Sara Richardson

NCIS: SYDNEY marks the fifth series in the popular global NCIS franchise, which includes NCIS and NCIS: HAWAI’I, both picked up for their 21st and third seasons, respectively, on the Network, as well as NCIS: LOS ANGELES, which just completed its 14-year run, and NCIS: NEW ORLEANS.

Park Square Theatre rings in the winter holidays with its first ever production of a Jane Austen novel with the regional premiere of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Nov 15 a?" Dec 22, 2019) adapted from the classic by Kate Hamill (SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, LITTLE WOMEN) and directed by Lisa Channer in her Park Square debut. This clever comedy offers a decidedly progressive take on the trials of Lizzy, Mr. Darcy, and the whole Bennet clan, with a few dance breaks thrown in for good measure.

Park Square Theatre's summer fare continues on the Proscenium Stage with the regional premiere of AGATHA CHRISTIE'S RULE OF THUMB (July 12 - August 25, 2019). Directed by local powerhouse Austene Van*, the evening featured three one-act murder mysteries by the most-read mystery writer of all time - Dame Agatha Christie. In The Wasp's Nest, Hercule Poirot comes between a bitter triangle of lovers to prevent a sinister murder; in The Rats, adulterous lovers find themselves lured to a flat, only to be framed for murder; and completing the triple bill is a tense thriller about a woman who is hospitalized after seemingly falling from her balcony in The Patient.

Staging a mystery play during the summer is a longstanding tradition at Park Square Theatre, and I've come to look forward to it every year. It's always fun to immerse yourself in the light yet brain-teasing summer blockbuster fare. But their production of KEN LUDWIG'S BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY is anything but traditional. This new play tells one of the most well known Sherlock stories in a fresh, fun, and imaginative way, with just five actors and a whirlwind, almost slapstick style. Director Theo Langason brings all the innovation and physical storytelling experience from Sandbox Theatre, of which he is an ensemble member, to bear on this wonderfully playful and endlessly delightful production. And the fantastic five-person cast is so playful and fun to watch, including a female Holmes and Watson, because why not?! At a time when so many of us need it, BASKERVILLE provides pure escapist summer fun.

Park Square Theatre cherishes its summertime tradition of cozying up audiences with a good mystery. This year's edition for the company's 43rd season - Ken Ludwig's BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY - offers a fresh take for Holmes devotees AND a special invitation for those who've never spent an evening with the iconic sleuth. McKenna Kelly-Eiding (closing a spectacular run in THE WOLVES at The Jungle) stars as Sherlock Holmes and Sara Richardson* (last seen at Park Square in THE LIAR) as Dr. Watson.

We're halfway through the 11-day, 15-venue, 167-show Minnesota Fringe Festival. I've seen 25 shows, with another 20-some on the schedule for the next five days. Here are a few of my favorites so far. I haven't seen everything on my must-see list yet, so be sure to check that out for more recommendations and tips for Fringe newbies. And you can read all of my Fringe mini-reviews here. There are five days left of Fringe - so get out there and see some shows! Full schedule, venue, and ticketing information can be found on the Fringe's handy dandy website.

17 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows Sonya Berlovitz (costume design), Thomasina Petrus (actor) and Kimberly Richardson (actor) will present selections from theatrical works in progress on Monday, June 26, 2017 at 7 p.m. at Mixed Blood Theatre. This free event is presented by the Playwrights' Center, which is taking reservations at pwcenter.org, info@pwcenter.org or 612-332-7481. Mixed Blood Theatre is located at 1501 South 4th Street in Minneapolis.

The popular Ruth Easton New Play Series features free public readings of new plays by Playwrights' Center Core Writers.

