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Cast Announced for Tony Kushner Celebration at the Guthrie Theater
by BWW News Desk - March 01, 2009
Guthrie Director Joe Dowling today announced casting for the three productions slated to headline the theater?s Tony Kushner Celebration. A company of more than 25 Minneapolis and New York actors will come together at the Guthrie from April through June to participate in a one-of-a-kind celebration the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright?s work. More information on the Kushner Celebration can be found at www.CelebrateKushner.com.
Beauty & The Beast, August: Osage County, Little House... and More Hit Ordway in 2009-10
by BWW News Desk - February 24, 2009
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts today unveiled its 2009-10 Theater Season and planet Ordway? Target? World Music and Dance Season. The announcement, made by Ordway President and CEO Patricia Mitchell, revealed a performance calendar filled with ambitious productions reflecting the breadth of American artistry and emerging global talent.
'LITTLE HOUSE' Musical Launches Tour, Hits Ordway Center 10/13
by Eddie Varley - February 24, 2009
The new musical version of 'Little House on the Prairie' will launch a National Tour in St. Paul this fall, The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts announced Monday that 'Little House' will kick off its 2009-10 theater season.
MDT Presents SACRE DU PRINTEMPS & ODYSSEY 4/17-19, 24-26
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 24, 2009
The Minnesota Dance Theatre will present SACRE DU PRINTEMPS (Rite of Spring) and a world premiere by Twin Cities Choreographer Christine Maginnis in ODYSSEY running April 17-19 and 24-26, 2009 at The Lab Theater. Celebrating the choreography of founder Loyce Houlton, SACRE DU PRINTEMPS (Rite of Spring) was first performed by the MDT company in 1985. Stravinsky shocked and enraged Paris in 1913 with the provocative and exciting rhythmic invention of SACRE DU PRINTEMPS. Come experience the wild and daring combination of Stravinsky and Houlton, and feel the combustion of energy between the two.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF W/ Chaim Topol As Tevye Plays 2/24-3/1
by BWW News Desk - February 24, 2009
Fiddler on the Roof, the poignant Tony Award-winning musical starring Chaim Topol as Tevye in his farewell performance of the role he made famous, will play Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre Tuesday through Sunday Feb. 24-March 1, 2009. In this new national tour, Twin Cities audiences will have a rare opportunity to see Jerome Robbins' original Broadway direction and choreography, complete with Topol, the star of the original West End production and 1971 film. Individual tickets are on sale now. Fiddler on the Roof is presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust as part of its 2008-09 M&I Bank Broadway Across America-Minneapolis season.
FIDDLER Star Topol Chats 'Lifetime of A Role' to Star Tribune
by Eddie Varley - February 22, 2009
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, heralded as one of the great masterpieces in American Musical Theatre, is currently performing on its National Tour. This landmark production, featuring the star of the original motion picture, Chaim Topol, in his farewell performances, kicked off officially on February 10 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a family musical about the bonds that hold husbands and wives and parents and children together in times of hardship and times of joy.
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT Brings Its Drama To The Jungle 3/27-5/3
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 19, 2009
When is anyone morally sanctioned to take another's life? Is redemption possible for anyone who has committed the sin of murder? These questions lie at the heart of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment-the classic, celebrated Russian novel of motive and murder, perhaps the greatest and most insightful crime story ever written. Thrillingly adapted for only three actors, this absorbing and highly theatrical drama will unfold in a heart-stopping 90 minutes at the Jungle Theater, March 27 - May 3.
THE TEN TENORS Mix Classical, Rock, & Opera At Hennepin 4/24
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 18, 2009
The Ten Tenors, the internationally popular Australian vocal ensemble acclaimed for its ability to mix classical, rock and opera with an innate charisma and charm thatis distinctly Australian, will make a special appearance at Hennepin Theatre Trust's historic State Theatre on Friday, April 24, 2009 at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday,Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. Visit www.HennepinTheatreDistrict.org or call 1-800-982-2787 for ticketsand more information.
Wingert And Ooms To Star In 'HAPPY DAYS' Opening 2/18
by BWW News Desk - February 18, 2009
Veteran Guthrie actors Sally Wingert and Richard Ooms team with director Rob Melrose for Samuel Beckett's masterful two-character drama Happy Days. The production, which serves as the Dowling Studio debut for both actors, begins previews February 14, opens February 18 and plays through March 8, 2009. Single tickets are priced from $18 to $30, with opening night priced at $34. Tickets are now on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE, 612.225.6244 (Group Sales) and online at www.guthrietheater.org.)
