Springtime in Portland is bringing a lively mix of music, theater, and family-friendly entertainment, highlighted by a unique jazz musical adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.” This production, presented by the Northwest Children’s Theater, features renowned Jazz Society of Oregon Hall of Fame inductee Marilyn Keller as the Queen of Hearts. The show combines classic storytelling with an energetic live jazz score performed by four accomplished Portland musicians, offering a fresh take on Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale. Targeted at audiences aged six and older, performances are scheduled on weekends from March 28 through April 19 at The Judy venue.
Alongside this whimsical event, the city’s cultural calendar is packed with diverse activities. The NW Dance Project is showcasing its spring concert “Spring Songs,” which includes new choreography set to original music by Ben Waters. Meanwhile, the Trinity Music & Portland Baroque Orchestra collaboration offers a solemn Passiontide concert featuring works by Scarlatti and Bach, exploring themes of grief and mortality.
Comedy enthusiasts can enjoy performances by Bluebird Improv, a troupe made up of notable comedians from popular television shows such as “Saturday Night Live,” “Veep,” and “Parks and Recreation.” Their show promises an evening filled with laughter and improvisational fun at the Aladdin Theater on April 2.
For those interested in local history and crafts, the North Clark Historical Museum in Amboy hosts its annual Quilt Show, spotlighting creations from the quilting group “Loose Threads.” Visitors can explore colonial-themed quilts and learn about regional quilting traditions over the weekend of March 28-29.
Additionally, film lovers have the opportunity to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the classic movie “Stand by Me” with a special screening followed by a live discussion featuring some of the film’s stars. This event takes place at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on March 29.
Portland’s spring lineup also includes theatrical productions such as the Tony Award-winning musical “Les Misérables” and the comedy “The Savannah Sipping Society,” which centers on four Southern women rekindling their zest for life. Both shows open in early April and offer engaging stories for a wide range of audiences.
This season’s vibrant array of performances and events reflects Portland’s rich artistic community, blending traditional works with innovative presentations. The “Alice in Wonderland” jazz musical stands out as a highlight, inviting families to experience a familiar story through an exciting new musical lens enriched by live jazz music.
