Michael Streeter, Readers Theatre Gresham’s (RTG) Artistic Director, wants to
grow the audience for the monthly staged readings, with actors reading a play
with scripts in hand on a bare stage and minimal props. And with RTG
returning after a two-year hiatus due the coronavirus, there are a number of

changes taking place to help achieve that goal, including a new space (the
Center of the Arts Little Theatre at 333 N. Main Avenue in Gresham), serving
beer and wine, a new sponsor (Center for the Arts Foundation) and a new
approach to selecting plays.

Streeter noted that previously, RTG focused on the American classics,
including Neil Simon for comedies and dramatic playwrights such as Arthur
Miller and Tennessee Williams. And while this season does offer some greats
of American drama, the offerings will include other classics from throughout
the world, including William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Martin McDonagh’s
“The Beauty Queen of Leenane” and Augusta, Lady Gregory, and W.B. Yeats’
“Cathleen ni Houlihan.”

“The overarching theme for me when selecting a season, do we have quality
plays that directors are passionate about doing,” Streeter said. “That usually
turns out to be top quality material. I like to lean toward Pulitzer Prize
nominees and winners.”

To lead off the season on Monday, Oct. 3, RTG will offer “Macbeth,” the
tragedy about a Scottish general who is spurred to kill the King of Scotland to
take the throne himself and is then consumed by paranoia and must kill more
people to protect himself. Streeter will direct the reading and play the titular
role, and the play has a special place in his heart as he met his wife in a
production of “Macbeth” decades ago when he was an actor and she was a
makeup artist.

“It’s a show that I’ve been passionate about for over 30 years,” Streeter said,
adding that this reading will feature just six actors who will all play multiple
roles.

Streeter also sees the new location as a boon to the theater, as there is ample
and convenient parking, plus theater patrons can easily go out for dinner at a
nearby restaurant and also get a show in.

“There’s a lot of pent-up demand,” Streeter said.

RTG’s readings will happen on the first Monday of every month, starting with
“Macbeth” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3. Tickets are $9 at the door, with
tickets for Mt. Hood Community College students available at half price. For
more information, visit www.readerstheatregresham.org or email
ReadersTheatreGresham@gmail.com.

2022-23 Readers Theatre Gresham season
• Oct. 3: “Macbeth,” by William Shakespeare.
• Nov. 7: “The Last Night of Ballyhoo,” by Alfred Uhry.
• Dec. 5: “The Dock Brief,” by John Mortimer.
• Feb. 6, 2023: “Crossing Delancey,” by Susan Sandler.
• March 6, 2023: “The Beauty Queen of Leenane,” by Martin
McDonagh.
• April 3, 2023: “Cathleen ni Houlihan,” by Augusta, Lady Gregory, and
W.B. Yeats.
• May 1, 2023: “‘Night Mother,” by Marsha Norman.

• June 5, 2023: “I Never Sang for My Father,” by Robert Anderson.

Three productions end in early October
Clackamas Repertory Theatre presents the comedy, “The Book Club Play,”
through Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Niemeyer Center on the Oregon City campus
of Clackamas Community College, 19600 Molalla Avenue in Oregon City. Show
times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. on
Sunday. Ticket prices are from $30-40. For more information, visit
clackamasrep.org or call 503-594-6047.

Nutz-n-Boltz Theater Company presents “Hello Dolly!” through Sunday, Oct.
16, at the Boring Grange, 27861 Grange Street in Boring. Show times are
7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $18
for adults and $15 for children and seniors, and $13 for law enforcement. For
more information, or to make reservations, call 503-593-1295 or visit
nnbtheater.com.

Sandy Actors Theatre presents “Rumors” through Sunday, Oct. 16, at 17433
SE Meinig Avenue in Sandy (behind Ace Hardware). Show times are 7:30 p.m.
on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $18 general
admission, $13 for children and $15 for seniors, first responders, students and
veterans (reservations are recommended). For more information, or to make
reservations call 503-936-4378 or visit https://sandyactorstheatre.com.