A lot has been said about Storm Large in Portland, she is the gal who was on the reality talk show who was in the raunchy band.  Without knowing too much about Storm I had to admit that when she was chosen to have a role in Portland Center Stages production of Cabaret that my reaction was that it was PCS capitalizing on the heat of the Storm Large brand of the moment to but butts in seats (and maybe to introduce her local audience who might not typically go to PCS to check it out).  Obviously this move to bring Storm in was a bit controversial locally in Portland, Oregon.

This past season after having an amazing experience at the play Sometimes a Great Notion we got a season membership to Portland Center Stage.  Funny thing for me about having a season pass, after having one I realized I do like theater a lot but a full season of plays might be too much for me right now - I may not be sophisticated enough yet - hopefully some day.  There were a few shows in the season that I did not relate to, it is tough when you spend a good chunk of change on a show that you don’t get (and to be completely fair some nights I was feeling a bit tired and I don’t do very well in theater seating when it is dark. 

Or I should say that was my experience before seeing Crazy Enough.  Because of my preconceived ideas of Storm Large as unfair as they were (just getting in with PCS because of her notoriety), I probably would not have seen her production if I did not get a season pass, and I was really blown away with Storm as a performer.  So I still don’t think I will get a season pass next year, but I will go back and be sure to take a risk or two and see a play I might not have seen otherwise.

Storm did talk about her very interesting life in Crazy Enough, and she does have an amazing voice. However, in my mind she really could have talked about virtually anything such as changing the water in her fish tank and she would be interesting to watch.  I now understand the overused cliche “This person was born to be an entertainer”, because I really feel like she was.  Storm has such amazing charisma and is a great story teller. 

So as far as PCS in Cabaret decision, PCS are obviously not pure opportunists, in fact I really respect the risk that PCS took bringing Storm in to share her with Portland.

So let me just say I am now a huge fan of Storm Large (I really can not believe that is her real name but apparently it is - wow).  But that really sums my eye opening experience with Storm Large up.  It is hard in life to have have preconceived ideas about one thing or another, you have your life experiences you store them away and try to protect yourself against things you have done in the past.  But often situations smell similar but are actually different.  From Storm’s name to her out of the box persona, Storm has reminded me to keep an open mind about things and not to judge a book by its sexy cover.

Storm if you read this please contact me at info@popinaswim.com I would love to hook you up as a token of appreciation for the great job you did with your amazing production in our Portland Swimwear shop.  The sound track was also great, congrats.  I hope you keep a home in Portland your potential is unlimited.

P.S. Great news I see that Storm’s show has been extended through June 28!  People of Portland, treat yourself to see this great show to meet one of Portland’s coolest residents!