Our History
The Beginnings…
In December of 1994, in the Mago Hunt Theatre at the University of Portland, a newly-minted “Rose City Revels” boldly put on a “sampler” show of songs and dances from the original Christmas Revels. This rousing, ambitious test of local interest featured John Langstaff (founder of The Revels in Cambridge), the Bridgetown Morris Men, the Rose City Gay Freedom Band, an enthusiastic group of children, and a wonderful, if small, chorus of ready singers under the direction of Russ Oelheim.
A small crowd of 200 loved it, sang along, and danced all over the theater with the cast–the first “Lord of the Dance” in Portland (see photo below from 2011 and read more here!) It was an auspicious start, full of enthusiasm and ready talent. The following year, at Portland State University’s Lincoln Hall, the first fully-staged Christmas Revels drew 1,500 people to five performances. Portland Revels was launched.
Over 30 Years of Revels Magic…
Since the 1990’s, Portland Revels has continued to thrive, with our annual holiday solstice show (originally called the Christmas Revels, now called the Midwinter Revels) performing live every year (with the exception of two digital productions in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID pandemic.) The Midwinter Revels has been performed at multiple venues throughout the Portland Metro Area including St. Mary’s Academy, the Newmark theatre in Portland’5, Alberta Abbey, and the Scottish Rite, where we were in residence until 2013 and to which we returned in 2025.
Revels productions have always been defined as an intergenerational experience, and throughout our 30+ years, children and youth have been at the heart of our Midwinter productions – both onstage and in the audience. During the past three decades, our volunteer performers and audience members have cultivated a true community that exists alongside Revels programming, providing joy and connection throughout the year.
Portland Revels Today…
Today, Portland Revels offers year-round programming that focuses on building connections and fostering creativity through song, dance, a celebration of seasons and a diversity of cultures and communities. We serve nearly 4000 people annually, many of whom have been a part of Revels year after year.
