Jared Fessler - Page 3

Tony Award–winner Santino Fontana returns to his “second home” of Minneapolis for a special night at The Capri Theater on Saturday, November 8. Known for his unforgettable roles on Broadway and as the voice of Prince Hans in Frozen, Fontana brings his quick wit, rich voice, and love of storytelling to an evening that’s anything but ordinary.

On October 23, 2025, the intimate Crooners Supper Club in Minneapolis was transformed into a cozy haven for musical theater lovers as Andrea Ross, accompanied by pianist Scott Lykins, presented Ghost Light Cabaret, part of the Lakes Area Music Festival’s Winter Series.

Love Your Melon started as a simple college project with a big mission: give a beanie to every child battling cancer in America. Founded in a classroom at the University of St. Thomas by Zachary Quinn and his college roommate, the brand quickly grew into a household name, known as much for its charitable impact as its cozy, leather-patch beanies.

There’s something surreal about seeing Paul McCartney walk out on stage and launch into “Help!” — that voice, that melody, that presence — all instantly familiar, yet still powerful in a way that catches you off guard.

We’re thrilled to have the chance to speak with composer Bob Kelly, one of the creators behind Confessions: A New Musical, which is set to have a private industry reading in New York City on October 20. The musical is based on Tom Rastrelli’s memoir Confessions of a Gay Priest and explores the powerful intersection of faith, sexuality, and identity through the eyes of a Catholic priest confronting his truth.

Andrea Ross is no stranger to the stage — a Broadway veteran and internationally acclaimed soprano, she’s bringing a new kind of magic to Crooners with Ghost Light Cabaret. Teaming up with pianist Scott Lykins, Ross explores the haunting beauty of musical theater’s darker corners, from Phantom of the Opera to Hadestown.

As the Iowa Hawkeyes gear up to face off against longtime Big Ten rival Minnesota, the excitement is building—not just because of the fight for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy, but also because this game means a lot on a personal level for many players.

What did our critic think of LAUFEY A MATTER OF TIME TOUR at Target Center Minneapolis? Laufey brought her A Matter of Time Tour to the Target Center in Minneapolis on October 11, 2025, and turned the massive arena into something that felt impossibly intimate. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, dressed simply and framed by soft, warm light, the crowd was completely hers. What could have been a cavernous space became a quiet conversation between artist and audience — full of sighs, smiles, and moments that felt suspended in time.

What did our critic think of LORDE ULTRA SOUND at The Armory Minneapolis? Lorde brought her Ultrasound Tour to The Armory in Minneapolis for two nights, and her October 11, 2025, performance proved exactly why she remains one of the most captivating artists of her generation.

What did our critic think of WHITE CHRISTMAS at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres?

At the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Mumford & Sons reminded everyone why they still matter. The arena filled steadily before showtime, buzzing with a crowd that clearly came ready to sing, sway, and soak it all in. This wasn’t just another tour stop—it felt like a long-awaited return, not only for the band but for fans who’ve been waiting years to hear these songs live again.

Joey McIntyre’s return to Minneapolis felt less like a concert and more like an intimate reunion with an old friend. Performing at the Varsity Theater, he didn’t need flashy lights or elaborate staging to command the room — his voice, his stories, and the genuine connection he shared with the crowd did all the work.

What did our critic think of DISASTER! at Interact Theater? There’s no shortage of chaos, camp, or sequins in Disaster! The Musical, now playing at the Interact Center in Saint Paul.

Rochester Civic Theatre’s production of The Prom, running through October 5, is a vibrant celebration of identity, love, and the courage to be yourself. Under the direction of Lindsey Duoos Williams, this high-energy show strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart, bringing the Broadway hit to life with a touch of local flavor.

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if the Addams Family invited your in-laws over for dinner, this national tour of The Addams Family musical—now playing at the Ordway—offers a deliciously strange answer. It’s macabre, messy, full of heart, and just self-aware enough to keep you laughing even when the jokes get delightfully groan-worthy.

Currently lighting up the stage at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical tells the story of one of America’s most iconic singer-songwriters through the music that defined generations. At the heart of this powerful production is Lisa Reneé Pitts, who plays the role of the Doctor — a grounding and emotionally resonant presence in Neil Diamond’s journey of self-reflection and healing.

From the first few bars of “Solitary Man” to the rousing, inevitable chorus of “Sweet Caroline,” A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical delivers exactly what fans of the singer-songwriter came to hear.

What did our critic think of KEITH URBAN HIGH AND ALIVE WORLD TOUR at Grand Casino Arena?

On October 26, The Life and Music of George Michael comes to the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis for one night only—bringing the hits, style, and unmistakable voice of a pop legend back to the stage.

What did our critic think of RENÉE FLEMING VOICE OF NATURE: THE ANTHROPOCENE at Ordway Concert Hall?