A Preview of Park Square Theatre's LAB Series

Park Square has a new program to foster the work of local artists, and I'm here for it: "The Park Square LAB Series provides Minnesota-based theater artists, companies, and early- to mid-career creators the opportunity to stage their work at Park Square Theatre - without the barrier of rental fees. The LAB Series program offers theatre makers of all backgrounds the chance to take artistic risks. Whether artists choose to develop ambitious new work, restage and/or reimagine a previous production, or a bit of both, Park Square aims to provide the space and encouragement for artists to flourish." I love the idea of an artist lab, where they get to experiment, try new things, and see what works and what doesn't. And I have experienced the depth and breadth of our local artist community, so I love that Park Square is supporting them in this way. They will be presenting the work of four artists over two weekends, two this weekend and two next weekend (three performances each), and the artists they have lined up for their inaugural lab are an impressive list! Read a little more about the shows and artists below and check back for my thoughts after I see the shows this weekend and next. You can find more information and purchase tickets to one or both shows on Park Square's website.

Performance Weekend 1: March 20-22, 2026

RED HERRING

By Pedro Juan Fonseca | Directed by Alex Galick

When a body is found in the woods, Evelyn Berry is sent to Duluth to decide if it was an accident or murder. Her review becomes an interrogation of a sloppy police detective and a grieving mother looking for a payout, while a figure from Evelyn’s past threatens to get inside her head again. Follow insurance investigator Evelyn Berry in the first chapter of this new psychological crime series.

Pre-show thoughts: A murder mystery set in Duluth? Say less. I've enjoyed Pedro and Alex's work as actors around town, and if the teaser they created for the series (see below) is anything like the show, it's going to be clever and fun.

SAY WHEN...

By Mark Benzel and Matt Spring | Directed by Mark Benzel

Say When… is inspired by Evander Berry Wall; the man who had everything and chose to spend it all on 5,000 ties and 500 pairs of pants to become fashion’s “King of All Dudes.” Through comedy and frivolousness with feeling, Say When... examines wealth, social responsibility, and excess, connecting historical opulence to contemporary conversations about status and privilege.

Pre-show thoughts: I know Mark from his work with the Improv Movement Project and Transatlantic Love Affair, and Matt as one of the Four Humors. Combining the physical theater style with the serious silliness sounds like a match made in heaven (and they have a fantastic cast to help them tell the story).

Performance Week 2: March 27-29, 2026

THE CARMEN FILES

Arranged by Gary Ruschman | Written by Elena Stabile | Choreography by Colette Illarde

The Mixed Precipitation team is developing a bold new adaptation of Georges Bizet’s 1875 French opera Carmen, where classical music and crime drama collide. In this reimagined tale, Internal Affairs investigator Micaëla takes on a smuggling ring and opera’s most famous femme fatale - forces that lure her boyfriend, Donnie, an undercover cop drawn to his dark side, down a dangerous path.

Pre-show thoughts: I've been a fan of Mixed Precipitation's summer picnic operetta / pickup truck opera, in which they mash up a classic opera with pop music in a modern and relatable story, for over a decade. I look forward to seeing their uniquely great work in a climate-controlled environment, with a new take on a classic.

WILLOW STORM AND THE LIGHTNING BOLTS

Written and Composed by Stephanie Henry | Directed by Denzel Belin

Set against a backdrop of big hair, screaming guitars, and neon-lit dreams, the story follows Aaron, a gifted but restless young artist searching for his place in the world. When he discovers his inner rock goddess Willow Storm, everything changes. With the help of his fiercely loyal friend Tiffany, Aaron forms a band and begins the journey from self-doubt to self-definition. Willow Storm is an electrifying 80s glam rock musical about identity, transformation, and the courage to step fully into your power.

Pre-show thoughts: I don't know Stephanie but I do know Denzel as a regular performer at Brave New Workshop and improvisor around town, and the description sounds great and like just the show we need right now.