2017 may have been a decidedly lousy year in the world, but the theater was still pretty good.
SO many programs.
I saw 119 shows in 2017, which includes:
- 14 Twin Cities Horror Fest shows
- 10 Minnesota Fringe shows,
- 9 out of town shows (Chicago and Spring Green)
- 7 operas
- 4 shows I liked so much I saw them twice
- 2 podcast tapings
- 1 Hamilton
AND ...
- 0 shows that I left at intermission! Go theater!
In Short: A story of a young girl's journey from Africa to America and how she finds her true voice through poetry and hip hop.
Why Go? Look at this creative team!!! Created and performed by Shá Cage with collaborators:
E.G. Bailey (director), Rico Mendez (composer/musician), Ta-Coumba Aiken (scenic designer), Michael Sommers (puppet & prop design), Janaki Ranpura (design consultant), Edna Stevens (movement), Jamela Pettiford (vocalist), Destiny Anderson (performer), and Alissa Paris (performer). I mean, how can you not want to see this? Also, 50 minutes. Sweet.
A Doll's House- Presented by The Orchard Theater Collective at the James J. Hill House (12/1-4, 12/8-10)
In Short: "Set in a Norwegian town towards the end of the 19th century, this theatrical phenomenon by Henrik Ibsen follows the fate of Nora Helmer, a married woman with limited opportunities for self fulfillment in a male dominated society. It explores the relevant themes of identity, femininity, marriage, parenthood, and selfishness."
Why Go? This classic Ibsen play is performed at the gorgeous James J. Hill House (which apparently has amazing acoustics given there was a bagpipe contest there the same night we saw the show). Directed by Craig Johnson and featuring a strong (and young!) cast that make this 1879 play feel fresh, relevant and contemporary. A wonderful version of a classic play performed in a lovely holiday setting.
The World Crime League's F**ked-Up Xmas Special- Phoenix Theatre (12/7 - 12/10) In Short: "This holiday play festival will consist of nine plays, all of which are making their Twin Cities premiere, and all of which explore the more twisted avenues of the holiday season."
Why Go? With Christmas shows that feature evil little girls, zombies, attempted assassinations, vampires and all sorts of wicked propositions, how can you go wrong?
In Short: "Sure… the winter holidays are a time for friends and family, for home and hearth and happiness. But it is no coincidence they fall at the coldest, darkest part of the year, when mystery and mortality live right outside the front door. Come join Oncoming Productions as we explore the myth, fiction, and reality behind the REAL spookiest time of the year." Why Go? Because Oncoming Productions does really interesting work. The Last Bombardment(Fringe 2017) and Deep Dark (TCHF IV) were both spooky, fascinating shows. And sometimes, you just have to go dark.
In Short: "'Join Strike Theater for a play about the greatest Christmas story ever told...' Why Go? The CAST: Debra Berger, Allison Witham, Andy Rocco Kraft and Mike Fotis
Also This: "Directed by: The delicate hand of God. J/K Mike Fotis"
Blackout presents: Bah Hum-Black - Blackout Improv at Mixed Blood Theatre (12/18) In Short: "Tis the reason for the season, so lets start cheesin'! Come watch our team take on the most offensive of holiday seasons in MN, winter. This show will have lots of laughs, some church, and definitely seasonal swag!"
Why Go? Because you should take every opportunity you can to see this amazing improv show featuring some of the wittiest, sharpest and woke (are we still saying that?) actors/theater artists in the Twin Cities. Role call! John Gebretatose, Ashawnti Ford, Duck Washington, Alyssa DiVirgillio, Joy Dolo, Theo Langason, and Khary Jackson on the Keys.
Christmas Storiessz V: Silent Night - Sheep Theater at the Southern (12/22, 12/23) In (Not) Short: "When the world last saw Detective Dick Mahoney he had just used Frosty the Snowman as a nuclear warhead to blow up a meteor heading right for planet Earth saving humanity and in the process, killing Santa Claus. Now it’s a year later and Christmas is no more, Santa has not been heard from nor has Dick Mahoney. The FBI goes looking for Dick Mahoney when a mysterious present shows up underneath a tree. Presented by Catholic St. Solomon’s Catholic Middle Catholic Private School as part of their annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas Storiessz V: Silent Night will teach you to love again and find out that there is a little Santa inside of all us, which should trouble us deeply."
In Short: "Miss Richfield 1981 is back for the Holidays! 2020 Vision has new music, new videos, new chatter as well as all the important holiday traditions! We need Miss Richfield 1981 now more than ever!" Why Go: Sure, Miss Richfield 1981 is a super fun holiday tradition for a lot of people, and I've seldom seen the concessions stand so swamped at the Illusion, but don't take Miss Richfield 1981 for granted. (We interviewed her last year.) She is amazingly skilled at working the crowd, a mistress of subversive humor, and smarter than she gets credit for. Also, so so so funny. Oh, how we laughed.
In Short: "Will Gary stumble in on yet another mess? Will Dino get lost in a roundabout? Will there be bongos?! The Main Street Holiday crew is back for another zany holiday adventure. Grab your tickets now to see what some of "New Pragoo's" most lovable and misguided fictional residents are up to this Chris Smith season."
Why Go? Daleko is doing really great work in slightly southern Minnesota. Also, day trip! Also, original holiday show with music! Yay!
The Polarizing Express - Brave New Workshop (11/10 - 1/27) In Short: Brave New Workshop's Holiday Show
Why Go? "There will be laughter, there will be adult beverages of your choice, and of course, there will be 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'." (Two of those things are selling points for me.)
Also for your December consideration:
Feast of Fools- Interact at the Lab Theater (11-15 - 12/9) - Support Interact and their important work.
Hatchet Lady - Walking Shadow at Red Eye Theatre (12/1 - 12/16) - Cause it's SO not holidays.
The Terror Fantastic - 20% Theatre Company at the Crane (12/1 - 12/16) - Support 20% and their important work. Also, the show art led me to the amazingness of Toby Allen's Real Monsters project which explores mental illness through character design.
A Klingon Christmas Carol - at the Historic Mounds Theatre (12/1 - 12/23) - If Star Trek is your jam.
Coco's Diary - History Theatre (11/25 - 12/23) - Okay, this might be heartwarming. Sorry!
Nutcracker (not so) Suite - James Sewell Ballet at the Cowles Center (12/15 - 12/30) - Now featuring Bradley Greenwald!
