"Gypsy" at Lakeshore Players Theatre

Lakeshore Players Theatre opens their second full season in their gorgeous new home in White Bear Lake, the Hanifl Performing Arts Center, with the classic musical Gypsy. As someone who lives in the Northeast Metro, it's such a treat to be able to see great theater without having to drive into the city and deal with construction, traffic, crowds, and parking. I'm lucky to be so close to LPT, and since Gypsy is one of my faves (I've seen it six times now) and this cast is so great, it was a lovely Friday evening enjoying theater in the 'burbs.

"Hair" by Theatre 55 at Mixed Blood Theatre

I was a little obsessed with the 40th anniversary revival of Hair, which opened on Broadway in 2009. I first fell in love with the show via a #TCTheater production directed by Michael Brindisi in 2004, and this fantastic Broadway revival only increased that love to the point of, yes, obsession. You can read more of my Hair thoughts here, but suffice it to say that when I adopted two adult male cats several years ago, I named them Claude and Berger. Now another 10 years have passed, so we're 50 years removed from the groundbreaking Gerome Ragni and James Rado creation (with music by Galt MacDermot) that changed the face of musical theater forever. Theatre 55, a new #TCTheater company dedicated to "enriching the lives of elders," has chosen Hair as their first production, populated with people who were alive and perhaps even saw that first production 50+ years ago, and lived the lifestyle of the '60s represented in the show. While the vocal performances are uneven in this cast made up mostly of non-professional actors, they capture the spirit of the piece in the way that perhaps younger people cannot. They bring an authenticity to the characters and situations of the show, and also a sort of fun free-wheeling vibe because they survived those tumultuous times (although one could say that the times we're living in now are pretty tumultuous too). The firehouse was packed with an audience full of people ready for this show and loving every minute of it. I'm quite sure that Ragni and Rado (the original Berger and Claude, the latter of whom is still alive and just turned 87) would be tickled with this production.

"Aliens with Extraordinary Skills" by Theatre Unbound at Gremlin Theatre

Immigration has been a hot topic in the news for many months now, most recently with the current administration's announcement to end DACA. Unfortunate for the people adversely affected by the decision, but perfect timing for Theatre Unbound to open their 18th season of presenting the work of women artists and telling women's stories with Aliens with Extraordinary Skills. Staviana Stanescu, herself an immigrant from Romania, has written a sweet story about undocumented immigrant clowns who just want to do their work, make a living, and make people laugh. The winning cast brings the dark but charming story to life, showing just how difficult immigrant life is, even for clowns.

"Murder for Two" at Park Square Theatre

I do not advocate murder, unless it's of the fictional and musical variety. Then I'm all for it, especially when it's as delicious as Theater Latte Da's brilliant production of the Sondheim classic Sweeney Todd, as darkly hilarious as History Theatre's new original musical Glensheen, or as just plain fun as Park Square Theatre's Murder for Two, now playing on the Andy Boss stage. This two-person musical/comedy/mystery is funny, entertaining, and impressive to watch with its multitude of characters seen and unseen, and musical tricks by these two multi-talented performers.

In this delightfully silly murder mystery caper, Nic Delcambre is local cop Marcus who tries to solve the murder so he can make detective, and Andrea Wollenberg is everyone else. She is the wife of the victim, a murder mystery novelist who was shot in the forehead at his surprise party, as well as all of the guests at the party, including a ballerina, a grad student studying criminology, a bickering couple, a psychiatrist, a fireman, and a boys choir. They're all suspects, and Marcus interviews each of them in turn, with Andrea deftly transforming herself with a simple accessory, a change in voice, and a new physicality. It's quite a feat, and she pulls it off beautifully. The two actors seem very comfortable and playful with each other and the audience, ad libbing on occasion and making sure everyone is having a good time. And we are.

Nic Delcambre and Andrea Wollenberg

Oh, and did I mention that they both play the piano masterfully? And sing beautifully (or not, depending on the character)? Accompanying themselves and/or each other, playing together or separately or seamlessly switching in between, it's another challenging piece of the puzzle that is this crazy good show. Director Randy Reyes and his team (including Music Director Stephen Houtz) have intricately choreographed the show, executed in such a way that it looks easy breezy, which takes an incredible amount of skill, concentration, and practice.

For an extra treat, I saw the show on a "2 Sugar Tuesday." Those of you who've seen the charming and poignant Ivey-winning show 2 Sugars, Room for Cream, written and performed by Shanan Custer and Carolyn Pool (aka the Tina Fey and Amy Poehler of the Twin Cities), know just what a treat this is. In a new program, Shanan and Carolyn play hostess for one performance of many of the shows at Park Square this season. A mere $20 dollars gets you a ticket to the show, a pre- and post-show performance/ discussion/chat with the 2 Sugars ladies, and a free drink! Just look for the "T" on the calendar on each show's page on Park Square's website. Last night before the show Carolyn and Shanan told us a few things about the show and performers, and asked for questions from the audience. After the show, they facilitated a discussion with the uber-talented performers. All while being funny and charming and silly. It's a great deal, and a fun way to bookend an already fun show!

So, to review, go see Murder for Two for a delightfully silly murder romp performed by two nimble actor/singer/pianists/comedians. Then when the next show opens at Park Square, go to the "2 Sugar Tuesday" performance for a fun and unique theater experience. Got it?