BWW Review: The Jungle Theater's Production of the Off-Broadway Musical FLY BY NIGHT is an Infectious Retro-Folk-Pop-Rock Delight
by Jill Schafer - June 21, 2017
A new original folk-rock musical? It's like FLY BY NIGHT was created and brought to the Jungle just for me. The rare bird that is the new original musical is my favorite thing in the world, and folk-rock/folk/Americana is my favorite genre of music. I was primed and ready to love this show, and love it I did. Charming and funny yet poignant, with a fantastic score played by greats from the local music scene, and a cast that couldn't be better - what's not to love?
by Jill Schafer - June 21, 2017
A new original folk-rock musical? It's like FLY BY NIGHT was created and brought to the Jungle just for me. The rare bird that is the new original musical is my favorite thing in the world, and folk-rock/folk/Americana is my favorite genre of music. I was primed and ready to love this show, and love it I did. Charming and funny yet poignant, with a fantastic score played by greats from the local music scene, and a cast that couldn't be better - what's not to love?
Brave New Workshop Artistic Director Caleb McEwen Opens Investigation into Cast Collusion with 'The Daily Show'
by BWW News Desk - June 19, 2017
In a stunning turn of events reminiscent of recent top headlines coming out of Washington D.C., the Artistic Director of the downtown comedy theatre Brave New Workshop has accused his own cast of colluding with popular comedy news program 'The Daily Show'.
by BWW News Desk - June 19, 2017
In a stunning turn of events reminiscent of recent top headlines coming out of Washington D.C., the Artistic Director of the downtown comedy theatre Brave New Workshop has accused his own cast of colluding with popular comedy news program 'The Daily Show'.
6 Questions & a Plug with AN AMERICAN IN PARIS' Etai Benson
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - June 16, 2017
Three charming and talented young men are all vying for the same beautiful girl... and none of them know it. Learn more about one of those men, Etai Benson plays Adam in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at the Ordway Center in Saint Paul through Sunday, June 18.
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - June 16, 2017
Three charming and talented young men are all vying for the same beautiful girl... and none of them know it. Learn more about one of those men, Etai Benson plays Adam in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at the Ordway Center in Saint Paul through Sunday, June 18.
BWW Review: Ambitious, Controversial REFUGIA at Guthrie Theater
by Karen Bovard - June 15, 2017
"Refugia" is a Latin term meaning "an area where special circumstances have enabled survival after extinction in surrounding areas." The adventurous theater explorers of The Moving Company (themselves displaced from the renowned Theatre de la Jeune Lune, which closed in 2006) have devised multiple riffs on this idea and related themes, pushing the boundaries of narrative and perhaps, too, of the mainstage Guthrie audiences.
by Karen Bovard - June 15, 2017
"Refugia" is a Latin term meaning "an area where special circumstances have enabled survival after extinction in surrounding areas." The adventurous theater explorers of The Moving Company (themselves displaced from the renowned Theatre de la Jeune Lune, which closed in 2006) have devised multiple riffs on this idea and related themes, pushing the boundaries of narrative and perhaps, too, of the mainstage Guthrie audiences.
Hennepin Theatre Trust Announces 2016-2017 Spotlight Education Triple Threat Award Winners
by BWW News Desk - June 14, 2017
Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today the four students who were honored with the 2016-2017 Spotlight Education Triple Threat Award at the 12th annual Spotlight Showcase on June 12-13. The winners are Mary Burchill (Stillwater Area High School), Erik Dagoberg (Wayzata High School), Palmer Kraus (Maple Grove Senior High School) and Hannah Theisen (Maple Grove Senior High School).
by BWW News Desk - June 14, 2017
Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today the four students who were honored with the 2016-2017 Spotlight Education Triple Threat Award at the 12th annual Spotlight Showcase on June 12-13. The winners are Mary Burchill (Stillwater Area High School), Erik Dagoberg (Wayzata High School), Palmer Kraus (Maple Grove Senior High School) and Hannah Theisen (Maple Grove Senior High School).
