The evangelical subculture and the heightened theatrics of megachurch gatherings are ripe for parody; so much so that audiences have come to expect satire or comedy whenever a story is set therein. So it’s unexpected—and refreshing—when a text treats those…
Author: David and Chelsea Berglund
Harvey at the Guthrie Theater
It is best to digest Harvey (at the Guthrie Theater, though May 15) as a product of its time; a simple, good-natured, and tad bit naive send up of social mores and human eccentricity. Written as an antidote for the home…
Watermelon Hill at the History Theater
Minnesota (and the rest of the country) has an uncomfortable history of mistreating unwed mothers. While unwed fathers have always been able to hide their status with relative ease, this proves near impossible for women. Bearing children is and always…
Nina Simone: Four Women at Park Square Theatre
Nina Simone is a musical icon whose complex personal history fueled her artistic creativity and revolutionary passion. It is no wonder that we are now seeing a rash of artistic works remembering her, from last year’s Oscar-nominated documentary What Happened,…
Gypsy by Theatre Latté Da, performing in the Pantages
Gypsy, produced by Theater Latte Da and Hennepin Theatre Trust and running at the Pantages through March 13, is exactly the type of show critics relish writing about, or at least these critics. With a poignant book by Arthur Laurents,…
A Chorus Line at the Ordway
A Chorus Line, conceived,originally directed, and choreographed by Michael Bennett and currently running at the Ordway through February 28th, must be one hell of a show to cast. Because the show, with a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante,…
The Snowy Day and other stories by Ezra Jack Keats at the Children’s Theatre Company
As adults, it is easy to forget how exciting and new things now mundane once were. Through the eyes of a child, even the most simple of things – snowfalls, found pairs of goggles, friendly neighborhood dogs – seem magical.…
Lullaby by Theater Latté Da, performing at the Ritz Theater
A world premiere written by Michael Elyanow and directed by Jeremy Cohen, Lullaby (Theatre Latté Da, through Feb 7 performing at the Ritz Theater) is a story of family drama, broken relationships, mental illness, and grief aided by contemporary rock…
The Great Work in the Guthrie’s Dowling Studio
It is one of the true joys of the Twin Cities that emerging, passionate artists are provided space to flex their creative talents and share new works. These productions play a vital role in pushing the stage in fresh directions…
Black Nativity by Penumbra Theatre
If you find your seasonal liturgy lacking in energy, or you need a kick in the pants to get in the Christmas spirit, Penumbra Theatre’s Black Nativity will likely do the trick. The production, the company’s 28th rendition to date,…