"One-Shot" at Six Points Theater

The new play One-Shot, premiering at Six Points Theater, takes us back to 1999, when we rented VHS tapes from video stores to watch movies at home. It was also a time when we were beginning to see more LGBTQ+ representation on TV and in movies, but it was still dangerous to come out in many parts of the country. The play tells the story of two young gay men in a small Southern town trying to navigate that world, with successes, set backs, and heartaches. Written by Playwrights' Center affiliated writer Andrew Rosendorf and inspired by his experience growing up as a "closed queer kid in the late-1990s," with a talented three-person cast and a design so detailed it'll make you nostalgic for browsing through video stores looking for a movie to watch (if you're over a certain age), One-Shot is a moving, funny, relatable, and at times heart-breaking play. See it at Highland Park Community Center now through November 8.

"Strange Heart: The Dream Songs of John Berryman" at Open Eye Theatre

I have to admit, I'd never heard of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet John Berryman, who taught at the University of Minnesota for much of his career. I'll also admit that I'm not a big fan of poetry, I never really read it on my own because I have a hard time making sense of it (but maybe poetry isn't supposed to make sense). That's why I love seeing poems or poetry depicted on stage, in the more familiar language of theater, or better yet, music-theater. I went to see the world premiere of Strange Heart: The Dream Songs of John Berryman at Open Eye Theatre for two reasons - Bradley Greenwald and Anna Hashizume - and I was rewarded with a very dreamlike show. Like poetry, it doesn't always make sense, it doesn't follow a straight line, it jumps around from one time or place to another. But also like poetry, it makes you feel things, even if you're not sure why. Strange Heart is odd, and funny, and silly, and heartbreakingly sad as it explores the life and work of a tortured artist, through his words put to music. You can experience this strange and lovely dream now through March 22.

"The First Lady of Song: Ella Sings The Irving Berlin Songbook" at The Hive Collaborative

For their first season, The Hive Collaborative has been exploring the idea of a concept album. Local singer/songwriter Monica Livorsi's new album of Jane Austen-inspired songs (now available for purchase or streaming). Hive co-owner Eric Morris singing from a couple of Frank Sinatra concept albums. The "original concept album" Schubert's Winterreise performed by a couple of fabulous local classical musicians. And last but not least, Deidre Cochran sings Ella Fitzgerald singing Irving Berlin. Each one of these shows has been unique, but they definitely feel like part of a collection. Ella Sings is 60 minutes of music, joy, fun, and community. Check out one of the four more performances this weekend, and then visit Hive's event page to see what else is buzzing this summer (not just music and theater!).