TCTB Review Roundup: SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE at the Ordway Center

photo by Dan Norman

There's only one weekend left to catch Smokey Joe's Cafe at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (which has been producing some incredible programming lately, by the way). Read from two of our bloggers why you should go before it closes on September 22!

Cherry and Spoon: http://bit.ly/2m6Yj8z
"While this show may just be song after song after song, it's far from monotonous. The entire space is used well (including the aisles of the theater), and many different combinations and permutations of cast and band are used throughout the night. The Ordway Original Smokey Joe's Cafe is a celebration of beloved mid 20th Century American pop music and a showcase of incredible local talent."

Play off the Page: http://bit.ly/2kL7KKU
"If I played the soundtrack to Smokey Joe’s Cafe, I’d be happy all day long. These are soulful songs that tell a story and reflect on life, sung by performers whose voices raise the rafters and rip into your heart. The rhythms and melodies played in my mind long after the performance, entered into my dreams, and I’m still feeling them today. "

TCTB Review Roundup: BENT by The BAND Group

Do you like issues-driven theater that supports local nonprofits? Look no further than The BAND Group. They are currently mounting a production of "Bent," which is about the imprisonment and murder of gay people in Nazi Germany, and are partnering with OutFront Minnesota to bring awareness to modern iterations of this issue. Cherry and Spoon says:

"A look at the daily news should tell you that those days are not as long ago and far away as they may seem, with increasing violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ community. One of OutFront's current campaigns is to end conversion therapy, which is still legal in Minnesota. [...] And you can see The BAND Group's powerful and sobering production of Bent at the Phoenix Theater in Uptown through this weekend only."

Get your tickets to see "Bent" at Phoenix Theater before it closes on 9/15!

TCTB Review Roundup: Mixed Precipitation's THE CLEMENCY OF TITO'S TENNIS CLUB

Despite our unseasonably cold and wet weather, there are still a few more chances to see some outdoor #tctheater before the snow flies! One such show is "The Clemency of Tito's Tennis Club: A Picnic Operetta" by Mixed Precipitation, which not only provides a show but locally grown and prepared snacks to enjoy while you watch (many of which are vegetarian and vegan friendly). Cherry and Spoon had this to say:

"The food is creative and interesting (prepared by Tracy Yue of One...

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REVIEW ROUNDUP: Closing Soon!

Our bloggers highly recommend two shows that are closing this weekend.

DO NOT MISS Hot Asian Doctor Husband by Theater Mu at Mixed Blood Theatre Company (through 9/1 only). This amazing play by Leah Nanako Winkler (Two Mile Hollow) is snort-out-loud hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time.

Cherry and Spoon says: "It's a very smart, modern, and funny look at race, identity, stereotypes (see: title), family, grief, and love." http://bit.ly/cs_hadh

Twin Cities Stages writes: "Theater Mu has brought together a top notch cast to tell this story. Meghan Kreidler plays Emi and brings all the nuance needed to bring both the comedy and sincerity to Emi's highs and lows." https://bit.ly/2U0KAwY

Compendium - Minneapolis notes that "It’s a golden time for Asian Americans* in the rom com world, and Theater Mu’s consistently approachable and inspiring new work is a vital addition to the genre." http://bit.ly/2TUvrNJ

Over at the Guthrie Theater, Lynn Nottage's Floyd's (closes 8/31) got some love from our bloggers as well.

Cherry and Spoon: "Floyd's is a funny, surprising, moving, and very human play." http://bit.ly/cs_floyds

Compendium - Minneapolis: "Nottage is a master at embedding a nuanced, believable, direct message into a highly entertaining package, and Floyd's is accessible and enjoyable for any kind of audience." http://bit.ly/2MNtm4C

TCTB Review Roundup: Minnesota Fringe Festival

It's been a week since Minnesota Fringe ended. So many shows, so little time. Relive the magic with recaps from Cherry and Spoon and Minnesota Theater Love, plus a few roundups from around the community.

MN Fringe Festival 2019: Wrap-up and Favorites by Cherry and Spoon: https://bit.ly/33E1FBz

MN Fringe 2019: In Summary by MN Theater Love: https://bit.ly/31r6Pii

2019 Minnesota Fringe Festival - Coverage Round-up by Twin Cities Arts Reader: https://bit.ly/2Z97wiJ

The Golden Lanyard Awards by Minnesota Fringe: https://bit.ly/31MmZTp

Single White Fringe Geek's list of Shows with 4.5 or 5 Stars: https://bit.ly/2TGHQoB

Check out Minnesota Playlist's interview with Fringe Executive Director Dawn Bentley: https://bit.ly/30bXBGm

And...this: "Fringe show cancels itself after unsettling puppet groping incident onstage" by City Pages: https://bit.ly/2YY2eYc

TCTB Review Roundup: Closing Soon!

Recovered from Fringe and ready to see shows longer than an hour again? Check out these shows (which close this weekend):

Through August 18: Stinkers at The Jungle Theater:
Cherry and Spoon: http://bit.ly/cs_stinkers
Play off the Page: http://bit.ly/2K2qQGb
Compendium - Minneapolis: http://bit.ly/2YpHIdz

Through August 18: 20th Anniversary tour of Rent at the Orpheum at Hennepin Theatre Trust
Cherry and Spoon: http://bit.ly/cs_rent19

Through August 25: Agatha Christie's Rule of Thumb Park Square Theatre:
Cherry and Spoon: http://bit.ly/cs_thumb

Happy theatering!

TCTB Review Roundup: 42ND STREET at the Ordway Center

We're taking a quick break from Minnesota Fringe-a-mania to urge you to catch 42nd Street at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (closing August 11). Our bloggers raved about this reimagined musical. Read more!

Also, tonight! Check out 42nd Street Cabaret Night at the Dakota with cast members and powerhouses T. Mychael Rambo and Jamecia Bennett: https://bit.ly/2GPmlfX

Cherry and Spoon writes: "The Ordway Original production of 42nd Street is an expertly updated classic that in three words is: Fan. Freakin. Tastic." http://bit.ly/cs_42nd

Play off the Page recommends a second, and third visit: "You don’t want to miss this one!" http://bit.ly/2LIUsdJ

From Minnesota Theater Love: "Overall, this is a stunning, energetic, athletic, and crowd-pleasing production." https://bit.ly/2JXzDJk

Brett Talk writes: "the dancing is nothing short of absolutely phenomenal and a testament to the skill that is in this city." https://bit.ly/2YLDWvf