Broadway Tour of "Hadestown" at the Orpheum Theatre

It's an old song. It's a sad song. But we sing it anyway. Such is the song of Hadestown, the 2019 Tony winning best musical that's finally made its way to Minneapolis, just in time for spring. The sad old song being sung again and again is that of Hades and Persephone, whose relationship is responsible for the changing of the seasons (according to Greek mythology), as well as Eurydice and Orpheus' tragic love story. Singer/songwriter Anaïs Mitchell turned this sad old song into a song cycle, a folk opera which she first recorded with some of her folk singer friends in 2010 (which I heard her perform at the loveliest little folk festival in Minnesota, Storyhill Fest). It took almost a decade to turn that song cycle into a Broadway musical, with help from visionary director Rachel Chavkin. The result is this stunning piece of music-theater that's wholly unique and original. I was lucky enough to see it on Broadway, and am thrilled that the tour is finally here! Truly, friends, don't miss your brief chance to see it at the Orpheum Theatre before the song moves on (click here for info and tickets).

"The Lion in Winter" at the Guthrie Theater

There's no family more dysfunctional than the British monarchy. I've been hearing a lot about them recently through Shakespeare's history plays Henry IV Part I, Henry V, and Richard III. The Lion in Winter takes place a few centuries and generations before the earliest of these plays, but was written in 1966 by James Goldman, so it has a more contemporary feel. The family of Henry II on Christmas of 1183 is about as dysfunctional as it gets. And while hopefully our family members don't imprison, threaten to kill, and raise armies against each other, we can all relate to that awkward holiday dinner that goes awry. This contemporary and relatable feel, along with a truly fantastic cast of local and national talent, sharp direction, and a stunning set, make the Guthrie Theater's production of The Lion in Winter a highly entertaining evening, and a spicy counterpoint to the sweet fare across the hall.