The Playwrights' Center is pleased to announce the 2016-17 recipients of the McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships:

YOU FOR ME FOR YOU. Judging by the title I wondered if this was a play about former American Idol judge Randy Jackson. But of course it's not, rather this regional premiere by Mu Performing Arts is about North Korea, a subject I (and most Americans) know less about than American Idol. I was fortunate enough to attend the play when there was a post-show discussion with the playwright Mia Chung and director Randy Reyes, facilitated by the Star Tribune's Rohan Preston (read his review here). Hearing from the playwright, the director, and the cast about their experiences creating this piece gave me greater insight into the story. Mia shared that because there is so little known about what North Korea is actually like, she felt freedom in creating this world through 'magic realism' and really tried to focus on the human aspect of the story. She succeeds beautifully, as I was completely engrossed in the lives of these characters as brought to life by Mu's strong cast. This specific story of North Korean refugees is also universal in its themes of family, love, and sacrifice, themes that will feel familiar to any audience.

The Jungle closes its 25th Anniversary Season with the regional premiere of the latest work by Conor McPherson, lauded by The New York Times as "the finest playwright of his generation." Joel Sass will direct THE NIGHT ALIVE, his third turn with a McPherson play at the Jungle after critical and audience acclaim with Shining City (2007) and The Seafarer (2009). The Night Alive opens November 6 and will be on stage through December 20 at the Lyn-Lake neighborhood theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. So. in Minneapolis.

The Jungle closes its 25th Anniversary Season with the regional premiere of the latest work by Conor McPherson, lauded by The New York Times as "the finest playwright of his generation." Joel Sass will direct THE NIGHT ALIVE, his third turn with a McPherson play at the Jungle after critical and audience acclaim with Shining City (2007) and The Seafarer (2009). The Night Alive opens November 6 and will be on stage through December 20 at the Lyn-Lake neighborhood theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. So. in Minneapolis.

BOEING BOEING is the perfect screwball comedy. Though this tale of an American playboy in Paris with three 'air hostess' fiances was a hit in France, the English translation flopped on Broadway in 1965. But the revival over 40 years later was a hit and spurred a flood of regional productions around the country. Fortunately for Twin Cities theater-goers, Torch Theater chose it as one of it's 2015 shows at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage. With a stellar cast, spot on direction, and a swinging '60s vibe created by set, costumes, and music, it's practically perfect in every way (to quote that other big show). I can't remember the last time I laughed so much at the theater!

Living in exile in Los Angeles after fleeing the Nazis, Brecht rehearses The Life of Galileo with his wife Helene Weigel and two of his former lovers, Elisabeth Hauptmann, a writer, and Ruth Berlau, a director. As they work on this epic history play over the summer of 1947, the themes of Galileo resonate with Brecht's own life and the unique relationships he had with his collaborators.

This summer, TigerLion Arts (TLA) has its paws in two shows to be produced as part of the Minnesota Fringe Festival, tonight, August 1 - 11, 2013. THE COSMIC EQUATION = 2 Wives + 2 Husbands ÷ Adventure! is a collaboration with Adventurer Press in which two smart Wives escape from their two ignorant Husbands in search of adventure. What if I'm Dead?, produced by TigerLion Arts, is a highly physical solo show in which Red Nose Clown Bartholomew (New York comedian Alan Fessenden) stages his own funeral.

This summer, TigerLion Arts (TLA) has its paws in two shows to be produced as part of the Minnesota Fringe Festival, August 1 - 11, 2013. THE COSMIC EQUATION = 2 Wives + 2 Husbands ÷ Adventure! is a collaboration with Adventurer Press in which two smart Wives escape from their two ignorant Husbands in search of adventure. What if I'm Dead?, produced by TigerLion Arts, is a highly physical solo show in which Red Nose Clown Bartholomew (New York comedian Alan Fessenden) stages his own funeral.

The Guthrie Theater today announced complete casting for the remount of the Pillsbury House Theatre production Buzzer by Tracey Scott Wilson. Buzzer, co-commissioned by the Guthrie Theater and Pillsbury House Theatre, will be helmed by Tony-nominated director Marion McClinton and play the Dowling Studio from February 8-March 3, 2013. Buzzer was previously performed at Pillsbury House Theatre last fall.

Theatre Forever presents A Bun for A Door Handle through Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Forage Modern Workshop, 4023 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55406.