The SPCO's Liquid Music Series Announces 2017-18 Season
by BWW News Desk - June 13, 2017
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra's pioneering Liquid Music Series announces today the full schedule of events for its 2017.18 season.
by BWW News Desk - June 13, 2017
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra's pioneering Liquid Music Series announces today the full schedule of events for its 2017.18 season.
From the Creators of 'Church Basement Ladies', THE LOONEY LUTHERANS Comes to Maplewood Area Historical Society
by BWW News Desk - June 12, 2017
In July, the Maplewood Area Historical Society (MAHS) brings theatrical entertainment with a side of hotdish to the Bruentrup Heritage Farm. MAHS will present the family-friendly comedy, THE LOONEY LUTHERANS in 'Livin' La Vida Lutheran,' a show cooked up by the creators of the popular hit musical CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES.
by BWW News Desk - June 12, 2017
In July, the Maplewood Area Historical Society (MAHS) brings theatrical entertainment with a side of hotdish to the Bruentrup Heritage Farm. MAHS will present the family-friendly comedy, THE LOONEY LUTHERANS in 'Livin' La Vida Lutheran,' a show cooked up by the creators of the popular hit musical CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES.
Girl Friday Productions Stages IDIOT'S DELIGHT
by BWW News Desk - June 10, 2017
A romantic commentary on idealism, greed and the realities of war, Robert E. Sherwood's IDIOT'S DELIGHT, produced by Girl Friday Productions and directed by Craig Johnson, opens June 30, 2017 on the Andy Boss Thrust Stage at Park Square Theatre. Girl Friday Productions brings its signature large ensemble cast to this dramatic comedy with musical accents, set in a world on the brink.
by BWW News Desk - June 10, 2017
A romantic commentary on idealism, greed and the realities of war, Robert E. Sherwood's IDIOT'S DELIGHT, produced by Girl Friday Productions and directed by Craig Johnson, opens June 30, 2017 on the Andy Boss Thrust Stage at Park Square Theatre. Girl Friday Productions brings its signature large ensemble cast to this dramatic comedy with musical accents, set in a world on the brink.
BWW Review: RENT Keeps Finding Ways to Get to Your Heart
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - June 10, 2017
Jonathan Larson's RENT 20th Anniversary Tour made its way back to the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis this week. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical could have come across as dated or unimportant with 20 years (actually 21) behind it, but lucky for me and the full houses who purchased tickets to the Minneapolis run, that was not the case.
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - June 10, 2017
Jonathan Larson's RENT 20th Anniversary Tour made its way back to the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis this week. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical could have come across as dated or unimportant with 20 years (actually 21) behind it, but lucky for me and the full houses who purchased tickets to the Minneapolis run, that was not the case.
BWW Review: Nilaja Sun's Beautiful One-Woman Show PIKE ST., on Tour at Pillsbury House Theatre, is Not to Be Missed!
by Jill Schafer - June 08, 2017
Pillsbury House Theatre is hosting New York based theater artist Nilaja Sun's acclaimed one-woman show PIKE ST. for three weeks, and my Minnesota theater friends - this is an opportunity you don't want to miss. A native of the Lower East Side, Nilaja brings all the beauty, diversity, community, and difficulties of her neighborhood to life in a show so all-engrossing, it's a shock to the system to be returned to reality after 90 minutes. She tells one specific story of a family in a hurricane, playing all of the different characters, but it's so much more than one family's story. It's about returning war vets, the joys and frustrations of living in a close community, the joys and frustrations of caring for a child with special needs, family, love, loyalty, and New York City - 'the greatest city in the world.' PIKE ST., which Nilaja also wrote, is a remarkable piece, and hers is a remarkable performance.
by Jill Schafer - June 08, 2017
Pillsbury House Theatre is hosting New York based theater artist Nilaja Sun's acclaimed one-woman show PIKE ST. for three weeks, and my Minnesota theater friends - this is an opportunity you don't want to miss. A native of the Lower East Side, Nilaja brings all the beauty, diversity, community, and difficulties of her neighborhood to life in a show so all-engrossing, it's a shock to the system to be returned to reality after 90 minutes. She tells one specific story of a family in a hurricane, playing all of the different characters, but it's so much more than one family's story. It's about returning war vets, the joys and frustrations of living in a close community, the joys and frustrations of caring for a child with special needs, family, love, loyalty, and New York City - 'the greatest city in the world.' PIKE ST., which Nilaja also wrote, is a remarkable piece, and hers is a remarkable performance.
