No annual roundup would be complete without a listing of the top performances I saw last year. The most exciting exchange I’ve ever had on Twitter. If I had to sum up my feelings about the Twin Cities theater scene in 2017 in just a few words, I’d leave you

For one of my favorite annual roundups (books, duh), look no further. This #shelfie of goodies from my time interning at Graywolf Press is a regular fave. If you’ve never read any of their books, what are you waiting for?!  Devoted Compendium readers may remember my post halfway through last

‘Tis the season for festivities and debaucheries of all stripes…   Red Cow’s drink menu is considerate and thoroughly on point. If you’re looking for some hot new places (and reliable favorites) to grab a cocktail or delish small snack this holiday season and beyond, look no further than my

The North Loop is Minneapolis’ retail equivalent of a rags to riches story… Photo courtesy of Thrillist And it’s one that will be told for a very long time. Once considered one of the most undesirable areas of the city, the North Loop has become one of the hottest real

The latest iteration of Disney’s classic cartoons has some fine moments. Photo by Deen van Meer The crowd at the Orpheum was getting restless. Two songs before the Act 1 finale we were informed that there was a technical issue and the action briefly paused. What on earth could we

What is it like to play the villain?  Photo courtesy of Hennepin Theatre Trust I think many people stereotypically assume that the best part to play in any script is the role of the hero. I mean, who doesn’t want to be admired and spout pithy quotes and swashbuckle their

Let me tell you a little story. Five years in and stronger than ever – happy birthday Compendium! The date is September 2012. I’m one year past college graduation and have been supplementing my full time job, where I’m relatively bored, with writing on the side for Metro Magazine. As a

The Immigrant Journey Project is everything that Refugia should have been but wasn’t. I hope it has an incredible audience engagement; it deserves it.   This little map was the most beautiful way to connect all audience members’ families’ journeys to the United States!  When I was arranging to see

 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,

I have been hedging on writing this post for a couple of years now, but I feel like it’s time to speak out.  Why can’t we all be as charming as Marcus Samuelsson? (Photo here) Guys, we need to have a chat. I’m not sure how to write this and