"Kinky Boots" at Lyric Arts

To close out the 2023-2024 season, Lyric Arts is bringing us their second regional premiere of the season (the first was 9 to 5) - the super fun and feel good musical Kinky Boots. Last seen in the Twin Cities in 2015 (the Broadway tour), the 2013 Tony-winning musical celebrates the love of shoes and self-identity in a glorious, fun, warm-hearted way. But of course it's about more than just shoes (even if they are "the most beautiful thing in the world"). As with most musicals there's a love story at its core, but this time the love story is a friendship between two very different men who grow to admire and respect each other, encouraging each other to live up to their full potential. With this great story (based on a 2005 movie that was based on a true story) adapted to the stage by Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein with score by music legend Cyndi Lauper (the first woman to win a solo Tony for best score), it's a surefire hit!* Lyric Arts has assembled a fantastic cast to ensure the most fun and heart-warming time. 

"Shrek" at Artistry

To close out their 2021-2022 season that began with the gorgeous and timely Jason Robert Brown song cycle Songs for a New World, ushering us into the new world of post (mid) pandemic theater, Artistry is bringing us the joyful story of Shrek. This story of a lonely ogre who finds friends, community, and love is a celebration of the beautiful uniqueness of all of us freaks, and it's a really fun time. With a huge cast chock full of local talent; super fun fairy tale costumes; direction by #TCTheater veteran Angela Timberman, a master of making the audience laugh while tugging at their heartstrings; and a catchy score music directed for the last time by Artistry's soon-to-be-retired resident Music Director Anita Ruth, Shrek is a great choice for kids and grown-ups alike (continuing at the Bloomington Center for the Arts through August 14).