View the Winter 2017 Issue

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$10

inside:Cover Artist–JOSEPHINE A. GEIGER

DENMARK: The Happiest Country in the World

OLE & LENA AND THE HIDDEN TREASURE (Hint: It’s right here in the Twin Cities)

Our Favorite AMERICAN ARTISTS

FIRST JAZZ REVIEW by Eclectic Edge Ensemble

VICTORIAN UNDERWEAR at the Minnesota History Center

WINTER 2017

For more information visit thecowlescenter.org

Photo:Design by Wealthy PhonseyaPhoto by Alice GeburaCurio Dance

MINNESOTA DANCE THEATRE

Carmina BuranaJanuary 20 – 22

RAGAMALA DANCE COMPANY

Wri� en in WaterJanuary 27 – 29

INNOVATE DANCE

February 3 – 5

CURIO DANCE

Drop the Mic: The ExperienceFebruary 10 – 12

CONTEMPO PHYSICAL DANCE

BalacobacoFebruary 24 – 25

ST. PAUL BALLET

March 3 – 4

TWIN CITIES BALLET OF MINNESOTA

Classical ConnectionsMarch 10 – 11

MORGAN THORSON

Still LifeMarch 17 – 19

JAMES SEWELL BALLET

Titicut Follies: The BalletMarch 31 – April 2

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T H E C O W L E S C E N T E RT H E C O W L E S C E N T E R

Photo: The Valley Perform

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Ragamala D

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Cover Art “Hold the Moon” by Josephine A. Geiger

Exploring TOSCA is the Metro Area’s only arts-by-category magazine. Published four times a year by Twin Cities TOSCA, this magazine provides the most comprehensive listing of arts events that take place in the Metro and surrounding areas. Exploring TOSCA also features visual art from selected artists.

For information about advertising in Exploring TOSCA contact:

Gail Weber612.481.3206 [email protected] subscribe to this magazine, see page 69.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Gail M. Weber

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Leann E. Johnson

MARKETING & SALES: Liz Loney

PROOFREADER: Doris Rubenstein

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT: Laura Cohen

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Liz Loney Guy Odishaw Pete Machalek Doris Rubenstein Julie Ann Segal Gail M. Weber

©2016 Twin Cities TOSCA. All rights reserved. No reprint or reproduction allowed without written permission from publisher, artists or authors of all work, writings and/or art in this magazine.

On the Cover:

4 Literary Arts

6 About Theatre

8 New, Unique & Challenging

9 Love & Romance

10 Musical Theatre

13 Nostalgia

14 Children & Families

16 Comedies & Farces

18 Dramas & Classics

20 Dance & Movement

22 Murder, Mystery & Horror

23 Religion & Spirituality

24 History, Law & Politics

26 Women

27 Healing Arts

28 Free & Almost Free

30 The Art of Business

31 Opera

32 Shakespeare

33 Native American Culture

34 Scandinavian Culture

37 Jewish Culture

38 Hispanic/Latino Culture

39 Irish Culture

40 English Culture

41 Asian Culture

42 Black/African Culture

43 Art

44 Our Favorite American Artists

49 Art of the Home

50 Art of Fashion & Beauty

51 Featured Artist

52 Holiday Events & Holiday Gift Recommendations

60 Events By Weekend

Theatre .............................Page 6

Opera ............................ Page 31

Shakespeare .....................Page 32

Culture ........................... Page 33

Art .................................. Page 43

Cover Artist JOSEPHINE A. GEIGER ......Page 51

DENMARK–The Happiest Country in the World .........Page 34

OLE & LENA AND THE HIDDEN TREASURE ..........Page 71

Our Favorite AMERICAN ARTISTS .........Page 44

FIRST JAZZ REVIEW by Eclectic Edge Ensemble .Page 20

VICTORIAN UNDERWEAR–Minnesota History Center .. Page 50

LIKE us on Facebook!

“Seasons in 4/4 Time” by Josephine A. Geiger

Exploring TOSCA

4 | www.tctosca.comLiterary Arts

Literary Arts

Sister of Grendelby Susan Th urston

Five-star reviewsA novel for literature lovers

“Defi nitely one of those books that I will read over and over again.” ~ Goodreads

www.sisterofgrendel.com

www.tctosca.com | 5

Literary Arts

Literary Arts

NEW RELEASE

A NOVEL IN STORIES

Award-winning Minnesota author Connie Claire Szarke will sign her literary/historical fiction novels at Excelsior Apple Day, Sept.17, and at the Rain Taxi Book Festival, Oct. 15. Lady in the Moon joins Delicate Armor and A Stone for Amer. Her two stand-alone shorts are “Stone Wall” and “Omertà.” Szarke is available for book club discussions, library events, community reads, and Elements of Fiction presentations. www.connieclaireszarke.com

Set in China and spanning over one hundred years, levon a tells the story of a brave woman fighting the establishment in favor of the greater good. Powerful villains force her to redefine friendship and challenge the past in an unforgiving

arena.

Prepare to step into a world unlike any you’ve ever experienced—yet disturbingly familiar. Although levon a begins in present-day Shanghai, the story moves backward through time in much the way your mind travels while remembering past events, creating a reading experience that is both innately comfortable and truly innovative.

Join the Professor as she uncovers truths that will explain the secret to the strange box that you now hold.

“JD Radke has a heart of compassion. He is an American novelist with excellent imagination and a sense of historical responsibility.”

—SHENG XUE

AUTHORJ.D. Radke

TITLElevon a

ISBN978-1-63413-858-1

PRICE$9.95

PUBLICATION DATEApril 5, 2016

GENREFIC019000 (FICTION/Literary)FIC008000 (FICTION/Sagas)

FIC051000 (FICTION/Cultural Heritage)

PAGE COUNT340

TRIM6” x 9”

BINDING

Paperback

PUBLISHERBascom Hill Publishing Group

WHOLESALE ORDERSItasca Books Distribution

[email protected]

1.800.901.3480

INDIVIDUAL ORDERSwww.jdradke.com

6 | www.tctosca.comLiterary Arts

About Theatre

TheatreTRIPLE ESPRESSO | Through Jan. 8, 2017New Century Theatre(615 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 145, Minneapolis, MN)Presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust. Singer/pianist Hugh Butternut, magician Buzz Maxwell and comic Bobby Bean reluctantly reveal the details of their failed efforts to claim success in this “rags to rags” high-energy comedy. $20-$38 | hennepintheatretrust.org | 612.455.9501

THE ROYAL FAMILY | Jan. 28–Mar. 19, 2017Guthrie Theater (818 South 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN)By George S. Kaufman & Edna Ferber. Directed by Rachel Chavkin. Set in 1920s Manhattan, this American classic (loosely based on the legendary Barrymore family) centers on three generations of actors, each at different stages in their careers. Together, they confront a choice between secure, yet dull domesticity and an erratic, egocentric, yet potentially fulfilling life on the stage. $15-$67$ | guthrietheater.org | 612.377.222

THE DRAWER BOY | Feb. 3–19, 2017Lyric Arts Main Street Stage (420 East Main, Anoka, MN) By Michael Healey. In 1972, a young actor from Toronto visits the Ontario home of two bachelor farmers, planning to do research for a play. In this heartwarming play, we learn about the friendship between the two farmers and the collision between art and reality. $16-$30 | lyricarts.org | 763.422.1838

TO BEGIN WITH | Mar. 28–Apr. 16, 2017New Century Theatre(615 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 145, Minneapolis, MN)Based on Charles Dickens’ “The Life of our Lord.” In this witty, insightful one-man play an author struggles to create a personal adaptation of the Biblical Gospels to be performed for his children on Christmas Eve, 1849. $20-$38 | hennepintheatretrust.org | 612.455.9501

See Also:SNOWED INN–See Holiday Events section.

THE SOUL OF GERSHWIN–See Musical Theatre section. STONES IN HIS POKETS–See Irish Culture section.

THE BODYGUARD–See Musical Theatre section.

LEADING LADIES–See Comedies & Farces section.

Exhibits35 YEARS OF MUSIC IN MINNEAPOLIS Through Apr. 30, 2017Mill City Museum (704 S 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN)This new photography exhibit “Heyday: 35 Years of Music in Minneapolis,” is a companion to the new book from Minnesota Historical Society Press featuring photography by Daniel Corrigan and text by Danny Sigelman. Corrigan captured thousands of live concerts, shot countless band promo photos and was behind the camera for many of the best-known and most beloved album covers by local artists. The exhibit includes framed photographs and a slideshow with many unpublished Corrigan photos. Free | mnhs.org | 612.341.7583

ICE WATER AND OPERA GLASSES | Through Jan. 15, 2017 Hennepin History Museum (2303 Third Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN)This charming exhibit features 150 years of theater history culture in Hennepin County, including theatre and theatre venues, burlesque, opera and some of the famous (and infamous) local actors from “back in the day”. $3-$5 | hennepinhistory.org | 612.870.1329

“I think the theatre is as essential to civilization as safe, pure water.”

~ Vanessa Redgrave, The Redgraves: A Family Epic

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About Theatre

Literary Arts

Ivey AwardsBy Doris Rubenstein

Few things in Minnesota are more Minnesotan than the Ivey “Awards.”

According to Scott Mayer, the program’s creator and Executive Director, there really is no “Best of Anything Award” because he adheres to the adage that taste is subjective. And there are a lot of volunteer Ivey “cooks/critics” who put their spoons in the pot of the Twin Cities’ theater scene and give their opinions about what’s good and what’s not.

The Iveys are more a celebration of the rich contents of that pot, regardless of its ingredients. The Iveys are, in reality, a major party for the theater crowd in town. How did Mayer come up with this “Minnesota Nice” idea?

Mayer had been working in another quintessential Minnesota company–Target–in its Community Relations Department. He observed how there were theater celebrations in other cities, but not here. After leaving Target in 2003 to take a stab in the consulting field, he held focus groups to ask the question about the right way to

celebrate the Twin Cities’ already celebrated theater community. The overwhelming response: Celebrate with a party! And so it went and so it goes.

That’s not to say that occasional awards are not presented, and 2016 was one of those occasions: Veteran StarTribune Theater Critic Graydon Royce was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the September event. Now that’s Minnesota Nice!

A theatre crowd gathers outside of the historic State Theatre for the Iveys.

Winner of the Ivey’s 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award: StarTribune Theater Critic Graydon Royce

8 | www.tctosca.comExploring Theatre

New, Unique & (Sometimes) Challenging

The Ruth Easton New Play SeriesPlaywrights’ Center, Waring Jones Theater(2301 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN) Free | pwcenter.org | 612.332.7481

QUEENS | Jan. 9 & 10, 2017 , 7PMBy Martyna Majok. Directed by Kimberly Senior. The lives of two generations of immigrant women in Queens collide in a series of small apartments. When you are working so hard to move forward in America, what cannot–and should not–be left behind?

IS THIS THE PARTY? | Thurs., Jan. 19, 2017, 6:30PMBy Barbara Sperber. Ben and Tony, a Jewish couple who have been together for 29 years, find themselves in prison but don’t know why. Ben, a film maker, is forced to make a decision that parallels one of his favorite films.

EDEN PRAIRIE 1971 | Feb. 6 & 7, 2017, 7PMBy Mat Smart. Directed by Henry Wishcamper. On the night Apollo 15 lands on the moon, a draft dodger steals home to Eden Prairie from Canada to deliver a message to a young woman from his high school class. This beautifully-etched play challenges notions of our own bravery and the true cost of freedom.

THE PINK UNICORN | Jan. 16–Feb. 5, 2017Twenty Percent Theatre, Open Eye Figure Theatre(506 E. 24th Street, Minneapolis, MN)By Elise Forier Edie. Directed by Meghan Gunderson. Performed by Mykel Pennington. This one-woman show tells the story of a Christian widow, living in a conservative Texas town, whose life is thrown into turmoil when her teenage daughter announces she is “gender queer” and starting a chapter of the “Gay and Straight Alliance” at the local high school. $5-$25 sliding scale | tctwentypercent.org | 612.227.1188

ANOTHER ANTIGONE | Feb. 23–Mar. 5, 2017 Bethel University (3900 Bethel Dr., Saint Paul, MN) By A.R. Gurney. Directed by Leigh Ann Adams. Academic freedom, politics, entitlement, bigotry, and institutional power are explored in this work about a professor’s reaction to a student’s contemporized version of the Greek tragedy, Antigone. $6-$10 | bethel.edu | 651.638.6333

24:00:00 XTREME THEATRE SMACKDOWN Mar. 3–12, 2017Theatre Unbound, SteppingStone Theatre (55 Victoria St. N, Saint Paul, MN) Experience six new plays created in just 24 hours with some of the Twin Cities’ most bad-ass female theatre artists! “The resulting plays could crash and burn, turn out mind-blowingly awesome, or maybe a head-spinning combination of the two.” (City Pages) $22 | theatreunbound.org | 612.721.1186

SAFE AT HOME | Mar. 7–12, 2017Mixed Blood Theatre, CHS Baseball Stadium (360 N Broadway St., Saint Paul, MN) By Gabriel Greene and Alex Levy. Directed by Jack Reuler with the creators. In partnership with the Saint Paul Saints. This world premiere thriller uses baseball to examine flawed U.S. immigration policies, racial politics, America’s obsession with celebrity, and more. Small groups will scenes in different areas of the St. Paul Saints’new minor league stadium, including the locker room, batting cage, press box and luxury suite. Free, first come first serve, or guaranteed admission for $20 | mixedblood.com | 612.338.6131

AND THEN THEY FELL | Mar. 17–26, 2017Gadfly Theatre, Fox Egg Gallery(3730 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407 )By Tira Palmquist. Directed by Casandra Snow. Just as Jordan’s life is falling apart–her mother can’t hold a job, was arrested for another DUI and has a loser boyfriend–solace comes from out of the blue. $15-$25 sliding scale | gadflytheatre.org | 3PM Sundays are Pay What You Can

See Also:WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT–See History, Law & Politics section.SHE WENT TO WAR–See History, Law & Politics section.THE HIGHWAYMEN–See History, Law & Politics section.PROMETHEUS BOUND–See Dramas & Classics section.THE OLDEST BOY–See Religion & Spirituality section.THE SEA AND THE STARS–See Love & Romance section.

Feb 23-25 & Mar 2-4 @ 7:30Feb 26 & Mar 5

@ 2:30

By: A.R. GurneyDirected by :

Leigh Anne Adams

AnotherAntigone

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TheatreBETRAYAL | Feb. 2–4, 2017Augsburg College, Foss Studio Theater(2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN) By Harold Pinter. Student-Directed by Jack Morton. Using reverse chronological order in depicting the relationship of a married couple and the wife’s infidelity, Pinter challenges the audience to explore broken trust between partners and friends and the consequences to life’s decisions. $5-$8 | augsburg.edu | 612.330.1257

CORAZÓN ETERNO (ALWAYS IN MY HEART) Feb. 3–Mar. 4, 2017Mixed Blood Theatre (1501–4th St. S, Minneapolis, MN)A play with songs by Caridad Svich. Directed by José Zayas. Inspired by “Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This epic romance spans decades and distances in an unnamed Latin American port city at the turn of the last century. Performed in Spanish with projected supertitles in English. Free, first come first serve, or guaranteed admission for $20 | mixedblood.com | 612.338.6131 ‘TIL DEATH | Feb. 3–25, 2017Bucket Brigade Theater, Art House North(793 Armstrong Ave., Saint Paul, MN)Book by Jeremiah Gamble. Music & lyrics by Jeremiah & Vanessa Gamble. Directed by Joy Donley. Music arrangement & accompaniment by Michael Pearce Donley. Ethan and Olivia are stuck in marital midlife crisis and in a tiny cabin with a honeymooning couple who are perfectly perfect for each other. Will their marriages last…the weekend? $18-$25 | bucketbrigadetheater.com | 952.547.9839

THE LOVE SHOW WITH KEVIN KLING AND FRIENDS Tues., Feb. 14, 2017, 7PM The O’Shaughnessy, St. Catherine’s University(2004 Randolph Ave., Saint Paul, MN)Featuring Kevin Kling, Dan Chouinard, Bradley Greenwald, Prudence Johnson, Simone Perrin, Claudia Schmidt & Dane Stauffer. Celebrate love with Dynamic Duos, Tender Trios and O Solo Me-Oh’s in this delightfully entertaining show that is back by popular demand. $29 | oshaughnessy.stkate.edu | 651.690.6700

THE SEA & THE STARS | Mar. 6 & 7, 2017, 7PMPlaywrights’ Center, Waring Jones Theater(2301 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN) By Harrison David Rivers. Part of the Ruth Easton New Play Series. Simon is a lifeguard. Finn is terrified of water. Both are adrift, with broken hearts, returning to the tiny beach town of Jupiter and to families who need them. A play about love, karaoke, and the sea. Free | pwcenter.org | 612.332.7481

MusicPROKOFIEV’S ROMEO & JULIET LOVE IN A TIME OF WAR | Sat. Jan. 28, 2017, 8PMMinnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall (1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN)Conducted by Sarah Hicks. Sam Bergman on viola & as host. Believed to be the first composer to capture the true magic of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev translated the entire story’s emotion and action in the 1930s. $30 | minnesotaorchestra.org | 612.371.5656

See Also:CAMELOT–See Musical Theatre section.

THE AWAKENING–See Women section.

GRACE–See Dramas & Classics section.

THE BODY GUARD–See Musical Theatre section.

BAD DATES–See Women section.

STAR-CROSSED LOVERS–See History, Law & Politics section.

Exploring Theatre

Love & Romance

Exploring TOSCAOne subscription for $25; Two for $35

612.481.3206 or go to page 69.Limited time offer.


Musical Theatre

Park Square Theatre (20 West 7th St., Saint Paul, MN)parksquaretheatre.org | 651.291.7005

THE SOUL OF GERSHWIN: THE MUSICAL JOURNEY OF AN AMERICAN KLEZMER | Through Dec. 31, 2016Music & lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. Additional lyrics from Porgy and Bess by DuBose Heyward. Created & written by Joseph Vass. Directed by Peter Moore. Travel back to early the 1900s in New York City and experience folk songs, blues, jazz, Yiddish theatre, cantor chants, and opera, all fused into songs like I Got Rhythm and Embraceable You. $27-$37

THE FLOWER DRUM SONG | Jan. 20–Feb. 19, 2017Theatre MuBy David Henry Hwang. Music by Rodgers & Hammerstein. Set in San Fransisco’s China Town in the 1950s, this funny and moving story about a father who produces opera and a son who knows that nightclub acts are more profitable explores what it means to be American. $50-$70 | muperformingarts.org | 651.789.1012

NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN | Feb. 7–26, 2017By Christina Ham. Directed by Faye M. Price. World Premiere Commission. In this play with music, Simone meets three strong women bound by tragic circumstances in a bombed Birmingham church while writing “Mississippi Goddam.” Together, they sing their truth and rise triumphant. $27-$60 | Tues., Feb. 7 is 99¢–$7.99 Bargain Preview

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts(345 Washington St. N, Saint Paul, MN)ordway.org | 651. 224.4222

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS Through Dec. 31, 2016See Holiday Events section.

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH Feb. 14–18, 2017Book by John Cameron Mitchell. Music & lyrics by Stephen Trask. Directed by Michael Mayer. A transgender punk-rocker from East Berlin tours the U.S. with her band, telling her life story and following the ex who stole her songs. Songs include Tear Me Down and Wig in a Box. $34-$114.50

Orpheum Theatre(910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN) hennepintheatretrust.org| 1.800.982.2787

THE BODYGUARD | Jan. 10–15, 2017Based on a film by Lawrence Kasdan. Adapted by Alexander Dinelaris. First, a power struggle and then love erupts when a former Secret Service agent is hired to protect a superstar singer in this romantic thriller. Songs include I Wanna Dance with Somebody and I Will Always Love You. $39-$134

MAMA MIA | Feb. 7–12, 2017Book by Catherine Johnson. Based on the 1970s songs of ABBA, composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. A young woman living on an island with her single mother invites three men to her wedding, hoping to find out which one is her father. This comes as a surprise to the mother, the possible fathers, and the groom-to-be. Songs include Take A Chance on Me, Dancing Queen and Money, Money, Money. Tickets TBA.

THE KING & I | Feb. 28–Mar. 5, 2017Based on the novel “Anna and the King of Siam,” by Margaret Landon. Music & lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Anna, an Englishwoman, is summoned to the Royal Palace in Bangkok to serve as tutor to the many children and wives of the King. Songs included Getting to Know You, Shall We Dance and Hello, Young Lovers. Tickets TBA

MATILDA THE MUSICALSee Children & Families section.

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MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET | Through Jan. 21, 2017Old Log Theater (5185 Meadville St., Excelsior, MN) Experience one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time in this re-creation of the events of December 4, 1956 when an auspicious twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley at Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis, TN. $25-$40 | oldlog.com | 952.474.5951

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres(501 West 78th St., Chanhassen, MN) chanhassentheatres.com | 952.934.1525

CAMELOT | Through Feb. 25, 2017 Music by Alan Jay Lerner. Book & music by Frederick Loewe. Based on the T. H. White novel, “The Once and Future King.” Queen Guinevere and King Arthur reside in an enchanted world until the Queen falls in love with Sir Lancelot, one of King Arthur’s most honorable Knights of the Round Table. Songs include If Ever I Would Leave You and The Simple Joys of Maidenhood. $50-$70 (show only); $58-$85 (with meal)

GREASE | Opens Mar. 3, 2017Book, music, & lyrics by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey. Directed by Michael Brindisi. Choreography by Tamara Kangas Erickson. This musical about life at Rydell High, the Pink Ladies and 1950s pop culture includes songs such as Summer Nights, Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee, and Greased Lightnin’. $50-$74 (show only); $58-$89 (with meal)

SPOON RIVER | Jan. 19–22, 2017CSP Theatre & Dance, E.M. Pearson Theatre(312 Hamline Ave. S, Saint Paul, MN)Adapted by Kate Sandvik from Edgar Lee Masters’ “Spoon River Anthology.” In this original adaptation, Rivers’ poetry about a fictional small town is brought to life through story, song, and dance as the characters share regrets and dreams that reflect the struggles of every generation. $5-$10 | csp.edu | 612.343.3390

THE CHURCH BASEMENT LADIESPlymouth Playhouse, Best Western Kelly Inn(2705 Annapolis Ln. N, Minneapolis, MN)$22-$40 | plymouthplayhouse.com | 763.553.1600

AWAY IN THE BASEMENT: A CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS | Through Dec. 31, 2017See Holiday Events section.

