Musical Mondays at Lush, July 2025

The last time I went to Musical Mondays, it was the night before the 2024 presidential election. At such an uncertain and scary time, it was so comforting to be there in the welcoming community that is Musical Mondays. Now, eight months later, when the world is even more scary and uncertain than we could have imagined on that night, it still feels so good to gather in community and celebrate artists, music, and being together. Because no matter what, "the world goes round," and so does this monthly cabaret series started by BFFs Max Wojtanowicz and Sheena Janson 13 years ago. This was the 108th installment of Musical Mondays (but only my 23rd), and featured an incredible cast of six talented performers, some old faves and some new faves, supported by an awesome three-piece band. Truly, if you're a fan of local music-theater and you've never been to Musical Mondays, you are missing out on one of the things that makes this community so great. And as I say all the time - if you're a person who casts local musicals, you really should check this out and cast all of these people in your shows! Read on for a summary of this month's show, and make your plans to attend the next show on August 4 (if you can take a night off Minnesota Fringe, which I probably cannot). Watch their Facebook page for the cast announcement and other details.

Musical Mondays at Lush, November 2024

Today is a big day in America, and there's no place I would have rather spent the evening before this momentous election day than at the 100th installment of Musical Mondays. BFFs Max Wojtanowicz and Sheena Janson Kelly started this monthly cabaret series at Hell's Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis 12 years ago, with the dream of having someplace where local music-theater performers could share their talents, and maybe show a new side of themselves, in a fun and casual setting. Since then, this dream has become a reality, and a staple in #TCTheater entertainment, with a move to LUSH Bar in Northeast Minneapolis (and a couple years off due to a global pandemic). They celebrated this milestone with a larger than usual cast of all-stars, plus the return of some old favorites. As usual, it was a wonderful evening of fun, entertainment, and community, made especially poignant by the timing of it. One of the performers, the divine Erin Schwab, talked about how she's performed for decades amidst all kinds of trouble and strife in the word. And that her job is to give us permission to laugh, to have fun, and to have hope, no matter what is happening outside the walls of the theater. I don't know what's going to happen today, or this week, or next year, but I know that we need to continue to support live theater. The arts are a vital part of our economy, a vital part of our democracy, celebrating free speech and protest and all the things we hold dear as Americans, as well as engendering empathy for those we think are different from us, but are really the same at heart. And no matter what happens, we're going to need more of that going forward from this day.

Musical Mondays at LUSH, March 2024

This is your regular reminder that if you're not at LUSH Louge & Theater on the first Monday of the  month, you're missing some fabulous music-theater entertainment! Earlier this week Max Wojtanowicz hosted the 94th Musical Mondays, featuring some super talented local singer/actor/performers. The good news is that if you missed it, you can catch the next one on April 1 (no foolin'). Just follow them on Facebook or Instagram for all the deets. 

Musical Mondays at LUSH, January 2024

No better way to start the year than with Musical Mondays at LUSH! This monthly cabaret show hosted by #TCTheater artist Max Wojtanowicz (see him in his TCTB Award-nominated performance in 'Art' at the Guthrie through January 28) held it's 92nd show this Monday. It's always a fun night (especially when the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers go as a group) and an incredible showcase of the talent in this town. You might discover a new favorite performer, or you might see a new side to a performer you've seen before. They get to choose what they want to sing, which allows them to really express their personalities and unique talents in a way that sometimes a role in a musical might not. Keep reading for a recap of this month's show, then mark your calendar for the next Musical Mondays at LUSH on February 5 (follow them on Facebook for details).

Musical Mondays at LUSH, November 2023

Happy 11th Anniversary to Musical Mondays! This monthly cabaret that showcases the abundance of talent in our community, started by BFFs Max Wojtanwicz and Sheena Janson Kelly, just held their 90th show. Can you believe that?! It was my 19th time attending Musical Mondays (previously held at Hell's Kitchen), and just my second since its post-pandemic return to LUSH last December. Every time I go I think - why don't I go to this every month?! (The answer: too many shows, too little time.) It's always a great time filled with fabulous performances, great people watching, beloved songs as well as new ones, and a fun and festive community atmosphere. I've said it before and I'll say it again - if you are casting musicals in the Twin Cities, you need to go to Musical Mondays to scout out new talent, or talent you may think you know but who show a whole new side of themselves in this format. And if you love musicals and our #TCTheater talent, you need to be attending this show too. So mark your calendar for the next show on December 6, and follow them on Facebook or Instagram for updates.

