BWW Review: Head to Charming Excelsior for a Nostalgic and Musically Thrilling MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at Old Log Theatre
by Jill Schafer - August 04, 2016
Carl Perkins, 'the king of rockabilly.' Jerry Lee Lewis, 'rock and roll's first great wild man.' Johnny Cash, 'one of the best-selling musicians of all time.' Elvis Presley, simply 'the king.' In 1956, these four men were in their 20s and at the early stages of their influential and prolific careers. They came together for one night at Sun Records in Memphis for a jam session, which was recorded and released as the 'Million Dollar Quartet.' So of course, this story had to be made into a musical. Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux did just that; the musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET opened on Broadway in 2010. It only ran for a year, but found success on tour and regionally, as such crowd-pleasing jukebox musicals do. Despite a fairly thin book, it's a great show, precisely because we all know and love these songs and these singers. Even if we weren't alive in 1956, these four artists and their music are an integral part of our musical heritage. The Old Log Theatre recently opened a long run of the show with a fantastic cast that's definitely worth the drive out to charming lake town of Excelsior in the Western Metro.
by Jill Schafer - August 04, 2016
Carl Perkins, 'the king of rockabilly.' Jerry Lee Lewis, 'rock and roll's first great wild man.' Johnny Cash, 'one of the best-selling musicians of all time.' Elvis Presley, simply 'the king.' In 1956, these four men were in their 20s and at the early stages of their influential and prolific careers. They came together for one night at Sun Records in Memphis for a jam session, which was recorded and released as the 'Million Dollar Quartet.' So of course, this story had to be made into a musical. Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux did just that; the musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET opened on Broadway in 2010. It only ran for a year, but found success on tour and regionally, as such crowd-pleasing jukebox musicals do. Despite a fairly thin book, it's a great show, precisely because we all know and love these songs and these singers. Even if we weren't alive in 1956, these four artists and their music are an integral part of our musical heritage. The Old Log Theatre recently opened a long run of the show with a fantastic cast that's definitely worth the drive out to charming lake town of Excelsior in the Western Metro.
Cannonballs Await at NorShor Theatre Event This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - August 03, 2016
People curious about how the NorShor Theatre will look when it's completed, or interested in attaching their name (or that of a loved one) to the theatre, are invited to a casual poolside cocktail party at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 4, at Northland Country Club.
by BWW News Desk - August 03, 2016
People curious about how the NorShor Theatre will look when it's completed, or interested in attaching their name (or that of a loved one) to the theatre, are invited to a casual poolside cocktail party at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 4, at Northland Country Club.
BWW Review: After Nearly 60 Years, The University of Minnesota Concludes their Summer Melodrama on the Showboat with the Delightful UNDER THE GASLIGHT
by Jill Schafer - August 01, 2016
For nearly 60 years, the University of Minnesota has been presenting a summer melodrama on a docked showboat on the Mississippi River, currently across from downtown St. Paul. The Minnesota Centennial Showboat was christened in 1958, as those who know their Minnesota history could guess. The first show was UNDER THE GASLIGHT, which returns this summer for their last season at the Showboat. While this is only the second U of M show I've seen at the Showboat, I'm sad that it was my last. The creative team includes some of the top talent in town, and the cast is chock-full of talented young people that are the future of theater in this town. The melodrama is a fun, entertaining, and little-seen genre that encourages the audience to 'vocalize appropriately.' The Showboat is a unique and charming venue, and I hope that someone puts it to good use. Whether you've seen dozens of Showboat melodramas, or none, it would behoove you to board the Showboat one last time for this uniquely pleasing theatrical experience.
by Jill Schafer - August 01, 2016
For nearly 60 years, the University of Minnesota has been presenting a summer melodrama on a docked showboat on the Mississippi River, currently across from downtown St. Paul. The Minnesota Centennial Showboat was christened in 1958, as those who know their Minnesota history could guess. The first show was UNDER THE GASLIGHT, which returns this summer for their last season at the Showboat. While this is only the second U of M show I've seen at the Showboat, I'm sad that it was my last. The creative team includes some of the top talent in town, and the cast is chock-full of talented young people that are the future of theater in this town. The melodrama is a fun, entertaining, and little-seen genre that encourages the audience to 'vocalize appropriately.' The Showboat is a unique and charming venue, and I hope that someone puts it to good use. Whether you've seen dozens of Showboat melodramas, or none, it would behoove you to board the Showboat one last time for this uniquely pleasing theatrical experience.
