by CHRISTINE SARKES The Book of Mormon at the Orpheum Theatre is a seriously funny satire that pokes fun of organized religion, groupthink and know-it-all white boys. The musical is the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score and Best Direction from the creators of “South Park,” Trey Parker and…
A frenzied, colorful, “play within a play.”
By Sarah Petrea Schultz At first glance, the Carol King jukebox musical is an upbeat romp through iconic tunes. The show certainly delivers on this front- as well as diving into deeper and more nuanced subject matter. The warm colors of the set draw audience members into a different era, where they meet young Carol.…
In 2009 Lin-Manuel Miranda performed a new piece at a White House Poetry Jam for the newly elected President Barack Obama. He nervously told the audience that he had been working on a hip-hop concept album based on the life of a man whom he believed “embodied hip-hop.” That man was an immigrant, a Founding Father, a Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton (played on the tour by Joseph Morales). In the end, he created a musical that blended hip-hop, R&B, rap, blues, jazz, and the broadway sound and went on to win 11 Tony Awards. Now on its second national tour, Hamilton will be playing at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis through October 7th.
by MICHAEL J. OPPERMAN When I heard oohs and ahs from my nine year old daughter sitting next to me, I knew that Circus Juventas had mounted yet another wonderful production. The entire experience is compelling, and it starts before one even enters the Big Top. The grounds are beautifully manicured and foster a feeling…
By ERIKA SASSEVILLE and JACOB FROELICH In The Legend of Georgia McBride Playing now through August 26th at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, Casey (Jayson Speters) is a failing Elvis impersonator in Panama City, Florida trying to support himself, his wife Jo (Chaz Hodges), and a baby on the way. Casey’s boss at Cleo’s Bar, Eddie…
Geologist Tom Stockmann (Billy Carter) discovers that the hot springs destined to get the town back on its feet are poisoned. Tom struggles against what he knows to be right, and what the rest of his friends and family think best.