RISE UP, O MEN | Jan. 5–Apr. 8, 2017This show features the men of the church and your favorite church basement ladies who serve them. As these hard-working farmers discuss their scrap lumber piles and the benefits of solder vs. weld, they unintentionally disrupt the order of the kitchen.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS | Jan. 21–Feb. 19, 2017Artistry (1800 West Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN) By Howard Ashman & Alan Menken. In this rock musical parody of early sci-fi and horror flicks, a geeky florist shop worker discovers a plant that brings fame and fortune–at a deadly price–with a mix of doo-wop, rock ‘n’ roll, and rhythm and blues. Songs include Grow for Me, Suddenly Seymour, Somewhere That’s Green, and The Meek Shall Inherit. $12-$41 | artistrymn.org | 952.563.8575 | Mon., Jan. 30, 7:30PM is Pay What You Can

PIPPIN | Jan. 27–Feb. 12, 2017 Ashland Productions, Maplewood Performing Arts CenterMaplewood Community Center (2100 White Bear Ave. Maplewood, MN)Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Book by Roger O. Hirson. A young prince engages in battles, the temptations of the flesh and political power until he learns the true secret to happiness. Songs include Magic to Do and I Guess I’ll Miss the Man. Tickets TBA | maplewoodarts.com | 651.249.2230

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL | Feb. 2–12, 2017Twin Cities Community Theatre Sabes Jewish Community Center(4330 South Cedar Lake Rd. St. Louis Park, MN)Book, music, & lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe & Kevin Murphy. Based on the film written by Daniel Waters. Directed & choreographed by Mike Ausmus. Music Direction by Karen Hillmann. High school teen Veronica Sawyer is in love. But she also wants to be a member of Westberg High’s ruthless clique, “The Heathers.” It appears she can’t have both in this dark comedy that includes the songs Seventeen and Dead Girl Walking. $10-$20 | jcctheatre.com

Musical Theatre

Exploring Theatre

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Musical Theatre

PETER AND THE STAR CATCHER | Feb. 1–26, 2017Theater Latté Da, Ritz Theatre(345 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN)By Rick Elice. Based on book by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson. Music by Wayne Barker. Directed by Joel Sass. Music direction by Denise Prosek. Choreography by Carl Flink. This play with music–a Peter Pan prequel for adults–is a fantastical comedy about a Victorian orphan and his friend Megan, two street urchins protecting the world from greedy pirates. Tickets TBA | theaterlatteda.com | 612.339.3003

‘TIL DEATH | Feb. 3–25, 2017Bucket Brigade Theater, Art House North(793 Armstrong Ave., Saint Paul, MN)Book by Jeremiah Gamble. Music & lyrics by Jeremiah & Vanessa Gamble. Directed by Joy Donley. Music arrangement & accompaniment by Michael Pearce Donley. Ethan and Olivia are stuck in marital midlife crisis and in a tiny cabin with a honeymooning couple who are perfectly perfect for each other. Will their marriages last…the weekend? $18-$25 | bucketbrigadetheater.com | 952.547.9839

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF | Feb. 16–Mar. 19, 2017Ten Thousand Things, Locations TBABy Jerry Block, Sheldon Harnick & Joseph Stein. Directed by Michelle Hensley. Set in Tsarist Russia in 1905, this is the story of Tevye, a Jewish man with five daughters, who struggles to maintain family and Jewish traditions while coping with outside influences. Songs include Tradition, Matchmaker and If I Were a Rich Man. Tickets TBA | tenthousandthings.org | 612.203.9502

GODSPELL | Feb. 17–26, 2017Cross Community Players Cross Winds United Methodist Church (15051 Weaver Lake Rd., Maple Grove, MN)Book by John Michael Tebelak. Music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Hailed as a groundbreaking reflection of the life of Christ, this upbeat rock musical uses the parables of the Gospel, modern music with lyrics from traditional hymns, including rock, pop, rap, R & B, ragtime, to tell the story of friendship, loyalty and love. Songs include Day by Day, O Bless the Lord and Beautiful City. Tickets TBA | crossplayers.org | 763. 391.ARTS (2787) | Each patron is asked to bring a non-perishable food item or school supplies for the C.R.O.S.S. Food Shelf.

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT | Mar. 10–12, 2017St. Catherine University Dept. of Music & TheaterThe O’Shaughnessy (2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN)By Joe DiPietro Music by Gershwin & Gershwin. This Broadway musical comedy features 1920s feel-good music, romance, dance, and extravagant costumes. Songs include George and Ira Gershwin favorites like Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off and Someone to Watch Over Me. $5-$15 | oshaughnessy.stkate.edu | 651.690.6700

URINETOWN THE MUSICAL | Mar. 10–Apr. 2, 2017Lyric Arts Main Street Stage (420 East Main, Anoka, MN)By Greg Kotis. Music by Greg Kotis & Mark Hollmann. Directed by Matt McNabb. The authorities have banned the use of individual bathrooms as the result of a drought and a revolt ensues in this satirical musical that mocks capitalism, the legal system, populism, and even musicals. Songs include Too Much Exposition, It’s a Privilege to Pee and Follow Your Heart. $18-$32 | lyricarts.org | 763.422.1838

SPAMALOT | Mar. 17–26, 2017Woodbury Community Theatre The Loft Stage, East Ridge High School (4200 Pioneer Dr., Woodbury, MN 55129)Book by Eric Idle. Music and lyrics by Eric Idle and John Du Pre. Directed by Marcie Berglund. Based upon “Monty Python and The Holy Grail”. This outrageous musical comedy tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail with flying cows, killer rabbits and taunting Frenchmen. $15-$20 | www.woodburycommunitytheatre.org | 651.339.6568

See Also:HOLIDAY MUSICALS–See Holiday Events section.

THE LITTLE MERMAID–See Children & Families section.

MARY POPPINS–See Children & Families section.

CORAZÓN ETERNO (ALWAYS IN MY HEART)–See Love & Romance section.

THE LONGEST NIGHT–See Holiday Events section.

FANCY NANCY: THE MUSCIAL–See Children & Families section.

Be sure to let theater people know that you discovered their event in Exploring TOSCA magazine!


Nostalgia

Exploring Theatre

TheatreANNA IN THE TROPICS | Feb. 11–Mar. 12, 2017 Jungle Theater (2951 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN)By Nolo Cruz. Directed by Larissa Kokernot. Set in 1920s Florida and featuring an all-local Latino cast, this is the poignant story of a Cuban-American family working at a cigar factory. When a lector reads Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina to the factory workers, the hot, humid Tampa factory starts to mirror the story’s scandalous Russian aristocracy. $30-$48 | jungletheater.com | 612.822.7063 | Read more about this play in the Hispanic/Latino Culture section.

Musical TheatreTHE SOUL OF GERSHWIN: THE MUSICAL JOURNEY OF AN AMERICAN KLEZMER Dec. 2–31, 2016Park Square Theatre (20 West 7th St., Saint Paul, MN)Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin. Additional lyrics from “Porgy and Bess” by DuBose Heyward. Created & written by Joseph Vass. Directed by Peter Moore. Travel back to early the 1900s in New York City and experience folk songs, blues, jazz, Yiddish theatre, cantor chants, and opera, all fused into songs like I Got Rhythm and Embraceable You. $27-$37 | parksquaretheatre.org | 651.291.7005

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET | Through Jan. 21, 2017Old Log Theater (5185 Meadville St., Excelsior, MN) Experience one of the greatest rock jam session of all time in this re-creation of the events of December 4, 1956 when an auspicious twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley at Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis, TN. $25-$40 | oldlog.com | 952.474.595

ELVIS LIVES | Sun., Feb. 12, 2017, 7:30PMOrdway Center for the Performing Arts(345 Washington St. N, Saint Paul, MN) This multi-media and live musical journey of Elvis Presley’s life features finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises’ worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. $27-$111.50| ordway.org | 651. 224.4222

GREASE | Opens Mar. 3, 2017Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (501 West 78th St., Chanhassen, MN) Book, music, and lyrics by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey. Directed by Michael Brindisi. Choreography by Tamara Kangas Erickson. This musical about life at Rydell High, the pink ladies and 1950s pop culture includes songs such as Summer Nights, Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee, and Greased Lightnin’. $50-$74 (show only); $58-$89 (with meal) | chanhassentheatres.com | 952.934.1525

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT | Mar. 10–12, 2017St. Catherine University Dept. of Music & TheaterThe O’Shaughnessy (2004 Randolph Ave., Saint Paul, MN)By Joe DiPietro. Music by Gershwin & Gershwin. This Broadway musical comedy about bootleggers and romance features 1920s feel-good music, dance and extravagant costumes. Songs include George and Ira Gershwin favorites like Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off and Someone to Watch Over Me. $5-$15 | oshaughnessy.stkate.edu | 651.690.6700

ExhibitsHennepin History Museum (2303 Third Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN) $3-$5 | hennepinhistory.org | 612.870.1329

PORTRAITS OF THE PAST | Through Jan. 8, 2016 Portraits of the Past: Highlights from the Hennepin History Museum Collection draws from 150+ years of Hennepin County portraits and shares the fascinating stories of the people behind them. Bring a camera; there will be an opportunity to pose for your own portrait!

ICE WATER AND OPERA GLASSES Through Jan. 15, 2017 This charming exhibit features 150 yeas of theater history culture in Hennepin County, including theatre and theatre venues, burlesque, opera and some of the famous (and infamous) local actors from “back in the day”.

See Also:THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES–See Arts on the Road section.

Holiday Events section.

History, Law & Politics section.


Children & Families

Literature

TheatreRUBY! THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES | Feb. 3–26, 2017SteppingStone Theatre (55 Victoria St. N, Saint Paul, MN) By Christina Ham. Music by Gary Rue. Directed by Ansa Akyea. This is the true story of first-grader Ruby Ridges who is suddenly on the front lines of the struggle for Civil Rights in New Orleans when she becomes the first black child to attend an all-white school. $12-$16 | steppingstonetheatre.org | 651.225.9265 | Sun., Feb. 5, 2017, 3PM is Pay as Able

OH, FREEDOM! THE STORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD | Feb. 3–19, 2017Youth Performance Company, Howard Conn Fine Arts Ctr.(1900 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, MN)By Peter Manos. Engaging stories and songs portray the lives of Harriet Tubman, Harriet Beecher Stowe and lesser-known heroes including “Peg Leg” Joe, who taught slaves to escape and Henry “Box” Brown, who had himself put in a box and mailed to freedom. $7-$15| youthperformanceco.org| 612.623.9080

I NEVER SAW ANOTHER BUTTERFLY | Feb. 16–19, 2017Northern Starz Children’s TheatreSabes Jewish Community Center, Minneapolis, MNSee Jewish Culture section.

Stages Theatre Co.(1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN)$5-$16 | stagestheatre.org | 952.979.1111

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL Through Dec. 28, 2016See Holiday Events section.

FANCY NANCY: THE MUSCIAL | Jan. 20–Feb. 20, 2017Based on books by Jane O’Connor. Book & lyrics by Susan DiLallo. Music & lyrics by Danny Abosch. Produced by special arrangement with Susan Gurman Agency, LLC. Directed & choreographed by Nikki Swoboda. Musical direction by Sarah Hohenstein Burk. How will Nancy find her fancy flair on stage when she is expected to play a dreary tree?

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT | Mar. 10–26, 2017Based on book by Margery Williams. Script & lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby. Music composed by James Lekatz. In collaboration with Escalate Dance. The treasured story of a stuffed rabbit who yearns to be real is told through original music and dance.

Twin Cities TOSCA is proud to promote local children’s authors

Twin Cities TOSCA

is happy to celebrate one of our own!

Contributing Writer Doris Rubenstein adds to her bibliography as an author with a new book aimed at early readers. The Journey of a Dollar answers your child’s– and YOUR–questions

about how charitable dollars are transformed into actions and objects that can change lives.

You can buy the book directly from Doris (who will be glad to autograph it for you). Information is available on The Journey of a Dollar’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JourneyofaDollar. Like it!

www.tctosca.com | 15Exploring Theatre

Children & Families

Children’s Theatre Company(2400 Third Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN)$10-$60 | childrenstheatre.org | 612.874.0400

CINDERELLA | Through Jan. 8, 2017This favorite classic returns to the stage with freshly updated songs, gags, and mayhem.

DR. SEUSS’ THE SNEETCHES Feb. 7–Mar. 26, 2017Based on the book “The Sneetches and Other Stories” by Dr. Seuss. Produced by permission of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. Book & lyrics by Philip Dawkins. In this musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ powerful parable about the surface things that divide us, Star Bellies are on one side and Plain Bellies on the other. But things change when sneaky and greedy Sylvester Monkey McBean comes to town with his Star On machine.

THE LITTLE MERMAIDBased on a tale by Hans Christian Andersen and the classic, animated Disney film. Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater. Book by Doug Wright. This musical is about Ariel, a young mermaid who longs to see the world above the sea and includes the songs, Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl.

Children’s Castle Theatre | Mar. 10–25, 2017Lakeville Area Arts Center (20965 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville, MN)$10-$15 | ci.lakeville.mn.us | 952.985.4640

Chaska Valley Family Theatre | Mar. 30–Apr. 9, 2017Chanhassen High School Auditorium(2200 Lyman Blvd., Chanhassen, MN)$12-$17 | cvft.org | 952.250.7206

MATILDA: THE MUSCIAL | Mar. 28–Apr. 2, 2017Orpheum Theatre (910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN) By Dennis Kelly. Based on the book by Roald Dahl. Music & lyrics by Tim Linchin. This musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Songs include Miracle and This Little Girl. Tickets TBA | hennepintheatretrust.org | 800.982.2787

MARY POPPINS: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL Mar. 16–25, 2017University of Northwestern, Totino Fine Arts Center(3003 Snelling Ave. N, Saint Paul, MN)Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. Original music & lyrics by Richard M. Sherman & Robert Sherman. Book by Julian Fellows. New songs & additional music & lyrics by George Stile & Anthony Drewe. Co-created by Cameron Mackintosh. Directed by Jennifer Hunter. Musical direction by David Kozamchak. Choreography by Jolene Konkel. A magical singing nanny visits a dysfunctional family in London to care for their two children. Songs include A Spoonful of Sugar and Chim Chim Cher-ee. $15-18 | unwsp.edu/theatre | 651.631.5151

EventsFAMILY DAYMinneapolis Institute of Art (2400–3rd Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN)On the second Sunday of every month, families are invited to the MIA for a day of making art, going on artful adventures, meeting local musicians, dancers, storytellers, and more. Free | new.artsmia.org | 613.870.0723

MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM(10 W 7th St., Saint Paul, MN)Dedicated to sparking children’s learning through play, MCM says “Kids play more. Adults do, too.” Closed on Mondays and holidays. $9.95 | mcm.org | 651.225.6000 | Free admission on Target Free 3rd Sundays.

CIVIL WAR 1861 | Sat., Jan. 7, 2017 & Sat., Apr. 1, 2017Alexander Ramsey House (265 S Exchange St., Saint Paul, MN)Discover why 1861 was such an important year for the United States and for the Ramsey family in this children’s program. Learn about the Civil War, the new inventions of the era and how to make hardtack in the kitchen. Sample gingerbread cake, a popular food of the 1860s. Children and parents can create a time capsule, using a timeline map to explore the Ramsey mansion while collecting “time capsule” tokens along the way. $7-$10 | mnhs.org | 651.296.8760


612.481.3206 or go to page 69Limited time offer.

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Dark ComedyTHE NORWEGIANS | Dec. 8–30, 2017Dark & Stormy Productions(77–13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN)By C. Denby Swanson. Directed by Joel Sass. Olive and Betty are two southern women living in the land of snow, lutefisk, co-ops, and Norwegians. Because they both want their ex-boyfriends dead, they hire the only hit men they can find in Minnesota: the really, really nice ones. $15-$39 | darkstormy.org | 612.401.4506

TRIPLE ESPRESSO | Through Jan. 8, 2017New Century Theatre (615 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 145, Minneapolis, MN)Presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust. Singer/pianist Hugh Butternut, magician Buzz Maxwell and comic Bobby Bean reluctantly reveal the details of their failed efforts to claim success in this “rags to rags” high-energy comedy. $20-$38 | hennepintheatretrust.org | 612.455.9501

Plymouth PlayhouseBest Western Kelly Inn (2705 Annapolis Ln. N, Minneapolis, MN)$22-$34 | plymouthplayhouse.com | 763.553.1600

AWAY IN THE BASEMENT: CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS Through Dec. 31, 2016See Holiday Events section.

RISE UP, O MEN | Jan. 5–Apr. 8, 2017This comedy features the men of the church and your favorite church basement ladies who serve them. As these hard-working farmers discuss their scrap lumber piles and the benefits of solder vs weld, they unintentionally disrupt the order of the kitchen.

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) | Jan. 12–21, 2017University of Northwestern Patsy Miller Studio Theatre (3003 Snelling Ave. N, Saint Paul, MN)By Adam Long, Daniel Singer & Jess Winfield. Directed by Daniel McLaughlin. In this gut-busting bash on the bard, three actors decide to undertake the mammoth task of performing all thirty-seven of Shakespeare’s plays in one performance. $12-$15 | unwsp.edu/theatre | 651.631.5151

Lakeshore Players(4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake, MN) $20-$25 | lakeshoreplayers.com | 651.429.5674

ALL IN THE TIMING | Jan. 19–Feb. 5, 2017By David Ives. Directed by Ben Ratkowski, Brian Joyce, Brian Sherman, Gordon Hedahl & Janice Murphy-Brown. This “tour de force” of six hilarious plays explores the meaning of life, romance and more.

GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA, GOOD MORNING JULIET | Mar. 9–25, 2017By Anne-Marie MacDonald. Directed by Lucas Skjaret. A young English professor reimagines Shakespeare’s tragedies as comedies.

THE ROYAL FAMILY | Jan. 28–Mar. 19, 2017Guthrie Theater (818 South 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN)By George S. Kaufman & Edna Ferber. Directed by Rachel Chavkin. Set in 1920s Manhattan, this American classic (loosely based on the legendary Barrymore family) centers on three generations of actors, each at different stages in their careers. Together, they confront a choice between secure, yet dull, domesticity and an erratic, egocentric, yet potentially fulfilling life on the stage. $15-$67 | guthrietheater.org | 612.377.2224

Comedies & Farces

Exploring Theatre

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“He was distracted by a giggle, and turned to see a rare sight: a girl.”

~Dave Barry, Peter and the Starcatchers

www.tctosca.com | 17Exploring Theatre

Comedies & Farces

PETER AND THE STAR CATCHER | Feb. 1–26, 2017Theater Latté Da, Ritz Theatre(345 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN)By Rick Elice. Based on book by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson. Music by Wayne Barker. Directed by Joel Sass. Music direction by Denise Prosek. Choreography by Carl Flink. This Peter Pan prequel for adults is a fantastical comedy about a Victorian orphan and his friend Megan, two street urchins protecting the world from greedy pirates. Tickets TBA | theaterlatteda.com | 612.339.3003

DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN | Sat., Feb. 4, 2017, 8PMAmes Center (12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, MN)By Rob Becker. This one-man comedy show pokes fun at the differences between the sexes and the way men and women relate to each other. $30 | ames-center.com | 800.982.2787

LEADING LADIES | Feb. 10–26, 2017Woodbury Community Theatre East Ridge High School, Black Box Theatre (4200 Pioneer Dr., Woodbury, MN)By Ken Ludwig. Directed by Lenore Weir. When two struggling English Shakespearean actors hear that a dying woman in Pennsylvania plans to leave her fortune to her two long-lost English nephews, they decide to pass themselves off as those nephews. At the last minute, they discover that the nephews are actually nieces. $15-$20 | woodburycommunitytheatre.org | 651-730-4627

BAD DATES | Feb. 11–26, 2017 Artistry, Black Box Theatre(1800 West Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN)By Theresa Rebeck. Directed by Mel Day. In this comedic one-woman show, Haley, a business owner and a single mom, shares her dating experiences as she reviews her wardrobe and enormous shoe collection. $9-$30| artistrymn.org | 952.563.8575 | Mon., Feb. 20 is Pay What You Can.

Comedy DramaSTEEL MAGNOLIAS | Feb. 17–26, 2017Minnetonka Theatre, Arts Center on 7 (18285 Highway 7, Minnetonka, MN)By Robert Harling. Directed by James Cada. This is a comedy/drama about the friendship of a group of southern women who meet regularly at Truvy’s beauty parlour to enhance their natural beauty and discuss their lives and relationships. $10-$15 | minnetonkatheatre.com | 952.401.5898

ONE WOMAN SEX AND THE CITY Sat. Feb. 24, 2017, 7:30 PMAmes Center (12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, MN)By Kerry Ipema & TJ Dawe. Directed by T. J. Dawe. This parody of all six seasons brings the characters from the award-winning show to life as they brunch, banter and swoon over Mr. Big and expensive shoes. $30 | ames-center.com | 952.895.4685

STONES IN HIS POCKETS | Mar. 3–19, 2017Daleko Arts, The Prague Theater (110 East Main St., New Prague, MN) By Marie Jones. Directed by Sean Byrd. A rural Irish village is turned on its head by the arrival of a film crew from the United States. When Charlie Conlon and Jake Quinn are cast as extras in the film, they realize that Hollywood’s romanticized Ireland stands in stark contrast to the reality of their day-to-day lives. $10-$20 | dalekoarts.com | 952.314.9077

GOOD BYE CRUEL WORLD | Mar. 11–26, 2017Theatre Pro Rata, The Crane Theater(2303 Kennedy St. NE, Minneapolis, MN)By Robert Ross Parker. Based on “The Suicide” by Nikolai Erdman. Directed by Andrew Chambers. When a man makes an offhand comment about ending his life, word spreads and soon people are encouraging him to commit the deed for their own questionable reasons. $20-$40 | theatreprorata.org | 612.874.9321

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY | Mar. 31–Apr. 9, 2017Expressions Community TheatreLakeville Area Arts Center (20965 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville, MN)By Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope & Jamie Wooten. The Fultrelle sisters plan a huge festival in their small Texas town to impress a visiting V.I.P. Unfortunately, a few obstacles get in the way, including a loathsome relative, a Civil War battle reenactment, the unexpected demise of a guest, and more. $13 | lakevillemn.gov/149/Lakeville-Area-Arts-Center | 952.985.4640

See Also:TWO SUGARS, ROOM FOR COFFEE–See Arts on the Road section.

SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION–See Dramas & Classics section.

THE 39 STEPS–See Murder, Mystery & Horror section.

