"Three Houses" at Theatre Elision

Theatre Elision is in their Dave Malloy era, and it suits them. The NYC-based composer/ lyricist/ playwright is most well-known for his 2017 Broadway musical Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, for which he was nominated for three Tonys. And more recently, his a capella musical Octet is being adapted into a film, by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda. But Elision, which has a knack for finding music-theater gems and bringing them to #TCTheater, often fresh off their initial runs Off-Broadway or elsewhere, has been on the Dave Malloy train since their first season. They produced his song cycle Ghost Quartet in the fall of 2017, and it was so popular they've done it almost every year since, including this summer outdoors by the river at Fort Snelling. Last fall they brought us the regional premiere of Comet, the biggest show they've ever done, that sold out virtually the entire run, and are remounting it in the spring. They've also announced that they will be doing Octet next fall, but first, it's Dave Malloy's Three Houses, a musical about three people in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's very Dave Malloy, meaning mostly sung-through, with clever and funny lyrics that pull in lots of different references, intricate and unexpected melodies, and gorgeous harmonies. At this point Theatre Elision's creative team and cast (many of them returnees) are experts at interpreting his work, and Three Houses builds on the experience and success of Ghost Quartet and Comet, for another unique, entertaining, and moving theatrical experience (continuing through November 7). 

"Ghost Quartet" by Theatre Elision at the Overlook at Fort Snelling

Minnesota Fringe may be over, but adventurous art continues! For their 8th production of the Dave Malloy song cycle Ghost Quartet, Theatre Elision is moving outdoors, telling this fun and sometimes spooky ghost story under the sky and stars. This is my 5th time seeing this show (including last year's all-star cast reunion), and I like it better every time. Rather than one straight-forward narrative, the songs weave together four stories that intersect and overlap in what could be confusing ways if you think about it too much. But it's such a great example of storytelling and world-building through song, and adding the element of Nature only makes it better. But they only have 4 more performances, and all are free (although they request that you register, and happily accept donations). Head to the historic Fort Snelling, a site that has plenty dark history and ghosts (as music director Harrison Ford noted in his pre-show speech), for some music-theater magic. And make plans to continue on the Dave Malloy journey with Theatre Elision - they've got three more of his shows on the schedule, including a remount of the sold out Great Comet, and two regional premieres!

"Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812" at Theatre Elision

I saw the 12-time Tony nominated (and 2-time winning) Broadway musical Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, based on one small section of Tolstoy's epic novel War and Peace with music, book, and lyrics by Dave Malloy, in March of 2017. Just two months later, I witnessed the debut of a promising new #TCTheater company called Theatre Elision. Now, in a full circle moment, Elision (which has since become one of my favorite theater companies, filling the much-needed niche of small cast, one act, rarely done musicals, often with mostly female creative teams and/or casts) is producing the regional premiere of Great Comet, and it's stunning. In those intervening years I have also seen multiple productions of Elision's take on Dave Malloy's one act song cycle Ghost Quartet, and that familiarity with his work, along with Elision's all-star local cast and their intimate immersive staging, meant that I loved this show much more than the Broadway version, and even more than I expected to in the months of buildup. They have virtually sold out the entire run, which is unprecedented for Elision. For eight-plus years they have been an underrated hidden gem of #TCTheater, but that ends with this show. The larger community is finally discovering what I've known for a long time, that Theatre Elision produces work you just cannot see elsewhere, that's musically and aesthetically gorgeous, in an intimate setting. Great Comet continues through November 22, and if you can beg, borrow, or steal your way into the show - do it! Follow them on social media for potential available tickets, or contact the box office to get on the waitlist.

"Ghost Quartet" by Theatre Elision at Elision Playhouse

Theatre Elision is back with their first full production since the lovely Islander in July of 2021 (my first post-pandemic-hiatus show). They're bringing back their annual spooky fall hit Ghost Quartet, with a few updates to the production. I've seen it a couple times before, and it’s definitely the type of show that gets better with repeat viewings. The song cycle by Dave Malloy (Tony nominated for Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812) weaves related tales in and out through the 90-minute show, in a way that doesn't quite make sense, but somehow fits together to form a cohesive and compelling story. In a little over five years, Theatre Elision has created and filled a niche with excellent productions of small-cast, one-act, original or rarely done musicals. Ghost Quartet is one of their most successful productions, and one that has only gotten better over time. It's musically gorgeous and truly haunting, a perfect choice to kick off the #TCTheater October scary season (continuing through October 8).

"Ghost Quartet" by Theatre Elision at North Garden Theater

In their second full season, new-ish #TCTheater company Theatre Elision, which specializes in small cast female-focused rarely done or original one-act musicals, is bringing back Dave Malloy's Ghost Quartet from their first season. And judging by the audience reaction, they might be stuck doing this show every fall. First of all, this ghostly song cycle by the creator of Broadway's Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 is a gorgeous, unique, interesting, creepy score. And secondly, Elision's production is really cool - immersive, participatory (the audience gets to play percussion!), performed by an excellent (and partly new this year) cast of singer/ actor/ musicians, and includes the serving of whiskey! It's a unique theater experience, musically haunting and beautiful, and an overall creepy cool vibe. This is my second* time seeing it, and I could definitely see it every year. It's playing through this Saturday only, with limited seating in the new North Garden Theater in St. Paul's West 7th neighborhood, so act fast! (Click here for info and tickets.)

"Ghost Quartet" by Theatre Elision at North Garden Theater

Just in time for Halloween, Theatre Elision brings us Ghost Quartet, by Dave Malloy, the composer/lyricist of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (which recently closed too soon on Broadway). In their third show as a new company, Theatre Elision brings us their usual small cast and musically beautiful production, but very much in the style of Great Comet. Meaning, an intimate in-the-round setting (which Great Comet replicated on Broadway by having audience sit on stage), a fun and playful style, and with audience participation (and vodka!). It's a fantastic show that fits in well with Elision's niche of small cast, feminist, one-act, original or rarely produced musicals. And it's a perfect show for this Halloweekend!

NYC 2017 Trip: "Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Coment of 1812" at the Imperial Theatre

Show*: 6

Title: Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Coment of 1812

Location: Imperial Theatre

Written By: Dave Malloy

Summary: A musical adaptation of Tolstoy's novel War and Peace that is neither about war nor peace, but rather focuses on the love triangle between Andrey, Natasha, and Anatole, told in an immersive style.