A musical classic hits the historic Pantages just in time for the theater’s 100th anniversary Photo courtesy of Hennepin Theatre Trust. Peter Rothstein is at it again. He’s back at the Pantages for his annual local production of a classic musical with Gypsy, the true story of the life of

The Socialist Revolution Comes to the Stage Photo courtesy of Hennepin Theatre Trust. It’s always good to see shows that are timely, and the current production of Newsies at the Orpheum definitely fits the bill.  Photo courtesy of Hennepin Theatre Trust. Based on the cult classic 1992 film of the

Just a quick heads up to any readers…. Sister Act has been cancelled at Chanhassen Dinner Theater tonight due to weather issues. Tickets are completely exchangeable; just call the box office and they will help rearrange to a different performance. Please be safe out there in the storm!

It seems in musical theater that there are the shows that can, the shows that can’t, and the shows that just don’t give up. Xanadu, a musical farce of the 1980 movie of the same name, is one of the latter. Despite a weak script, an even weaker premise, and

In the era of the 1%, who would give up their wealth and fame to join the uncleansed masses? Roman Holiday is essentially the classic fairy tale in reverse. Princess Anne is a young European royal, the darling of her people and an unwilling participant in the trappings of monarchy. Her

What does it take to break a person? How much violence, slander and abuse can be taken before one gives up on the goodness of life?  In Fela Kuti’s case, it turns out that it takes quite a lot. Kuti was a Nigerian musician and social activist and the Ordway’s

As the presidential election bombardment begins, it’s always good to take a step (or five) back and try to view the season with humor. Because let’s face it — few things are more miserable than month upon month of dirty attack ads, unproductive debates, and differences of opinion so strong

Although brief, the performance ofCarmina Burana, at Minnesota Dance Theater’s 50th Anniversary Gala last weekend showed how vital having a dedicated dance space like the Cowles Center is to generating an enormous variety of creative and interdisciplinary art. Carmina mixed the Minnesota Dance Theatre with the Carmina Burana Chorus, along with a few local actors

You know how sometimes a movie can be a little bit better than a book/film/play, and you feel guilty but can’t help yourself? Mamma Mia! is a little bit like that. The current stage version, at the Orpheum Theatre through April 29, is on the whole a just-fine production and a worthy tour.

Yunah Lee as Cio-Cio-San in the Minnesota Opera production of Madame Butterfly. Image credit: Michal Daniel/Minnesota Opera New Minnesota Opera Music Director Michael Christie had his pre-debut last weekend at the opening of Madame Butterfly. And while it doesn’t reach the heights of his delicious interpretation of La Traviatta, it is a solid show