BWW Reviews: Classical Actors Ensemble's TWO GENTLEMAN OF VERONA is Shakespeare As It's Intended - Playful, Energetic, Immediate, and Outdoors!
by Jill Schafer - June 28, 2015
The best thing about living in Minnesota is: a) theater, and b) lakes. Combine those two, and you have about as perfect of a Minnesota experience as you can have. Classical Actors Ensemble is presenting Shakespeare's comedy TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA at Lake of the Isles (and other select locations) this summer. I saw the matinee yesterday, and it was a lovely way to spend a picture perfect Minnesota summer afternoon. The show is utterly charming, and something about doing it outdoors in a public space makes Shakespeare seem more immediate, natural, and real, like this is a story that's happening in our world here and now. I sometimes have a hard time getting into Shakespeare, but this company makes it extremely accessible and so easy to become engaged in the stories, characters, and Shakespeare's beautiful words, which sound modern and fresh in this context. Their mission is: 'Classical Actors Ensemble is dedicated to engaging audiences by capturing the spirit in which plays of the English Renaissance were originally performed - with immediacy, passion, and as popular entertainment.' Mission accomplished.
by Jill Schafer - June 28, 2015
The best thing about living in Minnesota is: a) theater, and b) lakes. Combine those two, and you have about as perfect of a Minnesota experience as you can have. Classical Actors Ensemble is presenting Shakespeare's comedy TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA at Lake of the Isles (and other select locations) this summer. I saw the matinee yesterday, and it was a lovely way to spend a picture perfect Minnesota summer afternoon. The show is utterly charming, and something about doing it outdoors in a public space makes Shakespeare seem more immediate, natural, and real, like this is a story that's happening in our world here and now. I sometimes have a hard time getting into Shakespeare, but this company makes it extremely accessible and so easy to become engaged in the stories, characters, and Shakespeare's beautiful words, which sound modern and fresh in this context. Their mission is: 'Classical Actors Ensemble is dedicated to engaging audiences by capturing the spirit in which plays of the English Renaissance were originally performed - with immediacy, passion, and as popular entertainment.' Mission accomplished.
The Ordway Kicks Off 2015 Summer Dance in Rice Park This Week
by BWW News Desk - June 25, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce 2015 Summer Dance. Now in its sixth year, Summer Dance offers free, family-friendly dance events and live music in Rice Park in downtown Saint Paul. This year, the Ordway and the Twin Cities Jazz Festival will co-present Summer Dance as a three-evening event, this week, June 25-27. Each evening will highlight a different dance and music genre, offering free dance lessons from professional instructors from around the community, followed by live music and open dance in the park.
by BWW News Desk - June 25, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce 2015 Summer Dance. Now in its sixth year, Summer Dance offers free, family-friendly dance events and live music in Rice Park in downtown Saint Paul. This year, the Ordway and the Twin Cities Jazz Festival will co-present Summer Dance as a three-evening event, this week, June 25-27. Each evening will highlight a different dance and music genre, offering free dance lessons from professional instructors from around the community, followed by live music and open dance in the park.
BWW Reviews: ONCE Is Not Your Typical Broadway Musical, Using Music Organically to 'Speak and Sing of What It Is to Be Human'
by Jill Schafer - June 24, 2015
There's no big opening number, no splashy dance with dozens of chorus girls and boys, no pit orchestra, no large moving set pieces, no colorful glamorous costumes. ONCE is not your typical musical. In fact, according to The Cherry and Spoon Music-Theater Spectrum it's not a musical at all, but rather a play with music. Yet this atypical not-really-a-musical musical won eight Tony Awards in 2012. Why is that? Why was this quiet and quirky musical based on a little Irish movie awarded Broadway's biggest prize? Perhaps because it is different from other musicals. Perhaps the voters awarded the creative and organic way music is used to tell this beautifully simple and non-traditional love story. ONCE is a new kind of music-theater, and proves that musicals don't always have to be big and loud to have a profound effect on the audience. ONCE is quietly, beautifully stirring.
by Jill Schafer - June 24, 2015
There's no big opening number, no splashy dance with dozens of chorus girls and boys, no pit orchestra, no large moving set pieces, no colorful glamorous costumes. ONCE is not your typical musical. In fact, according to The Cherry and Spoon Music-Theater Spectrum it's not a musical at all, but rather a play with music. Yet this atypical not-really-a-musical musical won eight Tony Awards in 2012. Why is that? Why was this quiet and quirky musical based on a little Irish movie awarded Broadway's biggest prize? Perhaps because it is different from other musicals. Perhaps the voters awarded the creative and organic way music is used to tell this beautifully simple and non-traditional love story. ONCE is a new kind of music-theater, and proves that musicals don't always have to be big and loud to have a profound effect on the audience. ONCE is quietly, beautifully stirring.
