Artistic Directorat Portland Center Stage at The Armory.

Chris first directed Deidrie when she was 16 years old in The Good Person of Szechwanby Bertolt Brecht (she playedThe Good Person) atThe Georgia Governor’s Honors Program — a residential summer program for gifted and talented high school students.

In June 2016, Deidrie performed the famous role of Blanche in Tennessee William'sA Streetcar Named Desire directed by Chris. The audience raved about her performance, one even said her performance was "the best Blanche I have ever seen."

Are you ready for this? Deidrie has a degree in aeronautical science. In the early 1990s she trained as a pilot, but Eastern Airlines folded the year she graduated and the market was flooded with unemployed pilots. Deidrie says “the universe conspired” to get her back to the stage and that same year she acted alongside Chris inThe Visionat Actor’s Express, founded in 1988 by Chris and Harold M. Leaver in Atlanta, Georgia.

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L-R: Kevin Kenerly, Vilma Silva and Deidrie Henry in "As You Like It" at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, 2002. Photo by David Cooper.

Deidrie also performed at The Oregon Shakespeare Festival for four seasons, including the roles of Rosalind inAs You Like It, Irina inThree Sisters, Susie inWit, Ophelia inHamletand Vera Dotson inSeven Guitars, among others.

She performed in Dael Orlandersmith's (Forever, 2016 andUntil The Floodin our upcoming 2018-2019 season)Yellowmanat Berkeley Repertory Theatre and then againat The Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. A runaway hit, it ran for eight months in Los Angelesand shewas honored as Best Actress from theNAACP and received an Ovation Award, Backstage Garland Award and the Los Angeles Drama Critic Circle Award.

Since 2009,Deidrie has played the role ofAnnie, the official spokesperson for Popeyes, in television commercials. Her beloved character is credited for helping Popeyes discover its brand identity.

About Deidrie Henry

Portland Center Stage | Portland Center Stage (3)
Los Angeles theater:A Raisin in the SunandParadeat Center Theatre Group;Coming Home andYellowman(Best Actress Awards from the NAACP, Ovation Award, Backstage Garland Award and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award) at The Fountain Theatre; Small Tragedyat Odyssey Theatre Ensemble.Regional theater:It Can't Happen HereandYellowmanat Berkeley Repertory Theatre;A Streetcar Named DesireandCloserat The Armory;American Night: The Ballad of Juan Joséat Yale Repertory Theater;Ballad of Emmett Tillat Goodman Theatre; Oregon Shakespeare Festival for four seasons, appearing as Rosalind inAs You Like It, Irina inThree Sisters,Susie inWit,Ophelia in Hamlet, Vera Dotson inSeven Guitars,among others; Blues for an Alabama Sky(Helen Hays Award nomination) at the Alliance Theatre, Hartford Stage, Arena Stage and Huntington Theatre Company.Other awards: Bistro Award for Outstanding Vocalist and Cabaret Debut for her cabaret,What a Day for a Daydream (New York).Television:Game of Silence,The Riches,Criminal Minds,Justified,GleeandCSI.Film:Beyond the LightsandBeautiful Boy.

Editors note: This article original stated that Deidrie Henry can fly commercial planes — she is a pilot, but not a commercial airline pilot. It also incorrectly stated thatDeidrie has been filming three to four commercialswith Popeyes since 2013 — she has been filming numerous commercials since 2009.We apologize for the errors. We do, however, stand by our original sentiment that Deidrie is an extraordinary human.

More about Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill:

Reviews of "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"

"Packed with great music and featuring an incredible performance by Deidrie Henry as Billie Holiday,Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grillis an absolute must-see."-BroadwayWorld

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Playwright Lanie Robertson on Finding the Voice to Make "Lady Day" Sing

Playwright Lanie Robertson talks about capturing Billie Holiday's voice for"Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill."

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Specialty co*cktails Inspired by "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"

Bar Supervisor (and resident mixologist) Melissa Larrabee introduces the specialty co*cktails in honor of our final show of the season,Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.

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A Force of Nature: Deidrie Henry on Becoming Billie Holiday

Deidrie Henry on the challenges, rewards and importance ofbecoming the iconic Lady Day.

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"Lady Day" Cast and Creative Team

Meet the incredible cast and creative team behind Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill.

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Photos: "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"

See photos ofLady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grillcoming to The Armory May 26-July 1, 2018.

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Current & Upcoming

Art Exhibit: Meet Me At The Center by Maria TD Inocencio

September 30 – March 31 • FREE

Portland Center Stage will hostMeet Me At The Center, atwo-part art installation by Portland-based visual artist Maria TD Inocencio. Themixed media collage uses images from nature to represent our city's residents and the ways that their lives intersect.

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Art Exhibit: More Than February by Ronin Roc

January 14 – March 31 • FREE

Portland Center Stage will hostMore Than February,an artexhibit by Portland-basedmultidisciplinaryartistRonin Roc, featuring icons of Black history to honor, reshape, and reclaim the legacy andstories that get passed down from one generation to the next.

