Saturday, December 23, 2017

DOT - TCTB Review Roundup

the cast of DOT (photo by Petronella J. Ytsma)
"While other theaters offer up sugar plums and Christmas carols during the lucrative holiday theater season, [Park Square Theatre is] presenting a play that tackles weighty issues of family dynamics and dementia."
Minnesota Theater Lovehttp://bit.ly/love_dot
"If you would like a taste of real-life family drama this holiday season, that feels familiar but is likely more entertaining than your own, spend a few hours with the Shealy family in West Philly via downtown St. Paul."
Cherry and Spoonhttp://bit.ly/cs_dot
"This show may be filled with drama, a little too much in my opinion, but it is also very funny. The show was able to have you deeply feeling for a character in one moment, and laughing in the next. The balance held throughout this show is artfully handled."
Twin Cities Stageshttp://bit.ly/2Dw5E69
"Cynthia Jones-Taylor is remarkable in this role as Dot. She is able to convey so many emotions - seeming simplicity, heartbreak, laughter, confidence, fear, and more - and she makes Dot such a winning force in the show and so much more complex than what might otherwise seem to be a crazy old woman."
Compendium - Minneapolishttp://bit.ly/2BRFNoQ
To find out what our bloggers are talking about, go see DOT before it closes on January 7!

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Blithe Spirit - TCTB Review Roundup

the cast of Blithe Spirit (photo by Dan Norman)
BLITHE SPIRIT is currently playing in the Proscenium Theater at Guthrie Theater and continues through January 14. Check out what our bloggers had to say about this Noël Coward-penned classic comedy:
"Sally Wingert as Madame Arcati is your gift for this holiday season. Drop everything and go see her brilliant comedic timing, the electrifying chemistry between the cast, and the thrilling theatrics."
Play off the Pagehttp://bit.ly/2iAUcAt
"Just as it was intended so many years ago, Blithe Spirit offers a delightful escape from the onslaught of the news cycle and allows the audience to laugh at clever wordplay and an absurd battle of wills. "
PhenoMNal Twin Citieshttp://bit.ly/2BEhREZ
"Everything about this show is just yummy. It's pure and pleasant escapist entertainment, an exquisitely written and executed comedy."
Cherry and Spoonhttp://bit.ly/cs_blithe
"I'm a big fan of the aesthetic and concept behind this show, and I was thrilled to see a comedy. The show was well performed, but it was long for me - almost three hours - and I wish it had been trimmed a little to help tighten up the jokes."
Compendium - Minneapolishttp://bit.ly/2BuruWX
For more information and to purchase tickets click here:
https://www.guthrietheater.org/…/2017-2018-s…/blithe-spirit/

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Phantom of the Opera - TCTB Review Roundup

The longest-running and one of the highest-grossing Broadway musicals has come to Minneapolis again. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is playing at Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre on Hennepin Avenue through the end of the year. Check out what our bloggers thought of this blockbuster musical.
"After decades of success, Phantom shows no signs of slowing down in popularity and appeal."
PhenoMNal Twin Citieshttp://bit.ly/2oTusl4
"The current production of The Phantom of the Opera is a joy to see. Thirty years on, not only is it possible to enjoy the music and plot, but this production is proof that the show is able to feel new and exciting."
Twin Cities Stageshttp://bit.ly/2BAtC1F
"It was magical and wonderful... The story is haunting and heart-breaking. The voices are extraordinary. And, the set and staging of this production is incredible, with many moving parts and special effects."
Play off the Pagehttp://bit.ly/2BFOQsU
"First up is the effervescent, flawless performance of the Phantom from Derrick Davis. Davis gives a sinuous, bombastic, nuanced performance that left the audience in chills... He is also the first African American I have seen in this role, a casting choice which lends renewed depth and thought to the Phantom's complicated past (which includes being abused and locked in a cage). I found every aspect of Davis's performance riveting, and he's worth the admission price alone."
Compendium - Minneapolishttp://bit.ly/2CVTTWh
More information can be found and tickets can be purchased here:
https://hennepintheatretrust.org/…/the-phantom-of-the-oper…/
(photo by Matthew Murphy)

