"Come Back, Little Sheba" by Dark & Stormy Productions at Gremlin Theatre

Minnesota Fringe Festival is over, and the 2025-2026 #TCTheater season has not yet begun, which means it's time for another Dark & Stormy Production, a company that very smartly programs one of their unique offerings during this relatively quiet time. But this time, they're not serving us one of their usual dark comedies. The 1950 play Come Back, Little Sheba, by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright William Inge, is all dark and no comedy. It's a tragic play that mostly makes me think about how women's choices were so limited in the past, and in many ways still are today (and becoming more so). But it's thoroughly engaging and full of captivating and complex characters, beautifully brought to life by the cast and creative team. See it at Gremlin Theatre through September 7.

"A Cruise-mas Carol" by The Mystery Cafe at Majestic Oaks Golf Club

Even though they've been around for 35 years, this is only my second year attending the immersive mystery dinner-and-a-show experience that is The Mystery Cafe. While much different than the type of theater I (and probably you) usually attend (no sitting in the dark passively observing, no separation between audience and performers, no fourth wall at all), it's still theatrical storytelling, and there are some familiar faces from the local theater/comedy/improv world. But it's less about the plot or the mystery, and more about the fun, food, and immersive experience. Last night I attended their new show A Cruise-mas Carol at Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake on the north side of town, which runs through January 4, followed by the wedding-themed 'Til Death Do Us Die, which I saw last year. They've also got two shows playing at the Sheraton Bloomington, with a special Black Friday deal for 50% off tickets good though Monday. Check out one (or more) of these shows for a fun, accessible, and unique theater outing.

"Rope" at Gremlin Theatre

The 1929 play Rope, which was adapted into a 1948 film by Alfred Hitchcock, is now receiving fine treatment on the Gremlin Theatre stage. Written by English playwright Patrick Hamilton (who also wrote Gas Light, which was also adapted into a film, and later become a term for psychological manipulation), it was inspired by the real life case of two college students who murdered a child in 1920s Chicago as an intellectual pursuit. In this version of the story, two university students murder a fellow student, put his body in a chest, and then hold a dinner party with food served on top of the chest, just to prove they could get away with murder. It's sickening really, but also makes for a riveting and suspenseful tale, because - spoiler alert - they don't get away with it. Watching their carefully plotted plan unravel like so much frayed rope is a thrill. A fantastic cast and spot on design chillingly bring this story to life. See it at Gremlin Theatre in Vandalia Tower in St. Paul's Midway neighborhood now through August 4.

"The Thin Place" at Gremlin Theatre

Halloween may be over, but if you're still looking for a spooky theatrical thrill, look no further than Gremlin Theatre's production of Lucas Hnath's The Thin Place. Those of us who were lucky enough to see this play last year as part of Daleko Arts' final season know what a twisty psychological thriller it is, full of jump scares and real human emotion as the characters try to connect with loved ones they've lost. But even knowing what was coming, this production still got me! And if you haven't seen the play before, you're in for an even bigger treat as the story unfolds. Featuring a fantastic four-person cast, well staged in Gremlin's intimate thrust space, it's a delightfully chilling 90 minutes of theater. Pair it with a pre-show beverage at Lake Monster Brewing and/or dinner at King Coil, both next door in Vandalia Towers, and you have a perfect dinner-and-a-show evening. See it Thursdays (except Thanksgiving) through Sundays until December 3, plus a pay what-you-can-want performance on Monday November 20.

"My Sister in this House" by Theatre Pro Rata at the Crane Theater

The real life Papin sisters, live-in maids who killed their employers in 1930s France, have inspired several plays, including the absurd dark comedy The Maids, and the not so much a comedy play My Sister in this House. The latter is the final production in Theatre Pro Rata's 2018-2019 season, now playing at the Crane Theater. It's real dark and gritty, with a tone that borders on but doesn't quite cross over into camp. It lets us inside the lives of the would-be murderers and explores what led up to the infamous crime, namely mental illness and the unfair treatment of domestic servants. Great performances by the four-woman cast and spot-on design make for a creepy evening at the theater.

