This is an exciting time to be attending the theatre in the Twin Cities. With so many of our theatre companies changing their artistic directors—due mostly to retirements—a trip to the theatre becomes a journey of great expectations to see…
Review | The Glass Menagerie: the play dazzles if, at times, a bit dully
The Guthrie, through Oct 27For the fifth time, the Guthrie has brought The Glass Menagerie to its stage one of Tennessee Williams most popular and oft-performed plays. Director Joseph Haj has helmed this latest production. With a small cast and simple set, the strength of Williams’ semi-autobiographical play lies in its characters…
Review | Chicago: loud, brassy, charming — and a great story
Theater Latté Da, through November 3Veteran HWTS reviewers Janet Preus and John Olive attended the opening of Chicago (Theater Latté Da, performing in the old Ritz Theater, through Nov 3). They then went down the street for cold beverages and a discussion, which is excerpted…
Review | Ride The Cyclone: step right up for a rip-roaring good time
The Jungle Theater, through Oct 20Every roller coaster worth its ride has thrills, suspense and a brief glimpse of your own mortality as you loop, flip, and zoom around the track. Ride the Cyclone, the mad-cap musical dramedy playing at Jungle Theater through October 20th doesn’t…
Review | Hot Asian Doctor Husband: a hoot and a half
Mu Performing Arts, performing at Mixed Blood Theater, through Sept 1Leah Nanako Winkler‘s delicious Hot Asian Doctor Husband (Mu Performing Arts, performing at Mixed Blood Theater, through Sept 1) is a prime example of the hoary theatrical truism: when the actors have a good time, so does the audience. And…
Review | Rent: makes the Orpheum rock
Hennepin Center For The ArtsIs this a Tony Award-winning musical or a rock concert? For those lucky enough to catch Rent playing at the Orpheum through August 18th, get ready to cheer, clap, hoot and even moo right along with the show-stopping musical numbers.…
Review | Floyd’s: a play with heart — that will make your stomach rumble
At the Guthrie, through Aug 31Whatever you do, don’t go to Floyd’s hungry. Set in a greasy spoon truck stop in Pennsylvania, Floyd’s tells the story of the café’s kitchen staff, all formerly incarcerated and desperate for a paycheck (and a second chance). Floyd’s, written…
Review | Cosi Fan Tutte: buffa with a twist
Mill City Summer OperaTo say Cosi Fan Tutte, one of Mozart’s classic opera buffas, is problematic, is an understatement. The very title, which loosely translates to “women are like that” gives you an idea of the dated and cliché subject matter. Yet, with…
Review | Stinkers: a giddy celebration of familial love
The Jungle, through Aug 18The jewelbox Jungle on a stinky, gruesomely hot summer evening: the gorgeous lobby, perfectly sized with actual comfy furniture; then the beautiful performing space, polished wood and rich lighting, small but substantial, highlighting the always wonderful set design, in this…