"Musical Mondays" at LUSH, March 2023

Great news, my musical theater loving friends: Musical Mondays is back at LUSH Lounge and Theater in Northeast Minneapolis! After a nearly three-year pandemic-induced hiatus, this fabulous monthly showcase of #TCTheater talent returned in December of 2022. I finally was able to attend this past Monday, the 83rd Musical Mondays since BFFs Max Wojtanowicz and Sheena Janson started it some ten years ago, and the 18th I've attended. It felt so great to be back in LUSH's spacious event space (remodeled a year or two prior to the pandemic) in a room full of music, love, and friendship. There's a real atmosphere of fun and camaraderie at these events, amongst the cast and the crowd (a great place to spot local "celebrities"). But of course, the focus is the music, and it's spectacular. Every casting director in town should attend these shows to find some new talent, especially the next one, on April 10, that will feature "fresh faces" (new to MM and/or to #TCTheater). And if you're just a music-theater lover like me, it's a great place to go hear some showtunes, both familiar and new, fantastically performed by our local talent.

The 77th "Musical Mondays" at LUSH, January 2020

What better way to celebrate the beginning of the 2020s than to look back at some great musical theater songs from the 1920s? For their 77th show, Musical Mondays did just that. Hosted by talented #TCTheater artists and BFFs Sheena Janson Kelley and Max Wojtanowicz, this popular monthly cabaret series at LUSH Bar in Northeast Minneapolis showcases different local talent every month. Also different every month is the theme, which gives musical theater fans like myself the chance to take a deep dive into a specific genre and learn a little bit more about musical theater history, while enjoying a fun and entertaining night, at the cost of a suggested $5 donation (which goes directly to the artists). This series should definitely be on the radar of every local music-theater fan. Their next show is on February 3; follow their Facebook page for the announcement of theme and performers.

"Musical Mondays" at LUSH, June 2019

Friends, it's been over a year since I attended Musical Mondays, the monthly cabaret series featuring #TCTheater talent. Part of that is my busy regular theater schedule, and part of it is that since moving to their new home at LUSH Bar in Northeast Minneapolis, the space has felt uncomfortably crowded. Great for them for drawing a big crowd, not so great for this introvert who doesn't like crowds. So I was thrilled to hear that LUSH expanded their space just in time for Musical Mondays' annual Pride celebration! I attended the show last night with my blogger friends from Minnesota Theater Love and Artfully Engaging, and was reminded of just what a wonderful, welcoming, educational, and entertaining evening Musical Mondays is. They're taking the month of July off (because summer is busy), but they'll be back post-Fringe on August 12, and the first (or second) Monday of every month for what is hopefully a long time.

"Musical Mondays" at LUSH, April 2018

I know it's hard to believe today with all of the snow, but it's April! And with the beginning of a new month comes the fabulous monthly cabaret series Musical Mondays at LUSH! It's the 57th installment of this series, and as co-host Max Wojtanowicz noted, they're not running out of talented performers; the talent pool in this town is that deep. This month, six performers sang songs from Tony Award-winning musicals or performances. Because of that I knew most of the shows referenced, but as always there were a few surprises/educational moments. And of course, many entertaining, funny, and thrilling musical moments.

"Musical Mondays" at LUSH, January 2018

New location, same great entertainment. The monthly cabaret series formerly known as "Musical Mondays at Hell's Kitchen" has moved locations and is now "Musical Mondays at LUSH." The Northeast Minneapolis location is a nice space, slightly smaller, but with free street parking! This Monday, hosts and founders Max Wojtanowicz and Sheena Janson hosted the 4th Musical Mondays at LUSH (and the 55th overall!), with the theme of Bock and Harnick. While those names may not be familiar (they weren't to me), their work likely is, their most well known musicals being Fiddler on the Roof and She Loves Me (of which there are two productions coming up in #TCTheater this spring, if you go a little north or south - Lyric Arts in Anoka and DalekoArts in New Prague). Truth be told I knew very few of these songs, so it was a fun musical theater education.