Minnesota Jewish Theater Presents CHUTZPAH A GO-GO
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 17, 2009
Come out of the cold and celebrate the New Year with the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company as we present the United States premiere production of Chutzpah ? go-go by David Gale and Randy Vancourt. Chutzpah ? go-go is playing February 21 through March 15, 2009, and will feature Joe Bombard, Teri Parker-Brown, Adena Brumer, and Chet Taylor. Join the Bubkes Jewish Community Players for their tour stop in St. Paul. This newish Jewish musical celebrates the centennial of Bubkes, North Dakota. You?ll discover the roots of the early Jewish settlers of the upper Midwest in a town full of mavens of political and social causes, inventors, and entrepreneurs, and delight in the creativity of individuals who adapted into American life without losing their Jewish identity. Chutzpah ? go-go is a rollicking tribute to early Jewish settlers that paints a unique portrait of a people?s journey from the shtetl to the prairie. You won?t want to miss this joyful hit that celebrates everything endearing about the Jewish culture. Chutzpah ? go-go will be directed by David Gale. Gale grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, and after graduating from Winnepeg?s Hebrew high school, studied theater arts at the University of Minnesota where he appeared in numerous productions. After returning to Canada, he became a part of the improvisational scene in Toronto and performed with Mike Myers and The Kids in the Hall. Throughout the last 25 years, Gale has been a successful actor, director, choreographer, writer, and television host. As host of Loving Spoonfuls, the grandmother cooking show, he won both a Gemini (Canadian Emmy ? 5 nominations) and a Galaxi award (Canadian cable award). The series continues to air in Canada, Israel and around the world. He is currently Vice President of ACTRA Toronto and councilor of ACTRA National (Canadian actors? film and TV union). He also sits on the board of The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. Gale?s directing and choreography credits include Bye, Bye, Birdie, Godspell, The Me Nobody Know, Dads: The Musical, and I Slept With Tony Trouble which was selected to be performed (continues on back) at the Edinburgh Festival. Chutzpah ? go-go won a Dora (Toronto?s Tony Awards) and played to sold out houses in Montreal, Winnipeg, and Toronto. ?Randy and I were approached by the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre to write a musical based on the dictionary cum joke book: The Joys of Yiddish. With the help of our dramaturge, Jordan Merkur, we came up with a more personal concept of writing a show about my own experiences growing up surrounded by Yiddish in a small but vibrant Jewish community in Winnipeg. We all felt that the title Chutzpah ? go-go would work better than Little Jews on the Prairie.? Kevin Dutcher is music director for Chutzpah ? go-go. Dutcher has a long history with MJTC, as well as credits for over 100 productions as a director, music director, and actor. He was Josef Mashkan in MJTC?s acclaimed production of Old Wicked Songs (1997 and 1998), and music director for our first musical, The Odd Potato. He appeared as Luther Rosser in MJTC?s production of Parade (co-produced with Theater Latt? Da). Other credits include director of Actors Theater of Minnesota?s productions of I Do, I Do!, Magic Moments, and We Gotta Bingo. He also scored their current production, Tony and Tina?s Wedding. Chutzpah ? go-go opens February 21 and plays through March 15, 2009 with performances Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm and 7 pm. Ticket prices are Saturdays $25, Sunday afternoons $22, and Sunday evenings $18. Student rush tickets are $12. Group discounts are available. All performances are at MJTC?s theater home, Hillcrest Center, 1978 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul The little brown stage Off-River! For ticket reservations call 651-647-4315, Monday through Friday, 9 am ? 5:30 pm, or e-mail info@mnjewishtheatre.org. Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company is a non-profit organization now in its 14th year of presenting professional productions rooted in the Jewish experience but illuminating the common humanity among us all. The audience for MJTC is almost equally divided between Jews and non-Jews. For further information about MJTC, call 651-647-4315 or visit our website at www.mnjewishtheatre.org.
