Oregonians began contributing to American theater history starting in the 1870s. During the early decades of the 20th century, which saw the emergence of the American musical, Oregon’s Jazz Age was especially well represented. Bold = From Portland’s Jazz Age.

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Oregonians On Broadway

Joaquin Miller (1837-1913), playwright. Wrote hit play The Danites, or the Heart of the Sierras. From Coburg.

Ballard MacDonald (1882-1935), lyricist. Wrote lyrics for George Gershwin, Victor Herbert, Walter Donaldson. From Portland.

George Olsen (1893-1971), bandleader. His band accompanied Eddie Cantor’s Kid Boots and Whoopee. From Portland.

Lee Morse (1897-1954), singer-songwriter. Performed in Artists & Models Revue in 1923. Born in Cove.

Del Porter (1902 -1977), singer-songwriter. Performed in the original Girl Crazy and Anything Goes. From Newberg.

Max Gordon (1903-1989), talent magnet. Opened Village Vanguard in 1935. Gave early gigs to Judy Holliday, Betty Comden & Adolph Green, Barbra Streisand, Pearl Bailey, Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce. From Portland.

Mayo Methot (1904-1951), actress. Appeared on the Broadway stage from 1923 to 1930. From Portland.

Caroline Burke Swann (1913-1964), producer. Backed plays by Herb Gardner, Paddy Chayefsky, Harold Pinter. From Portland.

Eileen Darby (1916-2004), photographer. One of the most respected photographers in Broadway history. From Portland.

Shelley Plimpton (b. 1947), actress.Originated Crissy in Hair. From Roseburg.