The daily Astorian., July 12, 2018, Page 10, Image 10

10 // COASTWEEKEND.COM
Josie Posey and Dawson
Yukon Shadd during a
dress rehearsal of
‘Shanghaied in Astoria.’
COLIN MURPHEY PHOTO
CAPTIVE
AUDIENCE
History meets histrionics in ‘Shanghaied in Astoria,’
opening July 12 at Astor Street Opry Company
By HANNAH SIEVERT
COAST WEEKEND
A
storia’s favorite musical, “Shanghaied in Asto-
ria,” returns to the Astor Street Opry Company
on Thursday, July 12. Now in its 34th season, the
play is the oldest continuously running melodrama in the
U.S.
The show centers around Eric, who is “shanghaied,”
or kidnapped, away from Astoria and his love, Virginia,
and forced to perform labor on a ship. Written by former
Clatsop Community College professor Del Corbett in
the mid-1980s, the script includes humorous nods to
Astoria’s Scandinavian roots. The story is told in vaude-
ville melodrama style with cartoon-like acting that is big
and broad.
This year’s director, Ashley Mundel, hopes to bring
new faces and new flash to the production while staying
true to the original script. Mundel has been acting in
“Shanghaied” for 15 years, primarily in the role of Miss
Macie. This will be her first time directing the produc-
tion.
“I’m blessed to do this and I’m excited,” Mundel
said. “I’ve had a lot of ideas for a long time.”
Mundel steps into the role during a shift in leadership
for Astor Street. Last year’s director, Markus Brown, left
‘SHANGHAIED IN ASTORIA’
When: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, with
three Sunday matinees, from Thursday,
July 12, through Saturday, Sept. 1. Evening
performances 7 p.m., Sunday matinees 2
p.m. July 22, and Aug. 5 and 19.
Where: Astor Street Opry Company, 129
W. Bond St. Box office opens one hour
before performances, house opens 30
minutes before performances.
Tickets: Front-row seats $20; all others
$15 adults; $10 children. The company is
also offering $10 Fridays, which means all
seats are $10 on Fridays.
For more information, visit shanghaie-
dinastoria.com