BWW Reviews: The Guthrie Theater's CHOIR BOY Uses Music to Perfection in Telling This Affecting Coming of Age Story
by Jill Schafer - June 23, 2015
What do you get when you combine a talented young playwright, an excellent cast that includes five up-and-coming actors and two beloved veterans of local stages, stirring a capella gospel music arranged by a local musical legend, and the Twin Cities' best director of 'theater musically?' You get CHOIR BOY, a lovely and affecting play about a young gay man coming of age in an African American boarding school. The playwright is Tarell Alvin McCraney of the excellent Brother/Sister trilogy that Pillsbury House Theatre has produced in its entirety in the last several years. While those plays have an epic, mythical quality, CHOIR BOY is more grounded in reality, but just as beautifully written. Add in musical direction and arrangement by Sanford Moore and direction by Peter Rothstein, an expert at using music in the best possibly way to enhance the theatrical storytelling, and you have something quite special going on in the Guthrie's Dowling Studio.
by Jill Schafer - June 23, 2015
What do you get when you combine a talented young playwright, an excellent cast that includes five up-and-coming actors and two beloved veterans of local stages, stirring a capella gospel music arranged by a local musical legend, and the Twin Cities' best director of 'theater musically?' You get CHOIR BOY, a lovely and affecting play about a young gay man coming of age in an African American boarding school. The playwright is Tarell Alvin McCraney of the excellent Brother/Sister trilogy that Pillsbury House Theatre has produced in its entirety in the last several years. While those plays have an epic, mythical quality, CHOIR BOY is more grounded in reality, but just as beautifully written. Add in musical direction and arrangement by Sanford Moore and direction by Peter Rothstein, an expert at using music in the best possibly way to enhance the theatrical storytelling, and you have something quite special going on in the Guthrie's Dowling Studio.
The Ordway Announces 23rd Annual Sally Award Winners!
by BWW News Desk - June 23, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to announce the recipients of the 23rd annual Sally Ordway Irvine Awards. The prestigious Sally Awards recognize and honor individuals and institutions that strengthen and enrich the state through their commitment to the arts and arts education.
by BWW News Desk - June 23, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to announce the recipients of the 23rd annual Sally Ordway Irvine Awards. The prestigious Sally Awards recognize and honor individuals and institutions that strengthen and enrich the state through their commitment to the arts and arts education.
ONCE National Tour Returns to Minneapolis at State Theatre Tonight
by BWW News Desk - June 23, 2015
Once, winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical returns to Minneapolis by popular demand to play the State Theatre (805 Hennepin Ave., downtown Minneapolis) for a limited engagement tonight, June 23 through Sunday, June 28, 2015. With music and lyrics from the original Academy Award-winning film, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. Tickets are on sale now. Visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org or call 1.800.982.2787 for tickets and more information.
by BWW News Desk - June 23, 2015
Once, winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical returns to Minneapolis by popular demand to play the State Theatre (805 Hennepin Ave., downtown Minneapolis) for a limited engagement tonight, June 23 through Sunday, June 28, 2015. With music and lyrics from the original Academy Award-winning film, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. Tickets are on sale now. Visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org or call 1.800.982.2787 for tickets and more information.
Dark & Stormy Productions to Launch 2015 Season With EXTREMITIES, 8/27-9/19
by BWW News Desk - June 22, 2015
Dark & Stormy Productions today announces the producers, venue, and partners for its upcoming production of Extremities by William Mastrosimone. Previously, Dark & Stormy has presented Outside Providence by Edward Allan Baker, Speed-the-Plow by David Mamet, The Receptionist by Adam Bock, The Drunken City by Adam Bock, and The Hothouse by Harold Pinter. Extremities will be the first production of Dark & Stormy's 2015 season.
by BWW News Desk - June 22, 2015
Dark & Stormy Productions today announces the producers, venue, and partners for its upcoming production of Extremities by William Mastrosimone. Previously, Dark & Stormy has presented Outside Providence by Edward Allan Baker, Speed-the-Plow by David Mamet, The Receptionist by Adam Bock, The Drunken City by Adam Bock, and The Hothouse by Harold Pinter. Extremities will be the first production of Dark & Stormy's 2015 season.