THE LION KING's Frank Wright II on Sensory-Friendly Performance, July 30
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - July 29, 2016
July 30, 2016, at 2 p.m. @HennepinTheatreTrust offers a sensory-friendly performance of THE LION KING at the Orpheum with tickets starting at $30. Learn a bit more from veteran cast member Frank Wright II in this brief video.
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - July 29, 2016
July 30, 2016, at 2 p.m. @HennepinTheatreTrust offers a sensory-friendly performance of THE LION KING at the Orpheum with tickets starting at $30. Learn a bit more from veteran cast member Frank Wright II in this brief video.
The Ordway Adds ELVIS LIVES to 2016-17 Season
by BWW News Desk - July 27, 2016
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts has announced that it has added a one-night-only performance of Elvis Lives to its 2016-17 season. The show, which is billed as "The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event," will be presented in the Ordway's Music Theater on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
by BWW News Desk - July 27, 2016
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts has announced that it has added a one-night-only performance of Elvis Lives to its 2016-17 season. The show, which is billed as "The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event," will be presented in the Ordway's Music Theater on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
MJTC Announces the Opening of DAI (enough) by Iris Bahr
by BWW News Desk - July 26, 2016
Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC) is pleased to announce the opening of Iris Bahr's DAI (enough), directed by Warren C. Bowles and featuring a striking performance by Miriam Schwartz, who led a sold-out run at MJTC in 2015 with her solo performance of Becoming Dr. Ruth. This production runs from August 17th - 31st, 2016 at the Highland Park Community Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116. Individual tickets go on sale August 1st and are $34. Student and group discounts are available. To order, visit www.mnjewishtheatre.org or call (651) 647-4315. Press passes are available for performances on Wednesday, August 17th at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, August 18th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 20th at 8:00 p.m.
by BWW News Desk - July 26, 2016
Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC) is pleased to announce the opening of Iris Bahr's DAI (enough), directed by Warren C. Bowles and featuring a striking performance by Miriam Schwartz, who led a sold-out run at MJTC in 2015 with her solo performance of Becoming Dr. Ruth. This production runs from August 17th - 31st, 2016 at the Highland Park Community Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116. Individual tickets go on sale August 1st and are $34. Student and group discounts are available. To order, visit www.mnjewishtheatre.org or call (651) 647-4315. Press passes are available for performances on Wednesday, August 17th at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, August 18th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 20th at 8:00 p.m.
Community Invited to NorShor Theatre Event Aug. 4
by BWW News Desk - July 26, 2016
People curious about how the NorShor Theatre will look when it's completed, or interested in attaching their name (or that of a loved one) to the theater, are invited to a casual poolside party at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 4, at Northland Country Club.
by BWW News Desk - July 26, 2016
People curious about how the NorShor Theatre will look when it's completed, or interested in attaching their name (or that of a loved one) to the theater, are invited to a casual poolside party at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 4, at Northland Country Club.
BWW Video Interview: THE LION KING's Frank Wright II, Veteran Cast Member Talks the Show's Origins in Minneapolis
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - July 26, 2016
THE LION KING's Frank Wright II (video) full circle of life comes back around to the scene where it all began as he plays Minneapolis' Orpheum Theater for the fourth time and shares stories of the beginnings here 19 years ago.
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - July 26, 2016
THE LION KING's Frank Wright II (video) full circle of life comes back around to the scene where it all began as he plays Minneapolis' Orpheum Theater for the fourth time and shares stories of the beginnings here 19 years ago.