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Quixote Nuevo

March 2 – 31, 2024

In this modern twist on Don Quixote, a professor imagines himself as Cervantes’ titular hero and sets out for his long-lost love. Featuring vibrant Spanish-infused music and language, this magical retelling spotlights Tejano culture and celebrates life, love, and the human spirit.

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Art Exhibit: ¡Soy Yo! by Mika Martinez

March 6 – April 30 • FREE

¡Soy Yo!, is a multi-media project, created by Mika Martinez, that examines and celebrates Latinx identity featuringmore than 50 portraits of the Hispanic/Latino community in Portland.

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Piano Bar with Courtney Freed and David Saffert

Join us for this monthly event withlocal songstress Courtney Freed andPortland-based pianist David Saffert as they host a good old-fashioned PIANO BAR.

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Improvisation Classes for Beginners

Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improvclasses will set you on the path to success!

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Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).

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Season Superstars

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Season Supporting Sponsors

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Guardians of the Arts

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Printed from https://www.pcs.org/features/all-about-deidrie

Portland Center Stage | Portland Center Stage (2024)

FAQs

Is Portland Center Stage a non-profit? ›

Portland Center Stage (PCS) is a not-for-profit organization.

What is the mission statement of the Portland Center Stage? ›

Portland Center Stage is the largest theater company in Portland, Oregon, and our mission is to create transcendent theatrical experiences and community programs that break down the barriers separating people.

Does Portland Center Stage have rush tickets? ›

Like regular rush, industry rush tickets are available 90 minutes before curtain and must be purchased in-person at the box office. Show your ID when you purchase your tickets and enjoy the show!

What is Portland's biggest arena? ›

With 30,000 seats, Portland International Raceway is the largest sports venue in the Portland area.

How many people can fit in the Moda Center Portland? ›

Moda Center, formerly known as the Rose Garden, is the primary indoor sports arena in Portland, Oregon, United States. It is used for basketball, ice hockey, rodeos, circuses, conventions, ice shows, concerts, and dramatic productions. The arena has a capacity of 19,393 spectators when configured for basketball.

How much do you get paid at Portland Center Stage? ›

Average Portland Center Stage hourly pay ranges from approximately $17.00 per hour for House Manager to $25.00 per hour for Marketing Associate.

Who is the managing director of Portland Center Stage? ›

Liam Kaas-Lentz - Managing Director - Portland Center Stage at The Armory | LinkedIn.

How does the City of Portland make money? ›

Services Charges & Fees are collected for services such as water, sewage, parks and parking. Taxes are made a revenue mix comprised of property, lodging, license and gas taxes (among others). Grants represent assistance provided by other organizations to help fund specific programs.

When was the Portland Convention Center built? ›

The original building was built in the late 1980s, opened in 1990, and was expanded in 2003.

What is Portland Public School Mission? ›

Our Mission

The Portland Public Schools is responsible for ensuring a challenging, relevant, and joyful education that empowers every learner to make a difference in the world.

What is Portland Fire mission statement? ›

The Portland Fire Department is a proud team of dedicated professionals on the front line since 1768. Our mission is to deliver emergency services to the City of Portland and protect its well being through preparedness, prevention and education.

How many tickets can you get on Rush tickets? ›

Each person can book a maximum of two Rush tickets each week.

Does Portland have night clubs? ›

Portland's densest concentration of dance clubs is in the Old Town Chinatown nightlife district. Bars like Stag PDX and the Southern-themed Dixie Tavern are at the epicenter. Gay nightclub CC Slaughters boasts a live DJ seven nights a week; Wednesdays are all-request dance nights.

What are rush tickets Broadway? ›

RUSH ticket pricing can be anywhere from $25-$45, but they are always great bargain. These tickets are often for the front rows of the theatre. The face value of these tickets can be six to ten times the price that you actually pay. You will often be seated next to someone who paid full-price.

What is the capacity of the state Theatre in Portland Maine? ›

In the heart of the Arts District in Portland, the historic State Theatre seats 1,350 and was designed in a beautiful semi-Atmospheric/Spanish style complete with stage and full balcony. The State Theatre was originally built as a first-run movie house in 1929.

How many people does the Portland Expo hold? ›

Total Number of Seats: 3000. Maximum Number of 8 x 10 Booths: 160.

What is the max capacity of Crystal Ballroom Portland? ›

Facilities. The Crystal Ballroom—the third floor of the building—has high ceilings, a balcony, grand chandeliers, murals, and wide floor-to-ceiling arched windows. The room can be rented for group meetings of up to 1,000 people or, in concert configuration, up to 1500 standing persons or 850 seated.

What is the seating capacity of the Moda Center in Portland Oregon? ›

The arena has a maximum capacity of nearly 20,000, or choose the “Theater of the Clouds” configuration for a more intimate setting appropriate for groups of up to 6,000.

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