BWW Interviews: 6 Questions & a Plug with MUSIC MAN's Tony Vierling
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - June 22, 2015
You are used to seeing the leads in local and touring shows get featured in this space but not as often the 'unsung' heroes of the stage - the ensemble cast who are out there hoofing it show after show. Actor Tony Vierling is filling that role this time and shared some thoughts in 6 Questions & a Plug.
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - June 22, 2015
You are used to seeing the leads in local and touring shows get featured in this space but not as often the 'unsung' heroes of the stage - the ensemble cast who are out there hoofing it show after show. Actor Tony Vierling is filling that role this time and shared some thoughts in 6 Questions & a Plug.
BWW Interviews: 6 Questions & a Plug with ONCE's Dani DeWaal
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - June 22, 2015
ONCE is the show you cannot see just one time -- the popularity is still surging and the national tour is going strong. BWW Minneapolis got a chance to interview actress Dani DeWaal, who plays Girl again. Get to know her more in 6 Questions & a Plug.
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - June 22, 2015
ONCE is the show you cannot see just one time -- the popularity is still surging and the national tour is going strong. BWW Minneapolis got a chance to interview actress Dani DeWaal, who plays Girl again. Get to know her more in 6 Questions & a Plug.
JUNIE B. JONES, THE SNOW QUEEN and More Set for Stages Theatre Company's 2015-16 Season
by BWW News Desk - June 19, 2015
As Stages Theatre Company (STC) unveils our 32nd season, we continue our commitment providing high-quality, accessible theatre for young audiences.
by BWW News Desk - June 19, 2015
As Stages Theatre Company (STC) unveils our 32nd season, we continue our commitment providing high-quality, accessible theatre for young audiences.
Ordway Welcomes New Board Officers
by BWW News Desk - June 19, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts today announced two new additions to its board of directors. The officers, David Kuplic and Daniel Wrigley, were elected during a recent board meeting and will each serve a three-year term.
by BWW News Desk - June 19, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts today announced two new additions to its board of directors. The officers, David Kuplic and Daniel Wrigley, were elected during a recent board meeting and will each serve a three-year term.
Jungle Theater's YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU Opens Tonight
by BWW News Desk - June 19, 2015
Summer brings a Pulitzer Prize-winning play to the stage with Gary Gisselman making his directorial debut at the Jungle. Hilarious and heartwarming, Kaufman and Hart's YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU opens tonight, June 19 at the Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Av. S. in Minneapolis, and runs through August 9.
by BWW News Desk - June 19, 2015
Summer brings a Pulitzer Prize-winning play to the stage with Gary Gisselman making his directorial debut at the Jungle. Hilarious and heartwarming, Kaufman and Hart's YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU opens tonight, June 19 at the Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Av. S. in Minneapolis, and runs through August 9.
Illusion Theatre's Annual Fresh Ink Series Returns in July
by BWW News Desk - June 18, 2015
This summer's Fresh Ink series features a satirical one-person play, a true-life story based on an unlikely friendship and a boundary-stretching physical theater piece. Continuing Illusion Theater's 40th Anniversary Season, the annual showcase is on stage for three weekends in July - July 9-11, July 16-19 and July 23-26 - with each weekend offering a new work-in-progress at Illusion's 8th floor theater in the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave. in downtown Minneapolis.
by BWW News Desk - June 18, 2015
This summer's Fresh Ink series features a satirical one-person play, a true-life story based on an unlikely friendship and a boundary-stretching physical theater piece. Continuing Illusion Theater's 40th Anniversary Season, the annual showcase is on stage for three weekends in July - July 9-11, July 16-19 and July 23-26 - with each weekend offering a new work-in-progress at Illusion's 8th floor theater in the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave. in downtown Minneapolis.
BWW Interviews: 6 Questions & a Plug with DAMN YANKEES' Tari Kelly
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - June 17, 2015
Whatever Lola wants... Tari Kelly gets? It would seem so with the resume this talented actor presents as she returns to the Ordway for her fourth production on the Saint Paul stage. Get to know more about her in 6 Questions & a Plug.
by Kristen Hirsch Montag - June 17, 2015
Whatever Lola wants... Tari Kelly gets? It would seem so with the resume this talented actor presents as she returns to the Ordway for her fourth production on the Saint Paul stage. Get to know more about her in 6 Questions & a Plug.
Ordway Center Opens DAMN YANKEES Tonight
by BWW News Desk - June 16, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to present Damn Yankees, tonight, June 16-28.
by BWW News Desk - June 16, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to present Damn Yankees, tonight, June 16-28.
