"Mothership" at Penumbra Theatre

All I knew about Penumbra's world premiere new play Mothership before seeing it was that it was some kind of future dystopia story. I was prepared for something dark and depressing (maybe I've seen too much of The Walking Dead universe), but it wasn't that at all. From the beginning, there is comedy and lightness in the script and in the performances. And yes, it deals with dark themes, but with a hopeful and even joyful resolution, when a group of strangers come together to save Blackness, creativity, and the world. In these days when it seems like there's nothing but grim news and serious concerns about the future on all fronts, it's a refreshing reimagining of that story - in which the worst happens, but humanity prevails. Take a ride on the Mothership at Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood now through October 4.

"Close to Home" at Pillsbury House + Theatre

The new play Close to Home is a beautiful story about a chosen family. Three people who are estranged from their birth family for various reasons find each other, and despite differences and disagreements, they give each other the love and support that they need. This is a story about immigrants, trans people, gay people - all of the people whose stories and history and existence in the world the current administration is trying to erase. In other words, it's exactly the kind of play that we need right now, and it's beautifully acted, designed, and directed. See it at Pillsbury House + Theatre now through April 27.