"Waitress" at Artistry

I've been waiting for the #TCTheater premiere of the Tony nominated musical Waitress since I first saw it on tour in 2017. I'm a big fan of the quirky little 2007 movie of the same name upon which it was based (written by and co-starring Adrienne Shelly, who was tragically murdered before its release). When I saw the tour at the Orpheum Theatre, and later the Ordway, I found the musical adaptation to be a successful one, but one with an intimate story that would probably play better on smaller and more intimate stages. The regional premiere is finally here, and I was right! Artistry's production does feel more real and intimate and heart-wrenching, and so beautifully done that I wish I had time to go back and see it again. Go see this all-star cast in Waitress at Bloomington Center for the Arts now through May 11, they'll rip your heart out and make you laugh.

A Crooners Holiday: The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society and Kate and Bradley Beahen

With the brief lull in #TCTheater that comes around the holidays*, I was able to head down the road to Crooners Supper Club in Fridley for a couple of shows. Crooners was a lifesaver for me in 2020, as it was pretty much the only place you could see live performance, in their makeshift parking lot drive-in theater. Now with four different performance spaces (all with food and drink service), there's always something happening at Crooners, much of it theater adjacent. A few days after Christmas I attended The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society's Christmas Post Mortem show, and a few days before New Year's I attended siblings Kate and Bradley Beahen's cabaret show Fresh Starts and Showstoppers. Read on for a brief summary of those shows, both of which will be returning in 2025. And if you don't already have your tickets for next Monday's A Grand UNITE for Civil Rights, a fundraiser for the ACLU hosted by #TCTheater artist Serena Brook and featuring a veritable who's who of local music-theater talent, you better get them right now before they're gone! What's better than a night of good food, great entertainment, and a worthy cause?

"Santa's Surprise Party" by The Mechanical Division at The Hive Collaborative

The best surprise of this holiday* season is the return of DalekoArts! Sort of. Amanda White and Ben Thietje, founders of the New Prague theater company that closed its doors last year after 11 successful years, have returned to their former company The Mechanical Division to create a silly holiday comedy of the type frequently performed at Daleko. Written by Ben and directed by Amanda, and featuring actors we know and love from Daleko, it's almost like returning to that beloved theater, without the long but gorgeous drive. It's playing at The Hive Collaborative in St. Paul, which over the last year has become one of my favorite venues for its welcoming vibe and variety of programming, and this time of year is particularly cozy with holiday lights and decorations (owners Laura and Eric live next door and their house is the brightest on the block!). Even better, it's a 7pm show with a 70-minute runtime so you can be in bed by 9 go out after the show and do other fun holiday things! Santa's Surprise Party is sweet and silly and stupid and wonderful, with just three shows remaining and few tickets left!

Musical Mondays at Lush, November 2024

Today is a big day in America, and there's no place I would have rather spent the evening before this momentous election day than at the 100th installment of Musical Mondays. BFFs Max Wojtanowicz and Sheena Janson Kelly started this monthly cabaret series at Hell's Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis 12 years ago, with the dream of having someplace where local music-theater performers could share their talents, and maybe show a new side of themselves, in a fun and casual setting. Since then, this dream has become a reality, and a staple in #TCTheater entertainment, with a move to LUSH Bar in Northeast Minneapolis (and a couple years off due to a global pandemic). They celebrated this milestone with a larger than usual cast of all-stars, plus the return of some old favorites. As usual, it was a wonderful evening of fun, entertainment, and community, made especially poignant by the timing of it. One of the performers, the divine Erin Schwab, talked about how she's performed for decades amidst all kinds of trouble and strife in the word. And that her job is to give us permission to laugh, to have fun, and to have hope, no matter what is happening outside the walls of the theater. I don't know what's going to happen today, or this week, or next year, but I know that we need to continue to support live theater. The arts are a vital part of our economy, a vital part of our democracy, celebrating free speech and protest and all the things we hold dear as Americans, as well as engendering empathy for those we think are different from us, but are really the same at heart. And no matter what happens, we're going to need more of that going forward from this day.

