"Terce: A Practical Breviary" at Theatre Elision

Once again, Theatre Elision is bringing us the regional premiere of a new piece of music-theater, just two years after it's NYC premiere, that most people have probably never heard of. And friends, this one is truly special. In Terce (pronounced ter-chay), NYC theater artist Heather Christian (who was raised Catholic, as I was) has reimagined a 9am mass as a celebration of the divine feminine and connection to nature. Something that has mostly been ignored for the last few millennia since the invention of male monotheism, but has always been with us. And this 60-minute piece of constant music invokes that beautifully. It's the most moving spiritual experience I've ever had at a mass (and I've sat through a lot of them!). A cast of performers too large to count (but around 20-ish) singing, dancing, moving, playing instruments, filling the intimate space at Elision Playhouse with music and wonder. If you're one of the many people who attended Elision's sold out run of Great Comet last fall, or one of the many people who couldn't get tickets, go see this show. You will see some of Great Comet in it, in the size of the cast and the intimate in-the-round setup of the black box space. If you're a fan of their annual Ghost Quartet, this piece is similar in its non-narrative song cycle structure. And if you loved In the Green, a musical about 12th Century nun Hildegard von Bingen, you're my people, and you will love Terce. Do yourself a favor and go see Terce weekends through May 17, with special Mother's Day pricing on May 10, and a 9am closing show on May 17.

"All About Jane: The Eras of Austen" by Buzz Music Theater at The Hive Collaborative

There's a new theater space in town, and it's hosting its first theatrical event this weekend. But The Hive Collaborative (in the space formerly known as Dreamland Arts in St. Paul's Hamline-Midway neighborhood) has plans to be more than just a theater space. New owners Laura Rudolph Morris and Eric Morris want it to be a community hub, a place for theater as well as classes, celebrations, game nights, and even sound baths. I interviewed the couple on episode 2.10 of "Twin Cities Theater Chat" (listen here or wherever you get your podcasts, and get a discount code for the show), and their excitement for and passion about this project is contagious. They also have a theater company called Buzz Music Theater, which is producing All About Jane: The Eras of Austen, a concept album by local singer-songwriter Monica Livorsi. She's planning to release the album next spring, but this weekend only you can hear her perform it live in the new Hive space, that's been transformed into a cozy Regency Era sitting room. It's a fantastic collection of songs in various modern pop styles, each of which features a heroine from Austen's work - a must see for Jane Austen fans. But quick - only three performances remain!

"La Cage Aux Folles" at Lakeshore Players Theatre

On the surface, the 1983 Broadway musical La Cage Aux Folles may be about drag performers, but at its heart it's a simple and beautiful story about a family that may look different than the stereotypical family we think of, but is full of love, compassion, and support. What better time to produce this musical than now, with all this irrational fear of drag queens perpetuated by politicians to garner votes and increase their power. Lakeshore Players Theatre opened their production last night, and this beautiful message comes through loud and clear. It's not perfect; it feels a bit long at over 2.5 hours, with some challenging scene transitions (and costume changes), and some line hesitancy on opening night, all of which will likely tighten up over the run of the show. But what it lacks in professional polish it makes up for in heart. It's a joyful show, with a great score, fun dancing, and plenty of humor. See it at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center in downtown White Bear Lake now through May 21.