"Ideation" at the Gremlin Theatre

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you. The characters in the play Ideation are definitely paranoid, entertainingly so, but whether or not someone is out to get them is still a question mark at the end of the play. The regional premiere of Ideation by Gremlin Theatre is a taut, thrilling, engrossing, and funny 90 minutes of work colleagues going down a paranoid rabbit hole, and it'll make your head spin, in the best way. Rarely has my logical math left brain side been so engaged and excited at the theater as I tried to follow these characters through their hypotheses and arguments and conclusions. Theories and algebraic equations are written on the white board, only to be erased and written over by a new theory. By the end you don't know what to believe, and neither do the characters in the play, but it sure is fun to watch their wheels spin.

Fringe Festival 2016: "Hazard"

Day: 10

Show: 44

Title: Hazard

Category: Drama

By: Presence

Written by: Megan Burns

Location: Strike Theater

Summary: A young woman living in the mountains of Kentucky is kicked out of her home and must make a new life for herself on her own.

Highlights: Local actor/playwright Megan Burns has written a really beautiful play, with sharply drawn characters, a place so specific it feels like you're there, and a full and complete story. U of M/Guthrie BFA student Sophina Saggau gives a fantastic performance as Dottie, strong and spirited and natural. Also excellent are Katherine Kupiecki as fellow outcast Dana, and Bowen Cochran as a couple of men who come into the women's life. But this is really Dottie's story, as she speaks it plainly to the audience, seamlessly blended with scenes with other characters. A couple of tough women trying to make it on their own in a tough environment, almost outside of time and place. Really well done, intense, and a bit depressing, with a massive set by Fringe standards that includes a front porch, work bench, and several chairs (set design by Katie McCarthey). Hazard is another show that wasn't originally on my schedule that I added based on what I was hearing, and I'm glad I did.

"The Realish Housewives of Edina" at New Century Theatre

I have not watched a single minute of a single episode of any of Bravo's popular Real Housewives TV series (Wikipedia tells me there are seven series, five of which still in production). Don't get me wrong, I love my reality TV, but more of the competition variety (Survivor, The Amazing Race, Top Chef, American Idol). I don't quite understand the fascination of watching "celebrities" in their daily lives, but there's no doubt it's a hugely popular phenomenon, and one that's ripe for parody. So it's a perfect time for this outrageous comedy by playwrights Kate James and Tim Sniffen of The Second City comedy machine. Their intention is for The Realish Housewives of X to play at regional theaters around the country, with slight tweaking for each location. Their first location - Edina. With a fabulous local cast, this show is a hilarious parody of the reality TV phenomenon.

New Century's wide and shallow stage (which can sometimes feel awkward) is a perfect fit for the preview show of the newest series of the Real Housewives-esque show, with cabaret tables in the audience adding to the fun and informal atmosphere. Host and creator Randy (Adan Varela, who also plays multiple other characters) introduces us to each of the housewives (curiously, only two of them have husbands). Ravonka (Kim Kivens) is the vaguely European royalty who carries her tiny dog around in her purse, demands that everyone "pay attention to me right now," and never sees her Baron husband. Claudia-Louise, aka CL (Quinn Shadko), has the perfect family and isn't afraid to tell everyone so. Gwen (Katherine Kupiecki) is an incarcerated politician trying to redeem her image with the public. Ditzy Desiree (Karissa Lade) is a fro yo addict and neck model. Brooke (Anna Hickey) is the newest member of the group, a self-made business woman who has made a fortune selling clothing with writing on the butt. Some of the other members of the group don't accept her "new money" so easily, causing the necessary tension for a show like this.

