"The Light in the Piazza" by Duluth Playhouse at the NorShor Theatre

If no theater in the Twin Cities is going to do the gorgeous musical The Light in the Piazza (at least not in 12 years since Theater Latte Da's wonderful production), I will happily drive two hours to see Duluth Playhouse's production at the historic NorShor Theatre. In fact, if it weren't so hard to get away from my busy theater schedule for a few days (because if I'm going to Duluth, I'm staying for more than just a day or one night), I'd see everything they do. It was more than worth the drive to see this beautiful production of the 2005 multiple Tony-winning musical featuring a stunningly gorgeous score (written by Adam Guettel, grandson of Richard Rodgers of Rodgers and Hammerstein) and a beautifully romantic story, with a twist. The talented mostly Duluth-based cast (led by #TCTheater favorite Kersten Rodau), lush 16-piece pit orchestra, and lovely design transport you to a summer in Italy long ago. If you're in the Duluth area or can make the trip - do it. This is a musical that doesn't get produced very often, and it absolutely shines in this Duluth Playhouse production. But don't wait, the show plays Thursdays through Sundays for two more weekends only.

"Peter and the Starcatcher" by Duluth Playhouse at the NorShore Theatre

Duluth is my (and many Minnesotans') favorite spot for a Minne-cation. Not only is there that endlessly fascinating lake (which on this visit the winds churned up into wild waves), the best of Minnesota's 70+ State Parks, and tons of outdoor activities, food, and shopping, but it's also an artsy city, including a great theater scene. As soon as I bought my ticket to see the living legend that is Willie Nelson at Bayfront Festival Park, I checked out the theater schedule, and was thrilled to discover that I would be in Duluth for the opening of the charming play with music Peter and the Starcatcher by Duluth Playhouse (and also disappointed that I would be missing Zeitgeist Theater's POTUS, opening May 30 and running through June 8). This Peter features a talented 12-percon cast (including some familiar faces), playful and inventive storytelling, and a sweet story about home, family, and adventure; check it out if you're going to be in Duluth through June 2. And whenever you plan your North Shore adventure, see what's going on at the Playhouse or Zeitgeist, or better yet, plan a trip around it - like I may be during Duluth Playhouse's 110th season to see the gorgeous musical The Light in the Piazza, or Waitress - yet another musical that #DuluthTheater does before #TCTheater (see also Renegade Theater's lovely 2019 production of Fun Home, which is premiering in the Twin Cities at Theater Latte Da next season, and last summer's Kinky Boots at the Playhouse, with Mitchell Douglas reprising his role as Lola at Lyric Arts this summer).

"Once" at the Duluth Playhouse

Walking along the greatest of lakes yesterday morning, watching the rising sun turn the clouds shades of pink and orange, while the waves lapped at my feet at the seagulls played in the water, I knew it was absolutely worth driving 300 miles roundtrip in 24 hours to see one of my favorite musicals in my favorite Minnesota city. I'm not saying you should also make the long drive to see Duluth Playhouse's production of the lovely eight-time Tony winning musical Once, based on the 2007 Irish movie and featuring music by stars of the film Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, but if you're itching for a Minnecation, or happen to be in Minnesota's favorite vacation spot along the North Shore of Lake Superior, you should definitely check it out, or maybe catch something else in the Playhouse's busy and ambitious 2022-2023 season on multiple stages, which culminates in the Minnesota premiere of Kinky Boots next summer. Not just for nature, adventure, shopping, and eating, Duluth is also a destination because of its incredible arts and culture scene.

"Xanadu" by Duluth Playhouse at the NorShor Theatre

I've been to the North Shore four times in the last 14 months. During a time when my two favorite things posed a serious health risk - theater and travel - I travelled locally, Minnesota State Parks permit in hand, or rather, on my car. Now that things are starting to look brighter (but only if we continue to vaccinate and follow masking guidelines), I was able to combine my two favorite things. Duluth Playhouse is back and I just happened to be in town for closing weekend of their production of Xanadu. It's such a fun show that's so silly and ridiculous, but its themes about "the human experience rendered comprehensible through art" and a magical place defined by love and creation are really quite poignant right now. This talented young cast fully embraces the joy and camp of Xanadu, making this a celebratory return to theater. This production has closed, but they've got a full schedule of shows planned both at the beautifully restored NorShor Theatre and at the smaller edgier Underground Theatre. If you're planning a trip to the North Shore, visit their website to see what's playing.

Valentine's Day Cabarets Streaming from Yellow Tree Theatre, Collide Theatrical Dance Company, and Duluth Playhouse

While it may be true that "Valentine's Day is a sham created by card companies to reinforce and exploit gender stereotypes*," there's plenty to love this Valentine's Day weekend in the world of streaming #TCTheater. And with sub-zero temps here in Minnesota, what better is there to do than cuddle up under a pile of blankets with your loved ones, pets, or friends, with a hot cuppa something in your hands, and watch some shows? First of all, if you haven't caught one of Bucket Brigade's LIVE performances of their original musical 'Til Death, streamed from Art House North direct to your house, you can still do so tonight or tomorrow (click here for more on that). Or choose one of these on-demand options (click on show title for more info and to purchase tickets).