"Romeo and Juliet" by Gray Mallard Theater Company at Sociable Cider Werks

You've heard of Shakespeare in the Park? Now we have Shakespeare in the Pub! Specifically, the parking lot of Sociable Cider Werks in Northeast Minneapolis. Now in their third year, I finally made it out to see Gray Mallard Theater Company, and it was a delight! There's really nothing better about Minnesota summer than sitting outside on a not-too-hot summer night, enjoying some Shakespeare, food, and local cider. (Well, maybe lakes are better - Shakespeare at the Lake?!) They said they've done a history and a comedy, so now it's time for a tragedy. Why not the most famous tragedy, the story of Juliet and her Romeo. By far the Shakespeare play I've seen the most often (more than a dozen times), but one that's always relevant and entertaining and frustratingly tragic (I always hope that somehow the Friar's message will get through to Romeo, but it never does). With an engaging cast, simple design, and the gorgeous night sky as backdrop, this Romeo and Juliet is your new must-do summer #TCTheater experience. Unfortunately I'm getting to this late (because summer is busy) and there are only two shows left. But if you're looking for something to do this weekend, see it before it closes on July 28!

"RIDDLE PUZZLE PLOT" by Park Square Theatre on Zoom

Original post from July 25, 2020:
Friends, I am beyond thrilled to post my first #TCTheater review in almost five months. Yes it's a virtual performance streamed over Zoom, so it's not quite the same, but it's a chance to see some of my favorite artists being creative and having fun, while putting out new content during a pandemic that doesn't seem to be getting any better. That's cause to celebrate. And it's not too late to get in on the action. Park Square Theatre's RIDDLE PUZZLE PLOT is a new play written for this format by one of my favorite #TCTheater playwrights, Jeffrey Hatcher, about a group of actors connecting over Zoom during a pandemic (how meta!). It will play out over four installments, beginning this weekend, with a $30 ticket getting you access to all episodes, either with live and interactive pre- and post-show content on Friday or Saturday night, or to watch on demand later in the week. I watched it last night and it was truly delightful, and such a comfort to experience something akin to theater again.

"Macbeth" by Wayward Theatre Company at the James J. Hill House

Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's creepiest and darkest plays. Which makes it a perfect choice to produce during Halloween season, at the James J. Hill House which, while elegant during the day, is a bit creepy after hours. Wayward Theatre Company, experts at site-specific theater, is doing not only that, but also moving the audience around the house to eight different performance locations. For a three-hour play, the walking around adds interest and keeps the blood flowing. This intimate and immersive (but not interactive) show feels immediate and brings out all of the horror of this tale of unbridled greed.