THE SEA & THE STARS–See Love & Romance section.

GRACE–See Drama & Classics section.


Dramas & Classics

Exploring Theatre

THE LION IN WINTER | Through Dec. 31, 2016Guthrie Theater (818 South 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN)By James Golden. Directed by Kevin Moriarty. This wickedly amusing drama takes place during Christmas, 1183. King Henry II, his imprisoned queen (released only for the holiday), and their three sons who vie for the throne engage in a high-stakes chess game with elegance and barbarism, devotion and disloyalty. $15-67 | guthrietheater.org | 612.377.2224

BETRAYAL | Feb. 2–4, 2017Augsburg College, Foss Studio Theater(2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN) By Harold Pinter. Student-Directed by Jack Morton. Using reverse chronological order in depicting the relationship of a married couple and the wife’s infidelity, Pinter challenges the audience to explore broken trust between partners and friends and the consequences to life’s decisions. $5-$8 | augsburg.edu | 612.330.1257

GRACE | Feb. 2–26, 2017Yellow Tree Theatre (320–5th Ave., SE, Osseo, MN)Steve and Sara, who have recently relocated to Florida, experience business and marital difficulties in this darkly comic drama exploring religion, faith, love, and change. $10-$25 | yellowtreetheatre.com | 763.493.8733

Mixed Blood Theatre(1501–4th St. S, Minneapolis, MN)Free, first come first serve, or guaranteed admission for $20 | mixedblood.com | 612.338.6131

CORAZÓN ETERNO (ALWAYS IN MY HEART) Feb. 3–Mar. 4, 2017See Love & Romance section.

SAFE AT HOME | Mar. 7–12, 2017See History, Law & Politics section.

History Theatre(30 East Tenth St., Saint Paul, MN) $15-$40 | historytheatre.com | 651.292.4323

THE HIGHWAYMEN | Feb. 4–26, 2017By Josh Wilder. Directed by Jamil Jude. This powerful new drama explores the dynamics surrounding the decision-making process that shattered the lives of thousands of middle-class residents and changed the face of St. Paul forever when Interstate 94 was constructed.

THE THINGS THEY CARRIED | Feb. 13–23, 2017, 10AMBased on book by Tim O’Brien. Adapted by Jim Stowell. The personal journey of Tim O’Brien, a Macalester student who lands in the jungles of Viet Nam, reveals a variety of things his fellow soldiers brought on their missions, both tangible and intangible.

THE PAPER DREAMS OF HARRY CHIN Mar. 18–Apr. 9, 2017By Jessica Huang. Directed by Mei Ann Teo. Harry Chin was one of the many Chinese nationals who landed in the U.S. through a loophole in the Chinese Exclusion Act. This new drama explores the personal and political repercussions of making a group of people “illegal.”

THE WHIPPING MAN | Feb. 4–26, 2017 Minnesota Jewish Theatre (1978 Ford Pkwy., Saint Paul, MN) By Matthew Lopez. Directed by Sally Wingert. When a young wounded Jewish Confederate soldier returns home, he finds his plantation burned and looted and his two former slaves now freed. While preparing the Passover Seder, the three men navigate their newfound understandings of family, power and freedom, until the secrets that bind them start to unravel. Tickets TBA | mnjewishtheatre.org | 651.647.4315


THE NORMAL HEART | Fri., Jan. 28, 2017Minnetonka Theatre, New Prague High School (221 12th St NE, New Prague, MN)By Larry Kramer. Directed by Lauren Bartelt. This largely autobiographical play follows Ned Weeks, a gay activist enraged at the indifference of public officials and the gay community. While trying to save the world from itself, he confronts the personal toll of AIDS when his partner dies of the disease. Free | minnetonkatheatre.com | 952.401.5898

THE DRAWER BOY | Feb. 3–19, 2017Lyric Arts Main Street Stage (420 East Main, Anoka, MN) By Michael Healey. In 1972, a young actor from Toronto visits the Ontario home of two bachelor farmers, planning to do research for a play. In this heartwarming play, we learn about the friendship between the two farmers and the collision between art and reality. $16-$30 | lyricarts.org | 763.422.1838

PROMETHEUS BOUND | Feb. 22–25, 2017Normandale Theater, Normandale Community College (9700 France Ave. S, Bloomington, MN) By Aeschylus. Translated by Brian Doerries. Directed by Kathleen Bagby Coate. Prometheus, having been chained to a cliff for all eternity for using his power as a god to bring humanity and compassion to the world, struggles to teach humans how to stir the fire that rages in all of us. $5-$10 | normandale.edu/communityevents | 952.358.8884

ANOTHER ANTIGONE | Feb. 23–Mar. 5, 2017 Bethel University (3900 Bethel Dr., Saint Paul, MN) By A.R. Gurney. Directed by Leigh Ann Adams. Academic freedom, politics, entitlement, bigotry, and institutional power are explored in this work about a professor’s reaction to a student’s contemporized version of the Greek tragedy, Antigone. $6-$10 | bethel.edu | 651.638.6333

CSP Theatre & DanceConcordia University Saint Paul(312 Hamline Ave., Saint Paul, MN)$5-$10 | csp.edu | 612.343.3390

SPOON RIVER | Jan. 19–22, 2017E.M. Pearson TheatreSee Musical Theatre section.

DEATH OF A SALESMAN | Mar. 23–26, 2016Westlund Blackbox Box TheatreBy Arthur Miller. An Artist Project, in collaboration with guest director Buffy Sedlachek. This original collaboration between faculty, staff, students, and outside professionals explores Miller’s play about Willy Loman, an aging salesman, who struggles to determine how his quest for the “American Dream” has affected his life. This play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play in 1949.

Drama/ComedyBIG MONEY | Jan. 12–28, 2016 Sandbox Theatre, Park Square Theatre (20 West 7th St., Saint Paul, MN)World Premiere Created by the Sandbox Theatre Ensemble. Led by Derek Lee Miller. The tale of one man’s obsession to beat the odds is depicted in this comedy-drama based on Michael Larson’s 1984 unprecedented win of $110,000 on a TV game show. $21-$60 | parksquaretheatre.org | 651.291.7005 | Wed,. Jan. 18 & 25 is Pay What You Will.

SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION | Mar. 8–Apr. 9, 2017 Theater Latté Da, Ritz Theatre(345–13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN)By John Guare. Directed by Peter Rothstein. Inspired by a true story, this play about a con man who convinces a wealthy couple that he is Sidney Poitier’s son, explores the human desire for meaningful connections. Tickets TBA | theaterlatteda.com | 612.339.3003

See Also:ANNA IN THE TROPICS–See Hispanic/Latino Culture section.THE 39 STEPS–See Murder, Mystery & Horror section.THE AWAKENING–See Women section.STEEL MAGNOLIAS–See Women section.THE SEA AND THE STARS–See Love & Romance section.RUBY! THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES–See Children & Families section.

Dramas & Classics

Exploring Theatre

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Northrop(84 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN)northrop.umn.edu | 612.624.2345

BATSHEVA DANCE CO. | Tues., Jan. 24, 2017See Jewish Culture section.

FABRICATIONS | Thurs., Feb. 16, 2017, 7:30PMCCN-Ballet de LorraineThis acclaimed ballet company from France joins the Walker and the Northrop in celebrating American choreographer Merce Cunningham with two of his works: Fabrications, set to the original electronic score, and Sounddance, a Cunningham favorite, performed to a thundering electronic score by David Tudor. The evening will also include Devoted, a new contemporary ballet by French choreographers Cecelia Bengolas and Francois Chaignaud with a score by Phillip Glass.

BEREISHIT DANCE COMPANY Tues,. Feb. 28, 2017, 7:30PMSee Asian Culture section.

BETROFFENHEIT | Mar. 21 & 22, 2017Kidd Pivot/ Electric Company TheatreSee Healing Arts section.

The Cowles Center (528 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN)thecowlescenter.org | 612.206.3600

NUTCRACKER (NOT SO) SUITE | $25-$50See Holiday Events section.

CARMINA BURANA | Jan. 20–22, 2017 Minnesota Dance TheatreMDT presents “a sensuous and gritty romp to the stirring and powerful music of composer Carl Orff,” a German composer. Written in 1935, the music is based upon text and poems created in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. $22-$45

WRITTEN IN WATER | Jan. 27–29, 2017Ragamala Dance CompanyChoreographed by Ranee Ramaswamy. Music composed by Amir ElSaffir & Premma Ramamurthy. This multi-media performance is inspired by the ancient Indian board game of Snakes & Ladders, a metaphor for the earth and the divine, and 12th century Sufi text, The Conference of the Birds. As paintings by Chennai artist Keshav are projected on the stage, the dancers’ fluid movement–with synchronized steps and expressive hand gestures–depict the heights of ecstasy and the depths of longing, accompanied by contemporary jazz trumpet and south Indian melodies. $29

BALACOBACO | Feb. 24 & 25, 2017Contempo Physical DanceChoreographed by Marciano Silva dos Santos. This Minnesota-based company, known for its vibrant Afro-Brazilian contemporary dance fusions, celebrates Brazilian Carnival weekend with an electrifying world premiere that is not only beautiful and animated, but created to be shared by audience members who are invited to dance along if they are so inclined. $16-$24

BALLET WORKS PROJECT | Mar. 2–5, 2017James Sewell BalletJSB’s annual choreographic laboratory includes a piece choreographed by local artist Carl Flink of Black Label Movement and new works from Myron Johnson as well as company members Deanna Gooding and Shohei Iwahama. $20

ST. PAUL BALLET | Mar. 3 & 4, 2017St. Paul Ballet presents fresh, new contemporary works, including a new, short ballet by Artistic Director Zoé Emilie Henrot. $25-$35

Did You Know…St. Paul Ballet presents a free performance the second Tuesday of each month? See Free & Almost Free section for details.

Dance & Movement

Exploring Theatre


Dance & Movement

Exploring Theatre

The Cowles Center (cont’d.)

CLASSICAL CONNECTIONS | Mar. 10 & 11, 2017Twin Cities BalletThis mixed program will feature classical/neoclassical ballet as well as new works; Rodeo–an original interpretation of Aaron Copland’s score and Frankenstein: The Monster Within Classic Literature, inspired Mary Shelly’s gothic romance. $25-$35

FIRST JAZZ REVIEW | Mar. 17–19, 2017Eclectic Edge EnsembleChoreography by: Karis Sloss, Cynthia Gutierrez-Garner, Kyle Weiler, Kaleena Miller, Jeremy Bensussan, Crystal Secor, & Kayla Schiltgen. This contemporary jazz dance company collaborates with local musicians, choreographers, and other artists to create musically and theatrically-inspired work. This performance will be held in the JSB TEK Box.

The O’ShaughnessySt. Catherine’s University (2004 Randolph Ave., Saint Paul, MN)oshaughnessy.stkate.edu | 651.690.6700

BALLET MINNESOTA’S THE CLASSIC NUTCRACKER Dec. 16–18, 2016See Holiday Events section.

THE SECRET OF SLAVE SONGS | Feb. 24–25, 2017See Black/African Culture section.

MATINEE | Feb 10–19, 2017Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis (410 Oak Grove St., Minneapolis, MN)By Stuart Pimsler & Suzanne Costello in collaboration with filmmaker Andrew Welken. Adapted from Robert Coover’s New Yorker short story, “Matinee.” In this unique performance, films-within-films-within-films collide as SPDT performers search for connection and romance moving effortlessly through the stage and screen. $15-$22 | stuartpimsler.com | 763.521.7738

MEDEA | Feb. 17 & 18, 2017Macalester College Theatre & Dance(1600 Grand Ave., Saint Paul, MN)By Samuel Barber. Co-presented with Music Department full orchestra. The music commissioned for Martha Graham’s company in 1946 will be presented along with original dances choreographed by THDA Director of Dance Wynn Fricke and text written and directed by Guest Artist Barbara Berlovitz. This production only has two performances. $5-7 | macalester.edu | 651.696.6359

COPPÉLIA | Mar. 18–26, 2017Continental Ballet Company, Artistry (1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN)Original choreography by Arthur Saint-Leon. Music by Leo Delibes. Based on “Der Sandmann” by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Artistic direction by Rita Velthuisen. “Coppélia the Magic Doll” follows the lighthearted romance between Swanhilda and Franz and their relationship with the eccentric toymaker, Dr. Coppélius, and his unusually lifelike doll, Coppélia. Mixing razor-sharp story-mime with bravura classical dance, this classic is also available for schools. Tickets TBA | continentalballet.com | 952.563.8562

SWING NIGHT AT THE CAVES | Thursdays, 6PM Wabasha Caves (215 Wabasha St. S, Saint Paul, MN)Enjoy some swing dancing to live bands such as The Moonlight Serenaders, The Minnesota Jazz Orchestra, Beasly’s Big Band and more. Doors open at 6PM; lessons by Arthur Murray at 6:15PM; live music from 7PM-10PM. $8 | wabashastreetcaves.com | 651.224.1191 | No credit cards or checks

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Murder, Mystery & Horror

Exploring Theatre

THE 39 STEPS | Feb. 10–26, 2017Chameleon Theatre Circle, Ames Center (12600 Nicollet Ave. S, Burnsville, MN)Adapted by Patrick Barlow. Based on book by John Buchan. Directed by Kimberly Miller. Based on the same novel as Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, this fast-paced comedy about Richard Hannay features four actors playing dozens of characters. As Hannay is drawn into a vast conspiracy, he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women. $16-$22 | chameleontheatre.org | 952.865.4680

THE NORWEGIANS | Dec. 8–30, 2017Dark & Stormy Productions (77–13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN)By C. Denby Swanson.Directed by Joel Sass. Olive and Betty are two southern women living in the land of snow, lutefisk, co-ops, and Norwegians. Because they both want their ex-boyfriends dead they hire the only hit men they can find in Minnesota: the really, really nice ones. $15-$39 | darkstormy.org | 612.401.4506

See Scandinavian Culture section for highlights of Norwegian Culture in the Twin Cities.

Mystery Café—Comedy Dinner TheaterThis murder mystery dinner theatre features original comedy plays accompanied by a three-course gourmet dinner. $67.75 (dinner & show) | themysterycafe.com | 763.566.2583

LET’S KILL THE BOSS HOLIDAY EDITION Weekends, Dec. 30, 2016–Feb. 11, 2017Park Plaza Bloomington (4460 W 78th St. Cir., Bloomington, MN) Mysterious disappearances, stolen blueprints, lax security...and the “Big Cheese” is in the crosshairs. But remember, you can’t spell “manslaughter” without “laughter.”

THE EX-FEDS | Weekends, Dec. 30, 2016–Feb. 11, 2017Majestic Oaks Country Club (701 Bunker Lake Blvd., Ham Lake, MN)This hilarious spin on a sci-fi mystery is set in Moosepie, MN where former FBI agents Daisy Summer and Hunt Malloy must put their stormy past in the rearview mirror in order to investigate a case of missing persons and missing time.

See Also:LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS–See Musical Theatre section.

Plymouth-based author Tom Combs spent 25 years as an emergency physician. His career provides the foundation for his unforgettable characters and riveting plots. His emotional engagement arises from his experience helping those facing

illness, trauma and tragedy.

Combs’ first book, Nerve Damage, explodes with suspense and true-to-

life medical action as renegade agents of the trillion-dollar pharmaceutical industry place a young Twin Cities doctor and his family in deadly peril. It’s a tale of heart-pounding thrills, brilliant twists and gut-clenching emotion.

Nerve Damage’s success led Combs to continue the saga of his hero, Dr. Drake Cody, with a new book, Hard to Breathe. This time, Dr. Cody risks his career and his life by reporting a powerful Twin Cities businessman for suspected domestic abuse while battling greed-driven attempts to pirate his breakthrough experimental drug.

www.tom-combs.com

Available from Amazon, Once Upon a Crime and Subtext bookstores.

Hard To Breathe | Tom [email protected] | www.tom-combs.com

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

ER doctor and medical researcher Drake Cody reports a powerful Twin Cities’ car dealer for suspected domestic violence. Drake’s life and career are threatened as the full extent of the abuser’s criminality is revealed. Drake’s hidden past is uncovered as corrupt hospital and university

personnel attempt to pirate his breakthrough drug. Book two of the Drake Cody series.



Religion & Spirituality

Exploring Theatre

TheatreTHE OLDEST BOY Through Dec. 18, 2016 Jungle Theater (2951 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN)By Sarah Ruhl. Directed by Sarah Rasmussen. Featuring Christina Baldwin, Randy Reyes, Masanari Kawahara, Tsering Bawa, & Pogi Sumangi. This moving and delightful exploration of love and letting go is about an American mother whose young son is believed to be the reincarnation of a high Buddhist Lama. When Tibetan monks arrive unexpectedly, asking to take her child away for a life of spiritual training in India, she and her Tibetan husband must make a life-altering choice that will test their faith and their hearts. $15-$48 | jungletheater.com | 612.822.7063

GRACE | Feb. 2–26, 2017Yellow Tree Theatre (320–5th Ave., SE, Osseo, MN)Steve and Sara, who have recently relocated to Florida, experience business difficulties, while Steve is afflicted with an itch and Sara becomes attracted to a badly-scarred car accident victim. Exploring religion, faith, love, and change, this “…is a darkly comic, eerily tragic, wholly timely play.” Chicago Sun-Times. $10-$25 | yellowtreetheatre.com | 763.493.8733

GODSPELL | Feb. 17–26, 2017Cross Community Players Cross Winds United Methodist Church(15051 Weaver Lake Rd., Maple Grove, MN)Book by John Michael Tebelak, music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Hailed as a groundbreaking reflection of the life of Christ, this upbeat rock musical uses the parables of the Gospel, modern music with lyrics from traditional hymns, including rock, pop, rap, R & B, ragtime, to tell the story of friendship, loyalty and love. Songs include, Day by Day, O Bless the Lord and Beautiful City. Tickets TBA | crossplayers.org | 763.391.ARTS (2787) Each patron is asked to bring a non-perishable food item or school supplies for the C.R.O.S.S. Food Shelf.

TO BEGIN WITH | Mar. 28–Apr. 16, 2017Historic Wesley Center (101 E Grant St., Minneapolis, MN)Based on Charles Dickens’ “The Life of Our Lord.” In this witty, insightful one-man play, an author struggles to create a personal adaptation of the Biblical Gospels to be performed for his children on Christmas Eve, 1849. $20-$38 | hennepintheatretrust.org | 612.455.9501

Music

Contemplative French Baroque Music in Minnesota’s Architectural Gems

MUSIQUE ET MASQUERAY: PEACE FOR THE SOUL –Rose EnsembleThe Rose Ensemble presents sublime works by Charpentier, Couperin, Bournonville, and DuMont in architectural masterpieces created by Emmanuel Masqueray (1861-1917). Come early for a special talk presented by Professor Alan Lathrop (University of Minnesota) to learn about the unique history and architecture of the concert venue.

The Cathedral of St. Paul | Thurs., Mar. 23, 2017, 7:30PM(239 Selby Ave., Saint Paul, MN)Pre-concert talk at 6:25PM

The Basilica of St. Mary | Sat., Mar. 25, 2017, 8PM(1600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN)Pre-concert talk at 6:55PM

Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas | Sun., Mar. 26, 2017, 3PM(University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave., Saint Paul, MN)Pre-concert talk at 1:55PM

See Also:THE WHIPPING MAN–See Drama & Classics section.

THE SECRET OF SLAVE SONGS–See Dance & Movement section.AWAY IN THE BASEMENT: A CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS–See Holiday Events section.

RISE UP, O MEN–See Musical Theatre section.

Holiday Events section.

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Theatre RUBY! THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES | Feb. 3–26, 2017SteppingStone Theatre (55 Victoria St. N, Saint Paul, MN) By Christina Ham. Music by Gary Rue. Directed by Ansa Akyea.This is the true story of first-grader Ruby Bridges who is suddenly on the front lines of the struggle for civil rights in New Orleans when she becomes the first black child to attend an all-white school. $12-$16 | steppingstonetheatre.org | 651.225.9265 | Sun., Feb. 5, 2017 3PM is Pay As Able

Guthrie Theater(818 S 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN)$9 | guthrietheater.org | 612.377.2224

WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT | Feb. 21–Mar. 12, 2017 By Jackie Sibblies Drury. Directed by Taibi Magar. Based on “We Are Proud to Present: A Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915”. An ensemble of American actors rehearse a stage presentation about a genocide in 1900s colonial Africa.

THE TELLING PROJECT’S SHE WENT TO WAR Mar. 17–Apr. 7, 2017Since 2008, The Telling Project has put more than 200 military veterans and military family members on stages in communities around the country to tell their stories, raising awareness and understanding of military service. This season, the organization returns with a new project centered on the experiences of women in combat.

History Theatre(30 East Tenth St., Saint Paul, MN) $15-$40 | historytheatre.com | 651.292.4323

THE HIGHWAYMEN | Feb. 4–26, 2017By Josh Wilder. Directed by Jamil Jude. This powerful new drama explores the dynamics surrounding the decision-making process that shattered the lives of thousands of middle-class residents and changed the face of St. Paul forever when Interstate 94 was constructed.

THE THINGS THEY CARRIED | Feb. 13–23, 2017, 10AMBased on book by Tim O’Brien. Adapted by Jim Stowell. The personal journey of Tim O’Brien, a Macalester student who lands in the jungles of Viet Nam, reveals a variety of things his fellow soldiers brought on their missions, both tangible and intangible.

THE PAPER DREAMS OF HARRY CHIN Mar. 18–Apr. 9, 2017See Asian Culture section.”

See Also:

THE LION IN WINTER–See Dramas & Classics section.

SAFE AT HOME–See New, Unique & Challenging section.

OH FREEDOM! THE STORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD–See Black/African Culture section.

Exploring Theatre

History, Law & Politics

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EventsAlexander Ramsey House (265 S Exchange St., Saint Paul, MN)mnhs.org | 651.296.8760

CIVIL WAR 1861 | Sat., Jan. 7, 2017 & Sat., Apr. 1, 2017 Discover why 1861 was such an important year for the United States and for the Ramsey family in this children’s program. Learn about the Civil War, the new inventions of the era and how to make hardtack in the kitchen. Sample gingerbread cake, a popular food of the 1860s. Children and parents can create a time capsule, using a timeline map, to explore the Ramsey mansion while collecting “time capsule” tokens along the way. $7-$10

PRESIDENT’S VISIT, 1878 | Sat., Feb. 4, 2017, 12 & 12:30PMLearn why President Rutherford B. Hayes visited the Ramsey family, taste one of his favorite foods and discover more what made 1878 so special. Explore the Ramsey House and collect “time capsule tokens” along the way and learn about fashion of the era. $7-$10

STAR-CROSSED LOVERS Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, 5:30PM & 8:30PMHistory Happy Hour. Enjoy a drink at the Ramsey House while learning about some of the best break-ups and make-ups in Minnesota History. MNHS program development specialist offers a light-hearted peek at historical couples; what brought them together, and, in some cases, what drove them apart. $20-$25

VICTORIAN UNDERWEAR | Thurs., Apr. 27, 2017See The Art of Fashion and Beauty section.