Loudmouth Collective Presents WAITING FOR WAITING FOR GODOT by Dave Hanson
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2016
During this particular production of Waiting for Godot, there's more drama going on backstage than there is onstage. And for these two understudies, they're going to have to get used to it. Waiting for Waiting for Godot explores the absurd hilarity of theater and the meaning of fame.
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2016
During this particular production of Waiting for Godot, there's more drama going on backstage than there is onstage. And for these two understudies, they're going to have to get used to it. Waiting for Waiting for Godot explores the absurd hilarity of theater and the meaning of fame.
Singer, Songwriter & Storyteller Lyle Lovett to Play the State Theatre; Tickets on Sale Today
by BWW News Desk - July 22, 2016
Hennepin Theatre Trust presents the Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and storyteller LYLE LOVETT with his LARGE BAND for an evening of Americana music blended with country, jazz, folk, gospel and blues.
by BWW News Desk - July 22, 2016
Hennepin Theatre Trust presents the Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and storyteller LYLE LOVETT with his LARGE BAND for an evening of Americana music blended with country, jazz, folk, gospel and blues.
Joe Chvala and The Flying Foot Forum Present PASSING THROUGH PIG'S EYE
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2016
Dancing their way from summer into fall, Joe Chvala and The Flying Foot Forum present a characteristically bold new production throughout downtown Saint Paul inspired by the city's history. Passing Through Pig's Eye, a roving performance of wildly entertaining and eclectic dance, music and comedy, will engage audiences of all ages. Playing August 25 - September 11, Passing Through Pig's Eye is collaboration by 16 of the Twin Cities' finest dancers, singers, actors, and musicians including: Rush Benson, Jeremy Bensussan, Joe Chvala, Annie Enneking, Brian Evans, Karla Grotting, Galen Higgins, Adam Kiesling, Kaleena Miller, Natalie Nowytski, Peter O'Gorman, and Darrius Strong.
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2016
Dancing their way from summer into fall, Joe Chvala and The Flying Foot Forum present a characteristically bold new production throughout downtown Saint Paul inspired by the city's history. Passing Through Pig's Eye, a roving performance of wildly entertaining and eclectic dance, music and comedy, will engage audiences of all ages. Playing August 25 - September 11, Passing Through Pig's Eye is collaboration by 16 of the Twin Cities' finest dancers, singers, actors, and musicians including: Rush Benson, Jeremy Bensussan, Joe Chvala, Annie Enneking, Brian Evans, Karla Grotting, Galen Higgins, Adam Kiesling, Kaleena Miller, Natalie Nowytski, Peter O'Gorman, and Darrius Strong.
Cast Announced for Children's Theatre Company's CINDERELLA
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2016
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) will present the audience favorite Cinderella, starring CTC Acting Company member Traci Allen Shannon in the title role. The entire CTC Acting Company stars as well with Reed Sigmund and Dean Holt playing Cinderella's stepsisters, Dorcas and Pearl, Autumn Ness playing the Stepmother, and Gerald Drake playing Lord High Chamberlain. CTC's 15/16 Performing Apprentice China Brickey will perform as the fairy godmother. David L. Murray,Jr (upcoming Theater Latte Da's Ragtime) will debut at CTC as Prince Eric.
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2016
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) will present the audience favorite Cinderella, starring CTC Acting Company member Traci Allen Shannon in the title role. The entire CTC Acting Company stars as well with Reed Sigmund and Dean Holt playing Cinderella's stepsisters, Dorcas and Pearl, Autumn Ness playing the Stepmother, and Gerald Drake playing Lord High Chamberlain. CTC's 15/16 Performing Apprentice China Brickey will perform as the fairy godmother. David L. Murray,Jr (upcoming Theater Latte Da's Ragtime) will debut at CTC as Prince Eric.
Walking Shadow Theatre Company Announces 2016-2017 Season
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2016
From an enigmatic fishing cabin, through the gardens of Versailles, to the most prestigious stage in England, Walking Shadow's twelfth season explodes the ideas of true love, the hidden costs of complacency, and the hazards of social change.
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2016
From an enigmatic fishing cabin, through the gardens of Versailles, to the most prestigious stage in England, Walking Shadow's twelfth season explodes the ideas of true love, the hidden costs of complacency, and the hazards of social change.