SACRE DU PRINTEMPS And ODESSEY Comes To Lab Theater
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 16, 2009
The Minnesota Dance Theatre will present SACRE DU PRINTEMPS (Rite of Spring) and a world premiere by Twin Cities Choreographer Christine Maginnis in ODYSSEY running April 17-19 and 24-26, 2009 at The Lab Theater. Celebrating the choreography of founder Loyce Houlton, SACRE DU PRINTEMPS (Rite of Spring) was originally choreographed in 1985. Like Stravinsky, who shocked and enraged Paris in 1913 with the provocative and exciting rhythmic invention of SACRE DU PRINTEMPS, submerse yourself in the wild and daring choreography of Loyce Houlton, and feel the combustion of energy between the two.
Serio-comic Rewrite MEDEA MEDEA Dances To Southern Theater
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 16, 2009
Dancing with breathtaking physicality and emotional depth, Shapiro & Smith Dance has earned an international reputation for virtuosity, substance and pure abandon. This exciting night of dance includes the world premieres of Medea Medea, a serio-comic rewriting of the Greek tragedy featuring the women of the company and guest artist Ananya Chatterjea; and De Bona Religione, a trio for three men by Eddie Oroyan, as part of Shapiro & Smith's mentor project. Two company favorites round out the evening, including A Moment Before (which premiered at the Southern in 2000), and a special performance featuring guest artist Carl Flink in the 20th anniversary remount of To Have and To Hold.
Theater Latte Da With PASSAGE OF DREAMS 3/19-4/5
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 16, 2009
Theater Latte Da takes musical theater to new heights-literally- combining intriguing stories, compelling music and the art of aerialism. Passage of Dreams was created in collaboration with the New York-based team Katie Baldwin Eng, playwright and Jeff Tang, composer. The three short musicals, Passage of Dreams, Thirst and Bessie's Birthday, were commissioned by Theater Latt? Da and New York University's Write/Act Festival. The work was developed at the Playwrights' Center as part of PlayLabs in 2006, and has had several workshops and readings in Minneapolis and New York. The Southern Theater run marks the first time the works have been fully realized, demonstrating Theater Latt? Da's deep commitment to the development and production of new musical storytelling.
Photo Flash: HAPPY DAYS At The Guthrie
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 16, 2009
Veteran Guthrie actors Sally Wingert and Richard Ooms team with director Rob Melrose for Samuel Beckett's masterful two-character drama Happy Days. The production, which serves as the Dowling Studio debut for both actors, begins previews February 14, opens February 18 and plays through March 8, 2009. Single tickets are priced from $18 to $30, with opening night priced at $34. Tickets are now on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE, 612.225.6244 (Group Sales) and online at http://www.guthrietheater.org/. This intense and strictly concentrated two-character drama features an eternally optimistic Winnie inexplicably buried waist-deep in a mound of earth, clinging to her life of arbitrary routines and rituals. Her husband, Willie, appears from time to time and replies only occasionally to her cheerful chatter, a source of comfort as she remains ever hopeful that 'this is going to be a happy day.' With its vivid sense of the bizarre and a blend of humor and compassion, Happy Days represents one of the Nobel Prize-winning writer's finest works. The play is minimalist, concentrated to the bare elements needed to make Winnie's resilience apparent in the stream of her thoughts and emotions, allowing the Irish playwright, poet and novelist an opportunity to offer a penetrating and uncompromising exploration of the human condition. As is the case with all of Beckett's work for the stage, Happy Days is an utterly spare and precise play, with every detail carrying the exact weight and degree of importance determined by the author. Co-founder and artistic director of San Francisco's The Cutting Ball Theater, Melrose previously directed Pen (2007) in the Dowling Studio, and served as assistant director for the Guthrie's 2003 production of Othello. He leads an artistic team that includes Michael Locher (Set Designer), Christine Richardson (Costume Designer), Frank Butler (Lighting Designer), Michael Lupu (Dramaturgy), Martha Kulig (Stage Manager) and Meaghan Rosenberger (Assistant Stage Manager). About the Guthrie The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. The Guthrie is dedicated to producing the great works of dramatic literature, developing the work of contemporary playwrights and cultivating the next generation of theater artists. Led by Director Joe Dowling since 1995, the Guthrie opened a new three-theater home on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis in June 2006. The Guthrie is located at 818 South 2nd Street (at Chicago Avenue), in downtown Minneapolis. To purchase tickets or season subscriptions call the Guthrie Box Office between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily at 612.377.2224 or toll-free 877.44.STAGE. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit http://www.guthrietheater.org/.
