UNBOUND: A BOOKISH MUSICAL

🎭 Spring 2026 Developmental Workshop

April 18–20, 2026 | PSU Boiler Room Theatre | Portland, OR

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About This Performance

unbound: a bookish musical returns this spring for its first full-length developmental reading — featuring new songs, new scenes, and expanded ensemble storytelling. This workshop presentation includes material from the entirety of Acts I and II and represents the most complete version of the show to date.

Run Time: Approximately 2.5 hours, including one intermission

This is an advanced staged reading — lightly staged, music-driven, and story-centered — offering audiences a chance to experience the work as it continues to grow.

PERFORMANCE DATES

Saturday April 18 at 3:30 pm | Doors at 3:00 pm

Sunday, April 19 at 7:30 pm | Doors at 7:00 pm

Monday, April 20 at 7:00 pm | Doors at 7:30 pm

LOCATION

PSU Campus — Downtown Portland (see box office link for details)

TICKET PRICES

Choose a ticket tier that works for you

  • $35 - Bookish Believer - Champion new, locally created work

  • $25 - General Admission - Support artists and production costs

  • $15 - Community Supporter - For students, artists, teachers, and those needing a lower-cost option

    Limited Arts for All tickets available (Discount Code: ARTS4ALL). If cost is a barrier, please reach out directly at rockcitysea at gmail (dot) com.

 
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About the Show

unbound: a bookish musical follows Jane, a recent divorcee who returns to her hometown and begins working at Bookish, a beloved neighborhood bookstore. There, she encounters a community of artists, dreamers, and seekers navigating their own creative and emotional crossroads. Together, they explore what it means to belong, to rebuild, and to reclaim what was thought lost.

With original book, music, and lyrics by erin rachel, unbound blends storytelling, memory, and contemporary musical theatre into a heartfelt journey of grief, growth, and reinvention.

This workshop presentation is presented as part of the 2026 Fertile Ground Festival of New Works – a program of the Portland Area Theatre Alliance. Fertile Ground presents new work exclusively by local artists across Portland and the surrounding areas.The 2026 festival runs April 10–26.

Developmental Journey

  • April 2025: First Workshop and Concert Readings - A cast of nine artists performed selections from Acts I and II to sold-out audiences

  • October/November 2025: Expanded Development - With much of the original cast returning, expanded material was presented as part of Portland Design Month and Literary Arts’ Cover to Cover Festival.

  • April 2026: First Full-length Workshop - This spring marks our most ambitious developmental milestone yet — our first full-length presentation! Many returning cast members rejoin the ensemble (some in newly evolved roles), alongside new collaborators.
    This workshop is a bridge toward a fully staged future production.

Press & Reviews

Read what audiences and critics have said:

Support Our Next Chapter

unbound is still in early development. Your presence and support at this stage are deeply meaningful and directly fuel the next iteration.

🎈WAYS TO SUPPORT

1. Join the Bookish Circle (Patreon)

Receive behind-the-scenes updates, creative reflections, and early content.
Free and paid tiers available.

2. MAKE A One-Time Contribution (DONATION)

Help fund workshops, compensate artists, and move toward full production.

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