Antoinette Hatfield Hall

I love both theatres here at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts (aka PCPA). Combined with the Schnitz, Portland was a class set of venues for a variety of theatrical offerings.
Last month I took in the Stephen Sondheim production of «Company». I’d never heard of it before and sadly opening hight had an almost empty theatre. Its a freaking long production. The first act is well over an hour, then a 20 minute intermission then a slightly shorter second act.
The Winningstad Theatre is a class act itself-​easy to navigate with very helpful volunteer ushers.
Unlike the first reviewer I did not find the extraneous things (bars, gift shop) out of place, but instead quite friendly and helpful.
A couple of weeks later I attended the Portland Piano International presentation of this years Van Cliburn gold metal winner at the Newmark Theatre, which was filled to its 700+ capacity.
Both theatres have good sound quality, easy ingress and egress, pleasant barkeeps that pour a generous tot at intermission and nice ushers who offer programs and actually try to adjust the temperature if the place gets too hot with all the bodies stuffed inside.
Then I crossed the street to the Schnitz for the first Pops Concert for a review of Gershwin music that was fantastic.
Portland has lots to offer people interested in some good theatre as well as live symphony music. And next month John Cleese comes to the Newmark for fun! As well as childrens presentations by Tears of Joy theatres Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Support the Arts!

Formerly the New Theatre building, the Antoinette Hatfield Hall is an extraordinary place for the performing arts in Portland. Run by the Portland Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA) whose ticket office is off the main lobby.
Unfortunately the lobby and various balcony level waiting areas have been tarted up by banner advertising, concession tables, pretzel warmers and now a gift stand that blocks off a visually important part of the main lobby.
Still, I’m giving the place four stars because I love the Newmark & Winningstad theatre spaces for performances, but navigating the distractions in the lobby and balcony waiting areas have now reached the level of the news crawl on CNN.