Anna Hickey, Karissa Lade, Kim Kivens, Quinn Shadko,
and Katherine Kupiecki (photo by Bridget Bennett)

Randy prompts the women to talk about their feelings as he shows them clips from the season, which are acted out in front of us. We see the women visit each others' work places, attend various charity events, and gossip with and about each other. There's a bit of audience participation as CL's husband and Ravonka's daughter are picked out of the crowd and played off of. Everyone in this cast is so loose and playful, yet precise in the characterization of their stereotypical housewife type, I imagine it will only become more fun to watch them play with the audience as the 8-week run continues. Each of these women (and Adan) is a hoot, but Kim Kivens as Ravonka is hysterical. Anyone who's seen her Michelle Bachmann impersonation knows how great she is at these over-the-top caricatures, completely committed with every look and gesture, but here she is absolutely Ravonkulous (meaning ridiculous and fabulous and any other -ulous word that might apply).

the housewives and Randy (photo by Bridget Bennett)

The creators have worked with locals to throw in plenty of Minnesota references, and we love that! From Zumbrota to Spalon Montage to the Galleria, these housewives hit all the local hot spots. Not to judge a book by its fashionable cover, but the opening night crowd seemed to include many "real housewives" types, leaving their husbands and kids at home for a night on the town. In fact, the show could be a brisk 90 minutes if they cut out the intermission, but then they wouldn't sell as many drinks to this crowd that seems intent on having a good time.

The Real Housewives franchise is an easy one to parody. OK I've never seen it, but it seems like there is plenty of fodder for comedy. It's pretty much a slam dunk, especially when played to a crowd that is obviously hungry for it, and this play delivers on that expectation. Funny, ridiculous, over-the-top, and with a cast that gleefully milks every moment. Playing through November 15 at the New Century Theatre in downtown Minneapolis, grab your best girl and guy friends, a few drinks, and settle in for some easy laughs.

"The Woodsman" by Theatre Pro Rata at nimbus theatre

I'm not sure there's a more detested group of people than child molesters. It's one of the few things that everyone can agree on, that taking advantage of an innocent child in that way is unforgivable. Or is it? Can child molesters change? Can they become valuable members of society again after serving their time and paying for their crime? Do they deserve a second chance? Steven Fetcher's play The Woodsman (which was made into a 2005 movie starring Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick) grapples with these difficult questions. It's not an easy play to watch, but Theatre Pro Rata's production is so well done, thought-provoking, and impactful, that it's worth the effort.

Walter (Adam Whisner) has recently been released from prison after serving 12 years for molesting little girls. How many little girls? "One too many" is his response. As he tries to integrate into society, his only friends are his therapist Rosen (Ben Tallen), who he begrudgingly talks to, and his brother-in-law Carlos (James Rodriguez). His sister is unwilling to see him, or more importantly, let him near her children. Walter swears he'll never do it again, but doesn't seem to quite believe it's possible. He's harassed by a cop (William Goblirsh) who doesn't believe it either, and is just waiting for Walter to fail. At work, Walter meets Nikki (Katherine Kupiecki) and begins to open up to her. He tells her his deep dark secret, assuming she'll run away. But she doesn't. She's shocked, but is able to see past Walter's crime to the man he is. The only apartment Walter can afford is across the street from an elementary school, just outside the 100 feet his child molester status allows. As he watches the school and the kids from his window, he notices another man watching the children, and recognizes his behavior. In the park, Walter meets a 12-year-old girl named Robin (Lillie Horton), causing dangerous old feelings to resurface. Will he be able to make a different choice this time?

Adam Whisner as the title character
(photo by Charles Gorrill)

This is a strong six-person cast, as directed by Erik Hoover. Adam Whisner's performance as Walter is particularly affecting as he creates a layered character that's alternately guarded and fully vulnerable, sympathetic and detestable. I found myself rooting for Walter and wanting him to be "cured," for his sake as well as for any potential victims. Another highlight in the cast is young Lillie Horton as the friendless bird-watching girl Robin. The scene between the two of them is so quietly scary and emotionally draining that you almost forget to breathe. The entire cast does a great job of bringing the many sides of this issue to life, without providing any pat answers to the problem.

The backdrop consists of black drawings of a tree and playground equipment on a white background, with shadow puppets representing the man and children across the street. Both set and puppets (designed by Derek Lee Miller) are at the same time lovely and slightly creepy, which sets the perfect tone for the play.