"Musical Mondays" at Hell's Kitchen, May 2017

Musical Mondays at Hell's Kitchen is a monthly cabaret series featuring fabulous local talent performing songs from musical theater around a theme. The theme for this month's show, the 49th in the series, was musicals of the last ten years. My favorites in this time period include Spring Awakening, Next to Normal, The Book of Mormon, Once, Hamilton, and the very recently Tony-nominated Come From Away and Dear Evan Hansen. But only the last one made the cut for Musical Mondays. Which isn't surprising, perhaps my choices are too obvious, and Musical Mondays has always been great about picking the lesser known (to me anyway) songs and musicals. As always, it was a super fun night of celebrating musical theater, enjoying performances by local talent, people watching, and eating and drinking (it's always Happy Hour at Musical Mondays).

"Musical Mondays" at Hell's Kitchen, February 2017

Kira: It is a peculiar thing about these mortals. They all know they will die, yet they are determined to create something. The "human spirit" is termed. It makes me feel... feel... oh Erato what is the word for which I search? You know, where something is so grand and so earnest yet ultimately so preposterous that one has to laugh. What does one call that?

Erato: Andrew Lloyd Webber?

Kira: There we are! The human spirit gives me great feelings of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

"Musical Mondays" at Hell's Kitchen, January 2017

What better way to ring in the new year than with Musical Mondays at Hell's Kitchen? This monthly cabaret series, featuring great local talent singing a selection of showtunes around a common theme, can always be counted on for a fun and celebratory evening. Last night's show, with a theme of new beginnings, was just what I needed to mark the turning of the year. We had a lovely "goodbye 2016" song and a hilarious and terrifying election response song. But most of all there was a feeling of hope that if we continue making and supporting theater, music, and art, and coming together as a community, we can make 2017 better than 2016.

"Musical Mondays" at Hell's Kitchen, November 2016

I don't know about y'all, but it's been a pretty busy and stressful week for me. So it's taken me a few days to get around to writing this, but I don't want to let the 4th birthday of Musical Mondays at Hell's Kitchen go by unmentioned! This fabulous monthly cabaret series hosted by super talented local actor/singers and real life BFFs Sheena Janson and Max Wojtanowicz began in November of 2012. Four years, 43 shows, over 200 performers, and over 300 musicals (what?! who knew there even were that many musicals!) later and they're still going strong. On the first Monday of every month, from 7 to 9 pm (morning people everywhere rejoice) at Hell's Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis, some of our top local talent can be seen singing songs from musicals beloved and obscure. The goal is to provide performing and networking opportunities, to celebrate musical theater, and to have fun! Their next event is on December 5 when the theme will be a grown-up Christmas wish list. Watch their Facebook page for more details.

"Musical Mondays" at Hell's Kitchen, May 2016

If you don't already know about Musical Mondays at Hell's Kitchen, well, you're hopelessly out of the local musical theater loop. This monthly cabaret series started about three and a half years ago and is still going strong. It's the best place to catch local music-theater talent in an informal environment. The theme of the 38th Musical Mondays last night was "The Lusty Month of May" and featured a fantastic cast of six, plus the ever charming hosts Sheena Janson and Max Wojtanowicz. I once again attended with some of my fellow Twin Cities Theater Bloggers including bloggers from One Girl, Two Cities, Minnesota Theater Love, The Room Where it Happens, American Underground, and Compendium. As usual, a great time was had by all!

"Musical Mondays" at Hell's Kitchen, April 2016

Last night was the first Monday of the month, which means it's time for Musical Mondays at Hell's Kitchen! If you're a fan of musical theater, you need to attend one of these monthly cabarets featuring fabulous local talent performing musical theater songs, with a different theme each month. But be forewarned - like potato chips, once you attend one you won't be able to stop! Musical Mondays has also become a monthly gathering of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers; this month I was joined by Gina from The Room Where it Happens, Laura from One Girl Two Cities, and Keith and Carol from Minnesota Theater Love. A good time was had by all as we discussed all things local theater (from impressive abs to impressive new musicals) and enjoyed some fun entertainment over yummy food and drinks. Join us on May 2, when the theme is "the lusty month of May!" Become a fan of the Musical Mondays Facebook page for information on schedule and performers.