Legendary Detective Sleuths Come to Park Square 6/16
by BWW News Desk - June 06, 2017
Park Square continues its 42nd season on the Proscenium Stage with its annual summer mystery tradition. Might as Well Be Dead: A Nero Wolfe Mystery leads America's version of Sherlock Holmes in search of a Saint Paul native. Directed by Peter Moore, Joseph Goodrich's world premiere commission by Park Square's own Mystery Writers Producers' Club new adaptation brings the irascible gourmand gumshoe to vivid life in a fast-paced whodunit.
by BWW News Desk - June 06, 2017
Park Square continues its 42nd season on the Proscenium Stage with its annual summer mystery tradition. Might as Well Be Dead: A Nero Wolfe Mystery leads America's version of Sherlock Holmes in search of a Saint Paul native. Directed by Peter Moore, Joseph Goodrich's world premiere commission by Park Square's own Mystery Writers Producers' Club new adaptation brings the irascible gourmand gumshoe to vivid life in a fast-paced whodunit.
Disney's ALADDIN Tickets On Sale Friday, 6/9
by BWW News Desk - June 06, 2017
Disney Theatrical Productions and Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today that Disney's ALADDIN, will launch the 2017-2018 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin Season when it makes its Minnesota premiere Friday, Sept. 15-Sunday, Oct. 8 at the historic Orpheum Theatre (910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis) for a limited engagement of four weeks. The official opening night is Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
by BWW News Desk - June 06, 2017
Disney Theatrical Productions and Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today that Disney's ALADDIN, will launch the 2017-2018 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin Season when it makes its Minnesota premiere Friday, Sept. 15-Sunday, Oct. 8 at the historic Orpheum Theatre (910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis) for a limited engagement of four weeks. The official opening night is Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Hockey Musical THE ABOMINABLES Finds Its Team at Children's Theatre Company
by BWW News Desk - June 06, 2017
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) announces the casting for the premiere of The Abominables, the first Minnesota hockey musical produced in association with The Civilians, written and directed by Steve Cosson with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman and choreography by Joe Chvala. Ryan Bourque (son of Ray Bourque) will serve as Fight and Hockey Choreographer (Ryan is a former Rangers player and current Hershey Bears player).
by BWW News Desk - June 06, 2017
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) announces the casting for the premiere of The Abominables, the first Minnesota hockey musical produced in association with The Civilians, written and directed by Steve Cosson with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman and choreography by Joe Chvala. Ryan Bourque (son of Ray Bourque) will serve as Fight and Hockey Choreographer (Ryan is a former Rangers player and current Hershey Bears player).
BWW Review: Trademark Theater Debuts with THE BOY AND ROBIN HOOD, an Exciting, Engaging, Creative, and Bold New Take on an Old Tale
by Jill Schafer - June 03, 2017
A third new theater company is making its #TCTheater debut this month, following a charming new original musical RAGTIME WOMEN by Theatre Elision and LITTLE WARS, a powerful story of women in their prime brought to us by Prime Productions. Now we have Trademark Theater, whose mission is to 'expand the breadth of original theatrical works born in Minnesota by creating, developing, and producing dynamic stage productions.' Their first creation is a new adaptation of an old story - Robin Hood. And it most definitely is original and dynamic. I saw a reading of it as part of Illusion Theater's 'Fresh Ink' series last year and was impressed with the storytelling and original music. But now, with the added elements of movement, costumes, set, lighting, and all of the theater magic, plus a super talented and energetic young cast, it's something truly exciting.
