"The Hobbit" by Zephyr Theater at Aamodt's Apple Farm

Theatre in the Round's virtually sold-out run of playwright Greg Banks' 5-actor 90-minute adaptation of The Hobbit (which was commissioned by and premiered at Children's Theatre Company in 2019) closed less than two months ago. Just last night, Stillwater-based Zephyr Theatre opened their production of this play, outdoors at Aamodt's Apple Farm. Why another production of The Hobbit so soon? Why not? The two 2026 productions are so different from each other, and so different from the 2019 production, as to almost feel like different adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkein's beloved first novel in what would become the Lord of the Rings universe, that has delighted audiences for almost 90 years. TRP set their production decades in the future after an apocalyptic event, with survivors gathering to tell each other stories as their only entertainment, and really leaned into the importance of storytelling, and this story in particular. Zephyr's production is in a beautiful outdoor setting, making it easier to imagine the green fields and dense woods of Middle Earth, and leans into the idea of the reluctant hero, and the importance of standing up for what's right, especially in terms of supporting our friends, neighbors, or even strangers who are suffering injustices (something that, as the director notes in the program, feels very familiar in the Twin Cities in 2026). But this is still very much a story of dwarves and trolls and goblins and elves, and one brave hobbit who left his her cozy home to help a friend (continuing through August 2).

"Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope" at Penumbra Theatre

A piece of musical theater trivia that I learned several years ago is that the first Broadway musical with book, music, and lyrics written by a woman is the 1973 Tony-nominated Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope. It was written by Micki Grant, a Black woman, who also starred in the show (we would have to wait over 50 years for the next Broadway musical with book, music, and lyrics written by a woman who also starred in it - Shaina Taub's Suffs, coming to the Orpheum next month). I couldn't understand why, in 15 years of seeing pretty much everything in #TCTheater, I had never seen this show; no theater company has produced it locally in my memory, and it's never been revived on Broadway after its two-and-a-half-year original run. That glaring omission has finally been rectified with Penumbra Theatre's joy-filled production of this historically significant gem of a musical. It's playing through April 5, and if you're a fan of musical theater history, or just music and/or history in general, do not miss this show.

"Once on This Island" at Artistry

It feels like last week's very late summer heat wave was just to usher in the warm breezes of Artistry's production of Once on this Island, the first regional production since it won the Tony in 2018 for Best Revival. That too-warm-for-fall weather has thankfully left us, but you can still feel the joy and warmth of the island inside Bloomington Center for the Arts for the next few weeks. Based on a book that's based on The Little Mermaid, it tells the familiar story of a young woman who falls in love with a man she rescues on the beach, giving up her life for him, only to be rejected. But here the twist is that this young woman's love changed the world for the better. The beautiful thing about Once on this Island is the storytelling employed; it starts with a community gathered around a common space and telling a story to a frightened little girl. The musical (by the creators of Ragtime) has a score with fabulous Caribbean and African sounds, and features an uber talented local African American cast. Get your tickets now to see this excellent 90-minute show, continuing through October 26.

"Robin Hood" by Zephyr Theatre at Aamondt's Apple Farm

On one of the hottest days of the summer, I sat outside in the blaring sun and stifling humidity watching a new-ish retelling of the classic Robin Hood tale. Only for theater would I put up with such miserable conditions! To their credit, Zephyr Theatre had coolers full of water bottles and wet washcloths which helped immensely. And to the actors' credit, they recognized the situation and brought it into the story, instead of pretending we were all sitting inside an air-conditioned theater. But the good news for you is that next weekend's weather forecast looks much nicer, so if you go it will be a much more pleasant experience for you. But even with the heat, I enjoyed this fun playful show with a great cast, featuring the directorial debut of Children's Theatre Company's longtime company member Reed Sigmund, who's comic stamp on this production is very much evident. Join the adventure at Aamodt's Apple Farm (a beautiful and easy to access location just outside of Stillwater off 36) this weekend only!

"Alice in Wonderland" at Children's Theatre Company

Children's Theatre Company is bringing back their original adaptation of Lewis Caroll's classic children's novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Somehow I missed the last time they did it over a decade ago, perhaps mistakenly thinking it was just for kids. So this was my first time going down the rabbit hole with director Peter C. Brosius, composer and one-man band Victor Zupanc, and this exceedingly talented ensemble of young and grownup actors. It's two hours of sheer wonder, magic, and delight for audiences of all ages, so inventive and playful and surprising at every turn. The fun and whimsical sets and costumes, the ensemble leading us through the story like something out of Pantomime and/or English Music Hall traditions, and Caroll's endlessly entertaining series of oddball characters speaking nonsense combine for a truly enjoyable show. Bring your kids, your grownups, or yourself to see Alice in Wonderland now through the end of March.