"Musical Mondays" at Hell's Kitchen, March 2016

American Idol might be ending this year, but Musical Mondays at Hell's Kitchen is still going strong after 3+ years! You don't need some TV talent search to see talented performers, you can head down to Hell's Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis the first Monday of the month to see some of our very own top talent. While I've only attended 7 of their 36 shows, this cabaret show featuring beloved and obscure songs from musical theater never disappoints. 

"Musical Mondays" at Hell's Kitchen, January 2016

Happy New Year, friends! And what better way to ring in the new year than with the 34th installment of Musical Mondays at Hell's Kitchen! This monthly cabaret series takes place on the first Monday of every month, hosted by everyone's favorite BFFs Sheena Janson and Max Wojtanowicz, and features an alternating cast of local music-theater talent. This month's theme was the '60s, because... why not? Going into the show I couldn't think of any musicals from the '60s (duh - Hair), and most of the songs featured were from shows I'd never heard of. Which is part of the fun of Musical Mondays!

"Musical Mondays" at Hell's Kitchen, October 2015

Last night was "Gentleman's Night" at Musical Mondays at Hell's Kitchen. Which means that this installment of the almost 3-year old monthly cabaret series featured five fabulous men. Hosted by real-life and onstage BFFs Sheena Janson and Max Wojtanowicz (see their original autobiographical musical Fruit Fly for more on their relationship), Musical Mondays is a great way to support local talent, mingle with the theater crowd, and enjoy some amazing performances of musical theater songs beloved and new.

In addition to the music, Hell's Kitchen (located on 9th Street in downtown Minneapolis) offers a nice beer selection and some tasty appetizers and meals to enjoy while you watch. The event is free, with a $5 suggested donation that goes to the performers. In exchange you're entered into a raffle to win tickets to current shows, which this month included:

• THE SPITFIRE GRILL at Lyric Arts
• PHANTOM at Artistry
• THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at Chameleon Theatre Circle
• GLENSHEEN at History Theatre
• MURDER BALLAD at Minneapolis Musical Theatre

As a special treat this month, the Twin Cities Public Television series MN Original was there filming for an upcoming feature. If you've never seen MN Original, I highly recommend you check it out to see the amazing work of Minnesota artists, not just theater artists but all art forms, some you didn't even know existed (all episodes available online).

The cast was accompanied by the master Jerry Rubino on keyboard, Bill Crean on bass, and Bob Beahen on drums. The full set list from last night's show is available on the Musical Mondays Facebook page, but here are a few of my favorites:

• Tre Searles beautifully sang "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" from Show Boat, and an inspiring anthem called "Belief" with which I was unfamiliar.
• Sherwin Resurreccion was a charming "Mr. Cellophane" (from Chicago), and led the cast in the always fun "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat" from Guys and Dolls, which I still remember him singing at a Mu Gala years ago.
• Kevin Leines sang a lovely rendition of "Try to Remember" from The Fantasticks (and he looks a little like Jerry Orbach too!).
• Andrew was adorable singing the title song from She Loves Me, and also sang a song from Jonathan Larson's Tick Tick Boom.
• Matt Goinz was the one member of the cast unfamiliar to me, but if his favorite musical theater song is "Being Alive" from Company, and he can sing it this dreamily, he's OK in my book.
• The guys combined for a couple of duets, including Kevin and Matt's beautiful "Lily's Eyes" from The Secret Garden, and Andrew and Tre on "Just True" from Yank.
• In addition to giving us chills with "Finishing the Hat" from Sunday in the Park with George, Max also made us laugh while serenading his newly married co-host Sheena with a song he'd written to the tune of "Somewhere That's Green" (possible new chapter of Fruit Fly?).
• The cast of MMT's Murder Ballad sang a number from the show, which made me wish I could see it! Unfortunately with just three Friday night performances, my schedule would not allow it. But you should go see the last performance this Friday at Bryant Lake Bowl!