CINDERELLA to Open America Broadway on Hennepin Season at the Orpheum Theatre, 9/8-13
by BWW News Desk - June 15, 2015
Rodgers+Hammerstein's Cinderella, the 2013 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of South Pacific and The Sound of Music, kicks off the 2015-2016 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin Season at the Orpheum Theatre from September 8-13, 2015. Tickets go on sale on 10 a.m. on Friday, June 19 and can be purchased in person (no service fees) at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis), online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org, by calling 1.800.982.2787 or visiting a Ticketmaster Center.
by BWW News Desk - June 15, 2015
Rodgers+Hammerstein's Cinderella, the 2013 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of South Pacific and The Sound of Music, kicks off the 2015-2016 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin Season at the Orpheum Theatre from September 8-13, 2015. Tickets go on sale on 10 a.m. on Friday, June 19 and can be purchased in person (no service fees) at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis), online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org, by calling 1.800.982.2787 or visiting a Ticketmaster Center.
Old Log Theatre to Present CHARLOTTE'S WEB as Part of Children's Series This Summer
by BWW News Desk - June 11, 2015
Old Log Theatre presents their summer production for young audiences with the literary classic, E.B. White's Charlotte's Web, a heartwarming story about love and friendship.
by BWW News Desk - June 11, 2015
Old Log Theatre presents their summer production for young audiences with the literary classic, E.B. White's Charlotte's Web, a heartwarming story about love and friendship.
BWW Reviews: In the Capable Hands of Gremlin Theatre, the Challenging New Play H2O is Funny, Painful, and Engaging
by Jill Schafer - June 11, 2015
The 2015 Torch Theater/Gremlin Theatre season at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage continues with the first all-Gremlin production, after the joint production, the dark and disturbing DEATH AND THE MAIDEN, and Torch's perfect screwball comedy BOEING BOEING earlier this year. For their production Gremlin is tackling H2O, a new play by Jane Martin. In the capable hands of director Ellen Fenster and a couple of compelling three-named actors, Peter Christian Hansen and Ashley Rose Montondo, this intense 90-minute two-hander is a funny, painful, and engaging story of fame, faith, and art.
by Jill Schafer - June 11, 2015
The 2015 Torch Theater/Gremlin Theatre season at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage continues with the first all-Gremlin production, after the joint production, the dark and disturbing DEATH AND THE MAIDEN, and Torch's perfect screwball comedy BOEING BOEING earlier this year. For their production Gremlin is tackling H2O, a new play by Jane Martin. In the capable hands of director Ellen Fenster and a couple of compelling three-named actors, Peter Christian Hansen and Ashley Rose Montondo, this intense 90-minute two-hander is a funny, painful, and engaging story of fame, faith, and art.
Theatre Pro Rata Opens THE ILLUSION Tonight
by BWW News Desk - June 10, 2015
Tonight, June 12, Theatre Pro Rata opens The Illusion by Tony Kushner at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul. The play is being produced as part of the inaugural season of the new Andy Boss Thrust Stage and as part of Park Square's Theatres in Residence Series.
by BWW News Desk - June 10, 2015
Tonight, June 12, Theatre Pro Rata opens The Illusion by Tony Kushner at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul. The play is being produced as part of the inaugural season of the new Andy Boss Thrust Stage and as part of Park Square's Theatres in Residence Series.
The Ordway to Kick Off 2015 Summer Dance in Rice Park, 6/25-27
by BWW News Desk - June 09, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce 2015 Summer Dance. Now in its sixth year, Summer Dance offers free, family-friendly dance events and live music in Rice Park in downtown Saint Paul. This year, the Ordway and the Twin Cities Jazz Festival will co-present Summer Dance as a three-evening event, June 25-27. Each evening will highlight a different dance and music genre, offering free dance lessons from professional instructors from around the community, followed by live music and open dance in the park.
by BWW News Desk - June 09, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce 2015 Summer Dance. Now in its sixth year, Summer Dance offers free, family-friendly dance events and live music in Rice Park in downtown Saint Paul. This year, the Ordway and the Twin Cities Jazz Festival will co-present Summer Dance as a three-evening event, June 25-27. Each evening will highlight a different dance and music genre, offering free dance lessons from professional instructors from around the community, followed by live music and open dance in the park.
McKnight Fellows Austene Van and Sally Wingert to Present Works in Progress, 6/29
by BWW News Desk - June 05, 2015
2014-15 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows Austene Van and Sally Wingert, along with their collaborators, will present selections from works in progress on June 29 at 7 p.m. at the Illusion Theater.
by BWW News Desk - June 05, 2015
2014-15 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows Austene Van and Sally Wingert, along with their collaborators, will present selections from works in progress on June 29 at 7 p.m. at the Illusion Theater.