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Annie - TCTB Review Roundup

About Ordway Center for the Performing Arts' original production of the classic ANNIE, our bloggers said:
"Head to the Ordway to see this swell production of an American musical theater classic and get your dose of optimism about our female future."
Cherry and Spoonhttp://bit.ly/cs_annie
"Austene Van expertly directs this large cast of some of the Twin Cities Theaters’ finest actors, and a few from out of town, who all shine in this classic musical."
Play off the Pagehttp://bit.ly/2APT9Dk
"Cat Brindisi and Lily and Britton Smith as Rooster made me smile every time that they came onstage, knowing that I was going to be captivated and entertained."
Twin Cities Stageshttp://bit.ly/2AkvOGG
"Carly Gendell who plays Annie in the evenings knocks it out of the park! Her voice and stage presence definitely carry the show."
Soul Photography & Media LLChttp://bit.ly/2CLUFF7
"Miss Hannigan is played by Michele Ragusa and she is very far the most entertaining part of this production. She's everything I think that makes a fantastic Miss Hannigan."
- Coffee Talk with Brett: http://bit.ly/coffee_annie
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets:
https://ordway.org/event/annie/
(photos by Rich Ryan)

Monday, December 18, 2017

Plaid Tidings / Coco's Diary / Beauty and the Beast Jr. / A Gone Fishin' Christmas - Closing Soon!

Good Monday morning #TCTheater friends! Our bloggers have a few suggestions of shows closing this weekend (and one continuing through the end of the year).
Lyric Arts PLAID TIDINGS (closing December 23)
"Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings is a delightfully charming and talent filled production. Lyric Arts picked a winner this season and casts it perfectly for the holidays."
- Coffee Talk with Brett: http://bit.ly/2kmW9Rj
History Theatre COCO'S DIARY (closing December 23)
"This play with music gives the audience a glimpse into the life of the wealthy on Summit Avenue in 1927, and reminds us that being 13 is the same no matter when or where you live."
Cherry and Spoonhttp://bit.ly/cs_coco
SteppingStone Theatre BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR. (closing December 22)
"A delightful way to spend an afternoon with your little one. The cast of local kids and teens put on a heck of a show–singing and dancing their way through a carefully abridged version of the animated classic."
PhenoMNal Twin Citieshttp://bit.ly/2BB444F
Yellow Tree Theatre A GONE FISHIN' CHRISTMAS (closing December 31)
"If you love Minnesota (and Duluth) references, physical comedy, bittersweet romance, family drama, and music that makes your heart ache, head to charming downtown Osseo between now and the end of the year to spend a few hours in an ice house with these delightfully wacky characters."
Cherry and Spoonhttp://bit.ly/cs_fishin17

Friday, December 15, 2017

A Christmas Carole Petersen - TCTB Review Roundup

Theater Latté Da has brought back Tod Petersen's popular auto-biographical Christmas montage A CHRISTMAS CAROLE PETERSEN, playing at the Ritz Theater in Northeast Minneapolis through December 30. Some of our bloggers saw it last year, some this year, and all recommend it. Read more below, and click here for tickets and more info:
Compendium - Minneapolishttp://bit.ly/2j3fqr3
"The award for Most Minnesotan Christmas Performance goes hands-down to A CHRISTMAS CAROLE PETERSEN... has everything to make a home-grown Minnesotan wistful over the holidays, with a few unique songs thrown in for good measure."
Cherry and Spoon (last year): http://bit.ly/cs_carole
"The holidays are complicated for many of us for various reasons, and this show allows you to feel how you feel about them, while still relishing the joys of a homemade cookie, a hand-written card, a familiar song, and a place to call home."
Minnesota Theater Love (last year): http://bit.ly/love_carole
"The stories are funny and sad and heartwarming, and the music beautiful and cheery. The joy radiating from the stage is contagious; I can't recall being in an audience so ready to join in the fun!"
(photo by Allen Weeks)

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley - TCTB Review Roundup

The bloggers agree (which happens less often than you might think) - The Jungle Theater's production of the new play sequel to the beloved Jane Austen novel PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, entitled MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY, is perfectly charming! Read all the reviews below, then get your tickets before they're gone (performances continuing through December 30).
http://www.jungletheater.com/missbennet/
Play off the Pagehttp://bit.ly/2j4lNWY
"I have never had so many genuine laughs during a play."
Twin Cities Stageshttp://bit.ly/2AXhYdl
"The entire show is full of a top notch cast and fantastic performances that show us that the characters that we love from Pride and Prejudice haven’t changed much and are as endearing as ever. "
Talkin' Broadway Minneapolis: http://bit.ly/talk_bennet
"This funny little gem of a show is a must-see for anyone who wants to come out of the cold and be reminded that true love triumphs in the end."
Cherry and Spoonhttp://bit.ly/cs_missb
"In a sparkling new production at Jungle Theater, MISS BENNET is very reminiscent of Jane Austen, but also fresh and modern and new."
(photo by Dan Norman)

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Backstage Tour of The Cowles Center

We had a great night at the The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts getting a behind-the-scenes tour and a special happy hour with Twin Cities theater artist BRADLEY GREENWALD.
Thanks to Minnesota Dance Theatre for letting some theater folks pose at their barre!







