Every once in a while, someone surprises theatergoers with a sublimely fresh take on an old story.   Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Baskerville), the latest in Park Square Theatre’s annual mystery series, offers a totally new perspective of The Hound of the Baskervilles, perhaps the most famous of

Why should a nation as a whole have to pay the price for the madness of a few?   Photo by Dan Norman That was the question on my mind throughout the speedy 100 minute duration of Assassins, the latest to grace the stage at the Ritz Theater via Theater

Who says old dogs can’t learn new tricks?   Photo by Matthew Murphy Or perhaps it would be more appropriately phrased: who says old musicals can’t learn new tricks? Photo by Matthew Murphy Long time Compendium readers (thank you, wherever you are!) will remember my review four years ago (how?!?)

I’m not sure why it never occurred to me before, but ghost stories seem to be really popular in the holiday season.   Photo by Dan Norman Or maybe it’s just a new trend this year? Either way we always have A Christmas Carol, of course, and several edgy new

Traditions may be so-called for a reason, but it doesn’t mean they can’t be freshened up a bit.  Photo by Dan Norman It’s been a long time since I’ve attended a production of A Christmas Carol. As any good Minnesotan I’ve seen the Guthrie’s hallowed production before, of course, a

If you liked Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, you will LOVE this show. Dracula from COLLIDE THEATRICAL on Vimeo. Cross necklaces? Check. Vampy face paint? Check. Perfectly tailored pleated pants? Check. Moody emo rock band? Check. Ubiquitously smeared eyeliner paired with thin strapped halter tops? Check, check, check. If there was

 Nordrsraga is a little punk, a little sexy, and a whole lot of rock and roll. Photo courtesy of Circus Juventas.  What’s dark and flies and is sparkly all over? Photo courtesy of Circus Juventas.  Why that would be Nordrsraga, the latest show from the Twin Cities’ resident circus arts school,

Nostalgia can be a beautiful thing.  Photo by  Petronella J. Ytsma Continuing our cinematic theme for the month of June, I have to tell you another little bit of my past: I am obsessed with Hollywood’s “golden age.” Nothing makes me happier than a snowy day, a great glass of wine

Are you broke?  Photo courtesy of Thrillist If you are (like many of us), you need free things to do that are also fun. Thank goodness it’s summer so there are a plethora of options available at your fingertips. One of the best free things to enjoy in the summertime

This truly diverse undertaking tackles representation of all stripes.  Photo from MN Playlist If you haven’t heard of Full Circle Theater yet, you could be forgiven. The new-ish venture from a vanguard of Twin Cities theater legends including Rick Shiomi, Martha B. Johnson, Harry Waters Jr., Stephanie Lein Walseth and