Minnesota History Center(345 W Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN)Admission is $6-$11. Free for children under 6 and to all visitors on Tuesday evenings. minnesotahistorycenter.org | 651.259.3015

WOMEN IN POLITICS | Tues., Jan. 10, 2017, 10:30AMStar Tribune columnist and author Lori Sturdevant charts the progress of the women’s rights movement in Minnesota and showcases notable leaders on both sides of the aisle, including Rosalie Wahl, the first woman on the Minnesota Supreme Court. $3-$5

NAT TURNER’S REVOLT | Sat., Jan. 21, 2017, 1OAM & 2PMSee Black/African Culture section.

THE ORIGINS OF BLACK CIVIL RIGHTS IN MINNESOTA Feb.21, 2017, 7PMSee Black/African Culture section.

ExhibitsMinnesota History Center(345 W. Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN)Admission is $6-$12. Free for children under 6 and to all visitors on Tuesday evenings. | minnesotahistorycenter.org | 651.259.3015

MINNESOTA’S GREATEST GENERATION | OngoingFeaturing more than 6,000 square feet of artifacts, interactive displays and innovative multimedia experiences, this exhibit depicts the lives and stories of those who came of age during the Depression and World War II and who went on to create the phenomenal postwar boom.

SUBURBIA | Ongoing This exhibit reveals the quirky and fascinating history of Twin Cities suburbia–from ranch houses to redlining, malls to millennials, and cars to cul-de-sacs.

Coming in April–WORLD WAR I AMERICA Apr. 8–Sept. 4, 2017

History, Law & Politics

Exploring Theatre

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Women

Exploring Theatre

TheatreSILENT SKY | Jan. 6–22, 2017Lyric Arts Main Street Stage (420 East Main, Anoka, MN) By Lauren Gunderson. Directed by Anne Byrd. This intimate peek at American astronomer Henrietta Leavitt relates her experiences while working at the Harvard Observatory in the late 1800s. Not allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea, Henrietta attempts to measure the light and distance of stars while also taking measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. $16-$30 | lyricarts.org | 763.422.1838

Did You Know…Henrietta Leavitt discovered the relation between the luminosity and the period of Cephid variable stars? This discovery allowed astronomers to measure the distance between the Earth and distant galaxies. It wasn’t until after her death that Leavitt was acknowledged for her work and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Physics.

BLACK LIGHT | Feb. 2–12, 2017Penumbra Theatre (270 N. Kent St., Saint Paul, MN) By Daniel Alexander Jones. Part of the Claude Edison Purdy Festival. Diva and soulful songstress Jomama Jones explores love and life with original songs from her forthcoming album, Flowering. $15-$25 | penumbratheatre.org | 651.224.3180

THE AWAKENING | Mar. 3–11, 2017Savage Umbrella; SPACE, Suite 306–Vandalia Tower(550 Vandalia St., Saint Paul, MN)Adapted from book by Kate Chopin. Written & directed by Laura Leffler-McCabe. Set in New Orleans at the turn of the century, this classic drama portrays the struggle of a married woman unwilling to follow the conventions of her time. Tickets TBA | savageumbrella.org

BAD DATES | Feb. 11–26, 2017Artistry, Black Box Theatre(1800 West Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN)By Theresa Rebeck. Directed by Mel Day. In this comedic one-woman show, Haley, a business owner and a single mom, shares her dating experiences as she reviews her wardrobe and enormous shoe collection. $9-$30| artistrymn.org | 952.563.8575 | Mon., Feb. 20 is Pay What You Can.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS | Feb. 17–26, 2017Minnetonka Theatre, Arts Center on 7 (18285 Highway 7, Minnetonka, MN)By Robert Harling. Directed by James Cada. This is a comedy/drama about the friendship of a group of southern women who meet regularly at Truvy’s beauty parlour to enhance their natural beauty and discuss their lives and relationships. $10-$15 | minnetonkatheatre.com | 952.401.5898

NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN | Feb. 7–26, 2017Park Square Theatre (20 West 7th St., Saint Paul, MN)By Christina Ham. Directed by Faye M. Price. World Premiere Commission. In this play with music, Simone meets three strong women bound by tragic circumstances in a bombed Birmingham church while writing “Mississippi Goddam.” Together, they sing their truth and rise triumphant. $27-$60 | parksquaretheatre.org | 651.291.7005 | Tues., Feb. 7 is 99¢–$7.99 Bargain Preview

ONE WOMAN SEX AND THE CITY Sat. Feb. 24, 2017, 7:30 PMAmes Center (12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, MN)By Kerry Ipema & TJ Dawe. Directed by T. J. Dawe. This parody of all six seasons brings the characters from the award-winning show to life as they brunch, banter and swoon over Mr. Big and expensive shoes. $30 | ames-center.com | 952.895.4685

MERE TRIFLES | Mar. 3–12, 2017 Theatre Unbound, SteppingStone Theatre(55 Victoria St., Saint Paul, MN)By Susan Glaspell & others. Directed by Kate Powers. An evening of one-acts about women as both victims and perpetrators of violence is presented in honor of the 100th anniversary of Pulitzer-winner Susan Glaspell’s haunting classic “Trifles,” about a woman accused of murdering her husband. Tickets TBA | theatreunbound.com | 612.721.1186

See Also:MEDEA–See Dance & Movement section.

THE LION IN WINTER–See Dramas & Classics section.

QUEENS–See New, Unique & Challenging section.

PINK UNICORN–See New, Unique & Challenging section


TheatreTHE NORMAL HEART | Fri., Jan. 28, 2017Minnetonka Theatre, New Prague High School (221 12th St NE, New Prague, MN)By Larry Kramer. Directed by Lauren Bartelt. This largely autobiographical play follows Ned Weeks, a gay activist enraged at the indifference of public officials and the gay community. While trying to save the world from itself, he confronts the personal toll of AIDS when his partner dies of the disease. Free | minnetonkatheatre.com | 952.401.5898

ArtART & SOUL–INSPIRATIONAL MIXED MEDIA RETREAT | Apr. 26–May 1, 2017Crowne Plaza Aire Mall of America Hotel(3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN)For over a decade, Art & Soul has been host to inspirational mixed media retreats providing workshops, classes and unconventional art techniques. Choose from a large variety of classes such as, Soul Stories, Vintage Art Journaling; Art to Dye For; Metals & Mixed Media; Make Your Abstracts Sing, and many more. Art retreats are also held in Portland, Oregon and Virginia Beach in 2017. artandsoulretreat.com

Healing Arts

Exploring Theatre

Three Moods of the Ego by Guy Odishaw

In Buddhism they talk about the three moods of the ego, attraction, avoidance and indifference, all of which must be transcended. We could just as well describe these as happy, unhappy and depressed–to use more contemporary language.

There is much talk these days about the mood of the country in the wake of the election. Some people are happy. Some people are depressed. Some people are unhappy.

I noticed this in my self, in my family, in my clients, in my students and I was reminded of something one of my teachers said many years ago. I will paraphrase it for you here,

“The intensity of your response to any situation in life is a measure of your distance from your True Nature.”

Remembering his words had an immediate sobering effect on me. I had mistaken the play of reality for Reality itself. Seeing this I was reminded that I can not change the world, I can not change other people, I can only change my self. My only task is to do the Work of Self Realization shining more light into the world thereby diminishing the darkness, that’s it, just that. Although it can be challenging Work it’s also Joyful Work.

Guy Odishaw, founder of Bhakti Wellness Center, leads classes in Emotional Intelligence, Yoga Theory and Seven Stages of Life.

For more information call 612-859-7709 or visit www.bhakticlinic.com. Bhakti Wellness Center is located in Edina, MN.




Free and Almost Free

Exploring TOSCA

theatreBIG MONEY | Wed., Jan. 18 & 25, 2017 Park Square Theatre, Saint Paul, MN)Pay What You Will. See Dramas & Classics section.

SHAKESPEARE POTLUCK READING SERIES Fri., Jan. 13 & Mar. 10. 2017Lex-Ham Community Theatre, Saint Paul Free. See Shakespeare section.

THE RUTH EASTON NEW PLAY SERIESPlaywrights’ Center, Minneapolis Free. See New, Unique & Challenging section.

QUEENS | Jan. 9 & 10, 2017

IS THIS THE PARTY? | Thurs., Jan. 19, 2017, 6:30PM

EDEN PRAIRIE 1971 | Feb. 6 & 7, 2017, 7PM

CORAZÓN ETERNO (ALWAYS IN MY HEART) Feb. 3–Mar. 4, 2017Mixed Blood Theatre, MinneapolisFree. See Dramas & Classics section.

RUBY! THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES Fri., Feb. 5, 2017, 3PMSteppingStone Theatre, Saint PaulPay As Able. See Children & Family section.

Artistry, BloomingtonPay What You Can

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS | Mon., Jan. 30, 2017, 7:30PMSee Musical Theatre section.

BAD DATES | Mon., Feb. 20, 2017, 7:30PMSee Comedies & Farces section.

THE SEA & THE STARS | Mar. 6 & 7, 2017Playwrights’ Center, MinneapolisFree. See Love & Romance section.

SAFE AT HOME | Mar. 7–12, 2017CHS Baseball Field, Saint PaulFree. See New, Unique & Challenging section

AND THEN THEY FELL | Mar. 17–26, 2017 Gadfly Theatre, Minneapolis3PM Sundays are Pay What You Can. See New, Unique & Challenging section.

danceBALLET TUESDAYS | Through May 9, 2017, 12-1PMSt. Paul Ballet, Landmark Center(75 W 5th St., Saint Paul, MN)The Saint Paul Ballet performs excerpts from the company repertoire, highlighting events of their season the second Tuesday of the month at noon from October through May. Free | spballet.org | 651.690.1588

IRISH SOCIAL DANCING | Wednesdays, 7-9:30PM Dubliner Pub (2162 University Ave. W, Saint Paul)Learn Irish dancing in a genuine Irish pub. Steps and dances are taught by Paul McCluskey and Kirsten Koehler. Basic beginning steps are taught at 7:00, with advanced lessons and dancing continuing until 9:30 PM. No children, and must be of legal drinking age to remain past 9:00PM. Free | thedublinerpub.com | 651.646.5551

eventsLOWERTOWN FIRST FRIDAYSLowertown, Saint PaulFree. See Art section.

FAMILY DAYMinneapolis Institute of ArtFree. See Children & Families section.

TARGET FREE 3RD SUNDAYSMinnesota Children’s Museum, MinneapolisFree. See Children & Families section.

HOLIDAZZLE | Through Dec. 23, 2016Loring Park, Downtown MinneapolisFree. See Holiday Events section.

NOON YEAR’S PARTY | Dec. 31, 2016–Jan. 1, 2017Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Saint Paul Free. See Holiday Events section.

lecturesTHE ORIGINS OF BLACK CIVIL RIGHTS IN MINNESOTA | Feb. 21, 2017, 7PMMinnesota History Center, Saint PaulFree. See Black/African Culture section.


exhibitsMinnesota History Center, Saint PaulFree Tuesday evenings.

MINNESOTA’S GREATEST GENERATION OngoingSee History, Law & Politics section.

SUBURBIA | OngoingSee History, Law & Politics section.

35 YEARS OF MUSIC IN MINNEAPOLIS | Through Apr. 30, 2017Mill City Museum, MinneapolisSee About Theatre section.

Minneapolis Institute of Art(2400–3rd Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN)Free | new.artsmia.org | 612.870.0723

THE BEGINNINGS OF MODERNISM: BRITISH MODERNISM, 1870-1919 Through July 29, 2018 See English Culture section.

THE CHRONICLES OF NATIVE LIFE: THE MACMILLAN GIFT OF SETH EASTMAN WATERCOLORS Through Jan. 8, 2017See Native American Culture section.

INK UNBOUND: PAINTINGS BY LIU DAN Through Jan. 29, 2017See Asian Culture section.

AN IMMIGRANT’S TALE: THE EDWARD REYNOLDS WRIGHT, JR. COLLECTION | Through Jan. 8, 2017Weisman Museum, MinneapolisFree. See Asian Culture section.

ON FERTILE GROUND | Through Jan. 20, 2017 All My Relations Gallery, MinneapolisFree. See Native American Culture section.

Robbin Gallery, RobbinsdaleFree. See Art section.

Groveland Gallery, MinneapolisFree. See Art section.

SHORELINES | Through Jan. 21, 2017

NEW WORK | Through Jan. 21, 2017

musicCOURTROOM CONCERTS | Thursdays, 12-1PMSchubert Club, Landmark Center (75 5th St. W #302, Saint Paul, MN)The Schubert Club presents free Courtroom Concerts every Thursday through April 27, 2017. Free | schubert.org | 651.292.3267

PETER AND THE WOLF | Sat., Jan. 21, 2017, 10AM-12PMFree Family Music SeriesMacPhail Center for Music (510 S 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN)This family event includes a live concert by MacPhail faculty, free sample music lessons before and after the concert and a music-theme art project. Light refreshments will be served after the concert. Free | macphail.org | 612.321.0100

METROPOLITAN OPERA NATIONAL COUNCIL AUDITIONS | Feb.18 & 19, 2017Benson Great Hall, Saint Paul, MNFree. See Opera section

MEXICAN FOLK MUSIC WORKSHOP Sun., Feb. 26, 2017, 1PMMinneapolis Institute of Art (2400–3rd Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN)As part of the 2017 International Spanish Music Festival, violinist Yumhali García and pianist Pamela Mayorga will perform Mexican rhythms as children and families interact, learn and play with instruments such as the jarana, the vihuel and the violin, among others. Free | ismfestical.org |

Free and Almost Free

Exploring TOSCA

COURTROOM CONCERTS: Schubert Club, Landmark Center Photo by Shutterstock

30 | www.tctosca.comExploring TOSCA

The Art of Business

Business As Artby Pete Machalek, Principal of SagePresence

I know several artists who have hangups around the concepts of business and commerce. They hate the idea of putting a dollar value on their art, or selling it, or creating it with the intent of selling it. They have a joy for creation, and as soon as the idea of creating for a buyer appears, the joy dies.

As a result, these artists either don’t make art (because they have a job that pays the bills and consumes all their time and energy), or don’t make any money (because they can’t or won’t sell any of their art).

This is an apt metaphor for how many of us live our lives. We have passion for something, but we can’t figure out how to do that which we love and make money at the same time.

We would do well to follow the models of Andy Warhol and Steve Jobs. Andy turned commercialization into an artform, and Steve brought an artistic mentality to the corporate world. Each of them actively blurred the lines between business and art because they were so passionate about what they were creating that the business of getting it out and into the hands of the people became a practice of art in itself.

Creating anything is an act of passion. And the process of sharing that creation with people who will benefit and grow from it is an extension of that passion, a work of art.

Pete Machalek is founding partner at SagePresence, a company that helps professionals build business through the power of story, connection, and dynamism. Learn more at SagePresence.com.

Written to perfectioneffective copy for social media

manuscript critiquesediting and proofreading

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Susan ThurstonProfessional Writing Services

612.298.6234 [email protected]


OperaMinnesota OperaOrdway Center for Performing Arts(345 Washington St. N, Saint Paul, MN)$25-$200 | mnopera.org | 612.333.6669

DIANA’S GARDEN | Jan. 21–29, 2017By Vicente Martin Soler. In this delightful comedy, Cupid creates havoc for Diana, the Goddess of the Hunt and of the Virtuous, and schemes to influence Diana and her nymphs in order to loosen her stance on chastity and love. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.

DINNER AT EIGHT | Mar. 11–19, 2017Music by William Bolcom. Libretto by Mark Campbell. Based on the play by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber. Combining American musical comedy with opera, this new work brings us Manhattan socialite Millicent Jordan, who plans a dinner party for visiting English nobility linked by business intrigues and romantic entanglements. Sung in English with English supertitles.

SUOR ANGELICA & GIANNI SCHICCHI Mar. 30–Apr. 2, 2017University Opera Theatre, Ted Mann Concert Hall (2128 Fourth St. S, Minneapolis, MN)By Giacomo Puccini. Libretto by Giovacchino Forzano. Directed by David Walsh. SUOR ANGELICA is the story of Sister Angelica who has been living in a convent for seven years for unknown reasons. The mystery unfolds when a visitor arrives to tell the nun that her ‘illegitimate” son has died. GIANNI SCHICCHI, featuring one of Puccini’s best-loved arias, ‘O mio babbino caro’ is a farce about a greedy family that learns that their recently-deceased patriarch has left his fortune to a monastery. $5-$20 | tedmann.umn.edu | 612.624.2345

METROPOLITAN OPERA NATIONAL COUNCIL AUDITIONSMinnesota District Auditions | Feb. 18, 2017, 10 AMUpper Midwest Region Auditions | Feb. 19, 2017, 12:00PMBenson Great Hall, Bethel University (3900 Bethel Dr., Saint Paul, MN)Experience some of the most talented young singers in the country when they audition in Metropolitan Opera Company National Council auditions. The National Council designed the program “to discover promising young Opera singers and assist in the development of their careers.” Free | metauditionsmn.org | 953.935. 4717

Did You Know…Every year, more than 1500 young singers compete across the United States and Canada? Their ultimate goal is to be a Grand Concert Finalist at the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC.

OperettaTHE PIRATES OF PENZANCE | Mar. 31 & Apr. 2, 2017Fargo-Moorhead Opera, Festival Concert HallReineke Fine Arts Center (1301 12th Ave. N, Fargo, ND)By Gilbert & Sullivan. This comedy is about a noble band of pirates and their young apprentice, Frederic, who yearns to be free, but is “a slave of duty”…until he falls in love. $20-$80 | fmopera.org | 701.239.4558

THE GONDOLIERS | Mar. 10–Apr. 2, 2017Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, Plymouth Congregational Church(1900 Nicollet Ave., S, Minneapolis) By W. S. Gilbert & Arthur Sullivan. Directed by Lesley Hendrickson. Musical direction by Dr. Randal A. Buikema. When two just-married Venetian gondoliers learn that one of them is actually the King of Barataria, they set out to jointly rule, while hoping to track down their foster mother who knows which one is the real king. The real king was wedded at birth to the beautiful daughter of a duke. But the beautiful duke’s daughter is actually in love with a commoner. And one of the gondoliers is an unintentional bigamist. How will it all be resolved? $12-$22 | gsvloc.org | 651.255.6947

Opera

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32 | www.tctosca.comExploring Shakespeare

Shakespeare

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) | Jan. 12–21, 2017University of Northwestern, Patsy Miller Studio Theatre (3003 Snelling Ave. N, Saint Paul, MN)By Adam Long, Daniel Singer & Jess Winfield. Directed by Daniel McLaughlin. In this gut-busting bash on the bard, three actors decide to undertake the mammoth task of performing all thirty-seven of Shakespeare’s plays in one performance. $12-$15 | unwsp.edu/theatre | 651.631.5151

KING LEAR | Feb. 11–Apr. 2, 2017Guthrie Theater (818 South 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN) By William Shakespeare. Directed by Joseph Haj. In this classic tragedy King Lear plans to divest himself of his duties and his kingdom. He disinherits his most loyal and honest daughter in favor of the two daughters who mislead him with their false claims of love. Famous quote: “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child!” $15-$77| guthrietheater.org | 612.377.2224

Lakeshore Players(4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake, MN) $20-$25 | lakeshoreplayers.com | 651.429.5674

GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA, GOOD MORNING JULIET | Mar. 9–25, 2017By Anne-Marie MacDonald. Directed by Lucas Skjaret. A young English professor reimagines Shakespeare’s tragedies as comedies.

THE TEMPEST | Mar. 8–26, 2017 By William Shakespeare. Steeped in magic and illusion, this is the story of the sorcerer Prospero, aka the Duke of Milan, and his daughter Miranda who were cast adrift by his jealous brother Antonio and stranded on an island for 12 years. The play opens as Prospero and Miranda become involved with the survivors of a shipwreck near the island. Famous quote “Politics make strange bedfellows.”

MACBETH Mar. 17–Apr. 9, 2017Park Square Theatre (20 West 7th St., Saint Paul, MN)By William Shakespeare. Adapted & directed by Jef Hall-Flavin. This classic tragedy reveals the ramifications of unbridled ambition. Macbeth, a Scottish war hero, and his wife, Lady Macbeth, plot to kill the reigning king and take the throne. Famous quote: “Double, double, toil and trouble: Fire burn and cauldron bubble.” $7.99-$60 | parksquaretheatre.org | 651.291.7005

SHAKESPEARE POTLUCK READING SERIESLex-Ham Community Theatre(1184 Portland Ave., Saint Paul, MN)Lex-Ham Community Arts hosts a Shakespeare potluck reading series every other month. Potluck supper begins at 6:30PM and the reading begins at 7PM. Bring your copy of the play and a dish to share. No previous acting experience is required. The entire play is read during the evening with parts reassigned at the start of each scene so all those in attendance can have a chance to read. Free| lexhamarts.org | 651.644.3366

HENRY IV, PART I | Fri., Jan. 13, 2017This history play examines war and hubris as the charismatic King Henry leads his country into political conflicts and victories. Famous quote: “The better part of valor is discretion.”

TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA | Fri., Mar.10, 2017In this comedy, Valentine and his best friend Proteus are both in love with Silvia, the beautiful daughter of the Duke of Milan. But Silvia’s father wants her to marry Thurio. Proteus’ girlfriend from back home disguises herself as a male page so she can meet Silvia. Famous quote: “That man that hath a tongue I say, is no man, if with his tongue he cannot win a woman.”

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life, is rounded with a sleep.”

~ The Tempest

www.tctosca.com | 33Exploring Culture

Culture

NATIVE AMERICANEventsOYATE OKODAKICIYAPI: AN EVENING OF NATIVE CONTEMPORARY DANCE | Sat., Mar. 4, 2017, 7:30PMOrdway Center for Performing Arts (345 Washington St., Saint Paul, MN)Native contemporary dance companies are called Oyate Okodakiciyapi, which means “people coming together” in the Dakota language. This evening of Native dance, co-curated with locally-based choreographer Rosy Simas, will feature solo works by native Hawaiian Christopher K. Morgan, and Santee Smith from the Mohawk Nation as well as new work by Dancing Earth, an indigenous, intertribal dance ensemble. $19-$39 | ordway.org | 651.224.4222

Did You Know…This show is part of a larger Twin Cities Festival of Native Dance? Organized by Rosy Simas Danse, the event is also called Oyate Okodakiciyapi, a name given to Rosy by a Dakota writer and educator named Gwen Westerman.

