Khan-tacular! Trek in the Park 2010: Space Seed!

It's no exaggeration to say that in the middle of its second summer run, Trek in the Park has become a bona fide Portland phenomenon - a tradition that should have a long and happy life!

The brainchild of Atomic Arts and director/Captain Kirk, Adam Rosko, this year finds yet another classic Original Series Star Trek episode performed live and for free in the crowded-to-exploding outdoor setting of Portland's Woodlawn Park.

Kirk, Spock and McCoy are wonderfully played by the same three actors who originated the roles in last year's Amok Time. This year the cast has been joined for Space Seed by the phenomenal Ryan Castro as Khan Noonian Singh, who inhabits the role with exactly the right amounts of genetically superior superman ego and sly Montalban homage. Costumes and props are amazingly accurate, right down to the Botany Bay crew jumpsuits to the Starfleet dress uniforms.

Trek in the Park has a small army of sponsors now, including Bridge City Comics, The Portland Mercury and ...Pabst Blue Ribbon! This is wonderful to see, but be advised, the word is out and so are the crowds.

Make no mistake, miss this production at your own peril. The cast and crew are spectacular and completely embody the phrase "labor of love." The show continues for two more weekends through August 1st, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:00.

As the show is free (you can buy fantastic T-shirts!), you'll want to get your landing party planted in the amphitheater at least two hours before the show to have a prayer of seeing things from up close. My advice, pack up and get there early...and prepare for a fantastic experience.

Here are a few highlights...