by Jill Schafer - June 03, 2017
A third new theater company is making its #TCTheater debut this month, following a charming new original musical RAGTIME WOMEN by Theatre Elision and LITTLE WARS, a powerful story of women in their prime brought to us by Prime Productions. Now we have Trademark Theater, whose mission is to 'expand the breadth of original theatrical works born in Minnesota by creating, developing, and producing dynamic stage productions.' Their first creation is a new adaptation of an old story - Robin Hood. And it most definitely is original and dynamic. I saw a reading of it as part of Illusion Theater's 'Fresh Ink' series last year and was impressed with the storytelling and original music. But now, with the added elements of movement, costumes, set, lighting, and all of the theater magic, plus a super talented and energetic young cast, it's something truly exciting.
Playwrights' Center Announces 2017-18 McKnight Fellows, New Core Writers
by BWW News Desk - June 01, 2017
The Playwrights' Center is excited to announce the 2017-18 McKnight National Residency and Commission recipient, 2017-18 McKnight Fellows in Playwriting, 2017-18 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows, 2017-2020 Core Writers and 2017-18 Core Apprentices.
by BWW News Desk - June 01, 2017
The Playwrights' Center is excited to announce the 2017-18 McKnight National Residency and Commission recipient, 2017-18 McKnight Fellows in Playwriting, 2017-18 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows, 2017-2020 Core Writers and 2017-18 Core Apprentices.
A Powerful and Timely Drama Takes Stage at the Duluth Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - May 31, 2017
In this gripping, often funny, drama, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies explores the intricacies of love, friendship, and the wounds of war.
by BWW News Desk - May 31, 2017
In this gripping, often funny, drama, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies explores the intricacies of love, friendship, and the wounds of war.
RENT 20th Anniversary Tour Announces Lottery for $25 Tickets in the First Two Rows
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2017
Hennepin Theatre Trust today announced that a day-of-performance lottery for $25 seats in the first two rows of the orchestra section will be held for every performance of RENT, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical, which is returning to Minneapolis as part of the 2016-2017 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin Season June 6-11 at the historic Orpheum Theatre.
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2017
Hennepin Theatre Trust today announced that a day-of-performance lottery for $25 seats in the first two rows of the orchestra section will be held for every performance of RENT, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical, which is returning to Minneapolis as part of the 2016-2017 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin Season June 6-11 at the historic Orpheum Theatre.
Northrop Sets Lineup for 2017 MUSIC ON THE PLAZA Concert Series
by BWW News Desk - May 24, 2017
Northrop announces its free 2017 Music on the Plaza outdoor concert series, featuring acts from around the Twin Cities every Wednesday from June 7 through August 16 (and a bonus concert on Monday, August 7) at noon on Northrop Plaza.
by BWW News Desk - May 24, 2017
Northrop announces its free 2017 Music on the Plaza outdoor concert series, featuring acts from around the Twin Cities every Wednesday from June 7 through August 16 (and a bonus concert on Monday, August 7) at noon on Northrop Plaza.
McKnight Theater Artist Fellows present WORKS IN PROGRESS 6/26
by BWW News Desk - May 24, 2017
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.
by BWW News Desk - May 24, 2017
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.
Sebastian Maniscalco Will Bring WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? Tour to Hennepin Theatre
by BWW News Desk - May 21, 2017
Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today that Just for Laugh's Stand Up Comedian of the Year SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO will bring his national WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? Tour to the historic State Theatre (805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis) on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Sept. 30 at noon at the State Theatre Box Office, charge-by-phone at (800) 982-2787 and online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.
by BWW News Desk - May 21, 2017
Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today that Just for Laugh's Stand Up Comedian of the Year SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO will bring his national WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? Tour to the historic State Theatre (805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis) on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Sept. 30 at noon at the State Theatre Box Office, charge-by-phone at (800) 982-2787 and online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.
Cast Set for SHREK THE MUSICAL at Stages Theatre Company
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2017
Stages Theatre Company (STC) presents Shrek The Musical, directed by Artistic Director Sandy Boren-Barrett. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation Film, Shrek The Musical, is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs, and the beloved characters you know and love to life on our stage!