BARS AND MEASURES to Continue Rolling World Premiere in Minneapolis
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2016
Award-winning director Marion McClinton makes his directorial debut at the Jungle with BARS AND MEASURES, a music-filled new play with an original score by jazz composer Justin Ellington. A National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere, the riveting drama by acclaimed playwright and spoken word artist Idris Goodwin is on stage August 26 through October 9 at the Lyn-Lake neighborhood theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis.
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2016
Award-winning director Marion McClinton makes his directorial debut at the Jungle with BARS AND MEASURES, a music-filled new play with an original score by jazz composer Justin Ellington. A National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere, the riveting drama by acclaimed playwright and spoken word artist Idris Goodwin is on stage August 26 through October 9 at the Lyn-Lake neighborhood theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis.
STAGE TUBE: Playwright Paula Vogel Gives Writing Advice for DGF's Traveling Masters Program
by Stage Tube - July 21, 2016
Paula Vogel, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of How I Learned To Drive, The Baltimore Waltz, And Baby Makes Seven, and this year's Indecent, led a public workshop at the Minneapolis Playwrights' Center as part of The Dramatists Guild Fund's Traveling Masters Program. Scroll down for a clip!
by Stage Tube - July 21, 2016
Paula Vogel, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of How I Learned To Drive, The Baltimore Waltz, And Baby Makes Seven, and this year's Indecent, led a public workshop at the Minneapolis Playwrights' Center as part of The Dramatists Guild Fund's Traveling Masters Program. Scroll down for a clip!
Erin Mackey to Lead Reading of Christine Toy Johnson's PAPER SON at Guthrie Theater
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2016
A reading of PAPER SON, a play written and directed by Christine Toy Johnson (currently playing 'Bloody Mary' in SOUTH PACIFIC at the Guthrie Theater), will be presented on Monday, August 8 at 7 pm in the Guthrie's Kitchak Lounge, 818 S. 2nd Street, Level 3, Minneapolis, MN.
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2016
A reading of PAPER SON, a play written and directed by Christine Toy Johnson (currently playing 'Bloody Mary' in SOUTH PACIFIC at the Guthrie Theater), will be presented on Monday, August 8 at 7 pm in the Guthrie's Kitchak Lounge, 818 S. 2nd Street, Level 3, Minneapolis, MN.
The Church Basement Ladies' RISE UP, O MEN to Play Plymouth Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - July 13, 2016
Curt Wollan and Troupe America Inc., the producer of the national hit musical comedy series The Church Basement Ladies announce the ladies return to Plymouth Playhouse with a completely new look at what happens in their Church Basement kitchen. You've met the ladies, now meet the men. Told from a male perspective (with the ladies), the truth is revealed about what happens in the kitchen of the church basement in this hilarious yet touching new musical titled RISE UP, O MEN, the sixth in the popular series, previews August 17-19, opening August 20 and continuing through November 13, 2016.
by BWW News Desk - July 13, 2016
Curt Wollan and Troupe America Inc., the producer of the national hit musical comedy series The Church Basement Ladies announce the ladies return to Plymouth Playhouse with a completely new look at what happens in their Church Basement kitchen. You've met the ladies, now meet the men. Told from a male perspective (with the ladies), the truth is revealed about what happens in the kitchen of the church basement in this hilarious yet touching new musical titled RISE UP, O MEN, the sixth in the popular series, previews August 17-19, opening August 20 and continuing through November 13, 2016.
BWW Blog: Siobhan O'Loughlin - Minnesota Remount
by Guest Blogger: Siobhan O'Loughlin - July 12, 2016
When October came, I returned to one of my favorite places in the US: Minneapolis.
by Guest Blogger: Siobhan O'Loughlin - July 12, 2016
When October came, I returned to one of my favorite places in the US: Minneapolis.
DAI, THE WHIPPING MAN and More Set for MJTC's 2016-17 Season
by BWW News Desk - July 08, 2016
Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC) is pleased to announce its 22nd season of staging stories about Jewish history and culture with themes universal to people of all backgrounds.
by BWW News Desk - July 08, 2016
Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC) is pleased to announce its 22nd season of staging stories about Jewish history and culture with themes universal to people of all backgrounds.