BY THE BOG OF CATS Brings Its Dark Humor To Frank Theater
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 16, 2009
The Guthrie is pleased to present Frank Theatre's production By the Bog of Cats by Marina Carr, March 13 - April 5 in the Dowling Studio. Single tickets are priced from $18 to $30, with opening night priced at $34. Tickets are now on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE, 612.225.6244 (Group Sales) and online at www.guthrietheater.org. Tickets for a benefit birthday party on March 21, which will celebrate 20 years of Frank Theatre, are available by calling 612.724.3760.
Conference of the Birds Run March 12 Through March 29 at Pangea World Theater
by BWW News Desk - February 15, 2009
CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS that opens Thursday, March 12th and runs until Sunday, March 29th. The production is based on Meena Natarajan's adaptation of the 12th century Sufi poem written by Farid ud-Din Attar. CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS metaphorically maps out the journey of the human spirit in its quest for truth.
Northrop at the University of Minnesota Announces Second Half of Season
by BWW News Desk - February 13, 2009
Northrop at the University of Minnesota continues is 08|09 season with strong performances providing the Twin Cities a global experience from four prominent international choreographers and jazz leaders revisiting the work of renowned legends such as John Coltrane and Thelonius Monk.
Mixed Blood Theater Presents 'Sweet 15' (QUINCENERA)
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 13, 2009
Written by one of TV and stage's top Latino comedians, Mixed Blood Theatre's eleventh bilingual production is a crazed comedy about a quincea?era: the definitive event in the life of a young Latina, when families celebrate their daughters' arrival into womanhood. Eddy Valderama wants to throw the ultimate 'Quince' for his daughter Sonora, ten years too late. Three generations of women respond his belated generosity in this hysterical play, replete with all the trappings and traditions of a quincea?era. Sweet 15 (Quincea?era ) opens March 13th and runs through March 22 at the History Theatre in downtown St. Paul. It will be performed in English and Spanish (with English supertitles). Purchase tickets at 612.338.6131 or mixedblood.com.
ANNIE Returns To The Orpheum Theater 2/12-2/14
by BWW News Desk - February 12, 2009
Annie, the beloved tale of Little Orphan Annie, returns to Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre Thursday, Feb. 12 through Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 for a limited engagement of four performances. This timeless story is back in its 30th anniversary tour, offering a new generation the opportunity to experience this heartwarming musical about never giving up hope. Individual tickets are on sale now. Annie is presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust as a special addition to its 2008-09 M&I Bank Broadway Across America-Minneapolis season. Visit www.HennepinTheatreDistrict.org or call 1-800-982-2787 to purchase tickets or for more information. The Chicago Sun Times says, 'Ageless Annie is as engaging as ever.' Annie, with music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meehan, is directed by its lyricist, Martin Charnin, who brought the original production of Annie to Broadway in 1977. Tony Award-winning set designer, Ming Cho Lee, also has created a fresh look for this tour. The cast features Madison Kerth as Annie; and Minnesota natives Jeffrey Duncan from Eagan as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Cheryl Hoffmann from Sleepy Eye as Lily St. Regis. Mikey, a mixed-breed dog rescued from an animal shelter by trainer William Berloni, plays Sandy. The original Broadway production of Annie won seven 1977 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book and Score. It ran for 2,377 performances and has subsequently been produced all over the world. The original production is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadway history, and Annie continues to be one of the most successful musicals ever. It boasts one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including 'It's the Hard-Knock Life,' 'Easy Street,' 'N.Y.C' and the ever optimistic 'Tomorrow.' In addition to Charnin, Meehan, Strouse and Lee, Annie's creative team includes original Broadway musical staging by Peter Gennaro, choreography by Liza Gennaro, lighting design by Ken Billington, costume design by Theoni Aldridge and sound design by Peter Hylenski. Annie is produced by Networks Presentations, LLC. For more information, visit www.annieontour.com.
MAGIC TREE HOUSE: THE MUSICAL Plays 4/4 At Hennepin
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 11, 2009
Magic Tree House: The Musical?, the Broadway-style adaptation of the best-selling children's book series by author Mary Pope Osborne, is scheduled for two performances on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Hennepin Theatre Trust's State Theatre. Since its debut in 1992, the phenomenally popular Magic Tree House series with 59 published titles relating the adventures of Jack and Annie has sold more than 60 million copies worldwide. It has also been translated into more than 25 languages around the world. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 13 at noon. Visit www.HennepinTheatreDistrict.org or call 1-800-982-2787 for tickets or more information.