BWW Reviews: Pillsbury House Theatre's Moving THE GOSPEL OF LOVINGKINDESS Provides a Bit of Hope for a Weary World
by Jill Schafer - June 03, 2015
Watching the news can make one feel discouraged and hopeless about the state of the world, with increasing violence around the world and in our own neighborhoods. At Pillsbury House Theatre, they're trying to make some sense of it and provide a bit of hope by preaching THE GOSPEL OF LOVINGKINDESS, a new play by Marcus Gardley. It's beautifully and poetically written, full of life and humor that balances out the devastation and death of the situation. It's heavy, and not easy to watch at times, but so worthwhile and necessary. THE GOSPEL OF LOVINGKINDESS is one of those plays that is about so much more than theater.
by Jill Schafer - June 03, 2015
Watching the news can make one feel discouraged and hopeless about the state of the world, with increasing violence around the world and in our own neighborhoods. At Pillsbury House Theatre, they're trying to make some sense of it and provide a bit of hope by preaching THE GOSPEL OF LOVINGKINDESS, a new play by Marcus Gardley. It's beautifully and poetically written, full of life and humor that balances out the devastation and death of the situation. It's heavy, and not easy to watch at times, but so worthwhile and necessary. THE GOSPEL OF LOVINGKINDESS is one of those plays that is about so much more than theater.
Free Ticket Lottery Now Open for Children's Theatre Company Season Opener at Target Field
by BWW News Desk - June 02, 2015
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) has announced a FREE "Season Opener" 50th Anniversary event on August 9, 2015 at Target Field sponsored by Target.
by BWW News Desk - June 02, 2015
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) has announced a FREE "Season Opener" 50th Anniversary event on August 9, 2015 at Target Field sponsored by Target.
Hennepin Theatre Trust Reveals Spring 2015 SpotLight Musical Theatre Program Honors
by BWW News Desk - June 01, 2015
Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today the spring 2015 honorees recognizing theatre accomplishments by Minnesota students and schools participating in the 2014-15 SpotLight Musical Theatre Program culminating in the SpotLight Showcase Sunday, June 14 and Monday, June 15 at the State Theatre (805 Hennepin Ave., downtown Minneapolis). Now celebrating its Tenth Anniversary, SpotLight is the Trust's premier education initiative which supports and honors Minnesota high school musical theatre students and programs that produce annual musicals. Minnesota native, award-winning Broadway performer and former SpotLight participant, Laura Osnes, is the current SpotLight spokesperson.
by BWW News Desk - June 01, 2015
Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today the spring 2015 honorees recognizing theatre accomplishments by Minnesota students and schools participating in the 2014-15 SpotLight Musical Theatre Program culminating in the SpotLight Showcase Sunday, June 14 and Monday, June 15 at the State Theatre (805 Hennepin Ave., downtown Minneapolis). Now celebrating its Tenth Anniversary, SpotLight is the Trust's premier education initiative which supports and honors Minnesota high school musical theatre students and programs that produce annual musicals. Minnesota native, award-winning Broadway performer and former SpotLight participant, Laura Osnes, is the current SpotLight spokesperson.
Ordway Center to Present DAMN YANKEES, 6/16-28
by BWW News Desk - June 01, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to present Damn Yankees, June 16-28. Tickets for the Ordway produced musical comedy range from $36-$110 and can be purchased online at www.ordway.org, by phone at 651-224-4222 or in-person at the Ordway ticket office.
by BWW News Desk - June 01, 2015
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to present Damn Yankees, June 16-28. Tickets for the Ordway produced musical comedy range from $36-$110 and can be purchased online at www.ordway.org, by phone at 651-224-4222 or in-person at the Ordway ticket office.
Videos
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Calum Scott at Fillmore Minneapolis
Fillmore Minneapolis (5/3 - 5/3) | |
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The Joffrey Ballet: American Icons
Northrop (3/5 - 3/5) | |
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Ballet Tuesday
Landmark Center (5/5 - 5/5) | |
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The Bearded Company's Swords & Sorcery
Theatre in the Round (5/13 - 5/17) | |
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Charlie Berens: The Lost and Found Tour
State Theatre (1/30 - 1/31) | |
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The Girl Who Drank The Moon
Stages Theatre Company (3/27 - 4/19) | |
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Wicked
Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis (7/8 - 8/9) | |
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