"9 to 5" at Lyric Arts

In the first of two #TCTheater premieres this season, Lyric Arts is bringing us the musical adaptation of the hit 1980 movie 9 to 5 (the second is Kinky Boots this summer, which had its Minnesota premiere at Duluth Playhouse last summer). With built-in name recognition, shows are already selling out. But the good new is, this 9 to 5 is more than just a recognizable name and an easy sell to audiences. It's super fun and really well done. I'm not sure why it took so long for a local professional theater to do this show (last seen to my knowledge on tour at the Ordway in 2011) - it features a fun original score by the great Dolly Parton and an ever-timely theme of women's rights, workers' rights, and the power of women working together. Directed by one of #TCTheater's funniest women people Shanan Custer (who also knows how to pull on the heartstrings) and featuring a large, talented, and energetic cast, it's a celebratory evening of music-theater. Bring your girlfriends, bring your coworkers, bring your family, or bring yourself to Anoka to see 9 to 5 now through May 12.

Musical Mondays at LUSH, November 2023

Happy 11th Anniversary to Musical Mondays! This monthly cabaret that showcases the abundance of talent in our community, started by BFFs Max Wojtanwicz and Sheena Janson Kelly, just held their 90th show. Can you believe that?! It was my 19th time attending Musical Mondays (previously held at Hell's Kitchen), and just my second since its post-pandemic return to LUSH last December. Every time I go I think - why don't I go to this every month?! (The answer: too many shows, too little time.) It's always a great time filled with fabulous performances, great people watching, beloved songs as well as new ones, and a fun and festive community atmosphere. I've said it before and I'll say it again - if you are casting musicals in the Twin Cities, you need to go to Musical Mondays to scout out new talent, or talent you may think you know but who show a whole new side of themselves in this format. And if you love musicals and our #TCTheater talent, you need to be attending this show too. So mark your calendar for the next show on December 6, and follow them on Facebook or Instagram for updates.

"Godspell" at Artistry

Artistry's second production in their 2023 season, coming back after a rough spell, is the 1971 musical Godspell (postponed from last fall). Written by Stephen Schwartz (who later penned a little show called Wicked) when he was in his early 20s, it tells the story of Jesus, with lyrics mostly taken from the Gospel of Matthew in the Christian Bible. Musically it's more akin to Pippin (his second musical to be produced, also in the '70s) than Wicked, and thematically and stylistically it bears some resemblance to the 1968 peace and love musical Hair. It may seem like an odd juxtaposition - the teachings of Jesus mixed with popular music and a sort of hippie group of friends, but it actually isn't. Jesus' original message of love, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, non-judgement, and community, before it was corrupted by institutional religion, is beautifully conveyed through this music-theater vehicle. Artistry has assembled a dynamite ensemble of performers, each one of them a superstar, for a joyful, fun, and moving show that's really all about love and acceptance. As radical an idea today as it was 2000 years ago.

"You've Got a Friend" at History Theatre

Three or four times a year, the History Theatre hosts an event or concert they call "History Theatre Presents." Last night they hosted #TCTheater artists Jen Burleigh-Bentz and Bradley Beahen in a Carole King* / James Taylor tribute concert called You've Got a Friend. Jen was most recently seen on that stage in the ensemble of The Defeat of Jesse James, and Bradley's work as Music Director can frequently be heard on stages around town. In this one-night-only event, they shared songs and stories from two of the greatest songwriters of the second half of the 20th century for a fun night of music.

"Bright Star" at DalekoArts

"Just because something ends doesn't mean it wasn't successful." This quote from Philip Dawkins' play Failure: A Love Story perfectly encapsulates my feelings about the announcement a few months ago that DalekoArts would be closing their doors for good after the production of their spring musical Bright Star. For 11 seasons they were successful. Not necessarily in a financial sense (I can't speak to that), but artistically, and in creating a community of theater-makers and theater-lovers in the far-flung town of New Prague. Daleko is a Czech word meaning "far away," but when you're at Daleko, you don't feel far away from anything, you feel connected - to the artists, to your fellow audience members, and most of all to the story playing out just a few feet in front of you. To list my favorite memories at Daleko would take too long, but I've loved everything I've seen there, from silly original comedies to scary thrillers to rarely done musicals to that time I followed a couple of crazy artists around historic downtown New Prague. I'm happy for co-founders Ben Thietje and Amanda White that they're going out on their own terms, and moving on to new adventures, and I'm grateful for every silly, profound, beautiful show I saw at the Prague Theater over the last seven years. The bluegrass musical Bright Star (in only the second professional theater production in #TCTheater) is a perfect choice for the last show, and represents the heart, humor, inventiveness, thoughtfulness, and joy that's been present for 11 seasons. I'd tell you to go see it, but the entire run has been sold out for weeks. But if you've been to DalekoArts, you know how special it was.

