Classic Play 'Night of the Iguana' Heads to Oregon Coast / Newport

Published 10/12/2026 at 8:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) – An old favorite and stalwart classic comes to the central Oregon coast, with Newport seeing a major literary accomplishment beginning its run this week.

Red Octopus Theatre Company in Newport will stage Tennessee Williams’ classic drama “The Night of the Iguana” this fall, with performances running October 16 through November 1, 2026, in the David Ogden Stiers Theatre at the Newport Performing Arts Center. With direction by Bonnie Ross, the production will span nine performances, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Williams’ Tony Award-winning play, set in 1940 on a hillside in Puerta Barrio, unfolds in the oppressive tropical heat as characters confront memory, longing and the limits of human endurance. The story explores the fragile need for connection, the weight of personal history and the search for meaning at moments when people find themselves pushed to the edge.

“Darkly comic, heartbreaking, and profoundly tender, the play carries a distinguished awards record,” said organizers. “In addition to its win for Best Actress in a Play, it was nominated for the 1962 Tony Award for Best Play and later earned two Drama Desk Award nominations in 1977 and three Olivier Award nominations in 1992.”

Meanwhile, the show itself is staged on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and those engaging beaches just a few steps away.

Ross has assembled a large ensemble cast featuring Cody Larsen, Mary Griffith, Jayne Calkins, James Aagaard, Nikki Paige, Shelley Arnold, Zach Dickerson, Artemis Foss, Fred Kunde, River Benson, Evan Faulkner, Dawson Arnold and Marcel Davis. The production is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

The central Oregon coast theater company notes that the play includes mature themes such as alcoholism, religion, homosexuality and underage sex, and reflects the language and cultural norms of its 1940 setting. It is recommended for mature teens and adults.

Tickets are priced at $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and Oregon Coast Council for the Arts members, and $20 for students. They may be purchased at the PAC box office or by calling 541-265-ARTS, with an additional fee applied to online purchases through the OCCA website. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Mondays, and opens one hour before ticketed performances. Patrons are encouraged to attend fragrance-free to support guests with allergies and sensitivities.

More information about Red Octopus Theatre Company is available at octopusonstage.com. Event details and ticketing can be found at coastarts.org/events/iguana.

Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

A Literal Hideaway at N. Oregon Coast's Cape Meares, Up Against Bayocean's Re...
Cape Meares Hide-A-Away tucked behind dense forest with beach views. Oceanside hotel reviews, Tillamook hotel reviews, Rockaway Beach hotel reviews, Pacific City hotel reviews

A Bit of Oregon Coastal Swank At Not Quite the Coin
Lincoln City's Inn at Wecoma is a bit of a surprise. Lincoln City hotel reviews

Seriously Stunning Newport BnB Somewhat New on Oregon Coast's Luxury Scene
Revamped, remodeled Ocean House will drop the jaw. Newport hotel reviews

Roland W. Reviewed Agate Beach Motel, Newport.
7 Sep 2026 at 11:11pm
Views outside are some of the best on the coast. Inside too: beautiful rooms. And service quite good too. Close walk to Yaquina Head

South Oregon Coast Hotels
S. Coast Hotels: Reedsport, Winchester Bay, Coos Bay, Bandon, Port Orford, Gold Beach, Brookings. S Coast Hotel Reviews

Rich R. recommends Inn At Wecoma. Lincoln City Review (Best hotel for D River...
4 Nov 2026 at 7:31pm
Decor is awesome. Very clean and pretty good service. Reasonable prices, too. Will I stay again? absolutely. well, if i can get better weather LOL. Next to D River access, walking to NW 15th access, Lincoln City tidepools, Roads End, walk to shopping, close to Siletz Bay

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted