"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.

"Romeo and Juliet: Love in a Time of Hate" by Teatre del Pueblo at Luminary Arts Center

The cancellation of one show (see you in August, Skylark Opera Theatre's Marry Me a Little) allowed me the opportunity to attend opening night of Teatro del Pueblo's new adaptation of the classic tragic love story Romeo and Juliet, which they call Love in a Time of Hate. They've reimagined the Capulets and the Montagues in a border town with Latin American characters, the Capulets a powerful and wealthy political family, the Montaguez revolutionaries fighting for the people. The general story is the same, with some differences in details and characters (Romeo's a street artist, the friar is now a lawyer), and more agency given to Juliet (although not enough to refuse her parents' choice of husband). The result is a powerful and engaging retelling of this familiar story, infused with Latin American culture. I'm glad my schedule opened up so I could see it. The short run continues through June 30 only at Luminary Arts Center in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis (use code TEATRO for 35% off).