"Fancy Dancer" at History Theatre

In 2023, Larissa FastHorse became the first Native woman to have a play produced on Broadway with The Thanksgiving Play. But before that, she was a professional ballerina. The story of how this half Native, half White woman from a small town in South Dakota went on this unlikely trajectory is a fascinating one, which she tells herself in her solo play Fancy Dancer, receiving its second production right here at History Theatre in St. Paul (it was originally commissioned by Children's Theatre Company, and after several rounds of workshopping premiered in Seattle last year). Fancy Dancer feels like one of those great Fringe solo storytelling shows in which an artist tells you their life story in a way that is engaging, relatable, moving, and entertaining. Larissa is an incredible storyteller, whether through dancing, or writing, or performing in this show. While this play is unusual for the History Theater in that it wasn't commissioned and developed here, it absolutely fits the model of telling true stories from history (albeit fairly recent history), primarily in the Midwest. Minnesota has its own tragic history with the Lakota people, and this play is not about that, but it is about the Lakota community and one Lakota woman who overcame hardships to follow her dream of being a professional ballet dancer, which is no easy dream for anyone to accomplish. It's a story that'll make you laugh and cry and feel all the feelings in between! See it at History Theatre in downtown St. Paul now through October 4.

"Peter Pan" at the Ordway Center

A brand new production of the classic musical Peter Pan is touring across the country, and it flies into St. Paul first! This charming musical about childhood, telling stories, family, and the necessary pain of growing up has gotten new life with an updated book by Indigenous playwright Larissa FastHorse, who also co-wrote the world premiere new comedy For the People at the Guthrie earlier this fall. Gone are the uncomfortable stereotypes and gender biases, but what's still there are the beloved songs, fantastic acrobatic dancing, and a prevailing sense of magic. The Ordway Center is decked out for the holidays to be the first host for this new touring production, for a night of all-around magic, wonder, and joy. Peter Pan plays once (or twice) every day (except Mondays) through New Year's Eve - click here for info and tickets.

"For the People" at the Guthrie Theater

About a month ago, I had the opportunity to sit in on a rehearsal for a world premiere new comedy at the Guthrie. To watch the creation process at one of my favorite theaters, where I have been a subscriber for twenty years, is an opportunity I would jump at no matter what! But as I learned more about this piece, and finally had the chance to see it last night, I realized just how special this opportunity was. For the People is a special kind of play, one like I've never seen before. It was written by Native playwrights, stars an almost all-Native cast, and features stories of our own Native community, which sadly is a rare thing. Too long Native voices have been stifled, even though they've been around on this land for the longest. But happily, there seems to be a renewed focus on telling Native stories lately, from TV shows like Reservation Dogs and Rutherford Falls, to plays like For the People. Much like those series, this play shows modern Native people in all their complex humanity, just going about the business of living their lives. It's a wonderful opportunity to support Native artists and our local Native community, and it's also a really funny and engaging play featuring some great performances and thrilling technical effects. See it in the Guthrie's proscenium theater now through November 12.

"What Would Crazy Horse Do?" by Turtle Theater Collective at Mixed Blood Theatre

"The Turtle Theater Collective is committed to producing high-quality, contemporary work that explores Native experiences and subverts expectations about how and when Native artists can create theater. In addition to producing Indigenous plays, we center Native bodies and voices by situating them within the broader theatrical canon, providing opportunities for Native artists to grow and play."