"The Music Man" at Lyric Arts

I'm a sucker for The Music Man. There's something so joyful about this story of the charming con man who comes to a closed-up Iowa town and sells them not a band, but the power of music, community, and a common goal. The band may not be real, but the joy and newfound togetherness in the town is very real, and even more valuable. Lyric Arts' fine new production is sure to sell out just based on the name recognition of the beloved musical, but it also lives up to expectations and provides a joyously fun and heart-warming experience that reminds us that we're better when we work together. Visit River City via Anoka now through August 10.

"The Rainmaker" at Lyric Arts

The classic play The Rainmaker is like a mix of The Glass Menagerie and The Music Man, set in a rural area beset by drought during the Depression. There's the family daughter who's a bit different that everyone is trying to "marry off," and the charming con man who sweeps into town and brings new life and hope to the community. It's a beautiful and bittersweet story about a woman finding her confidence and self-worth through the eyes of a stranger. Experience the wonder of the long-awaited rain in Lyric Arts' new production, featuring a talented cast and lovely design, continuing through March 23.

"Little House on the Prairie" at Lakeshore Players Theatre

As a fan of all things Little House on the Prairie and Laura Ingalls Wilder, I was excited to see the musical Little House on the Prairie on Lakeshore Players Theatre's ambitious 2023-2024 season. I grew up watching the TV show and reading the books, and as an adult I've read every book I could find about Laura Ingalls Wilder, and visited most of the historic sights. As a descendent of 19th Century immigrants who came to Minnesota to make a better life for their family (i.e., me), Laura's story feels like my story. But as an adult, I recognize that it's only one side of the story, and that the story of the indigenous people of this land, who were displaced by the US government so that my ancestors could make a new life here, is also an important one to tell. Laura's story and legacy are complicated,* but I still love Little House for the nostalgia, and the comforting message of family, home, togetherness, and respect for nature. I hadn't seen the musical in almost 15 years, and it turns out it's not as strong of a piece of musical theater as I remembered or hoped it was. But it's still lots of fun for Little House fans, and Lakeshore Players has put together a charming production, with a large and talented cast and beautiful design. You can see it at Hanifl Performing Arts Center in White Bear Lake through February 10 (and for something different, check out an encore performance of Lakeshore's fantastic regional premiere of the smart, funny, inspiring play What the Constitution Means to Me on January 29 and 30).

"An Evening with Ella and Harold" at Lakeshore Players Theatre

The Queen of Jazz and one of the greatest composers of the American Songbook -  a match made in music heaven. Such is the subject of the new original play with music by Lakeshore Players Theatre. An Evening with Ella and Harold parallels the lives and stories of Ella Fitzgerald and Harold Arlen, featuring music from the 1961 album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Song Book. Though they never met, the two were connected by music. Local playwright Alayna Jacqueline imagines a sort of conversation between them, for a lovely evening of music history and performance.