Two Talented Actors Make Third Rail Debut in "Grace"
Rehearsals have begun for the first production of Third Rail's second season, Craig Wright's "Grace." What we in the business call a four-hander, "Grace" will star two Third Rail ensemble members, Stephanie Gaslin and Damon Kupper. Joining them are two actors making their Third Rail debuts but who will be familiar to Portland theatregoers.
Stephanie's last role in a Third Rail production was as the tough/tender Girleen in "The Lonesome West." Since then she's kept busy coaching dialects for just about every Portland production you can think of, gathering props for Third Rail shows, and oh yeah, giving birth to Kellen Jennings Yarbrough.
The last time we saw Damon, he was blowing our mind with his kaleidoscopic, nearly psychedelic performance as The Narrator in "The Pavilion." Damon's first child, Callaway, arrived in July. (We are awash in cuteness.)
Doug Mace Could Tell You a Few Stories
Doug Mace and Portland theatre are basically synonymous. The man has been performing in Portland for decades. He was a seasoned veteran when Drammys were still called Willies. Heck, he predates the award altogether. Speaking of which, he's got a couple of 'em, for performances in "The Weir" at Artists Rep and "Moon for the Misbegotten" at CoHo. The company is tickled to finally have Doug in a Third Rail production, because we just love the guy. Oh, ask Doug to tell you his story about the Columbus Day Storm.
Leif Norby Has One of Those Resumes
Compared to Doug, Leif Norby is what you'd call a whippersnapper. Heck, he only arrived in Portland in 1992, practically yesterday. Since then, Leif has put together one of those resumes that makes other actors gnash their teeth with jealousy. The kind of resume where the role he played is usually also the title of the production. As in, Hamlet (at Tygre's Heart). Cyrano (Oregon Chldren's Theatre). Henry V (NW Classical Theatre). This pattern was set early: Leif's first role was as the Emperor in "The Emperor's Nightingale," a 4-H production in his home state of Montana.
Leif, Doug, Stephanie and Damon, knockout talents all, are sure to make "Grace" a great success.
Third Rail's production of "Grace" by Craig Wright runt September 28 through October 27 at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural center, 5340 N. Interstate. Call 503-235-1101 for reservations, or purchase tickets at www.thirdrailrep.org.
