by MICHAEL J. OPPERMAN “A little glitter can turn your whole day around,” according to Junie B. Jones. And so can a children’s musical this good. Artistic Director Sandy Boren-Barrett and Director Cody R. Braudt have staged a whimsical, joyful production of the (in)famous Junie B. Jones’ experiences in 1st grade. Stages Theatre Company was…
by CHRISTINE SARKES SASSEVILLE The 11th annual Ivey Awards last evening recognized and showcased the work over the past year of the metro area’s professional theater companies and artists. Joe Dowling, the Guthrie Theater’s recently retired artistic director, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Critically-acclaimed newcomer, actor Mikell Sapp, who gave a moving acceptance speech, received the Emerging Artist Award…
BY TAMAR NEUMANN: A couple of years ago I was on a play selection committee for a theatre company. I suggested that we read and consider Elliot, a Soldier’s Fugue for our next season. At our next meeting my choice was callously disparaged as confusing and boring, and the group moved on in favor of more…
by CHRISTINE SARKES SASSEVILLE Guthrie Theater’s new artistic director Joseph Haj could not have chosen a more timely and relevant play to open his first season than Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, now through October 25 (recently extended) on the Wurtele Thrust Stage. As he states in the program’s introduction, “There is a timeliness to…
By ELLEN FERRY. The Orpheum Theatre’s production of Cinderella dazzles with the timeless charm of a grandiose Broadway musical. A breathtaking set and remarkable costume changes—coupled with the distinct ballads of Rodgers and Hammerstein—make the show a delightful theatre experience for audience members of all ages. But those hoping to be swept away in a…
Becoming Dr. Ruth: In Life and Sex, You’ve Got to Finish By Rebecca Halat and Adam M. Schenck The Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company’s production of Becoming Dr. Ruth traces the story of the internationally-known sex therapist Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer from her youth in Nazi Germany to how we know her today. Youthful actress…
BY TAMAR NEUMANN: As the sun begins to set on summer in Minneapolis, there is one last outdoor show you should make time for—Mixed Precipitation’s Escape From Alcina’s Island: A Picnic Operetta. In its 7th year, Mixed Precipitation has started a wonderful tradition of bringing good, local food and opera together. The play this year is…
By LIZ BYRON. It’s pretty simple: if the thought of pirates mixing in singing and dancing with their swashbuckling doesn’t sound awesome to you, then… well, first of all, I think you’re crazy. But second of all, you should probably stay clear of the Ordway between now and August 16, because their production of The…
By ELLEN FERRY. “It’s only acting.” Or so they say. Sarah Ruhl’s charming new romantic comedy, Stage Kiss, is a hilarious yet refreshingly honest exploration of what happens when the lines between acting and real life become blurred. Using a unique blend of comedy and drama, Ruhl playfully exposes the plight of romantic leads turned…
by CHRISTINE SARKES SASSEVILLE The Matchmaker, now on Park Square Theatre’s Andy Boss Thrust Stage, is writer and playwright Thornton Wilder’s (Our Town) satirical and humorous take on class differences, new wealth, love and the importance of having adventures. This is the play that was later turned into the iconic Tony-award winning musical, Hello Dolly!, starring Carole Channing and the 1969…
Aisle Say - Twin Cities 