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2017
Stages Theatre Company (STC) presents Shrek The Musical, directed by Artistic Director Sandy Boren-Barrett. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation Film, Shrek The Musical, is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs, and the beloved characters you know and love to life on our stage!
Illusion Theater's THURGOOD Moves to St. Paul
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2017
The powerful one-man play, Thurgood, makes a return visit to the Twin Cities from June 8-18 at the LAB Theater, 350 St. Peter St. in downtown St. Paul.
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2017
The powerful one-man play, Thurgood, makes a return visit to the Twin Cities from June 8-18 at the LAB Theater, 350 St. Peter St. in downtown St. Paul.
The Soap Factory and Mizna to Co-Present ALIEN TECHNOLOGY II
by BWW News Desk - May 17, 2017
The all-night Twin Cities art festival Northern Spark returns once again with the theme of climate change, this year running all along the Green Line.
by BWW News Desk - May 17, 2017
The all-night Twin Cities art festival Northern Spark returns once again with the theme of climate change, this year running all along the Green Line.
BWW Review: Artistry's WIT Takes the Audience on a Beautifully Painful Journey
by Jill Schafer - May 16, 2017
I don't know where to begin with this one. Artistry's production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play WIT is simply devastating. But it's also funny, and smart, and philosophical, and enlightening. This is my first experience with the play, and I really can't think of anyone I'd rather see in the lead role than the incomparable Sally Wingert. She gives a masterful performance in what has got to be one of the juiciest roles in theater - a smart, educated, independent, confident woman who experiences life in a whole new way while approaching death from cancer. This professor who is an expert in the metaphysical poetry of John Donne has spent her life contemplating life, death, and the afterlife in theory, and has to rethink everything she believes when faced with the stark reality of it. It's a brilliantly written play given an excellent and interesting staging by Artistry, and Sally's performance is one not to be missed.
by Jill Schafer - May 16, 2017
I don't know where to begin with this one. Artistry's production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play WIT is simply devastating. But it's also funny, and smart, and philosophical, and enlightening. This is my first experience with the play, and I really can't think of anyone I'd rather see in the lead role than the incomparable Sally Wingert. She gives a masterful performance in what has got to be one of the juiciest roles in theater - a smart, educated, independent, confident woman who experiences life in a whole new way while approaching death from cancer. This professor who is an expert in the metaphysical poetry of John Donne has spent her life contemplating life, death, and the afterlife in theory, and has to rethink everything she believes when faced with the stark reality of it. It's a brilliantly written play given an excellent and interesting staging by Artistry, and Sally's performance is one not to be missed.
James A. Rocco to Depart the Ordway at the End of the Year
by BWW News Desk - May 16, 2017
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts announced today that James A. Rocco has decided to step down from his role as Vice President of Programming and Producing Artistic Director to pursue his freelance career. After more than a decade of remarkable service to the Ordway, Mr. Rocco's departure date is planned for December 22, 2017.
by BWW News Desk - May 16, 2017
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts announced today that James A. Rocco has decided to step down from his role as Vice President of Programming and Producing Artistic Director to pursue his freelance career. After more than a decade of remarkable service to the Ordway, Mr. Rocco's departure date is planned for December 22, 2017.
Videos
‘Wizard Of Oz’ Performance Outrages Audience With Hundreds Walking Out
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Jesus Christ Superstar
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (12/9 - 12/28) | |
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Explorasaurus: A Dinosaur Adventure
Stages Theatre Company (8/5 - 8/23) | |
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Encore With The Joffrey Ballet
Northrop (3/5 - 3/5) | |
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Northern Shores: Danny Diamond & Brian Miller
History Theatre (2/15 - 2/15) | |
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Dial M for Murder
Duluth Playhouse at the NorShor Theatre (1/30 - 2/8) | |
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The Girl Who Drank The Moon
Stages Theatre Company (3/27 - 4/19) | |
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anthropology
Theatre in the Round (3/27 - 4/19) | |
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Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve!
Children's Theatre Company (1/20 - 2/22) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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