"The Yeoman of the Guard" by The Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company at the Conn Theater

After 10+ years of seeing Gilbert and Sulivan operettas by The Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company (GSVLOC, which has been around for over 40 years), I thought I knew what a G&S show was - a silly fantastical story, over the top characters, social commentary conveyed through comedy, ending with happily ever after (usually via a wedding or two). But then I saw The Yeoman of the Guard (their current show continuing through March 29), which does not fit the usual model. Yes, there is still some comedy, and fast patter songs, and a bit of silliness. But overall, it's a much more somber story, one that does not end happily for everyone, and in fact ends on a tragic note. But I loved it all the more for that, and for showing me that I didn't know everything G&S was or could be. But like all G&S shows done by GSVLOC, it's musically gorgeous, performed by an ensemble of 30-some singers, with a backstage orchestra of about that size. If you enjoy G&S, there is much to love here, and if you think you know them, there is much to surprise and endear you even more to them.

"Pickup Truck Opera Volume 5: The Return of King Idomeneo" by Mixed Precipitation at Silverwood Park

It's time for one of my favorite #TCTheater summer traditions - Mixed Precipitation's Pickup Truck Opera! It's exactly what it sounds like - opera that operates out of a pickup truck. Well, sort of. Since the pandemic they've moved away from their "picnic operetta" with passed trays of food into this more portable show, driving all around the state in a 2011 Blue Ford pickup truck loaded with sets and props and instruments, bringing their unique brand of accessible and fun opera / pop music mashups to communities around Minnesota. In this year's Volume 5, they're mashing up Mozart's Idomeneo, about the aftermath of the Trojan War, with pop music from '50s and '60s. And they also modernize the story and make it more modern and relevant. The result is pure joy, and just an absolute delight to experience! As one audience member described it, "it's part opera, part silly play." If that sounds appealing to you, click here to find an outdoor location near you (continuing through September 14).