HISTORY HOUND FAMILY DAY: TIPIS, TELLERS, TROLLS | Sat., Mar. 25, 2017, Noon-4PMMinnesota History Center (345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN)Explore the prairies, forests and cities in “Then Now Wow” exhibit and then have a “wow” moment with storyteller Paul Bunyan and Babe; sit in a modern tipi and learn Dakota words; make a Northwoods troll doll and dance along to fiddle and banjo music. And be sure to shake paws with our hero for history, the History Hound! Family days are for curious learners of all ages. Admission is $6-$12. Free for members and children under 5 years old | minnesotahistorycenter.org | 651.259.3015

ExhibitsTHE CHRONICLES OF NATIVE LIFE: THE MACMILLAN GIFT OF SETH EASTMAN WATERCOLORS Through Jan. 8, 2017Minneapolis Institute of Art(2400 3rd Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN)Artist-soldier Seth Eastman’s assignment to record Native life in the Upper Mississippi area in the 1830s and 1840s produced a frank and intimate–if slightly romantic–record of Native people in pre-territorial Minnesota. This exhibit of 35 of Eastman’s historic watercolors and drawings includes Indian Sugar Camp and Gathering Wild Rice, believed to be the first-ever images of harvesting maple syrup and wild rice. Eastman’s Dakotah Encampment, which reveals details of tipi construction, and many other gems depicting Native life are on display. Free | new.artsmia.org | 612.870.0723

ON FERTILE GROUND | Through Jan. 20, 2017 All My Relations Gallery (1414 E Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN)Celebrate the wealth and diversity of contemporary Native artists from the upper Midwest region. On Fertile Ground is the third and final segment of this regional exhibition and offers a comprehensive overview of 45 artists from Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Free | allmyrelationsarts.com | 612.235.4970

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Culture

Exploring Culture

SCANDINAVIANDenmarkRanked the Happiest Country in the World

MusicMUSIKKENS HUSThis stunning new music hall in Aalborg, Denmark opened in 2014. (See image to right.) Located at Musikkens Plads (Music Square) by the Limfjord, this building was designed by Austrian architectural design firm, Coop Himmelb (l) au. With a solar-passive design, this architectural masterpiece houses four concert halls, five stages, a restaurant, an inviting lobby, and teaching and administration facilities. It is also home to several permanent residents including the Royal Academy of Music, Aalborg University’s Music Education and Music Therapy Departments, the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra, and others. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark attended the official opening on March 29, 2014

EventsÆBLESKIVER BREAKFAST 3rd Sundays, 9:30AM-12:30PMDanish American Center (3030 W River Pkwy., Minneapolis, MN) All the Æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls), scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, and coffee that you can eat and drink. No reservations needed. $5-$9 | danebo.org | 612.724.7705 Note: There will not be a December breakfast.

ExhibitsROYAL COPENHAGEN–BING & GRØNDAHL CHRISTMAS PLATES, 1895-PRESENT Through Jan 8, 2017American Swedish Institute (2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN)The Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain Factory, founded in Copenhagen Denmark, features a new wintery design every year. This exhibit will feature the entire collection of Christmas plates, from 1895-2016. $5-$10 | americanswedishinst.org | 612.871.4907

A word often used to describe the unique quality of Danish culture is the word “hygge” meaning ‘coziness’ or ‘conviviality. It is the spirit of community and security evoked when Danes enjoy time spent with friends and family.

Nanna Vinther Poulsen and Hanne Barup Pulsen standing in front of Aalborg’s new Musikken Hus.

ROYAL COPENHAGEN–BING & GRØNDAHL CHRISTMAS PLATES, 1895-PRESENT : American Swedish Institute


Denmark

ArtARTIST HENNING WIEBENArtist Henning Wieben is the co-owner of Kunst Uden Rammer (Art Without Borders) an art gallery located in Nibe, Denmark. A polite, unassuming man, one might not at first realize his remarkable background and the many contributions Henning has made to his homeland in the art world, the entertainment world and even the business world. Indeed, he has designed sets for theatres, display boards for businesses and the front entrance of Aalborg’s Tivoliland.

A study of his artwork, however, quickly reveals a man of many talents. His acrylic paintings reflect a variety of styles as well as a variety of subject matter, from dark bold abstracts, to shiny, bright sailing-themed pieces, to colorful, whimsical buildings that seem to sway. “Since I am a curious soul and my inspiration comes from many places, Wieben paintings are often in different styles and they will continue to vary. Often, inspiration comes from the light and the water that is just outside my door,” the artist explains.

You can see more of Wieben’s work at wieben-malerier.dk or at facebook.com/wiebenmalerier

Culture

Exploring Culture

Above: Artist Henning Weiben at Kunst Uden Rammer

Right: “Skæve Huse” ( “Skew Houses” ), acrylic on canvas, 70 x 70 cm

Below right: “Kvinde på Trappen” ( “Woman on Stairs” ), acrylic on canvas,

100 x 100 cm

Below left: “Byen ved Skrænten ( “City by Cliff ” ), acrylic on canvas,

100 x 100 cm

“Often, inspiration comes from the light and the water that is just outside my door.”


Norway & Sweden

TheaterTHE NORWEGIANS | Through Dec. 30, 2017Dark & Stormy Productions (77–13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN)By C. Denby Swanson. Directed by Joel Sass. Olive and Betty are two southern women living in the land of snow, lutefisk, co-ops, and Norwegians. Because they both want their ex-boyfriends, dead they hire the only hit men they can find in Minnesota: the really, really nice ones. $15-$39 | darkstormy.org | 612.401.4506

Did You Know…

Mindekirken Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church in Minneapolis was founded in 1922 by Norwegian immigrants who wanted to worship in their own language? Today, Mindekirken provides both English and Norwegian as well as many other Norwegian cultural programs. mindekirken.net

ExhibitsGINGERBREAD WONDERLAND | Through Jan. 8, 2017 Norway House (913 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN)This second annual exhibit features the results of a community baking effort to build the Twin Cities out of gingerbread. Treats will also be available at the Ingebretsen’s shop. $5 | norwayhouse.org | 612.871.2211

American Swedish Institute(2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN)$5-$15 | americanswedishinst.org | 612.871.4907

JUL DALMÅLNING–FIGURATIVE PAINTINGS Through Jan. 8, 2017These figurative paintings from the Swedish province of Dalarna were common from 1790-1859. Characterized by intricate and imaginative flower motifs, many represent Biblical scenes as interpreted through Swedish folk painting.

WHERE THE CHILDREN SLEEP: PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCUS WENNMAN Jan. 21–Mar. 25, 2017This moving series of photographs by Sweden’s award-winning photojournalism Marcus Wennman depicts refugee children who fled Syria and left everything behind.

FoodNORWEGIAN CAKE DOUGHNUTSBy Ruthie Conner-WickumMakes about 24 doughnuts

2 eggs¾ c. sugar2/3 c. whipping cream2/3 c. sour cream½ tsp. cardamom1 Tbsp. baking powder3 c. flourShortening or oil

Beat eggs and sugar until light and lemon-colored. Whip the cream until it holds soft peaks. Then add the sour cream. Stir the cream into the eggs and sugar mix. Sift the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients. Mix together. Knead lightly. Refrigerate for at least three hours. Roll the dough out on a cookie sheet to ½-inch thick. Cut doughnuts with a doughnut cutter. Heat peanut oil or lard to 350 °F. Deep fry a few at a time, until golden, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Shake in a brown bag with powdered sugar or sugar and cinnamon mix.

Culture

Exploring Culture

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Culture

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JEWISHTheaterMinnesota Jewish Theatre(1978 Ford Pkwy., Saint Paul, MN) $12-$34 | mnjewishtheatre.org | 651.647.4315

THE MAGIC DREIDELS | Through Dec. 21, 2016Adapted by Jenna Zark. Based on the book by Eric A. Kimmel. Directed by Michael Kissin. Starring Soren Thayne Miller as Jakob. Jakob loses his dreidel in the well. A goblin replaces his dreidel with magical ones, beginning a series of funny and touching adventures in a story that explores the cultural traditions of Hanukkah and the universal themes of sharing, compassion and friendship.

THE WHIPPING MAN | Feb. 4–26, 2017 By Matthew Lopez. Directed by Sally Wingert. When a young, wounded Jewish Confederate soldier returns home he finds his plantation burned and looted, and his two former slaves now freed. While preparing the Passover Seder, the three men navigate their newfound understandings of family, power and freedom until the secrets that still bind them start to unravel.

IS THIS THE PARTY? | Thurs., Jan. 19, 2017, 6:30PMThe Playwrights’ Center (2301 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN)By Barbara Sperber. Ben and Tony, a Jewish couple who have been together for 20 years, find themselves in prison but don’t know why. Ben, a film maker, is forced to make a decision that parallels one of his favorite films. Free | pwcenter.org | 612.332.7481

I NEVER SAW ANOTHER BUTTERFLY Feb. 16–19, 2017 Northern Starz Children’s Theatre Sabes Jewish Community Center (4330 Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park, MN)By Celeste Raspanti. Directed by Ben Layne. This is the story of Raja who gave hope to over 15,000 Jewish children who passed through Terezin concentration camp, even when there was s no reason to hope. Only about one hundred children were still alive when Terezin was liberated at the end of WWII. $7-$10 | sabesjcc.org | 952.381.3400

Did You Know…Playwright Celeste Raspanti is a former nun and a retired college professor? Northern Starz Children’s Theatre has partnered with The White Bear Center for the Arts, Temple Israel, Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas “Transfer of Memory”, Sabes Jewish Community Center and Raspanti, “…to bring its young cast the ability to not just perform, but to truly learn the history behind events surrounding the Holocaust and the hope that survived.” (From website.)

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF | Feb. 16–Mar. 19, 2017Ten Thousand Things, Locations TBABy Jerry Block, Sheldon Harnick & Joseph Stein. Directed by Michelle Hensley. Set in Tsarist Russia in 1905, this is the story of Tevye, a Jewish man with five daughters, who struggles to maintain family and Jewish traditions while coping with outside influences. Songs include Tradition, Matchmaker and If I Were a Rich Man. Tickets TBA | tenthousandthings.org | 612.203.9502

Dance BATSHEVA DANCE CO. | Tues., Jan. 24, 2017, 7:30PMNorthrop (84 Church St., SE, Minneapolis, MN)Based in Tel Aviv, Israel, this dance company was founded by Baroness Batsheva de Rothschild and Martha Graham in 1964 in response to Israel’s growing interest in modern dance. “In a rare U.S. appearance they return to Minneapolis with Ohad Naharin’s inventive, high-octane roller-coaster ride of a retrospective.” Decadance 2017 (from website). $37-$62 | northrop.umn.edu | 612.624.2345

“Through Masada’s Wall” by Minneapolis artist Jane Strauss. This stunning photograph is available in various sizes and finishes at janesprints.imagekind.com



38 | www.tctosca.comExploring Culture

Culture

HISPANIC/LATINO

TheatreLA NATIVIDAD | Through Dec. 22, 2016Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater(1500 East Lake St., Minneapolis, MN)Presented in partnership with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Directed by Sandy Spieler. Musical direction by Laurie Witzkowski. The Nativity story takes to the streets with angels, shepherds, a suspicious king, and a pregnant woman who knocks on the doors of the city, seeking shelter. This unique event honors the Mexican tradition of La Posada, leading everyone on a journey to four sites in our community. “Enacted with beauty, humor, soulful live music, and an ending feast.” Performed in English and Spanish. $17-$23 | hobt.org | 612.721.2535 | No one turned away for lack of funds.

LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA | Feb. 3–Mar. 4, 2017Mixed Blood Theatre (1501–4th St. S, Minneapolis, MN)A play with songs by Caridad Svich. Directed by José Zayas. Based on the novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This epic romance spans decades and distances in an unnamed Latin American port city at the turn of the last century. Performed in Spanish with projected supertitles in English. Free, first come first serve, or guaranteed admission for $20 | mixedblood.com | 612.338.6131

ANNA IN THE TROPICS | Feb. 11–Mar. 12, 2017 Jungle Theater (2951 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN)By Nolo Cruz. Directed by Larissa Kokernot. Set in 1920s Florida and featuring an all-local Latino cast, this is the poignant story of a Cuban-American family working at a cigar factory. When a lector reads Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina to the factory workers, the hot, humid Tampa factory starts to mirror the story’s scandalous Russian aristocracy. $30-$48 | jungletheater.com | 612.822.7063

See Also:SAFE AT HOME–See New, Unique & Challenging section.

Music2017 INTERNATIONAL SPANISH MUSIC FESTIVALCasa de España en Minnesota will present its second “International Spanish Music Festival” which portrays the variety and richness of the culture of Spain and Latin America through music.

JORDI SAVALL AND HESPÈRION XXI, MUSICA NOVA: 1500-1700 | Wed., Feb. 8, 2017, 7PMOrdway Center for the Performing Arts (345 Washington St. N, Saint Paul, MN) Spanish-born Savall and his ensemble perform Venetian instrumental music based on older dance tunes and popular songs from the 16th and 17th centuries. $19-$57 | ordway.org | 651. 224.4222

SEPHARDIC DIASPORA | Thurs., Feb 16, 2017, 7:30PMAldatu Ensemble, Beth El Synagogue(5225 Barry St W, St Louis Park, MN)Aldatu brings together musicians from Syria, Ireland, Germany, Spain and elsewhere to perform Sephardic (traditional Spanish Jewish) music, with oud, percussions, viola da gamba, flute, guitar, and voice. $17-$25

SPANISH MUSIC FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO Sat., Feb. 18, 2017, 7:30PMLandmark Center (75 West 5th St., Saint Paul, MN) Violinist Johnny Gandelsman and pianist Ainhoa Urkijo perform the music of Pablo Sarasate, the great Spanish violin virtuoso and composer of the Romantic period. Sarasate’s music was often inspired by Spanish folklore and music of the Basque country. $17-$25 | landmarkcenter.org | 651.225.9265

Jordi Savalland HespÈrion XXI

2017 International Spanish Music FestivalPresented by Casa de España en Minnesota

Musica Nova 1500 – 1700The Venetian influences

in Musical Europe

www.casadeespanamn.org Tickets available at www.ismfestival.org

Sephardic Diaspora

Thu, Feb 23, 2017 7:30 PMBeth El Synagogue

5225 Barry St. W. St. LouisPark, MN 55416

Spanish Music for Violin and Piano

Sat, Feb 18, 2017 7:30 PMLandmark Center, F. K.

Weyerhaeuser Auditorium75 5th Street West St. Paul, MN 55102

Mexican Folk Music WorkshopSun, Feb 26, 2017 1 PM

Minneapolis Institute of Art2400 3rd Ave S

Minneapolis, MN 55404

One of early music’s living legends, Jordi Savall leads his ensemble Hespèrion XXI in Venetian instrumental music from the 16th and 17th centuries. Composers of these works heralded a new era of instru-mental brilliance where melodic beauty was married to daring explorations of harmony, rhythm, and form.

Wed, Feb 8, 2017 - 7 PMOrdway Concert HallSaint Paul, Minnesota

Check out more events during the 2017 International Spanish Music Festival:Check out more events during the 2017 International Spanish Music Festival:

Musica Nova 1500 – 1700The Venetian influences

in Musical Europe

www.casadeespanamn.org Tickets available at www.ismfestival.org

Sephardic Diaspora

Thu, Feb 23, 2017 7:30 PMBeth El Synagogue

5225 Barry St. W. St. LouisPark, MN 55416

Spanish Music for Violin and Piano

Sat, Feb 18, 2017 7:30 PMLandmark Center, F. K.

Weyerhaeuser Auditorium75 5th Street West St. Paul, MN 55102

Mexican Folk Music WorkshopSun, Feb 26, 2017 1 PM

Minneapolis Institute of Art2400 3rd Ave S

Minneapolis, MN 55404

One of early music’s living legends, Jordi Savall leads his ensemble Hespèrion XXI in Venetian instrumental music from the 16th and 17th centuries. Composers of these works heralded a new era of instru-mental brilliance where melodic beauty was married to daring explorations of harmony, rhythm, and form.

Wed, Feb 8, 2017 - 7 PMOrdway Concert HallSaint Paul, Minnesota


Culture

Exploring Culture

IRISHTheaterSTONES IN HIS POCKETS | Mar. 3–19, 2017Daleko Arts, The Prague Theater (110 East Main St., New Prague, MN) By Marie Jones. Directed by Sean Byrd. A rural Irish village is turned on its head by the arrival of a film crew from the United States. When Charlie Conlon and Jake Quinn are cast as extras in the film, they realize that Hollywood’s romanticized Ireland stands in stark contrast to the reality of their day-to-day lives. $10-$20 | dalekoarts.com | 952.314.9077

DanceIRISH SOCIAL DANCING | Wednesdays, 7-9:30PM Dubliner Pub (2162 University Ave. W, Saint Paul) Learn Irish dancing in a genuine Irish pub. Steps and dances are taught by Paul McCluskey and Kirsten Koehler. Basic beginning steps are taught at 7:00, with advanced lessons and dancing continuing until 9:30 PM. No children, and must be of legal drinking age to remain past 9:00PM. Free | thedublinerpub.com | 651.646.5551

EventsA CELTIC HOLIDAY HOOLEY | Dec. 22 & 23, 2017O’Shea Irish Dancers, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre(501 West 78th St., Chanhassen, MN) Choreography and music by original Riverdancer, Cormac O’Sé, of Dublin. This variety show is a party for all ages with Irish music, stories, sketches, step dance, caroling, and even guest appearances by the Grinch and Claus. $40-$55 | chanhassentheatres.com | 952.934.1525

IRISH HERITAGE WEEKEND | Mar. 18 & 19, 2017James J. Hill House (240 Summit Ave., Saint Paul, MN)Explore the Irish heritage of one of the most influential families of the Gilded Age. Themed tours will include favorite Irish songs, organ music, needlework demonstrations and stories of the Hills and their servants. $6-$8 | mnhs.org | 651.297.2555

“The other crowd,” “good people,” “wee folk,” and “them” are a few of the names given to the fairies by the old people of Ireland. Eddie Lenihan has taped hundreds of hours of their stories. His most popular book, “The Other Crowd”, is compilation of stories from these older Irish people who have had first hand encounters with the both cunning and enchanting “other crowd”.

I interviewed Eddie Lenihan last August while in Ireland. The first topic was the White Hawthorn bush, the fortress of the fairies. Eddie became internationally famous in 1999 when he gathered a petition of thousands of folks, in Western Ireland, to prevent the tearing down of one singular White Hawhorn bush. It was in the path of new freeway construction. At the cost of 10 million dollars the freeway was diverted several hundred yards to save this bush. It is there. I saw it.

The fairies are both honored for their many gifts and feared for their wrath. “Do not cross the fairies,” warns Eddie, “as they have a way of catching up with you and not always in the kindest way”.

Eddie has traveled to 41 of the 50 states, passionately sharing his vibrant and compelling fairy stories. These stores, though

entertaining, are not fiction, nor are they simple diversions. They are meant to instruct the listeners on the profound world of the shape shifting fairies. Eddie has spoken at the Smithsonian Institute, many University departments, and wherever groups of people, mainly the Irish, seek to benefit from his stories and the “Other Crowd” he defends.

Eddie has written many books including Irish Tales of Mystery and Magic, Meeting the Other Crowd and Strange Irish Tales for Children. eddielenihan.weebly.com

LITERATUREMeeting The Other Crowd: The Fairy Stories of Hidden Irelandby Liz Loney

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“Do not cross the fairies…”~ Eddie Lenihan


Culture

Exploring Culture

ENGLISHTheaterTHE LION IN WINTER | Through Dec. 31, 2016Guthrie Theater (818 South 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN)By James Golden. Directed by Kevin Moriarty. During Christmas, 1183, King Henry II, his imprisoned queen (released only for the holiday), and their three entitled sons who vie for the throne engage in a high-stakes chess game with elegance and barbarism, devotion and disloyalty in this wickedly amusing tale. $15-$67 | guthrietheater.org | 612.377.2224

Did you Know…

When The Lion in Winter premiered at the Ambassador Theatre in 1966, Christopher Walken starred as Phillip? Rosemary Harris played Eleanor, for which she won a Tony, and Robert Preston was Henry.

CAMELOT | Through Feb. 25, 2017 Chanhassen Dinner Theatre (501 West 78th St., Chanhassen, MN) Music by Alan Jay Lerner. Book & music by Frederick Loewe. Based T. H. White novel, “The Once and Future King.” Queen Guinevere and King Arthur reside in an enchanted world until the Queen falls for Sir Lancelot, one of King Arthur’s most honorable Knights of the Round Table. Songs include If Ever I Would Leave You and The Simple Joys of Maidenhood. $50-$70 (show only); $58-$85 (with meal) | chanhassentheatres.com | 952.934.1525

LEADING LADIES | Feb. 10-26, 2017Woodbury Community Theatre The Loft Stage East Ridge High School(4200 Pioneer Dr. Woodbury, MN)By Ken Ludwig. When two struggling English Shakespearean actors hear that a dying woman plans to leave her fortune to her two long lost English nephews, they decide to pass themselves off as her relatives. At the last minute, they discover that the nephews are actually nieces. $15-$20 | woodburycommunitytheatre.org | 651.730.4627

See Also:DINNER AT EIGHT–See Opera section.

TO BEGIN WITH–See Religion & Spirituality section.

ExhibitsTHE BEGINNINGS OF MODERNISM: BRITISH MODERNISM, 1870–1919 | Through July 29, 2018 Minneapolis Institute of Art, Wells Fargo Center (90 South 7th St., Minneapolis, MN) When it came to decorative arts in the late 1800s, Britain led the way in modern design. This exhibition

includes designs by those from the Arts and Crafts movement as well as designs by Christopher Dresser, considered the first modern industrial designer, whose work depicted either new uses of natural or cultural motifs, or incredible simplicity through a focus on geometry and surface. Note: This exhibition is located in downtown Minneapolis at the Wells Fargo Center (located between 6th and 7th streets along Marquette Ave.) and is open weekdays only. Free | new.artsmia.org | 612.870.0723

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“What ancient native custom provides the needed glow?