Theatre in the Round Closes 64th Season with JEEVES INTERVENES
by BWW News Desk - July 08, 2016
Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) closes its 64th season with Jeeves Intervenes, by Margaret Raether, from the stories of P.G. Wodehouse, in weekend performances during July (tonight, July 8-31, 2016).
by BWW News Desk - July 08, 2016
Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) closes its 64th season with Jeeves Intervenes, by Margaret Raether, from the stories of P.G. Wodehouse, in weekend performances during July (tonight, July 8-31, 2016).
Penumbra Theatre's 2016 Summer Institute to Train Next Generation of Activist Artists
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2016
Now in its 10th year, Penumbra Theatre's Summer Institute is a leadership development program that trains teenagers to use their passion for the arts to promote social justice and equity. Across the Twin Cities, students are positively impacting their communities by standing up, speaking out, and moving those who listen with the power of performance.
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2016
Now in its 10th year, Penumbra Theatre's Summer Institute is a leadership development program that trains teenagers to use their passion for the arts to promote social justice and equity. Across the Twin Cities, students are positively impacting their communities by standing up, speaking out, and moving those who listen with the power of performance.
The Red Letter Society to Present THE ABORTION CHRONICLES as Part of Minnesota Fringe
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2016
The Red Letter Society, a new collective comprised of Fringe vets and frequent collaborators Ariel Leaf, Ruth Virkus and Ben Layne, presents The Abortion Chronicles, a new work of personal stories from Minnesotans of all walks of life, sharing their experience with abortion in their lives.
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2016
The Red Letter Society, a new collective comprised of Fringe vets and frequent collaborators Ariel Leaf, Ruth Virkus and Ben Layne, presents The Abortion Chronicles, a new work of personal stories from Minnesotans of all walks of life, sharing their experience with abortion in their lives.
Lundstrum Center to Present THE BOY FRIEND, 8/5-7
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2016
A diverse cast of 30 teenage students of dance, voice and drama will present Sandy Wilson's musical spoof The Boy Friend, August 5, 6 and 7 at the Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts in North Minneapolis. This witty play, set in the French Riviera, presents a rollicking review of courtship in the Roaring 20's, with amusing characters, mistaken identities, catchy tunes and up-beat dance numbers, including the memorable 'Won't You Charleston With Me?'
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2016
A diverse cast of 30 teenage students of dance, voice and drama will present Sandy Wilson's musical spoof The Boy Friend, August 5, 6 and 7 at the Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts in North Minneapolis. This witty play, set in the French Riviera, presents a rollicking review of courtship in the Roaring 20's, with amusing characters, mistaken identities, catchy tunes and up-beat dance numbers, including the memorable 'Won't You Charleston With Me?'
Mixed Blood Theatre Sets 2016-17 Season
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2016
Mixed Blood Theatre today announced a new season with daring works and world premieres. From wildly irreverent comedies to deeply moving dramas, the company continues its tradition of putting the full spectrum of the ever-changing face of the US on stage, celebrating the breadth of our humanity in content and in form.
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2016
Mixed Blood Theatre today announced a new season with daring works and world premieres. From wildly irreverent comedies to deeply moving dramas, the company continues its tradition of putting the full spectrum of the ever-changing face of the US on stage, celebrating the breadth of our humanity in content and in form.
King Sunny Ade, Orlando Julius & Rich Medina Come to SummerStage for Free Concert
by BWW News Desk - July 03, 2016
King Sunny Ade / Orlando Julius and The Afro Soundz / Rich Medina in association with World Music Institute - today, July 3. Doors 2pm / Show 3pm SummerStage @ Central Park, MN Free Show
by BWW News Desk - July 03, 2016
King Sunny Ade / Orlando Julius and The Afro Soundz / Rich Medina in association with World Music Institute - today, July 3. Doors 2pm / Show 3pm SummerStage @ Central Park, MN Free Show
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