Illusion Theater Presents ALWAYS AND FOREVER, 12/2-18

The Illusion Theater offers two treats this holiday season: Miss Richfield 1981's annual extravaganza and a reprise of the hit musical ALWAYS AND FOREVER.

Opening December 2, Miss Richfield 1981 retraces her runway walk and commemorates her 30th year as a beauty queen from that first ring suburb, just past the Crosstown. The Midwestern maven is back for her 12th year at Illusion to spread her own particular, unpredictable Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah cheer! From songs to improv to physical comedy, native Minnesotan Miss Richfield makes each show a new experience. Miss Richfield 1981: Thirty Years on the Throne will be on stage at the Illusion through December 18.

Just in the time for the holidays, Always and Forever makes a comeback from December 22, 2011 through January 8, 2012 at the Illusion. Set in a 1970s urban neighborhood barbershop, the hit musical revue reveals the ups and downs of all kinds of love through the eyes of four African American men relating their stories through the pop tunes of the 60s and 70s, including songs by The Jackson Five, Percy Sledge, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Earth, Wind and Fire. Starring Julius C. Collins III, David Hurst, Jackson Hurst and Dennis Spears, this reprise of Always and Forever features special holiday songs-including a never-before-heard original.

Tickets for Miss Richfield 1981: Thirty Years on the Throne are $30-$38 and tickets for Always and Forever are $20-$35. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people. Tickets are available at the Illusion Theater Box Office at 612-339-4944 or online at www.illusiontheater.org.

CALENDAR INFORMATION
Illusion Theater
528 Hennepin Ave., 8th Floor, Minneapolis
Box office: 612-339-4944 or www.illusiontheater.org

Miss Richfield 1981: Thirty Years on the Throne
Tickets: $30-$38
Thursday, Dec. 1 @ 8pm - Preview
Friday, Dec. 2 @ 8pm - Opening Night
Saturday, Dec. 3 @ 8pm
Sunday, Dec. 4 @ 7pm
Thursday, Dec. 8 @ 8pm
Friday, Dec. 9 @ 8pm
Saturday, Dec. 10 @ 8pm
Sunday, Dec. 11 @ 7pm
Thursday, Dec. 15 @ 8pm
Friday, Dec. 16 @ 8pm
Saturday, Dec. 17 @ 8pm
Sunday, Dec. 18 @ 7pm - Closing

Always and Forever
Tickets: $20-$35
Wednesday, Dec. 21 @ 8pm - Preview
Thursday, Dec. 22 @ 8pm - Opening Night
Friday, Dec. 23 @ 8pm
Tuesday, Dec. 27 @ 7pm
Wednesday, Dec. 28 @ 7pm
Thursday, Dec. 29 @ 8pm
Friday, Dec. 30 @ 8pm
Wednesday, Jan. 4 @ 7pm
Thursday, Jan. 5 @ 8pm
Friday, Jan. 6 @ 8pm
Saturday, Jan. 7 @ 8pm
Sunday, Jan. 8 @ 7pm - Closing

Illusion Theater was founded in 1974 and presents its season on the 8th floor of the Hennepin Center for the Arts in downtown Minneapolis. Since the beginning, Producing Directors Michael Robins and Bonnie Morris have led Illusion Theater in illuminating the illusions, myths, and realities of our times and in using the power of theater to catalyze personal and social change. In 35 years, Illusion has generated over 500 plays, developed thousands of artists, and created ground-breaking educational works. Plays developed at Illusion have been produced in theaters throughout the world. Illusion's work has catalyzed conversations in living rooms, kitchens, coffee houses, and board rooms, and has led to transformations in policy, in organizations, in students, and in individuals.