OCTOBER 5, 2017 // 11
A young woman, Julia, arrives at the
house, bringing news from the outside and
additional discord.
The people in the house become paranoid.
Attacking birds outside the house pursue
them, and perhaps their paranoia is beginning
to consume them inside the house.
Birdemic
“I first considered ‘The Birds’ because it
had a known name connected to it,” Shaffer
said. “I also wanted something newer. This
play is not just about the birds attacking. It’s
about the relationship of the people trapped
in the house.”
Brown said “it was easy to pick ‘The
Birds’ because of the high diversity of quality
in the script, and knowing it was in the very
capable hands of Sheila Shaffer.”
Though Shaffer brings a wealth of ex-
perience to her position as director, this is
her first production at the Astor Street Opry
Company. Her theater work in this area
began in 2002 at Cannon Beach’s Coaster
Theatre.
Asked what he wanted people to take
away from the play, Brandon Hurd, who
plays Nat, said, “I want people to do a dou-
ble-take when they see a bird.”
“There are live and recorded sound
effects,” Shaffer said. “The birds are pretty
much always there.”
Her advice to audience members? “Ask
yourselves what you would do under the
same circumstances.”
Barbi England, who plays Diane, admits
to having a dark side, and is enthusiastic
about performing in “The Birds.”
“I have done mostly comedy,” England
said, “so I welcomed the chance to stretch. I
like the darkness. That’s why this play is so
much fun for me — the stretch.”
“The Birds” has a definite dark side. “It’s
a psychological thriller,” Brown said, adding
that it’s probably appropriate for audiences
14 and older. CW
PHOTOS BY COLIN MURPHEY
Actors rehearse a scene from “The Birds” at the Astor Street Opry Company under the watchful eye of director Sheila Shaffer on the bottom far right.
IF YOU GO
“The Birds,” a drama by Conor McPherson
Astor Street Opry Company Playhouse
(129 West Bond St.)
Performances: Friday, Oct. 6; Saturday,
Oct. 7; Friday, Oct. 13; Saturday, Oct. 14;
Sunday, Oct. 15; Friday, Oct. 20; Saturday,
Oct. 21.
For Friday and Saturday shows, house
opens at 6:30 p.m.; the show begins at 7
p.m. Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m.
Tickets, $7 to $16, are on sale one hour
before all shows. Call 503-325-6104 for
tickets.
Reservations are recommended.
Actors arrive at the Astor Street Opry Company for a rehearsal of the “The Birds.”
Barbi England, left, and Justin Germond, right, rehearse a
scene from a production of “The Birds” by the Astor Street Opry
Company. The show runs Oct. 6 through 21.