The Ghosts of Celilo Tickets

The Ghosts of Celilo blends Broadway‑caliber musical theatre with Native American music to tell the Celilo Falls story and its flood due to dam construction. Premiering in 2007 with Artists Repertory Theatre at Winningstad Theatre and revived in 2011 at Portland’s Newmark Theatre, this production stands as a landmark collaboration between seasoned theatre professionals and Native collaborators. Directed by Marv Ross, co‑founder of Quarterflash, the show features voices and perspectives from Native artists including Thomas Morning Owl and Chenoa Egawa. Here’s what you should know as you explore this storied Portland production and its enduring legacy in regional theatre.

While recent 2025 activity centers on related Marv Ross projects, The Ghosts of Celilo remains a touchstone for Portland’s theatrical storytelling and Indigenous arts integration. Below you’ll find a concise biography, notable discography highlights, and a summary of past performances that shaped the show’s enduring impact.

Biography: The Ghosts of Celilo emerged from a collaboration led by Marv Ross, a co‑founder of Quarterflash, who brought together Native collaborators including Thomas Morning Owl and Chenoa Egawa. The project honors Celilo Falls, a sacred Indigenous site, by weaving story, song, and theatre into a unique musical narrative that speaks to memory, place, and cultural resilience. The production reflects a careful balance of Broadway‑style storytelling with authentic Native musical influences, creating an immersive experience for audiences in Portland and beyond.

Discography Highlights: A soundtrack CD, The Ghosts of Celilo, was released in 2007 by Ross Productions and includes 18 tracks that dramatize the journey, lore, and emotional landscape of Celilo Falls. The recording complements the live performances and remains a significant archival document of the show’s musical vision.

Awards & Recognition: The production earned 8 Portland Area Musical Theatre Awards (PAMTA) across multiple categories, underscoring its critical acclaim and impact within the regional theatre community.

Tour & Performance History: The premiere took place in 2007 at Winningstad Theatre (Artists Repertory Theatre), followed by a revival in 2011 at Portland’s Newmark Theatre. There are no published 2025 tour dates for The Ghosts of Celilo; current 2025 activity appears to pertain to related Marv Ross projects rather than this specific show. When planning a visit or viewing, check for regional performances or special engagements that may celebrate this notable work.