The Woodsman is an unsettling play, but one that deals with important and thought-provoking issues of rehabilitation and forgiveness. Playing now through March 22 at nimbus theatre.

"Gabriel" by Walking Shadow Theatre Company at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage

As I left the theater yesterday afternoon, I clutched my sweater close around me to ward off the chill. Not the chill in the crisp fall air, but the chill from the play I had just seen - Walking Shadow's Gabriel. This story about a little known facet of WWII history is so captivating, horrifying, chilling, and completely engaging that it hangs with you well after you leave the theater. The excellent cast and realistic set make you feel like you're right there, as this family fights for survival on a Nazi-occupied British island. It's only playing for one more weekend, but it's well worth it if you can make it. You won't soon forget this beautifully done, powerful play.

It's 1943 on the island of Guernsey, a British Island just off the coast of France. After the British troops abandoned it and much of the population fled to England, the Germans occupied it without a fight, leaving the remaining population to live under their rule. They've watched their homes and cities be taken over by the Nazis, with rumors of "camps" striking fear into their hearts. One particular family, consisting of the widow Mrs. Becquet, her young daughter Estelle, her secretly Jewish daughter-in-law Lily (son Miles is a pilot in the British army), and their housekeeper Mrs. Lake, has recently moved out of their home, which is now serving as a barracks for the German soldiers, and into a small cottage. They do what they can to survive, including selling food on the black market and Mrs. Becquet making nice with the officers. Two things threaten this delicate balance - the arrival of a new Nazi commander, von Pfunz, who is smarter and more vicious than he seems, and a naked and unconscious young man washed up on the beach, whom Lily brings home. The mystery of just who this young man is, whom they call Gabriel, lingers throughout the play. In fact we never find out for certain who he is, but his presence changes things for everyone involved. Estelle thinks he's an angel who has come to save them from the Nazis, Mrs. Lake calls him "my boy" and tenderly cares for him, Lily sees in him the husband gone so long she can barely remember him, Mrs. Becquet finds him a dangerous nuisance and wants him out of her house, and von Pfunz suspects he's a German due to his fluent speech (there are several conversations in beautiful German). What enfolds as Gabriel tries to remember who he is and Mrs. Becquet tries to save her family from the evil von Pfunz will keep you on the edge of your seat.

a strong little girl in saddle shoes stands up to a Nazi
(Katherine Kupiecki, Lily Wangerin, and Wade A. Vaughn,
photo by Dan Norman)

There is not a weak link in this excellent six-person cast, beautifully directed by Amy Rummenie. Katherine Kupiecki is the proud and haughty Mrs. Becquet, who may not seem like the best mother but will do whatever she has to to protect her family, however distasteful. Janet Paone is a welcome comic relief as Mrs. Lake, who's as much a part of this family as any of them. Miriam Schwartz brings both strength and vulnerability to the role of Lily, who sees something in this strange young man, portrayed by Ross Destiche as a lost soul with innate goodness in him. Wade A. Vaughn gives yet another brilliant and fully committed performance as the Nazi commander von Pfunz, an evil, twisted, disturbed man, outwardly charming, quietly threatening, and a menace to them all. Last but certainly not least is star in the making Lily Wangerin, who can't be more than ten years old but holds her own with these professionals. Adorably precocious and spirited, she's so present and engaged in every moment, and impressively goes toe-to-toe with Wade in an intense interrogation scene. It's a heavy play and a large role for a little girl, and she handles it gracefully. The entire cast works and plays together very well, and has a great chemistry. Their playground is the realistic and detailed cottage set by Steve Kath, including a kitchen with working sink, stocked pantry, and stove, and an attic bedroom.

Head to the Theatre Garage this weekend for one of the four remaining performances of Gabriel to see this chilling, mesmerizing, beautifully acted play. It's a bit long at nearly three hours with intermission, but it doesn't feel long; every moment is captivating and gripping. It's just devastating, and truly one of the best plays I've seen recently.


This article also appears on Broadway World Minneapolis.