Monday, December 11, 2017

Chess / The Terror Fantastic / Coney Island Christmas - Closing Soon!

Here are a few shows closing this weekend. Check out Cherry and Spoon's thoughts, pick out one (or all three), and see them before they're gone!
The Chameleon Theatre Circle's CHESS at Gremlin Theatre:
"If you're a musical theater nerd, either one who already knows this piece or who needs to learn about it (like me), you should definitely check out this production."
http://bit.ly/cs_chess17
20% Theatre Company Twin Cities's THE TERROR FANTASTIC The Crane Theater:
"Stories such as this about mental illness, particularly among the queer community, are not often told and need to be told."
http://bit.ly/cs_terror
CONEY ISLAND CHRISTMAS at Lyric Arts:
"A highly entertaining cast of children and grown-ups, a heart-warming message of community, and some of the best worst carol singing you've ever heard make this a lovely addition to the holiday theater season."
http://bit.ly/cs_coney

Friday, December 8, 2017

Alt-Holiday Guide from Minnesota Theater Love

Looking for a non-traditional holiday show this season? Check out Minnesota Theater Love's alt-holiday guide, including shows by:
Open Eye Figure Theatre
Strike Theater
Blackout Improv
Sheep Theater
Illusion Theater
DalekoArts
The Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre
and more!


http://www.mntheaterlove.com/2017/12/holiday-shows-2017-no-carols-extra-quirk.html

Monday, December 4, 2017

A Christmas Carol - TCTB Review Roundup

QUOTE: "'A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie is far and away the best play I’ve ever seen,' my boy Charlie (age 17) on our drive home after watching A Christmas Carol. (Play off the Page)
A Christmas Carol runs through December 30th at the Guthrie Theater and is a local tradition. Here's what our bloggers had to say about this year's production!
(Editorial side note: This CAST y'all. Including but not limited to: Ansa Akyea, Eric Sharp, Kendall A. Thompson, Aimee K. Bryant, Meghan Kreidler, Katie Bradley, Emily Gunyou Halaas AND Charity Jones as Scrooge for select performances. I mean, DANG.)

Sunday, December 3, 2017

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - TCTB Review Roundup

For your holiday theatergoing consideration ....
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Children's Theatre Company (through January 7).
Cherry and Spoon says: " In a less than two-hour visit to Whoville, the show will make you laugh, warm your heart, and hopefully remind you of the real reason we celebrate any holiday - family, friends, and being together."
http://bit.ly/cs_grinch
Twin Cities Stages: "The Children’s Theater has done it again. Putting together a show that will truly thrill the whole family. One of my favorite things about going to the Children’s Theater is hearing the reactions of all the children in the audience as they experience live theater."
http://bit.ly/2zAkyZN
Play off the Page says: "How the Grinch Stole Christmas at CTC sparkles with magic and love. This is a show worth seeing again and again."
http://bit.ly/2ht4ONC
Compendium - Minneapolis: "Delight your kids and inspire your better self with this pitch-perfect adaptation of How The Grinch Stole Christmas."
http://bit.ly/2j8OWAh
Coffee Talk with Brett calls it "nostalgic and refreshingly new all at the same time. This production is perfect for any family who may just be dipping their toes into the theater, and it's appropriate for children of all ages."
http://bit.ly/2ja7fpn

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Sister Act - TCTB Review Roundup

Twin Cities Theater Bloggers rave about the return of Sister Act at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and the utterly fabulous Regina Marie Williams. Now through February 24th.
"Regina Marie Williams as Delores is a supreme delight. In fact, when she comes out on stage, towards the end of the show, it was like watching Diana Ross take the stage. She’s royal."
Play off the Pagehttp://bit.ly/2mjNOP7
"There is such a pure joy to this show, which is bolstered by the clear camaraderie between these castmates, that truly served as a balm to the soul in our troubled times. We all deserve a little more peace of mind, and I can guarantee that you will find it here at Sister Act."
Compendium - Minneapolishttp://bit.ly/2hx0KiP
"To sum up the experience in one word: Fabulous!:
Twin Cities Stageshttp://bit.ly/2idOsZV
"This beautiful story of sisterhood, friendship, community, and standing up together and raising your voices for joy, love, and faith, may be needed more now than it ever was."
Cherry and Spoonhttp://bit.ly/cs_sisteract17
"It's one of the best things I think I've ever seen or at least is easily in my top three favorite productions."
Coffee Talk with Brett: http://bit.ly/2zH2g5M