Before closing the show, the guys told us where we could see them next. Tre will be in Sister Act at the Chanhassen, opening next month; Andrew will be singing in Second Fiddle's one night only staged reading of The Most Happy Fella next Monday; Matt performs with the excellent vocal ensemble Cantus; Sherwin will be serving delicious food on his food truck; and someone needs to hire Kevin so we can see more of him!

That's it for this month. The next Musical Mondays will be an anniversary celebration on November 2, and it sounds like a fantastic line-up! (Unfortunately I won't be able to make it because I'll be in NYC, recovering from having run 26.2 miles, and seeing as many shows as I can!) Stay tuned to the Musical Mondays Facebook page for information on upcoming shows, as well as when you can see the MN Original feature.

"Musical Mondays" at Hell's Kitchen, June 2015

Last night was another fun night at Hell's Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis. On the first (or in this case second) Monday of every month, that's where you can find super-talented local theater artists and real life BFFs Max Wojtanowitz and Sheena Janson. They've hosted this monthly cabaret series "Musical Mondays" for almost three years. Each month features songs around a different theme performed by a different cast of amazingly talented singer/actors. Since it's June, this month's theme was Pride, i.e., gender-bending and/or inspirational songs.

This month's cast included George Keller (frequently seen at Ten Thousand Things), Grant Sorenson (Yellow Tree's Henry in Next to Normal), John Jamison (whom I have not seen in anything before), Liz Hawkinson (Julie in BCT's Carousel), and Stephanie Cousins (part of Yellow Tree's Ivey-winning production of The 39 Steps), with musical direction by Nic Delcambre. As usual the evening's program (which you can view in full on Musical Monday's Facebook page) included some familiar musical favorites, as well as many great songs I'd never heard before. Highlights of the evening include:

• The opening group  number set the stage for the evening - "Keep it Gay" from The Producers.
• The boys beautifully sang "At the Ballet" from A Chorus Line, which made me even more excited to see the Ordway's production next year!
• The girls hilariously sang "You're A Man" from The Full Monty.
• Liz Hawkinson made West Side Story's "Maria" sound like it was written for a woman to sing. Just lovely!
• John brought the house down with "When You're Good to Mama" from Chicago.
• Host Max took the mic and proved he is "The Hostess with the Mostess" (from Call Me Madam).
• George won the prize for best costume, changing accessories slightly for each character (something she no doubt learned from Ten Thousand Things). I never realized what a creepy song "Standing on the Corner" was, and her "I Am Adolpho" was ridiculous in the best possible way.
• Stephanie sounded gorgeous on "There But For You Go I" from Brigadoon.
• Grant sang a couple of Kerrigan/Lowdermilk songs - the charming "Stupid Boys" and the fun road trip song "Freedom," a duet with his middle school buddy Liz.
• In addition to leading the band (which also included guitar and percussion) on keyboards, Nic sang a couple of songs, including a lovely arrangement of "You Have To Be Carefully Taught" from South Pacific (which I cannot wait to see at the Guthrie next summer).
• The evening concluded with "Raise You Up/Just Be" from Kinky Boots (tour coming to the Orpheum this summer).

Here's were you can see the cast on stages around the Cities in the coming months:

• George Keller - an all-female production of Henry IV by Ten Thousand Things this fall
• Grant Sorenson - Yellow Tree's beautifully heart-breaking production of Next to Normal is heading to Alexandria's Theatre L'Homme Dieu in July
• John Jamison - The Wizard of Oz at Children's Theater Company this fall/winter
• Liz Hawkinson - Girl Friday Production's biennial production, The Matchmaker at Park Square Theatre in July
• Stephanie Cousins - Old Log Theatre's Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, opening this weekend

Be sure to like the Musical Mondays Facebook page for lots of good info about their schedule, performers, and songs. Next month, an all new and no doubt fabulous cast TBA will sing songs of summer on July 6. Show starts at 7pm, and for just a mere $5 you can be entered into a drawing to win theater tickets. Go see it with all of your musical theater-loving friends. I had a great time sharing the experience with my fellow bloggers at One Girl Two Cities and Minnesota Theater Love - check them out for more local theater coverage.