Oh, what do simple folk do?”~ Lyrics from “What Do the Simple Folk Do?””( from Camelot)


Culture

Exploring Culture

ASIAN TheatreTHE FLOWER DRUM SONG | Jan. 20–Feb. 19, 2017Theatre Mu, Park Square Theatre(20 West 7th St., Saint Paul, MN)By David Henry Hwang. Music by Rodgers & Hammerstein. Set in San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1950s, this funny and moving story about a father who produces opera and a son who knows that nightclub acts are more profitable, explores what it means to be American. $50-$70 | muperformingarts.org | 651.789.1012

THE PAPER DREAMS OF HARRY CHIN Mar. 18–Apr. 9, 2017History Theatre (30 East Tenth St., Saint Paul, MN) By Jessica Huang. Directed by Mei Ann Teo. Harry Chin was one of the many Chinese nationals who landed in the U.S. through a loophole in the Chinese Exclusion Act. This new drama explores the personal and political repercussions of making a group of people “illegal.” $15-$40 | historytheatre.com | 651.292.4323

DanceBEREISHIT DANCE COMPANY Tues., Feb. 28, 2017, 7:30PMNorthrop (84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN)Choreography by Soon-ho-Park. From Seoul, South Korea, this contemporary dance company of athletic dancers present a program that merges the control and full-body excitement of break dancing with the ancient musical heritage of traditional Korean drumming. $25-$50 | northrop.umn.edu | 612.624.2345

ExhibitsAN IMMIGRANT’S TALE: THE EDWARD REYNOLDS WRIGHT, JR. COLLECTION | Through Jan. 8, 2017Weisman Museum (333 East River Rd., Minneapolis, MN)This exhibit features the collection of Edward Wright who became head of the Korean-American Educational (Fulbright) Commission in 1967. Because so many Koreans had been dislocated as a result of the Korean war in the early 50s, art and furniture became available for purchase. During his 11 years in Korea, Wright grew to love Korean culture and began collecting Korean ceramics, furniture, art, and everyday household items, including items from North Korea that would be difficult to find today. His collection was bequeathed to the University of Minnesota. Free | weisman.umn.edu | 612.625.9494

Minneapolis Institute of Art (2400–3rd Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN)Free | new.artsmia.org | 612.870.0723

INK UNBOUND: PAINTINGS BY LIU DAN Through Jan. 29, 2017 This exhibit features the recent paintings of Liu Dan, one of China’s most renowned living artists. Combining his appreciation for Western art with the ancient Chinese heritage, Liu’s “… meticulous and unexpected landscapes, rocks, and still-lifes showcase both his technical virtuosity and unrestrained imagination.” (From website.)

HARD BODIES: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LACQUER SCULPTURE | Through Feb. 11, 2017Thirty works by 16 artists comprise the first-ever comprehensive exhibition of contemporary Japanese lacquer sculpture from the Clark Collections at Mia.

42 | www.tctosca.comExploring Culture

Culture

BLACK/AFRICANTheatreOH FREEDOM! THE STORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD | Feb. 3–19, 2017Youth Performance Company, Howard Conn Fine Arts Ctr. (1900 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, MN)By Peter Manos. Engaging stories and songs portray the lives of Harriet Tubman, Harriet Beecher Stowe and lesser-known heroes including “Peg Leg” Joe, who taught slaves to escape and Henry “Box” Brown, who had himself put in a box and mailed to freedom. $7-$15| youthperformanceco.org| 612.623.9080

RUBY! THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES | Feb. 3–26, 2017SteppingStone Theatre (55 Victoria St. N, Saint Paul, MN) By Christina Ham. Music by Gary Rue. Directed by Ansa Akyea. This is the true story of first grader Ruby Bridges who is suddenly on the front lines of the struggle for Civil Rights in New Orleans when she becomes the first black child to attend an all-white school. $12-$16 | steppingstonetheatre.org | 651.225.9265 | Sun., Feb. 5, 2017 3PM is Pay as Able

See Also:THE HIGHWAYMEN–See History, Law & Politics section.

THE WHIPPING MAN–See Jewish Culture section.

EventsMinnesota History Center(345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN)minnesotahistorycenter.org | 651.259.3015

NAT TURNER’S REVOLT | Sat., Jan. 21, 2017, 1OAM & 2PMJoin historian Patrick Breen as he discusses the famous rebellion launched by Nat Turner in 1831 against slaveholders in Virginia. $12-$16

THE ORIGINS OF BLACK CIVIL RIGHTS IN MINNESOTA Feb. 21, 2017, 7PMIn this History Lounge, Dr. Bill Green, author of “Degrees of Freedom: The Origins of Civil Rights in Minnesota, 1865-1912,” will discuss Minnesota civil rights history and will explore how in “liberal” Minnesota, black settlers, entrepreneurs, politicians and activists maneuvered within a restricted political arena to bring about real and lasting change. Free

MusicLANGSTON HUGHES’ BLACK NATIVITY Through Dec. 23, 2016Penumbra Theatre (270 N Kent St., Saint Paul, MN) By Langston Hughes. Musical direction by Sanford Moore. With Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Choir, and choreography of Uri Sands of TU Dance. This annual holiday concert, which includes holiday music and the nativity story, focuses on compassion, connection and community. $15-$40 | penumbratheatre.org | 651.224.3180

SOMI | Fri., Jan. 27, 2017, 7:30PMOrdway Center for the Performing Arts(345 Washington St. N, Saint Paul, MN) Acclaimed East African vocalist and songwriter Somi performs a full-bodied song cycle and vignettes of spoken word in this deeply personal narrative framed by elements of jazz, soul, and African music. $27-$32 | ordway.org |651. 224.4222

WITNESS: UNDERGROUND RAILROAD Sun., Feb. 19, 2017, 4PMVocalEssence, Orchestra Hall(1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN)VocalEssence Chorus with Franklin Middle School Chorus, North High School Chorus, Parkway Montessori & Community Middle School Chorus, Johnson Senior High School Chorus & guest artist Melanie DeMore. Conducted by G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Come prepared to sing, clap and stomp along the path to freedom with Melanie DeMore. Illuminating Minnesota’s historic role as a sanctuary for the oppressed, DeMore returns to raise up immigrant voices past and present through songs of liberation and freedom. $10-$40 | vocalessence.org | 612.371.5600

DanceTHE SECRET OF SLAVE SONGS | Feb. 24–25, 2017The Threads ProjectThe O’Shaughnessy, St. Catherine’s University(2004 Randolph Ave., Saint Paul, MN)Music by William Banfield and others. Artistic direction by Karen Charles. Examining slavery’s abolition and its consequences, this contemporary dance company combines expressive choreography with moving renditions of Negro Spirituals. $13-$25 | oshaughnessy.stkate.edu | 651.690.6700

“Sweet little Jesus boy | Born a long time ago | Sweet little holy child We didn’t know who you were.”

~ “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” from Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity

www.tctosca.com | 43Exploring Art

Art

ExhibitsRobbin Gallery(4915–42nd Ave. N, Robbinsdale, MN)Located in the historic Robbinsdale library building, Robbin Gallery hosts eleven exhibits each year including two member shows and the “Extremely Minnesota” statewide juried exhibition. Eight monthly “Special Exhibits” are available each year to individual artists or groups of artists. Open Tues., Thurs., Fri. and Sat. Free | robbingallery.org | 763.537.5906

FIRE AND ICE | Jan. 12–Feb. 19, 2017 AZ Gallery (308 Prince St., Saint Paul, MN)The St. Paul Art Collective, in conjunction with the St. Paul Winter Carnival hosts its first annual Winter Carnival Art Show, celebrating St. Paul artists during the nation’s oldest and largest celebration of winter. Free | azgallery.org

Groveland Gallery(25 Groveland Terrace, Minneapolis, MN)Free | grovelandgallery.com | 612.377.7800

SHORELINES | Through Jan. 21, 2017This exhibit features the work of artist Kit Wilson who paints variations in atmosphere, color and light found in nature.

NEW WORK | Through Jan. 21, 2017Artist Fred Anderson’s paintings illustrate his everyday life, including still lifes of toys, flea-market finds, his home, the house around the corner, and the old farmsteads just outside the city limits.

LOWERTOWN FIRST FRIDAYSLowertown First Friday is a monthly celebration of art and music at over six locations at the end of the light rail along East 4th Street in Saint Paul’s Lowertown district. Enjoy local art, live music and art receptions, flamenco and belly dancing demonstrations, street fire dancers, food and beverages and more. Free | lowertownfirstfridays.org

See Also:THE CHRONICLES OF NATIVE LIFE: THE MACMILLAN GIFT OF SETH EASTMAN WATERCOLORS–See Native American Culture section.

INK UNBOUND: PAINTINGS BY LIU DAN–See Asian Culture section.HARD BODIES: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LACQUER SCULPTURE–See Asian Culture section. AN IMMIGRANT’S TALE: THE EDWARD REYNOLDS WRIGHT, JR. COLLECTION–See Asian Culture section.

ON FERTILE GROUND–See Native American Culture section.

JUL DALMÅLNING–FIGURATIVE PAINTINGS–See Scandinavian Culture section.WHERE THE CHILDREN SLEEP: PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCUS WENNMAN–See Scandinavian Culture section.THE BEGINNINGS OF MODERNISM: BRITISH MODERNISM, 1870-1919–See English Culture section.

Great Places to Shop for ArtARTIST MERCANTILE(24 West 7th Place, Saint Paul, MN)Located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, the Artist Mercantile promotes the work of over 60 Minnesota artists, offering an eclectic mix of locally-made art and gifts. Original pieces come in many forms, such as ceramics, glass, jewelry, hats, woodworking, photography, and paintings, with new creations coming in weekly, providing the shopper a new and different experience with each visit. artistmerc.com | 651.222.0053

THE GODDESS OF GLASS(4400 Osseo Rd., Minneapolis, MN)Owner Connie Beckers, an award-winning glass artist, operates this retail shoppe featuring handmade gifts by 100 local artisans and professional picture framing. They also offer a variety of art classes for kids and grown-ups of all ages. goddessofglass.com | 612.521.0399

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For the love of the arts


Limited time offer



By Gail Weber

Charles Klosterman said, “Art and love are the same thing: It’s the process of seeing yourself in things that are not you.” I believe that art that is great will speak to your soul. And if you see a piece of art that speaks to your soul, then it is great art.

In 2009 we selected our first Minnesota Artist of the Year. Since our magazine tends to follow the typical theatre season, our year runs from Fall through the Summer. Our first Minnesota Artist of the year was Leon Zobel, for 2009-2010. (See his work on page 48.)

Up to that point, Exploring TOSCA had been promoting primarily Minnesota artists for five years–since its inception. The next

five years were spent not only acknowledging Minnesota artists, but artists from around the country as well. We implemented the American Artists series in 2011 to introduce some of the incredible artists in other states to our readers.

Selecting the best artist from each state is not any easy task. Our approach has been to select artists whose work we felt our readers would love. Their work had to have at least two or more of the following qualities: 1) beauty, 2) originality, 3) meaningful symbolism, 4) artistic skill/talent, 5) delight/humor, 6) intellectual challenge, 7) historical, political or social significance, and 8) interesting subject matter. It was also important to us that the artist’s work be accessible to our readers. An artist might be excluded if their website was not user friendly or lacked contact information. Work that might be considered offensive was also not considered.

It’s been an amazing experience, for our readers, for me personally (yes, I bought a lot of art in the process), and hopefully for the artists too. Perhaps some think of Italy, Greece or France when one mentions great art. But I now know for a fact that the USA is right up there with those countries. What remarkable talent and spirit our creative country produces. I am so proud.

I hope you enjoy re-visiting some of these hand-selected favorites and enjoy seeing the art they are creating these days. Find the one that speaks to your soul.

Our Favorite American Artists

Exploring Art

[email protected]://carollambertarts.com

Since appearing in these pages in 2013, Alaskan artist Carol Lambert has continued to explore how human beings connect to the natural world. She describes “Wing and Antler” (2016) as a meditation on the ways wild creatures help us to appreciate both life and death.

Carol earned her BA in Art and Art History at Brown University, and went on to study at several academies and studios, including the Art Students League in New York and Gage Academy in Seattle. She has exhibited in many solo, juried, and group shows. Her work is in private collections worldwide. To see her most recent paintings, drawings, and etchings, and to read her essays on collecting and making art, go to http://carollambertarts.com.

Carol LambertAK Artist of the Year 2013–2014

“Wing and Antler”, 20 x 16 inches, oil on linen panel

Some of Our Favorite American Artists Over the Years– See the Love



“Evening Guardian Ritual”, 36 x 48 in., acrylic on wood panel

Timothy ChapmanAZ Artist of the Year 2014–2015

[email protected]

Dianna Cates DunnCO Artist of the Year 2014–2015

[email protected]

www.diannacatesdunn.com

“Tula and Swen Tango”As seen in the new book,

“The Truths of Tula: A Muse and Her Artist”

60 x 36 x 2 in., acrylic/collage on wrapped canvas

[email protected]

Penny Putnam’s paintings have often been described as joyful, upbeat and optimistic. They are abstract tapestries of sophisticated color and marks that celebrate the natural world with a nod to the unknown. Though hints of landscape can be seen in many of her paintings, they tease us to imagine something more profound captured in layers of rich pigment and mysterious textures.

Penny earned a degree in Art at the University of Florida and enjoyed a successful career in graphic design in New York City before becoming a full time fine artist. Penny lives and works in Connecticut. Her paintings are included in numerous corporate and private collections. More of her work can be seen on her website.

Penny PutnamCT Artist of the Year 2011–2012

“Traces”, mixed media on paper, 26 x 20 inches



Exploring Art

[email protected]

Focused on the energy and spiritual essence of the landscape, his award-winning work has been exhibited and featured in the Florida State Capitol Building, public art, museums, art centers, galleries, books, magazine covers, newspapers, and websites. He is included in the permanent Art Collection of The State of Florida, The University of Florida and many other prestigious private and corporate collections worldwide. Throughout 2017 his work will appear on billboards with Art Pop Street Gallery throughout

Orlando and Central Florida.

Besides painting, Gary is a horseman and raises cattle on his ranch in North Central Florida.

More paintings, photos and information at garyborse.com.

Gary BorseFL Artist of the Year 2011–2012

“The Rite of Spring”, 20 x 30 inches, acrylic on canvas

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Ken C. HamiltonNJ Artist of the Year 2011–2012

[email protected]

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Jean Reece WilkeyNM Artist of the Year 2014–2015

[email protected]



Gulgun (Gigi) TurkerMN Artist of the Year 2015–2016

[email protected]

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Barbara MorrisonMT Artist of the Year 2014–2015

[email protected]

artsculpt@mindspring.comwww.pamtarbell.comwww.themillbrookgallery.com

Pamela R. Tarbell has a lifelong passion for the visual art, and has a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is a juried member of the National Association of Women Artists, and has participated in several of their juried exhibits. Her new series “Marsh Kaleidoscope” focus on the wetlands and their tangled environment that is so important to our ecosystem. Tarbell curates and is director of her own gallery, the Mill Brook Gallery & Sculpture Garden, for the past twenty year. She gives of her free time promoting the visual arts in her area for non-profits. In 2015 she was awarded the one of six women for “Outstanding Women in Business.”

Pamela TarbellNH Artist of the Year 2014–2015

“Marsh Kaleidoscope #4”, 40 x 60 inches, oil on canvas



Exploring Art

Jane MayerWA Artist of the Year 2014–2015

www.janemayerfineart.com

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Leon ZobelMN Artist of the Year 2009–2010

[email protected]

800.354.0141907.224.3131dotbardarson@gmail.comwww.bardarsonstudio.com

Dot Bardarson is a leader in the world of Alaskan arts. She served on the Alaska State Council on the Arts for six years. Watercolor is her favorite medium. Her two current styles reflect working in the studio and in plein air.

To date, the Alaska’s Percent for Art Program has commissioned 18 works.

She was recently named “Queen of Arts” by the Seward Arts Council, not only where she designed 13 sets for plays, but for acting as well, and for her leadership in making Seward the Mural Capital of Alaska. (She was master artist for 3 of the murals, and has painted on all of them.) Her 59 prints and many giclees can be ordered from her website.

Dot BardarsonAK Artist of the Year 2011–2012

“Piano Blues”, 19 inches round, watercolor


“Fantastique”, mixed media collage, 23 x 30 inches, 2010

Feng Shui for EntertainingCreate an Inviting Space for Guests to GatherBy Julie Ann Segal

Art of the Home

Wondering how to create a sense of harmony and warmth for receiving guests in your home? Along with the preparation of delicious food to adorn the table, setting the stage for a comfortable experience is the goal of a heartfelt host. The art of Feng Shui most definitely plays a role when hosting an elegant dinner party or casual gathering.

A clutter-free room is important, for starters. The dining room table should offer ample space for each guest. You may wish to sit in every seat around the table prior to your gathering to ensure that all guests enjoy a pleasant view. Keep in mind that comfortable dining room seats are a must, yet not so cozy that your guests outwear their welcome!

An immaculate tablecloth or attractive placemats set the initial tone. Placing a beautiful fresh flower arrangement, candles, or a bowl of fruit in the center of the table is a simple way to add color and ambiance. Consider hanging a large mirror in the dining area, as it makes the room appear more spacious. A mirror also represents the Water element, which helps balance space and flow.

Happy entertaining!

Julie Ann Segal, Interior Designer and President of Metro Interiors, is renowned for her deep commitment to providing clients with state-of-the-art design. Always on the cutting edge, Julie Ann’s dynamic approach utilizes all resources within reach.

For over 25 years, Julie Ann has enjoyed taking the stress out of making design changes. Eclectic

to classic, modern to traditional–there is nothing she and her team will not do to create that “wow factor” that has exceeded clients’ expectations for over two decades. A Certified Feng Shui consultant, Julie Ann infuses elements of this ancient art into all design endeavors, revealing environments rich in comfort, beauty, balance, and harmony.

Sign up for monthly Design Tips at www.metrointeriors.com. To schedule a design consultation or inquire about services, email [email protected] or call 952.920.2827.

New–Virtual Consultations now available! Visit www.metrointeriors.com/shop

Design and photography by Metro Interiors

Mention this article

and receive 10% off your first design consultation.

Offer good through March 31st, 2017.

SPECIAL OFFERFor TOSCA Readers!

50 | www.tctosca.comExploring Art

Art of Fashion & Beauty

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Phyllis DesignsJudy Cooper Lyle, Owner & Designer

One-of-a-kind wearable art for the urban womanKimonos, jackets, caftans and tunics

EventsVINTAGE OR CONTEMPORARY FELT HATMAKING Sat., Jan. 21 &22, 2017, 10:30AM-3PMTextile Center (3000 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN)Milliner expert Karen Morris shares her collection of old and new hat blocks and instructs in the making of two felt hats of your own. Choose a vintage-inspired cloche, a trendy trilby, a fedora, bowler or even a top hat in traditional high-standard hand-blocked techniques. $250 | textilecentermn.org | 612.436.0464

History Happy HourVICTORIAN UNDERWEAR | Thurs., Apr. 27, 2017, 8:30PMAlexander Ramsey House (265 S Exchange St., Saint Paul, MN)Enjoy a drink while learning about the “unmentionables” of the Victorian era. Ramsey House’s Join Kelsey Hokenson provides a unique look at the styles and trends of undergarments for both women and men in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ticket price includes two drinks, snacks, presentation and time to mingle in the mansion. $20-$25 | mnhs.org | 651.296.8760


Featured Artist

Josephine A. Geiger trained as an architect, and it shows. Her art is rooted in the architecture of the landscape, with scenes distilled into rectangles and squares of colored light. Conventional stained glass begins with a careful ‘blueprint’ for where each piece will go, while Josephine’s artwork doesn’t use traditional patterns. She takes a photo or sketch for inspiration, then translates it freely, as a painter would. The process is organic, with elements being added, rearranged, flipped, or removed, until the visual puzzle is finally solved–often in surprising ways.

More subtle architectural effects can be seen within the structure of kiln-worked elements and copper mesh lacing through the panels. The copper fabric is cut, folded, bent, and twisted as it weaves in and out of openings cut into the glass panel. Deceptively simple spaces, carefully structured in the panel for strength and composition, flirt with the solidity of the leaded glass.

In addition to a steady stream of private commissions, Josephine’s artwork is represented in various public collections and installations. Her distinctive style has earned multiple awards; she has been featured in both regional and national publications, on MN Original and Handcrafted America.

Born and mostly raised in Wisconsin, Josephine now lives in a small house with a big yard in Saint Paul, MN with her studio above the garage, a pond full of (sometimes frozen) goldfish in the back yard, and the dog watching out the window while the cat plays with her tail.

Studio open by appointment. Find her work online at www.jageigerstudio.com.

Artist Josephine A. Geiger in her St. Paul studio.

Above: “Fire Birch”

Left: “Windswept Oak”

Right: “Impression II: Pheasant Branch Stream”–

City of Middleton Police and Municipal Court Facility.