"[title of show]" at Lyric Arts

If you love musicals (and if you don't, why are you reading this blog?), grab your vax card and mask and head to Anoka to see Lyric Arts' new production of [title of show], the charming, irreverent, quirky little musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical. I knew I loved the show, but I hadn't seen it in over ten years and I had forgotten just how fantastic it is. Chock full of (sometimes obscure) musical theater references and meta fourth-wall breaking, it shows the creative process in all it's wonder and heartbreak. Lyric has assembled a really talented young cast and creative team, some of whose names you may not know, but you will now. It's 90 minutes of sheer joy and delight, a celebration of making art that couldn't come at a better time. 

Kate Beahen and the Hometown Favorites at Lyric Arts

When Lyric Arts had to cancel a few weekends of their production of It's a Wonderful Life due to breakthrough COVID cases amongst the large cast, they called on Kate Beahen to help fill a few dates on the calendar, and encourage patrons to remember Lyric Arts or other local theaters in their year-end giving. A Lyric favorite and native of the Anoka area, Kate has appeared many times on the Main Street stage, as well as other stages around town, in both plays and musicals (my favorite: playing the Idina Menzel role in Lyric's regional premiere of If/Then and absolutely making it her own). She recently formed a band with her brother Bob and a few of her friends, calling themselves The Hometown Favorites and appearing at Crooners Supper Club. In the few days before Christmas, they did two holiday* shows at Lyric, and I was lucky enough to catch one of them. Kate's an incredibly talented vocalist and performer, and is also a natural at hosting a show and bantering with the band and the audience. It was a much needed fun and festive evening of holiday music and cheer.

"Company" by Lakeshore Players Theatre in the parking lot of Hanifl Performing Arts Center

"Company! Lots of Company! Life is Company! Love is Company!"

It's been a very long time since most of us have experienced this sort of company. Even an introvert who enjoys her own company is craving the company of other humans about now. And golly does it feel good to be in the company of a full audience enjoying a wonderful performance of Sondheim's Company, which is all about company, community, friendship, relationships, and togetherness. During the pandemic, White Bear Lake-based Lakeshore Players Theatre produced a number of new productions filmed for virtual viewing. But Company is their first live in-person show, performed on a very professional looking temporary stage in the large parking lot* behind the Hanifl Performing Arts Center (one of the benefits of theater in the suburbs - a free and spacious parking lot!). A gorgeous Minnesota summer evening, a talented cast, a Sondheim favorite, lots of company... what more could one ask for (other than a live band)?! The short run ends on July 25, don't miss it!

"A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" at Old Log Theatre

Exciting things are happening in Excelsior. Old Log Theatre (rumored to be the oldest continually operating theater west of the Mississippi) is presenting the regional premiere of the 2014 Tony winning* best musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. I saw it last night, about one month into its four-month run, and it's an absolute delight. It's a charming and hilarious big broad English comedy (written by Americans Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak), full of fast clever lyrics, lovely melodies and harmonies, and ridiculously plotted murders, executed brilliantly by the team at Old Log. The only place you can see this recent Tony winner is in the charming lakeside town of Excelsior, that only gets more charming with snow and holiday decorations. This is not a holiday show, but would make for a fun holiday (or post-holiday) outing for friends, family, or solo.

"Boy Crazy" by Madde Gibba at Bryant Lake Bowl

If you watch Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (and if you're not, you should be), head to Bryant-Lake Bowl on the next two Monday nights to see Madde Gibba's original musical comedy improv show Boy Crazy. Not unlike Rachel Bloom, Madde can turn a comic and slightly crazy (although the situation is a little more nuance than that) love story into a clever, melodic, funny, and sometimes even sweet song. The 80-minute show is like a song cycle about love and relationships in the modern world, and it's great fun.

"Musical Mondays" at LUSH, April 2018

I know it's hard to believe today with all of the snow, but it's April! And with the beginning of a new month comes the fabulous monthly cabaret series Musical Mondays at LUSH! It's the 57th installment of this series, and as co-host Max Wojtanowicz noted, they're not running out of talented performers; the talent pool in this town is that deep. This month, six performers sang songs from Tony Award-winning musicals or performances. Because of that I knew most of the shows referenced, but as always there were a few surprises/educational moments. And of course, many entertaining, funny, and thrilling musical moments.

