Sparks fly when Zan, an angry high school student, is forced to work off his community service assignment helping Dorothy, an ailing librarian. But each of them might just have what the other needs... if they can only find the words. 

Dorothy’s Dictionary is a heartfelt ode to connection across divides, the search for hope in dire circumstances, and finding the beauty in what’s right in front of you, featuring Kerie Darner and AC Campbell.

Dorothy’s Dictionary was the winner of the 2022 Portland Civic Theater Guild New Play Award, written by E.M. Lewis and directed by Ted Rooney. DOROTHY’S DICTIONARY has been developed with the support of LineStorm Playwrights, The Public Theater of San Antonio, and Theatre 33 at Willamette University. A developmental workshop was produced by The Dramaworkshop at Palm Beach Dramaworks, January 2021 -- William Hayes,Producing Artistic Director; Sue Ellen Beryl, Managing Director. Dorothy’s Dictionary was the winner of the Portland Civic Theater Guild New Play Award, and received a virtual staged reading produced by the PCTG as part of the 2022 Fertile Ground Festival of New Works in Portland, Oregon.  Dorothy’s Dictionary had its world premiere at Theatre Lab in Boca Raton, Florida in 2022, directed by Matt Stabile. Our production is the pacific northwest premier.

About the Playwright: E. M. Lewis is an award-winning playwright, teacher, and opera librettist. Her work has been produced around the world, and published by Samuel French.  She received the Steinberg Award for How the Light Gets In and Song of Extinction and the Primus Prize for Headsfrom the American Theater Critics Association, the Ted Schmitt Award from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, a Hodder Fellowship from Princeton University, a playwriting fellowship from the New Jersey State Arts Commission, the 2016 Oregon Literary Fellowship in Drama, and an Edgerton Award for Magellanica.  She is currently enjoying a six-year National Playwright Residency at Artists Repertory Theater, provided by the Mellon Foundation.  Her opera Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Fallen Giant, written with composer Evan Meier, premiered at Opera Modesto in January 2024.  Lewis teaches in Lesley University’s low-residency MFA Program.  She lives on her family’s farm in Oregon. emlewisplaywright.com.

About 21ten Theatre 21ten Theatre was founded in 2021 with the mission to cultivate community by producing intimate theater, arts events, and educational opportunities that move and challenge artists and audiences. Our 40 seat house, located in SE Portland, is perfect for telling thoughtful, character-driven stories—creating an emotional impact of seeing such high-caliber work presented in an intimate setting. Learn more at 21ten.org.

About BareBones: Our motto is, "good acting, good stories, told simply." Our mission is to bring more theater to the people by touring our shows to non-traditional spaces (elder care, detention centers, shelters, community spaces) as well as existing theaters throughout the state. We bring shows with 2-3 actors, 60-80 minutes and perform with limited props/costumes/lights. High quality storytelling, accessibly low tech. BareBones of 21ten Theatre

THE CAST

AC Campbell as Zan

AC (they/them) is a Portland-based actor, producer, and administrator. They hold a BA in Theatre and Psychology with a Distinction in Performance from Lewis & Clark College. During the day, AC splits their time between Third Rail Repertory Theatre on the Box Office Staff and at 21ten Theatre as Associate Producer, where they have produced every show since August 2023. Recent acting credits include: Fun Home (Medium Alison) with Korsa Musical Theatre, Goodnight Moon (Bunny) with Oregon Children’s Theatre, It’s All About Pumpkin, a new play by Niels Truman, The Secretaries (Patty), and Passion Play at Lewis & Clark College. In their free time, they enjoy riding their bike, and being a hands-on owner at The People’s Food Co-op.

Kerie Darner as Dorothy

Kerie Darner (She/her/hers) Kerie is thrilled to be working with 21ten for the first time and to be a part of telling this beautiful story. Kerie is a Porltand actor, singer, mother, and theatre lover. She’s had the privilege of working with Artists Repertory Theatre, Oregon Children’s Theatre, Corrib Theatre, Bridgetown Conservatory, Lakewood Theatre, as well as many groups in the San Francisco Bay Area. She graduated from the The Actors Conservatory in Portland and has trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in NYC. Some of Kerie’s favorite roles include Woman in Woman & Scarecrow, Sylvia in The Thin Place, Marian in The Music Man, and Anna in The King and I. Kerie is honored to be a part of telling this story of hope and an unlikely friendship, and thanks her husband and son for their endless support.

Celebrate the magic of the season and get ready for an enchanting evening of high-energy Irish tunes, Celtic Christmas favorites, and beloved holiday classics. This family-friendly event will also feature a captivating performance by Irish dancers, adding an extra layer of festive spirit to the night.

Known for their dynamic performances blending traditional Celtic music with contemporary flair, they’ll deliver all the fan favorites you love along with holiday melodies that will have you singing along. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their music, this is a night you won’t want to miss!

KATIE JANE BAND:High-speed Celtic fiddling meets rich vocal harmonies as the energetic Katie Jane Band takes the stage. Known as “Portland’s hottest fiddler,” Katie Jane Lubiens lights up the stage with her blazing fiddle fingers and charismatic smile. 

Each performance blends Irish, Scottish, and French Canadian folk music with Katie Jane’s original compositions to create a one-of-a-kind sound that is an explosion of energy and joy. Combine Katie Jane’s fiddle virtuosity with her sweet, authentic voice, and you’ll easily see why Katie Jane is gaining a reputation as today’s Celtic music darling. 

The Katie Jane Band can be seen performing at Scottish Highland Games, Celtic festivals, ceilis, weddings, and all kinds of concert venues across the United States. Described as “the most fun you’ll ever have with traditional Celtic fiddle music,” the band joins tasty melodies with driving rhythm for an undeniably danceable sound. 

The band’s comradery and obvious love for the music shine through each toe-tapping performance, uplifting their listeners and leaving them wanting more. Come see for yourself why audiences can’t get enough of the Katie Jane Band!

Learn more at www.katiejaneband.com

A Celtic Christmas with The Katie Jane Band and Irish Dancers

A Celtic Christmas with The Katie Jane Band "Christmas in Killarney"

A Celtic Christmas with The Katie Jane Band "Let It Snow" sing-along with Irish flair

Join us in the LaJoie Theatre for a very special holiday family-friendly show! Acts might include magic, juggling, skits, singing, and more!

Doors open at 6:30pm

Show begins at 7:00pm

A variety of snacks and beverages will be available for purchase before the show and at intermission. The show runs about 90 minutes with an intermission approximately halfway through.