Photo by Lauri Flaquer

Josephine A. Geiger Fine Art Stained Glass

52 | www.tctosca.comHoliday Events

Theatre

Traditional Shows, New Shows, Hilarious Shows THE LONGEST NIGHT | Through Dec. 23, 2016Open Eye Figure Theatre (506 East 24th Street, Minneapolis, MN)Created and performed by Bradley Greenwald and accompanied by pianist Sonja Thompson. Bradley celebrates winter, the holiday blues, excess, and the soul’s need for rebirth in an eclectic program of text and music. Enjoy the music of Rodgers and Hart, Leonard Cohen, Purcell, J. S. Bach, Sting, Peter Mayer, Dar Williams, and more and the words of Margaret Atwood, Joseph Campbell, and Ogden Nash thrown in for good measure. $22-$26 | openeyetheatre.org | 612.874.6338

A GONE FISHIN’ CHRISTMAS | Through Dec. 23, 2016 Yellow Tree Theatre (320 5th Ave. SE, Osseo, MN) By Jessica Lind Peterson. Directed by Jason Peterson. In this world premiere holiday comedy, two sisters travel home to Duluth to catch a big one in the Northland’s biggest ice fishing contest of the decade. But an unseasonably warm winter threatens to ruin everything. $17-$27 | yellowtreetheatre.com | 763.493.8733

THE CHURCH BASEMENT LADIESAWAY IN THE BASEMENT: CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS | Through Dec. 31, 2016Plymouth Playhouse, Best Western Kelly Inn(2705 Annapolis Ln. N, Minneapolis, MN)By Drew Jansen and Greta Groesch. Based on “Growing Up Lutheran” by Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson. In this charming musical comedy, the church ladies prepare for the 1959 School Christmas Program. $22-$34 | plymouthplayhouse.com | 763.553.1600

Children’s ShowsRUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL | Through Dec. 28, 2016Stages Theatre Co. (1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN) Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and the stage production. Directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. Script adaptation by Robert Penola. Arrangements and orchestrations by Timothy Splain. Scenic and puppet design by Brandon Kirkham. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” animated television special adapted from a story by Robert L. May. Music and lyrics by Johnny Marks. Directed by Sandy Boren-Barrett. This is the classic story of misfits, elves, an abominable snow monster, and a red-nosed reindeer who wants to help Santa. $5-$25 | stagestheatre.org | 952.979.1111 | Lap passes available

THE MAGIC DREIDELS | Through Dec. 21, 2016 Minnesota Jewish Theatre (1978 Ford Pkwy., Saint Paul, MN) Adapted by Jenna Zark. Based on the book by Eric A. Kimmel. Directed by Michael Kissin. Starring Soren Thayne Miller as Jakob. Jakob loses his dreidel in the well. A goblin replaces his dreidel with magical ones, beginning a series of funny and touching adventures in a story that explores the cultural traditions of Hanukkah and the universal themes of sharing, compassion and friendship. $12-$34 | mnjewishtheatre.org | 651.647.4315

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER Dec. 15–29, 2016 The Play’s the Thing Productions Lakeville Area Arts Center (20965 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville, MN) Adapted from book by Barbara Robinson. This funny and touching story includes baby angels, church ladies, firefighters, and the incorrigible children who invade the Christmas pageant. $14 | ci.lakeville.mn.us | 952.985.4640

Holiday Events


Theatre

Charles Dicken’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL The traditional and not-so-traditionalA CHRISTMAS CAROL Through Dec. 30, 2016Guthrie Theater (818 S 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN)By Charles Dickens. Adapted by Crispin Whittell. Directed by Joe Chvala. Choreography direction by Joe Chvala. This traditional version is the Guthrie’s 42nd annual production. $15-$137 | guthrietheater.com | 612.377.2224

Camp Cabaret(490 Robert St. N, Saint Paul, MN)camp-bar.net | 651.292.1844

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS MUSICAL Through Dec. 23, 2016Minneapolis Musical TheatreDirected by Ryan McGuire Grimes. Musical direction by Tony Sofie. Join Betty, Pickles, Linoleum, and their new neighbors as they try to decorate their premier mobile-living community to win a contest from Better Trailer Homes and Gardens. And when the park’s resident Scrooge gets amnesia, the group has to rally to show her the true meaning of Christmas. $16-$27 | aboutmmt.org | 612.440.6681

THE COMEDY ROAST OF MR. SCROOGE Through Dec. 21, 2016Actors Theater of MinnesotaAll of the beloved characters from A Christmas Carol give Scrooge what he has coming to him with words that Charles Dickens never knew in this irreverent raucous show. $19.50-$24.50 | actorsmn.org | 800.838.3006

“If Gene Roddenberry and Charles Dickens got really drunk together one night, this is the show they would have created.”

A KLINGON CHRISTMAS CAROL Through Dec. 26, 2016Mounds Theatre (1029 Hudson Rd., Saint Paul, MN)By Christopher Mostrom and Sasha Warren. Translated by Chris Lipscombe. SQuja’ is having a bad holiday. Ghosts keep showing up and trying to show him the error of his ways so he can regain his honor as a Klingon before it’s too late. Performed primarily in Klingon with English subtitles. Tickets TBA | moundstheatre.org | 651.772.2253

A CHRISTMAS CAROLE PETERSEN Through Dec. 23, 2016Theatre Latté Da, Ritz Theater (345 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN)By Tod Petersen and Peter Rothstein. Directed by Peter Rothstein. Music direction by Denise Prosek. Featuring Tod Petersen. Story-teller Tod Petersen reflects on the yuletide season with his family in Mankato, in particular his mother Carole, in this hilarious and heartwarming comedy. Tickets TBA | theaterlatteda.com| 612.339.3003

Christmas Carol Dinner Theater ShowA DON’T HUG ME CHRISTMAS CAROL Through Jan. 1, 2017Bunker Hills Dinner Theater (12800 Bunker Prairie Rd. NW, Coon Rapids, MN)Presented by DHM productions. After falling through a hole in the ice, Gunner Johnson is visited by folk legend Sven Yorgensen in this musical comedy set in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota with songs such as Grandma Cut the Christmas Cheese and I Love You More than Football. Includes three-course luncheon or dinner. $47-$57 | donthugme.com | 763.951.7244

Holiday Events

Holiday Events

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“Really, for a man who had been out of practice for so many years it was a splendid laugh!”

~ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol


Concerts

A Spiritual HolidayLANGSTON HUGHES’ BLACK NATIVITY Through Dec. 23, 2016Penumbra Theatre (270 N Kent St., Saint Paul, MN) By Langston Hughes. Musical direction by Sanford Moore. With Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Choir, and choreography of Uri Sands of TU Dance. This annual holiday concert, which includes holiday music and the nativity story, focuses on compassion, connection and community. $15-$40 | penumbratheatre.org | 651.224.3180

An Opera HolidayTHE THREE TENORS CHRISTMAS | Dec. 20–21, 2016Nathan Bird’s NorrSound TenorsChanhassen Dinner Theatres (501 W 78th St., Chanhassen, MN) Inspired by “The Three Tenors,” these musicians, accompanied by a string quartet and piano, combine humor and mesmerizing harmonies with Christmas classics including O Holy Night as well as timeless opera tenor melodies such as Nessun Dorma and Una furtiva lagrima. $40-$55 | chanhassentheatres.com | 952.934.1525

A Celtic HolidayA CELTIC HOLIDAY HOOLEY | Dec. 22 & 23, 2016O’Shea Irish Dancers, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre(501 West 78th St., Chanhassen, MN) Choreography and music by original Riverdancer, Cormac O’Sé, of Dublin. This variety show is a party for all ages with Irish music, stories, sketches, step dance, caroling and even guest appearances by the Grinch and Santa Claus. $40-$55 | chanhassentheatres.com | 952.934.1525

KATIE MCMAHON’S CELTIC CHRISTMAS | Fri., Dec. 23, 2016, 7:30PMThe O’Shaughnessy St. Catherine’s University (2004 Randolph Ave., Saint Paul, MN)The original voice of Riverdance sings holiday favorites, in this family-friendly concert that includes stories and lively Irish dance. $8-$26 | oshag.stkate.edu/all-events | 651.690.6700

A Nostalgic HolidayAN ANDY & BING CHRISTMAS Dec. 28–30, 2016Chanhassen Dinner Theatre (501 W 78th St., Chanhassen, MN) $40-$55 | chanhassentheatres.com | 952.934.1525

A Country Christmas HOME FREE: A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS Wed., Dec. 21, 2016, 7:30PM, 2016The Northrop (984 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN)This southern sound celebrates the festive season with an a capella twist. $208-$260 | northrop.umn.edu | 612.624.2345

THE TRASHY LITTLE XMAS SHOW Fri., Dec. 23, 2016, 7:30 PMTrailer Trash, Turf Club(1601 University Ave., Saint Paul, MN)Known for playing traditional country music, Trailer Trash can also swing, rock and groove in a wide variety of styles from the American hit parade. $20-$25 |turfclub.net | 651.647.0486

A Victorian Holiday VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS CAROLS | Dec. 22 & 23, 2016James J. Hill House (240 Summit Ave., Saint Paul, MN)This one-hour concert of 19th century Christmas carols by costumed singers in the Hill House takes place in the art gallery and is followed by refreshments and tours. $8-$12 | mnhs.org | 651.297.2555

Holiday Events

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Holiday Events

LOYCE HOULTON’S NUTCRACKER FANTASY Dec. 16–23, 2016Minnesota Dance Theater, State Theatre (805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN)$30-$75 | hennepintheatretrust.org | 800.982.2787

NUTCRACKER | Dec. 18–20, 2016Academy of Russian Ballet, Eden Prairie High School (17185 Valley View Rd., Eden Prairie, MN)Choreography by Marius Patina. Edited for restaging by Svetlana Gavriolva and Kirill Bak. This classic version of Nutcracker is performed by student performers from the pre-ballet program through adult classes. $17-$29 | academyofrussianballet.com | 612.636.3167

Did You Know…

The original Nutcracker had quite an international cast of creators? And all were prolific in their own way:

• German author Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann, better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, wrote the novella, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, (Nussknacker und Mausekönig) in 1816. He was prolific in the arts having worked as a jurist, composer, music critic, draftsman, and caricaturist

• In 1844 French writer, Alexander Dumas, Père adapted Hoffman’s story when he wrote The Nutcracker (Histoire d’un casse-noisette). Dumas, a prolific writer, also penned The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. He was also prolific in other ways, having had numerous liaisons outside of his marriage; some say his relationships with at least 40 mistresses resulted in seven additional children.

• Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky set Dumas’ story to music and it premiered in St. Petersburg in December, 1892. It was Tchaikovsky’s last ballet and not really his favorite. Indeed, the first performance was not well received by critics. Tchaikovsky was the first Russian composer whose music had an international impact. He was a prolific composer, but also known to be prolific with the stylistic and emotional range in his music, which also included the beloved ballets, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.

• French choreographer Marius Petipa, who is often credited with staging The Nutcracker in 1892, is considered “The Father of Classical Ballet.” Petipa began his career as a dancer in France, but eventually moved to Russia where he achieved great acclaim for his dancing and pantomime. As a choreographer, Petipa became known for his prolific staging, having produced more than sixty full-evening ballets and innumerable shorter works.

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Holiday Events

Events A CELTIC HOLIDAY HOOLEY | Dec. 22 & 23, 2016 O’Shea Irish Dancers, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre (501 West 78th St., Chanhassen, MN) Choreography and music by original Riverdancer, Cormac O’Sé, of Dublin. This variety show is a party for all ages with Irish music, stories, sketches, step dance, caroling and even guest appearances by the Grinch and Santa Claus. $40-$55 | chanhassentheatres.com | 952.934.1525

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT THE RAMSEY HOUSE Through Jan. 1, 2017Alexander Ramsey House (265 S. Exchange St., Saint Paul, MN)Experience an 1875 Victorian Christmas with a guided tour that includes homemade cookies fresh from the wood- burning stove, popular holiday music of the era played on the family’s Steinway piano, the original family ornaments, Christmas gifts, and more. $7-$11 |m nhs.org | 651.296.8760

HOLIDAZZLE | Through Dec. 23, 2016Loring Park, Downtown MinneapolisThis annual holiday event creates a community-gathering experience celebrating winter in downtown Minneapolis. This year’s Holidazzle highlights local people, products and places. In addition to ice skating, Santa Claus, Holiday movies and giveaways, enjoy the work of local artists, vendors, entertainers, and more. Free | holidazzle.com | 612.376.SNOW

HILL HOUSE HOLIDAYS Through Dec. 24, 2016James J. Hill House (240 Summit Ave., Saint Paul, MN)Experience a Gilded Age Christmas as costumed actors portray people who worked for the Hill family in a one-hour program that moves through the elegant first floor to the basement servant work area. The script is based on letters and oral histories of people who worked for the Hill family during the first decade of the 20th century. $8-$12 | mnhs.org | 651.297.2555

NOON YEAR’S PARTY Dec. 31, 2016–Jan. 1, 2017Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Visitor Center (1225 Estabrook Dr., Saint Paul, MN) Ring in the “Zoo” year during a special Noon Year’s Celebration for kids that includes contests, prizes, craft making, and giveaways. Music by Kidsdance, Minnesota’s favorite high-energy, interactive DJ service for kids, will be there both days with tunes, and a countdown to noon with hundreds of beach balls dropped from the ceiling. Tickets TBA | comozooconservatoy.org | 651.487.8200

ExhibitsGINGERBREAD WONDERLAND | Through Jan. 6, 2017Norway House (913 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN)This second annual exhibit features the results of a community baking effort to build the Twin Cities out of gingerbread. Treats will also be available at the Also Ingebretsen’s shop. $5 | norwayhouse.org | 612.871.2211

A NORDIC CHRISTMAS: CELEBRATIONS OF LIGHT Through Jan. 8, 2017American Swedish Institute (2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN)This year’s holiday exhibition explores universal celebrations of light and the traditions of the five Nordic countries (Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden), and partners with Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota & the Dakotas to highlight Jewish holiday customs. $5-$10 | americanswedishinst.org | 612.871.4907

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612.481.3206 or go to page 69Limited time offer.


jageigerstudio.com | (612) 964-6081

“Hold the Moon” | leaded stained glass, copper mesh | 17 1/2”x18 3/4”

Fine Art Stained Glass

Sister of Grendelby Susan Th urston

Five-star reviewsA novel for literature lovers

“Defi nitely one of those books that I will read over and over again.” ~ Goodreads

www.sisterofgrendel.com

Holiday Events

TOSCA Holiday Gift Recommendations

Merry Little Bath Company, LLC

Natural & Organic Skincare

Feel the Difference! Visit us at

www.merrylittlebath.comFree Shipping

10% of all soap sales currently going to,

Minnesota Land Trust & Superior Hiking Trail Association.

Hard To Breathe | Tom [email protected] | www.tom-combs.com

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

ER doctor and medical researcher Drake Cody reports a powerful Twin Cities’ car dealer for suspected domestic violence. Drake’s life and career are threatened as the full extent of the abuser’s criminality is revealed. Drake’s hidden past is uncovered as corrupt hospital and university

personnel attempt to pirate his breakthrough drug. Book two of the Drake Cody series.



NEW RELEASE

A NOVEL IN STORIES

Award-winning Minnesota author Connie Claire Szarke will sign her literary/historical fiction novels at Excelsior Apple Day, Sept.17, and at the Rain Taxi Book Festival, Oct. 15. Lady in the Moon joins Delicate Armor and A Stone for Amer. Her two stand-alone shorts are “Stone Wall” and “Omertà.” Szarke is available for book club discussions, library events, community reads, and Elements of Fiction presentations. www.connieclaireszarke.com


Holiday Events

GoTravelwear.com

Simply ElegantEasy CareTravel Wear

Fashion Flies with Function.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS | $98


Holiday Events


Lea-Way Designs, LLCLeann E. [email protected]

Culturally-inspired tiles for the home.

Shown: Rust Mudcloth tile coaster set (4.8125 x 4.8125 x 2 in.)

Tile designs thatfill your spirit

Plymouth-based author Tom Combs spent 25 years as an emergency physician. His career provides the foundation for his unforgettable characters and riveting plots. His emotional engagement arises from his experience helping those facing

illness, trauma and tragedy.

Combs’ first book, Nerve Damage, explodes with suspense and true-to-

life medical action as renegade agents of the trillion-dollar pharmaceutical industry place a young Twin Cities doctor and his family in deadly peril. It’s a tale of heart-pounding thrills, brilliant twists and gut-clenching emotion.

Nerve Damage’s success led Combs to continue the saga of his hero, Dr. Drake Cody, with a new book, Hard to Breathe. This time, Dr. Cody risks his career and his life by reporting a powerful Twin Cities businessman for suspected domestic abuse while battling greed-driven attempts to pirate his breakthrough experimental drug.

www.tom-combs.com



phyllisproductions.com

Phyllis DesignsJudy Cooper Lyle, Owner & Designer

One-of-a-kind wearable art for the urban womanKimonos, jackets, caftans and tunics


Dec. 23, 24, 25, 2016 Fri.–Sun.

Theatre & EventsCAMELOT, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Musicals

THE SOUL OF GERSHWIN, Park Square Theatre, St. Paul, Musicals

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, Old Log, Excelsior, Musicals

THE LION IN WINTER, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., Dramas

THE NORWEGIANS, Dark & Stormy Prod., Mpls., Comedies

TRIPLE ESPRESSO, New Century Theatre, Mpls., Comedies

CINDERELLA, Children’s Theatre, Mpls., Children

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT RAMSEY HOUSE, St. Paul, Holiday Events

HOLIDAZZLE, Loring Park, Mpls., Holiday Events

HILL HOUSE HOLIDAYS, St. Paul, Holiday Events

BLACK NATIVITY, Penumbra Theatre, St. Paul, Holiday Events

KATIE MCMAHON’S CELTIC CHRISTMAS, O’Shaughnessy, St. Paul, Holiday Events

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS CAROLS, James J. Hill House, St. Paul, Holiday Events

THE LONGEST NIGHT, Open Eye Figure Theatre, Mpls., Holiday Events

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS MUSICAL, Camp Cabaret, St. Paul, Holiday Events

A CELTIC HOLIDAY HOOLEY, O’Shea Irish Dancers, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Holiday Events

THE TRASHY LITTLE XMAS SHOW, Trailer Trash Turf Club, St. Paul, Holiday Events

A GONE FISHIN’ CHRISTMAS, Yellow Tree Theatre, Osseo, Holiday Events

WHITE CHRISTMAS, Ordway, St. Paul, Holiday Events

AWAY IN THE BASEMENT: CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS, Plymouth Playhouse, Holiday Events

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL, Stages Theatre Co., Hopkins, Holiday Events

BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, SteppingStone Theatre, St. Paul, Holiday Events

BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, The Play’s the Thing, Lakeville, Holiday Events

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., Holiday Events

A DON’T HUG ME CHRISTMAS CAROL, Bunker Hills Dinner Theater, Coon Rapids, Holiday Events

A KLINGON CHRISTMAS CAROL, Mounds Theatre, St. Paul, Holiday Events

A CHRISTMAS CAROLE PETERSEN, Theatre Latté da, Mpls., Holiday Events

LOYCE HOULTON’S NUTCRACKER FANTASY, MN Dance Theatre, Mpls., Holiday Events

Exhibits35 YEARS OF MUSIC IN MINNEAPOLIS, Mill City Museum, Mpls., About Theatre

ICE WATER AND OPERA GLASSES, Hennepin History Museum, Mpls., About Theatre

PORTRAITS OF THE PAST, Hennepin History Museum, Mpls., Nostalgia

GINGERBREAD WONDERLAND, Norway House, Mpls., Holiday Events

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, Hist., Law, & Pol.

• MINNESOTA’S GREATEST GENERATION• SUBURBIA

THE CHRONICLES OF NATIVE LIFE: THE MACMILLAN GIFT OF SETH EASTMAN WATERCOLORS, Mpls. Inst. Art, Native Am. Culture AN IMMIGRANT’S TALE: THE EDWARD REYNOLDS WRIGHT, JR. COLLECTION, Weisman Museum, Mpls., Asian Culture

HARD BODIES: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LACQUER SCULPTURE, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture INK UNBOUND: PAINTINGS BY LIU DAN, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture

THE BEGINNINGS OF MODERNISM: BRITISH MODERNISM, 1870-1919, Mpls. Inst. Art, English Culture

A NORDIC CHRISMAS CELEBRATIONS OF LIGHT, Am. Swedish Inst., Mpls., Holiday Events

JUL DALMÅLNING FIGURATIVE PAINTINGS, Am. Swedish Inst., Mpls., Scand. Culture

ROYAL COPENHAGEN–BING & GRØNDAHL CHRISTMAS PLATES, 1895-PRESENT, Am. Swedish Inst., Scand. Culture

KIT WILSON: SHORELINES, Groveland Gallery, Mpls., Art

FRED ANDERSON: NEW WORK, Groveland Gallery, Mpls., Art

Events by Weekend

Events by Weekend

December is our Fall/Winter “overlap” month. (Most December events were also listed in our Fall issue)

For That Unexpected Christmas Present…

Subscriptions to Exploring TOSCA make great gifts

(and stocking stuffers)!

612.481.3206 www.tctosca.com

For That Unexpected Christmas Present…


Events by Weekend

Events by Weekend

December is our Fall/Winter “overlap” month. (Most December events were also listed in our Fall issue)

Dec. 30, 31, 2016, Jan. 1, 2017 Fri.–Sun.Theatre & EventsCAMELOT, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Musicals

THE SOUL OF GERSHWIN, Park Square Theatre, St. Paul, Musicals


THE LION IN WINTER, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., Dramas


THE NORWEGIANS, Dark & Stormy Prod., Mpls., Comedies


WHITE CHRISTMAS, Ordway, St. Paul, Holiday Events

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT RAMSEY HOUSE, St. Paul, Holiday Events

NOON YEAR’S PARTY, Como Park Zoo, St. Paul, Holiday Events

AN ANDY & BING CHRISTMAS, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Holiday Events

AWAY IN THE BASEMENT: CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS, Plymouth Playhouse, Holiday Events

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., Holiday Events

A DON’T HUG ME CHRISTMAS CAROL, Bunker Hills Dinner Theater, Coon Rapids, Holiday Events

BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, The Play’s the Thing, Lakeville, Holiday Events

LET’S KILL THE BOSS HOLIDAY EDITION, Mystery Dinner Café, Blmgtn., Murder/Mystery

THE EX-FEDS, Mystery Dinner Café, Ham Lake, Murder/Mystery







THE CHRONICLES OF NATIVE LIFE: THE MACMILLAN GIFT OF SETH EASTMAN WATERCOLORS, Mpls. Inst. Art, Native Am. Culture AN IMMIGRANT’S TALE: THE EDWARD REYNOLDS WRIGHT, JR. COLLECTION, Weisman Museum, Mpls., Asian Culture

HARD BODIES: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LACQUER SCULPTURE, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture INK UNBOUND: PAINTINGS BY LIU DAN, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture



JUL DALMÅLNING FIGURATIVE PAINTINGS, Am. Swedish Inst., Mpls., Scand. Culture

ROYAL COPENHAGEN–BING & GRØNDAHL CHRISTMAS PLATES, 1895-PRESENT, Am. Swedish Inst., Scand. Culture



Keith Rice

952.934.1525 ChanhassenDT.com

“Rich andbeautiful…relevant!”