"This Side of Paradise" at the History Theatre

F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of Minnesota's most famous sons, and his relationship with his wife, the Southern belle Zelda Sayre, is the stuff of legend. They were young, beautiful, and famous - one of those celebrity couples like those we still obsess over today. But they were not happy, and both died in their 40s, separated from each other. This is the subject of the new jazz musical This Side of Paradise at The History Theatre. The title refers to Scott's first novel, which he wrote in part to convince Zelda that he could support her, and which did result in her agreeing to marry him. But this is really Zelda's story, and is told from Zelda's perspective later in life, when she was frequently hospitalized for mental illness, as she remembers her life with Scott. The music, written by jazz singer and composer Nancy Harrow originally as a song cycle, is fantastic, and I would love to see it performed as a song cycle. Nancy worked with playwright Will Pomerantz to fill in the spaces between the songs with scenes of the couple alone, with their friends, and with their only daughter Scottie. The piece is strongest when it focuses on Scott and Zelda, less so when it digresses into showy musical theater numbers that don't seem to fit. This is a story that might be better served by a quieter, simpler telling. But still, it's a powerful story with great performances and gorgeous music, about a couple that's still fascinating and impossible to figure out.

The play takes place in 1940, as Zelda talks to her doctor and remembers her life with Scott. We see the scenes play out with the younger Zelda as the older Zelda watches and sometimes participates, as if she's trying to relive the happy moments and save her younger self from some of the trauma she goes through. We see Scott and Zelda's first meeting in 1918, when she's a 17-year-old debutante and he a 21-year-old officer in the Army, stationed near her hometown in Alabama. They fall passionately in love, become engaged, and then Zelda breaks it off, afraid Scott can't support her with his short story writing. So he writes a novel, This Side of Paradise, and when it is published, they marry and began their tumultuous life together, in St. Paul, New York City, and Paris. Scott enjoys his success as an author, but Zelda struggles to find her own identity as an artist, whether through writing, painting, or dance (nicely represented onstage by Zelda constantly writing or painting a portrait of a dancer). As Act I ends, Zelda spirals further into mental illness. In a striking moment, both Zeldas and little Scottie twirl out of control as Zelda desperately cries, "Why can't I be happy?" In Act II, the two timelines converge and the present takes over from the past, which I found a little confusing. Scottie is all grown up and comes to visit her mother and make amends. Scott and Zelda, living apart for years, meet one last time, and he leaves again. The ending seemed to imply that Zelda makes peace with herself, but I'm not sure that she ever did, living in and out of psychiatric hospitals for the rest of her life until she died in a hospital fire. This is a tragic story with no happy ending.

Zelda (Norah Long) with her doctor
(Alan Sorenson, photo by Scott Pakudaitis)

The three leads are all excellent in their roles. Norah Long plays the older version of Zelda and Kendall Anne Thompson is the younger version. They are frequently onstage at the same time, and are quite believable as the same character. Kendall's Zelda goes from youthful confidence to desperation, while Norah's Zelda is a woman trying to make sense her life and holding on with her fingernails. Both sound gorgeous singing these beautiful jazzy songs. As Scott, Bradley Beahen is charismatic with a lovely voice, and has chemistry with both Zeldas (although I'm not sure why Zelda ages and Scott doesn't - typical double standard?). The ensemble cast gamely performs the dance numbers, which are entertaining even if they don't match the tone of the story. If one of the measures of the success of a musical is if the audience walks out humming or singing songs they've never heard before, then This Side of Paradise is a success. I couldn't stop humming "My Lost City" all through intermission, and went to sleep with "Until it Comes Up Love" stuck in my head.

Zelda and Scott in happier times
(photo by Scott Pakudaitis)

The versatile set (by Rick Polenek) has the crisp white sterility of a hospital but also functions nicely for the flashback scenes. Director Ron Peluso makes good use of the set and the space, with some scenes taking place behind the windows, like almost-forgotten memories. Kathy Kohl has designed gorgeous period costumes that perfectly depict the "Jazz Age," a term coined by Scott to describe the life he and Zelda lived.

I love that the History Theatre gives me more insight into the history of my beloved home state of Minnesota. This is a fascinating chapter, and even though much of Scott and Zelda's story did not play out in Minnesota, we still claim them as our own. I also love when theater sparks my interest in a subject which leads me to further study, and this has certainly done that. Half of my time spent on this blog post was just reading more about Scott and Zelda's life together. I'd like to re-read Scott's most famous novel, The Great Gatsby (and see the soon to be released Baz Luhrman movie adaptation of it), and also read some of his other novels, especially Tender is the Night, and Zelda's counterpart, Save Me the Waltz, both largely taken from their life together. This Side of Paradise will give you a taste of Scott and Zelda's life in the Jazz Age, full of music, fashion, art, and tragedy. (Playing now through May 19, with discount tickets available on Goldstar.com).