The Ghosts of Celilo Tickets

It was a very well crafted play that brought all of the issues and trauma that the Northwest tribes faced. It was exceptional in its simple and eloquent delivery of song and native voices.

An amazing set--I began to feel that I was submerged in the Columbia with the Falls and its ghosts--to showcase a delightful and powerful set of characters...all linked with a common thread which unravels to reveal their story, one that deserves to be remembered with reverence. Authentic Native American song and dance, with tantalizing hints of the broad, deeply spiritual thinking which characterizes the Native peoples. A treasure!

The evil white man stole the land from the Celilo tribes and browbeat the Native Americans into succumbing to the English ways. Two hundred years later, the audience of Ghosts of Celilo must pay the price by being whacked over the knuckles with a metaphorical ruler for three hours while enduring swelling song after swelling song. We get it. White man is bad. They killed the Native American spirit. But there is a rule in theatre about not holding your audience captive. Apparently the writers and directors never got to that part of theatre 101.

The story and performances were amazing! Everyone who lives in the Pacific NW (at least) should see this musical to better understand previous cultures that came before us and learn how native people were treated and forced to be schooled to erase their way of life. Such a heartwrenching part of our history. The music is beautifully written. I recommend buying the soundtrack! Thank you Marv Ross for creating this production!

Excellent set, very good acting, fine singing. Best scene was in the dorm when the students went "fishing" with pillows!

This was a great way to learn what happened 50 years ago in this region. Not only was this based on true events but it was entertaining. A great production that made us laugh, cry and think. Loved the music - a blend of the native american and contemporary sounds.

The entire performance was extremely well done. All of the actors were excellent and they flawlessly portrayed their roles. The sets were captivating and the music was beautiful. We are generally not fans of musicals; however, this was an exception. We live in the Gorge and knew the history of Celilo Falls. This was a thought-provoking portrayal of the boarding schools, the arrogant lack of respect for cultural traditions, and the damming of the river and flooding of the falls and sacred Native American grounds. I wish that more people could see this wonderful production. Thank you.

Thanks to Marv Ross and all involved for teaching a generally uninformed public about the human issues surrounding the drowning of Celilo Falls, an event which epitomizes historical U.S. disregard for extant native cultures, traditions, and lives. Though uneven at times and perhaps too dependent upon inner-monologue narrative ("What can I do? Why am I here?") when songs which fuel the forward action would have been a better use of stage time, the plot is absorbing and the conflicts honest and engaging. It was hard not to be moved to tears at poignant moments. The leads are strong performers and sets and costumes equally strongly rendered. This is a production I wish every Northwesterner would see.

Our family of four (including two kids 8 and 10) enjoyed the show very much, especially the Native American chanting and singing. The sets and music were amazing as well. Great show!

I'm proud to be a "River Indian" and the story Mr. Ross told was an honest and moving experience for me and my family. There were so many parallels with our own experiences it was hard not to become overwhelmed with emotions. My grandpa used to fish Celilo, but my children will never have that experience, a truth that Chokie embodied. My heart broke all over again while I watched, and the importance of sharing the stories was never more clear. A special Thank you goes out to all of the wonderful actors who brought our story to life. Hayu masi.