– Talkin’ Broadway

ToscaWinter2017_Layout 1 11/22/16 10:19 AM Page 1


Events by Weekend

Events by Weekend

Jan. 6, 7, 8, 2017 Fri.–Sun.Theatre & EventsMILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, Old Log, Excelsior, Musicals

CAMELOT, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Musicals

CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES: RISE UP, O MEN, Plymouth Playhouse, Musicals

SILENT SKY, Lyric Arts, Anoka, Women



FAMILY DAY, Mpls. Inst. Art, Children

CIVIL WAR 1861, Alexander Ramsey House, St. Paul, Children


LOWERTOWN FIRST FRIDAYS, St. Paul, Art








THE CHRONICLES OF NATIVE LIFE: THE MACMILLAN GIFT OF SETH EASTMAN WATERCOLORS, Mpls. Inst. Art, Native Am. Culture THE BEGINNINGS OF MODERNISM: BRITISH MODERNISM, 1870-1919, Mpls. Inst. Art, English CultureAN IMMIGRANT’S TALE: THE EDWARD REYNOLDS WRIGHT, JR. COLLECTION, Weisman Museum, Mpls., Asian CultureHARD BODIES: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LACQUER SCULPTURE, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture INK UNBOUND: PAINTINGS BY LIU DAN, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture

JUL DALMÅLNING FIGURATIVE PAINTINGS, Am. Swedish Inst., Mpls., Scand. CultureROYAL COPENHAGEN–BING & GRØNDAHL CHRISTMAS PLATES, 1895-PRESENT, Am. Swedish Inst., Scand. Culture



minnesotaorchestra.org612.371.5656 Ã Orchestra Hall

Media Partner:All sales final. All artists, dates, programs, prices and times are subject to change.

Osmo Vänskä /// Music Director

OSMO VÄNSKÄ AND ALISA WEILERSTEINJan 13-14

RODERICK COX CONDUCTS RACHMANINOFF AND TCHAIKOVSKYJan 19-21Roderick Cox, conductor / Joyce Yang, piano

A TRIBUTE CONCERT TO SIR NEVILLE MARRINERJan 26-27

Inside the ClassicsLOVE IN A TIME OF WARProkofiev’s Romeo and JulietJan 28Sarah Hicks, conductor / Sam Bergman viola & host

Future ClassicsEMERGING COMPOSERS SPOTLIGHTFeb 3Osmo Vänskä, conductor

Photo credits available online.

ALISA WEILERSTEIN JOYCE YANG

SAM BERGMAN AND SARAH HICKS

OSMO VÄNSKÄ

RODERICK COX


Events by Weekend

Events by Weekend

Jan. 13, 14, 15, 2017 Fri.–Sun.Theatre & EventsTHE BODYGUARD, Orpheum, Mpls., Musicals




BIG MONEY, Park Square, St. Paul, Dramas & Classics

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WM. SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED), Univ. of NW, St. Paul, Comedies

THE PINK UNICORN, Twenty Percent Theatre, Mpls., New, Unique

& Chall.


TARGET FREE SUNDAY, MN Childr. Museum, St. Paul, Children



HENRY IV, PART I, Lex-Ham Potluck Reading, St. Paul, Shakespeare

AEBELSKIVER BREAKFAST, Danish Am. Ctr., Mpls., Scand. Culture





THE BEGINNINGS OF MODERNISM: BRITISH MODERNISM, 1870-1919, Mpls. Inst. Art, English CultureHARD BODIES: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LACQUER SCULPTURE, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture INK UNBOUND: PAINTINGS BY LIU DAN, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture

FIRE & ICE, AZ Gallery, St. Paul, Art



Jan. 20, 21, 22, 2017 Fri.–Sun.Theatre & EventsMILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, Old Log, Excelsior, Musicals


SPOON RIVER, E.M. Pearson Theatre, St. Paul, Musicals


LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Artistry, Blmgtn., Musicals


THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WM. SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED), Univ. of NW, St. Paul, Comedies

ALL IN THE TIMING, Lakeshore Players, White Bear Lake, Comedies


& Chall.

CARMINA BURANA, Cowles Ctr., Mpls., Dance


FANCY NANCY: THE MUSCIAL, Stages Theatre, Hopkins, Children

PETER AND THE WOLF, MacPhail Ctr. for Music, Mpls., Free



DIANA’S GARDEN, MN Opera, Ordway, St. Paul, Opera

NAT TURNER’S REVOLT, MN Hist. Ctr., St. Paul, Black/

African Culture

THE FLOWER DRUM SONG, Theatre Mu, St. Paul, Asian Culture

VINTAGE OR CONTEMPORARY FELT HATMAKING, Textile Ctr., Mpls., Fashion & Beauty




ON FERTILE GROUND, All My Relations Gallery, Mpls., Native Am. CultureTHE BEGINNINGS OF MODERNISM: BRITISH MODERNISM, 1870-1919, Mpls. Inst. Art, English CultureHARD BODIES: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LACQUER SCULPTURE, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture INK UNBOUND: PAINTINGS BY LIU DAN, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian CultureWHERE THE CHILDREN SLEEP: PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCUS WENNMAN, Am. Swedish Inst., Scand. Culture




Photo by Natalia Van Doninck/Shutterstock.com


Jan. 27, 28, 29, 2017 Fri.–Sun.

Theatre & EventsTHE ROYAL FAMILY, Guthrie, Mpls., About Theatre

THE FLOWER DRUM SONG, Theatre Mu, St. Paul, Musicals



PIPPIN, Maplewood Perf. Arts Ctr., Musicals



THE NORMAL HEART, Minnetonka Theatre, New Prague, Dramas

& Classics



& Chall.

PROKOFIEV’S ROMEO & JULIET, LOVE IN A TIME OF WAR, MN Orchestra, Mpls., Love & Romance

WRITTEN IN WATER, Cowles Ctr., Mpls., Dance

THE NORMAL HEART, Minnetonka Theatre, Healing Arts

FANCY NANCY: THE MUSCIAL, Stages Theatre, Hopkins, Children



DIANA’S GARDEN, MN Opera, Ordway, St. Paul, Opera

SOMI, Ordway Ctr., St. Paul, Black/African Culture





THE BEGINNINGS OF MODERNISM: BRITISH MODERNISM, 1870-1919, Mpls. Inst. Art, English CultureHARD BODIES: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LACQUER SCULPTURE, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture INK UNBOUND: PAINTINGS BY LIU DAN, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian CultureWHERE THE CHILDREN SLEEP: PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCUS WENNMAN, Am. Swedish Inst., Scand. Culture


Feb. 3, 4, 5, 2017 Fri.–Sun

Theatre & EventsTHE DRAWER BOY, Lyric Arts, Anoka, About Theatre

THE ROYAL FAMILY, Guthrie, Mpls., About Theatre






PETER AND THE STAR CATCHER, Theater Latté Da, Mpls., Musicals

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, TC Comm. Theatre, Mpls., Musicals

‘TIL DEATH, Bucket Brigade Theater, St. Paul, Musicals; Love & Romance

BETRAYAL, Augsburg College, Mpls., Dramas & Classics

GRACE, Yellow Tree Theatre, Osseo, Dramas & Classics

CORAZÓN ETERNO (ALWAYS IN MY HEART), Mixed Blood, Mpls., Dramas & Classics

THE HIGHWAYMEN, History Theatre, St. Paul, Dramas & Classics

THE WHIPPING MAN, MN Jewish Theatre, St. Paul, Dramas & Classics PRESIDENT’S VISIT, 1878, Alexander Ramsey House, St.Paul, Hist. Law

& Pol.


DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN, Ames Center, Burnsv., Comedies


& Chall.

BLACK LIGHT, Penumbra Theatre, St. Paul, Women

RUBY! THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES, SteppingStone Theatre, St. Paul, ChildrenOH, FREEDOM! THE STORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, Youth Perf. Co., Mpls., Children FANCY NANCY: THE MUSCIAL, Stages Theatre, Hopkins, Children






Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, Hist., Law, & Pol.• MINNESOTA’S GREATEST GENERATION• SUBURBIA

THE BEGINNINGS OF MODERNISM: BRITISH MODERNISM, 1870-1919, Mpls. Inst. Art, English CultureWHERE THE CHILDREN SLEEP: PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCUS WENNMAN, Am. Swedish Inst., Scand. CultureHARD BODIES: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LACQUER SCULPTURE, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture FIRE & ICE, AZ Gallery, St. Paul, Art

Events by Weekend

Events by Weekend

Send us your “selfie” reading Exploring TOSCA magazine

at [email protected]


Feb. 10, 11, 12, 2017 Fri.–Sun.Theatre & EventsTHE DRAWER BOY, Lyric Arts, Anoka, About Theatre



NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN, Park Square, St Paul, Musicals

MAMA MIA, Orpheum, Mpls., Musicals






HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, TC Comm. Theatre, Mpls., Musicals

‘TIL DEATH, Bucket Brigade Theater, St. Paul, Musicals, Love & Romance

MATINEE, Stuart Pimsler, Mpls., Dance




THE THINGS THEY CARRIED, History Theatre, St. Paul, Dramas

& Classics

THE WHIPPING MAN, MN Jewish Theatre, St. Paul, Dramas & Classics

ANNA IN THE TROPICS, Jungle Theater, Mpls., Dramas & Classics

LEADING LADIES, Woodbury Comm., Comedies

BLACK LIGHT, Penumbra Theatre, St. Paul, Women

BAD DATES, Artistry, Blmgtn., Women

NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN, Park Square, St. Paul, Women

ELVIS LIVES, Ordway Ctr., St. Paul, Nostalgia

RUBY! THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES, SteppingStone Theatre St. Paul, Children

OH, FREEDOM! THE STORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, Youth Perf. Co., Mpls., Children FANCY NANCY: THE MUSCIAL, Stages Theatre, Hopkins, Children

DR. SEUSS’ THE SNEETCHES, Stages Theatre, Hopkins, Children


THE 39 STEPS, Chameleon Theatre, Burnsv., Murder/Mystery



KING LEAR, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., Shakespeare






HARD BODIES: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LACQUER SCULPTURE, Mpls. Inst. Art, Asian Culture WHERE THE CHILDREN SLEEP: PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCUS WENNMAN, Am. Swedish Inst., Scand. Culture


Events by Weekend

Events by Weekend

Legends@ the Capri TheaterDennis Spears, Artistic Director

Tickets on Sale Nowwww.thecapritheater.org | TicketWorks: 612-326-1813

Sweeping Through the City: A Celebration of Gospel Music

February 11, 12

Featuring Shirley Marie Graham, Sanford Moore and Friends

Judy! You Bette!Judy Garland and Bette Midler

ClassicsApril 22, 23

Featuring Erin Schwab and Her Band


Events by Weekend

Events by Weekend

Feb. 17, 18, 19, 2017 Fri.–Sun.

Theatre & EventsTHE DRAWER BOY, Lyric Arts, Anoka, About Theatre




HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH, Ordway, St. Paul, Musicals





‘TIL DEATH, Bucket Brigade Theater, St. Paul, Musicals

‘TIL DEATH, Bucket Brigade Theatre, St. Paul, Love & Romance

MATINEE, Stuart Pimsler, Mpls., Dance

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Ten Thousand Things, Musicals

GODSPELL, Cross Comm. Players, Maple Grove, Musicals




THE THINGS THEY CARRIED, History Theatre, St. Paul, Dramas

& Classics

THE WHIPPING MAN, MN Jewish Theatre, St. Paul, Dramas

& Classics ANNA IN THE TROPICS, Jungle Theater, Mpls., Dramas & Classics


MEDEA, Macalester College, St. Paul, Dance


STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Minnetonka Theatre, Women


RUBY! THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES, SteppingStone Theatre, St. Paul, ChildrenOH, FREEDOM! THE STORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, Youth Perf. Co., Mpls., Children FANCY NANCY: THE MUSCIAL, Stages Theatre, Hopkins, Children



METROPOLITAN OPERA NATIONAL COUNCIL AUDITIONS, Bethel Univ., St. Paul, Opera


WITNESS: UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, VocalEssence, Mpls., Black/African Culture

SPANISH MUSIC FOR VIOLIN & PIANO, Landmark Ctr., St. Paul, Hispanic/Latino Culture


I NEVER SAW ANOTHER BUTTERFY, North. Starz Childr. Theatre, Mpls., Jewish CultureAEBELSKIVER BREAKFAST, Danish Am. Ctr., Mpls., Scand. Culture



THE BEGINNINGS OF MODERNISM: BRITISH MODERNISM, 1870-1919, Mpls. Inst. Art, English CultureWHERE THE CHILDREN SLEEP: PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCUS WENNMAN, Am. Swedish Inst., Scand. Culture


BRINGING BRANDS TO

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www.tctosca.com | 67Events by Weekend

Events by Weekend

Feb. 24, 25, 26, 2017 Fri.–Sun.



THE KING & I, Orpheum, Mpls., Musicals




‘TIL DEATH, Bucket Brigade Theater, St. Paul, Musicals


GODSPELL, Cross Comm. Players, Maple Grove, Musicals

‘TIL DEATH, Bucket Brigade Theatre, St. Paul, Love & Romance




THE WHIPPING MAN, MN Jewish Theatre, St. Paul, Dramas

& Classics ANNA IN THE TROPICS, Jungle Theater, Mpls., Dramas & Classics

PROMETHEUS BOUND, Normandale Theater, Blmgtn., Dramas

& Classics

ANOTHER ANTIGONE, Bethel University, St. Paul, Dramas & Classics


THE SECRET OF SLAVE SONGS, O’Shaughnessy, St. Paul, Dance

BALACOBACO, Cowles Ctr., Mpls., Dance


STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Minnetonka Theatre, Women


ONE WOMAN SEX AND THE CITY, Ames, Burnsv., Women

RUBY! THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES, SteppingStone Theatre, St. Paul, Children


MEXICAN FOLK MUSIC WORKSHOP, Mpls. Inst. Art, Free


WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., Hist., Law

& Pol.






WHERE THE CHILDREN SLEEP: PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCUS WENNMAN, Am. Swedish Inst., Scand. Culture

Mar. 3, 4, 5, 2017 Fri.–Sun.


THE KING & I, Orpheum, Mpls., Musicals

GREASE, Chanhassen Dinner, Theatre, Musicals





ANOTHER ANTIGONE, Bethel University, St. Paul, Dramas & Classics

THE AWAKENING, Southern Theater, Mpls., Dramas & Classics

STONES IN HIS POCKETS, Daleko Arts, New Prague, Comedies

24:00:00 XTREME THEATRE SMACKDOWN, Theatre Unbound, St. Paul, New, Unique & Chall.

BALLET WORKS PROJECT, Cowles Ctr., Mpls., Dance

ST. PAUL BALLET, Cowles Ctr., Mpls., Dance

MERE TRIFLES, Theatre Unbound, St. Paul, Women



& Pol.

KING LEAR, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., ShakespeareOYATE OKODAKICIYAPI: AN EVENING OF NATIVE CONTEMPORARY, Ordway Ctr., Native Am. Culture




THE BEGINNINGS OF MODERNISM: BRITISH MODERNISM, 1870-1919, Mpls. Inst. Art, English CultureWHERE THE CHILDREN SLEEP: PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCUS WENNMAN, Am. Swedish Inst., Scand. Culture

Minnesota Opera’s DINNER AT EIGHT at the Ordway; Mar. 11–19. See Opera section.


Events by Weekend

Events by Weekend

Mar. 10, 11, 12, 2017 Fri.–Sun.


GREASE, Chanhassen Dinner, Theatre, Musicals



NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, O’Shaughnessy, St. Paul, Musicals

URINETOWN THE MUSICAL, Lyric Arts, Anoka, Musicals


THE AWAKENING, Southern Theater, Mpls., Dramas & Classics

SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, Theater Latté Da, Mpls., Dramas

& Classics

GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA, GOOD MORNING JULIET, Lakeshore Players, White Bear Lake, Comedies


GOOD BYE CRUEL WORLD, Theatre Pro Rata, Mpls., Comedies

24:00:00 XTREME THEATRE SMACKDOWN, Theatre Unbound, St. Paul, New, Unique & Chall.

SAFE AT HOME, CHS Baseball Field, St. Paul, New, Unique & Chall. CLASSICAL CONNECTIONS, Cowles Ctr., Mpls., Dance

MERE TRIFLES, Theatre Unbound, St. Paul, Women

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, Stages Theatre, Hopkins, Children


THE LITTLE MERMAID, Children’s Castle Theatre, Lakeville, Children



DINNER AT EIGHT, MN Opera, Ordway, St. Paul, Opera

THE GONDOLIERS, Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Co., Mpls., Opera


THE TEMPEST, Lakeshore Players, White Bear Lake, Shakespeare

TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, Lex-Ham Potluck Reading, St. Paul, Shakespeare






Mar. 17, 18, 19, 2017 Fri.–Sun.

Theatre & EventsGREASE, Chanhassen Dinner, Theatre, Musicals




SPAMALOT, Woodbury Comm. Theatre, Musicals

THE PAPER DREAMS OF HARRY CHIN, History Theatre, St. Paul, Dramas & Classics


& Classics




FIRST JAZZ REVIEW, Cowles Ctr., Mpls., Dance

COPPÉLIA, Continental Ballet Co., Blmgtn., Dance




MARY POPPINS, Univ. of NW, St. Paul, Children

SHE WENT TO WAR, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., Hist., Law & Pol.

DINNER AT EIGHT, MN Opera, Ordway, St. Paul, Opera



MACBETH, Park Square, St. Paul, Shakespeare


IRISH HERITAGE WEEKEND, James J. Hill House, St. Paul, Irish Culture

AEBELSKIVER BREAKFAST, Danish Am. Ctr., Mpls., Scand. Culture







Mar. 24, 25, 26, 2017 Fri.–Sun.

Theatre & EventsGREASE, Chanhassen Dinner, Theatre, Musicals



SPAMALOT, Woodbury Comm. Theatre, Musicals

THE PAPER DREAMS OF HARRY CHIN, History Theatre, St. Paul, Dramas & Classics

DEATH OF A SALESMAN, Concordia Univ., St. Paul, Dramas & Classics


& Classics



MUSIQUE ET MASQUERAY, PEACE FOR THE SOUL, Rose Ensemble, Basilica of Sr. Mary, Mpls., Relig. & Spirit.

MUSIQUE ET MASQUERAY, PEACE FOR THE SOUL, Rose Ensemble, Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Paul, Relig. & Spirit.




MARY POPPINS, Univ. of NW, St. Paul, Children

SHE WENT TO WAR, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., Hist., Law & Pol.



MACBETH, Park Square, St. Paul, Shakespeare


TIPIS, TELLERS, TROLLS, MN Hist. Ctr., St. Paul, Native Am. Culture






Mar. 31; Apr. 1, 2, 2017 Fri.–Sun.

Theatre & EventsGREASE, Chanhassen Dinner, Theatre, MusicalsCHURCH BASEMENT LADIES: RISE UP, O MEN, Plymouth Playhouse, MusicalsURINETOWN THE MUSICAL, Lyric Arts, Anoka, MusicalsTHE PAPER DREAMS OF HARRY CHIN, History Theatre, St. Paul, Dramas & ClassicsSIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, Theater Latté Da, Mpls., Dramas & ClassicsSOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, Expressions Comm. Theatre, Lakeville, ComediesTO BEGIN WITH, New Century Theatre, Mpls., Relig. & Spirit.THE LITTLE MERMAID, Chaska Valley Fam. Theatre, Chanhassen, ChildrenMATILDA: THE MUSCIAL, Orpheum, Mpls., ChildrenSHE WENT TO WAR, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., Hist., Law & Pol.SUOR ANGELICA & GIANNI SCHICCHI, University Opera Theatre, Mpls., OperaTHE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Fargo-Moorhead Opera, OperaTHE GONDOLIERS, Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Co., Mpls., OperaKING LEAR, Guthrie Theater, Mpls., ShakespeareMACBETH, Park Square, St. Paul, Shakespeare

ExhibitsSee Previous Weekend exhibits.

Events by Weekend

Events by Weekend

Send payment to: Twin Cities TOSCA 7455 France Avenue South PMB # 412 Edina, MN 55435-4702

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“The play was a great success, but the audience was a disaster.”

~ Oscar Wilde

70 | www.tctosca.comArts on the Road

Voices of Experience Conductor Jerry Rubino reads TOSCA just before rehearsal in Antonello Hall at MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis.

Heather Lawrenz, Visual Arts Manager at Northfield Arts Guild.

Gail Weber at the Globe Theatre; London, England

Send your “selfie” with TOSCA magazine to [email protected]

www.tctosca.com | 71Exploring TOSCA

Ole & Lena and The Hidden TreasureBy Gail M. Weber

Ole and Lena, and Lars, Jr., their son, Sat around the table when dinner was done.“We have some guests coming” said Lena, “From out of town.”“Oh, please not your in-laws” said Ole, with a frown.“Uff da, my husband, don’t be a bummer, It’s our friends from Denmark. They’re coming next summer.”

“I’ll make them some Lefsa” she said, waving the letter.“They got Lefsa in Denmark,” laughed Ole,“And it’s probably much better.”

“Ya, that’s true” said Lena “by any measure.Perhaps, then, we should show them our hidden treasure.”“But that’s been a secret,” moaned Ole, “For a darn good reason.Showin’ off here in Minnesota, it’s kinda like treason.”

“But people should know—our state is the best,”Lena explained, pulling a flask from her vest.“Theatre and art–more than any other stateAn arts destination is really our fate.”

“Ya” said, Ole, eyeing the flask with longing.“Acting and dancing and singing and songing.”

“Lyric Arts in the north and Chameleon down south,”“You betcha!” cried Lena, bringing the flask to her mouth. “Minnetonka Theatre on the west and Mounds on the east,”“And my favorite,” said Lars, Jr. “is Heart of the Beast.”

“Last time I counted,” said Lena, “it was 165.”“The number of acting companies, performing live”.“Ya!” said Ole, “That sure is neat.”“Now you better hand over that Akvavit.”

“The Jungle, the Guthrie and Theatre Unbound.And one of my favorites, Theatre in the Round;The Illusion, Yellow Tree, Chanhassen, Park Square.”“Wait” said Ole, “Let me stop you right there.”

“Don’t name anymore. You don’t understand!”Ole, stepped forward, prying the flask from her hand.“If word gets out about our arts and cultures,The tourists will descend, like greedy vultures.”

“It’s too late.” said Lars, Jr., looking up from his knitting.“The secret’s out and I think it is fitting.The incredible things you can see on our stagesCan usually be found in Exploring TOSCA’s pages.”

“Well then skoal,” shouted Ole taking a sip from the flask.“Lena what’s in here, if I may ask?”“It’s our other great treasure, not Akvavit, dear.It’s from 612 Brew, Minnesota craft beer.”

Mixed Blood Theatre’s BARBECUE, 2016. Jevetta Steele ( front), Sandra Struthers (back). Photo by Rich Ryan

Minnesota artist Marcia Soderman

Old Log Theater, Excelsior

Ordway Center for Performing Arts,

St. Paul


Documents

View the Winter 2017 Issue