Portland Ovations to bring comedic powerhouse Joan Rivers to Merrill Auditorium

PORTLAND —

A pop-culture icon and trailblazing entertainer, Rivers is a force of nature. She is an internationally renowned comedienne, Emmy Award-winning television talk-show host, Tony Award-nominated actress, bestselling author, playwright, screenwriter, film director, syndicated radio host, and red-carpet fashion laureate.

Rivers is a true pioneer: creating her own brand of uninhibited, uncensored comedy and forging her own remarkable stardom in the entertainment world. Enduring tawdry clubs, Borscht Belt showrooms, and grimy Greenwich Village cabarets to create an illustrious career spanning more than four decades, Rivers continues to dazzle (and provoke). She will be joined on stage by a live band of local musicians lead by Portland’s own Chris Oberholtzer.

Setting the stage for Rivers is a group of four male singers — all graduates of the USM School of Music — now living and working in New York City. Lead by USM School of Music’s Ed Reichert, this fun and incredibly talented group of men calling themselves “The Joan Rangers” will perform some sassy and sensational musical theater selections, making sure the stage is perfectly warmed for the incomparable Rivers.

Tickets range from $41 to $63 for Portland Ovations members and $45 to $70 for the general public. To purchase tickets, visit www.portlandovations.org, contact PortTIX at 207-842-0800 or visit the box office window at Merrill Auditorium, 20 MyrtleStreet.