Jennifer Leigh Warren Leads Mpls Premiere of VENUS at The Ritz 5/3
by Eddie Varley - February 08, 2009
Jennifer Leigh Warren has been cast as the lead in Chan Poling's new musical VENUS. A regular performer at Joe's Pub, Mr. Poling is the founder of the seminal 80's punk/pop The Suburbs and composer of Tony Award-winning Theatre de la Jeune Lune's award-winning 'Children Of Paradise' among other shows.
Lula Washington Comes To Ordway Center On 2/6
by BWW News Desk - February 06, 2009
Award winning choreographer Lula Washington brings her riveting mix of athletic choreography, imaginative costumes and captivating theatricality to the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m. The performance is part of the 2008-09 planet Ordway Target World Dance Season.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF W/ Chaim Topol As Tevye Plays 2/24-3/1
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 05, 2009
Fiddler on the Roof, the poignant Tony Award-winning musical starring Chaim Topol as Tevye in his farewell performance of the role he made famous, will play Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre Tuesday through Sunday Feb. 24-March 1, 2009. In this new national tour, Twin Cities audiences will have a rare opportunity to see Jerome Robbins' original Broadway direction and choreography, complete with Topol, the star of the original West End production and 1971 film. Individual tickets are on sale now. Fiddler on the Roof is presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust as part of its 2008-09 M&I Bank Broadway Across America-Minneapolis season.
Baldwin Replaces Ebersole In Sondheim Event On 2/4
by BWW News Desk - February 04, 2009
Kate Baldwin has replaced Christine Ebersole as the musical illustrator for A Conversation with STEPHEN SONDHEIM. This event is Moderated by Sean Flahaven, With Musical and Accompanied by SCOTT CADY. The event will take place on February 4, 2009. Stephen Sondheim, musical theatre icon, discusses his 50-year career as a composer and lyricist for stage and screen. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, an Academy Award and multiple Tony, Drama Desk and Grammy Awards, he wrote the music and/or lyrics for such hits as Assassins, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, Company, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and West Side Sondheim will be joined vocalist Kate Baldwin, Sean Patrick Flahaven, Associate Editor of The Sondheim Review, who will moderate this very special evening.
Photo Flash: Theatre In The Round Opens 'I AM A CAMERA'
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 03, 2009
Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) presents I AM A CAMERA by John van Druten in weekend performances February 13 through March 8. A young English novelist is living in a rooming-house in Berlin, a decadent city in the years before Hitler, trying to write a journal of his experiences. Enter Sally Bowles, a vivacious, mercurial spirit in green fingernail polish, living from gin to gin. They soon develop a friendship ? an alliance against a world slowly going mad outside their door. At times funny, at times intense, this dark drama was the basis for the musical CABARET. Matt Sciple directs a cast of seven, with David McMenomy as Christopher Isherwood and Katie Guentzel as Sally Bowles. Sets are designed by Kesa Collins, costumes by Michelle Clark, and lighting by Daniel Ellis. In a special joint promotion with Chameleon Theatre Circle, which is simultaneously performing CABARET in the new Burnsville Performing Arts Center, audience members will be able to use their ticket stubs from one show for a discount to the other. Tickets are $20. For information, call the theatre's box office at 612-333-3010 or visit its website at www.TheatreintheRound.org.

Videos


Giraffes Can't Dance in Minneapolis / St. Paul Giraffes Can't Dance
Stages Theatre Company (1/23 - 2/22)
Encore With The Joffrey Ballet in Minneapolis / St. Paul Encore With The Joffrey Ballet
Northrop (3/5 - 3/5)
The Girl Who Drank The Moon in Minneapolis / St. Paul The Girl Who Drank The Moon
Stages Theatre Company (3/27 - 4/19)
Wicked at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis in Minneapolis / St. Paul Wicked at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis
Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis (7/8 - 8/9)
The Happiest Man on Earth in Minneapolis / St. Paul The Happiest Man on Earth
Six Points Theater (1/27 - 2/8)
PHOTOS
The Right Thing To Do: The Joe Mauer Story in Minneapolis / St. Paul The Right Thing To Do: The Joe Mauer Story
Stages Theatre Company (4/10 - 5/10)
Forts! Build Your Own Adventure in Minneapolis / St. Paul Forts! Build Your Own Adventure
Children's Theatre Company (2/13 - 4/5)
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