TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Category: Blog

  • DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL at the ORDWAY CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

    DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL at the ORDWAY CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

    National Tour of “Dirty Dancing: The Musical” launches at the Ordway!

    Featured photo by Matthew Murphy of MurphyMade.
    Annalese Starzec (Frances “Baby” Houseman) and Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle)

    Dirty Dancing: The Musical now through September 6, 2026!

    Based on a Lionsgate film written by Eleanor Bergstein
    Directed by Lonny Price
    Music Supervision & Arrangements: Joseph Joubert
    Choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie

    WHAT. A. NIGHT. 💃

    Photo by Matthew Murphy of MurphyMade.
    Annalese Starzec (Frances “Baby” Houseman). Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle).

    Dirty Dancing: The Musical is electric on and off the stage!

    I wish I could have bottled the opening night’s energy. The audience was the “unpaid actor”. 😉 The overall enthusiasm and connection made us feel like part of the show. That spirit continued from beginning to end because of the talented cast and crew. They had us holding onto every nostalgic moment through their beautiful voices, passionate dancing, and the dynamic set including the lighting. At the end, when the whole cast dances towards the audience, it was almost impossible to stay in my seat!

    The way the story moves scratched an itch in my brain. It wasn’t too fast, too slow, too loud, too predictable. It just worked. I loved the way they utilized the set and the lighting allowing us to use our imagination.

    Photo by Matthew Murphy of MurphyMade.
    Annalese Starzec (Frances “Baby” Houseman). Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle).

    REVIEW Dirty Dancing: The Musical

    The nostalgia of the unforgettable movie moments warmed my heart, and I found myself yearning for what felt like a simpler time. At the same time, I was so happy to be experiencing this timeless love story again. And all the reminders of coming of age including the courage to break social boundaries.

    While Dirty Dancing: The Musical hit all the iconic and familiar moments, it also felt fresh. Revived. Alive. It’s not a typical musical. The ensemble tells the story through all your favorite songs from the movie. Ashley Lalonde (Elizabeth), Erick Pinnick (Tito Suarez), and Ethan Peterson (Billy Kostecki) all have beautiful voices that pull you in. Plus the Dirty Dancing: The Musical orchestra including local musicans are amazing.

    I absolutely loved the chemistry between Annalese Starzec (Frances “Baby” Houseman). Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle). They were perfect as Johnny and Baby. But I have to say the whole cast are superstars. It felt cohesive and wouldn’t be the same without any of them. Each offering us something special and making this story pop again.

    Three of my favorite moments: 1. Baby and Johnny do the famous lift! ❤️ 2. The surprise announcement at the end shining a spotlight on Eleanor Bergstein being in the audience. She had to be over the moon seeing her story come to life on stage again and the audience excitement. 3. Listening to everyone continuing to sing as we left the building and walked out into Rice Park. What a joy!

    If you loved the Dirty Dancing movie, you are going to love the musical! IMO: You’ll love it either way. Don’t miss the kick off to this fantastic tour.

    TICKETS: https://ordway.org/events/dirty-dancing/

    © Tracy Blowers

  • PRIVATE LIVES – GUTHRIE THEATER

    PRIVATE LIVES – GUTHRIE THEATER

    Featured image by Dan Norman: William Connell (Elyot Chase) and Laura Odeh (Amanda Prynne).

    PRIVATE LIVES
    by NOËL COWARD
    directed by DAVID IVERS
    scenic design by Alexander Dodge, costume design by Meg Neville, and lighting design by Pablo Santiago

    Wurtele Thrust Stage
    July 18 – August 23, 2026

    TICKETS: www.guthrietheater.org

    Photo by Dan Norman: William Connell (Elyot Chase) and Laura Odeh (Amanda Prynne).

    A lighthearted buzz and excitement filled the air around the opening night of Private Lives. I couldn’t wait to see it! Private Lives is considered a comedic masterpiece and Noël Coward’s most famous work. He famously wrote it in four days and starred in the original production. It is a Guthrie Theater audience favorite, with this being the 4th production.

    Private Lives is about ex-lovers who unexpectedly show up at the same popular resort with their new spouses for their honeymoons. Divorcees Elyot (William Connell) and Amanda (Laura Odeh) called it quits over five years ago, not because they didn’t care or love each other, but because their relationship was toxic. Their new spouses, even after five years, are convinced that Elyot and Amanda still want to be together. When the couples realize that they are all at the same hotel, chaos ensues. Elyot and Amanda must decide whether to follow their hearts. At times, it’s hard to know if they love or hate each other, and they keep you guessing.

    Photo by Dan Norman: Dustin Bronson (Victor Prynne), Sibyl Chase (Nikki Massoud), Laura Odeh (Amanda Prynne), and William Connell (Elyot Chase).

    REVIEW OF PRIVATE LIVES at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis

    I struggled with this one and purposely used the word “toxic” to describe their relationship. This show is very romanticized, which brought up feelings for me. Why are we laughing at people slapping each other around? I know it’s a comedy, but maybe that is part of the overall problem in society. We joke and brush things like this off until something really bad happens. I kept thinking about young girls (recommended for ages 12 and up) watching and how we make this relationship seem acceptable by laughing and laughing. Have others been in this type of relationship? Because it’s not funny. It’s awful.

    That said, the acting and the set design are superb. And there were plenty of times that we laughed. I especially enjoyed Laura Odeh’s (Amanda Prynne) comedic timing. It was a nice surprise to hear a piano as we were seated, then see Bradley Beahen (Piano Player/Louis) on top of the set! I’m still wondering how they got the piano up there. 😉

    Photo by Dan Norman: Nikki Massoud (Sibyl Chase) and Dustin Bronson (Victor Prynne).

    In a future production, I’d love to see this relationship addressed instead of being romanticized. Which I think could have easily been done as part of the show.

    Run time: Approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes (including two intermissions).

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • SHAKESPEARE IN THE VINES – The Two Gentlemen of Verona – by Frosted Glass Creative at Rustic Roots Winery

    SHAKESPEARE IN THE VINES – The Two Gentlemen of Verona – by Frosted Glass Creative at Rustic Roots Winery

    *Featured image: The Vineyard Conservatory at Rustic Roots Winery by Tracy Blowers

    The Two gentlemen of verona through June 20, 2026. (see below for more options at different locations)

    By William Shakespeare
    Directed by Calyssa Hall and Alex Galick

    What a beautiful location for outdoor theater! The Vineyard Conservatory at Rustic Roots Winery is a perfect spot for The Two Gentlemen of Verona. It’s so much more than a “tent” with gorgeous views of the vineyard. It brings the outdoors in giving the feeling of sitting in nature. The open air and multiple entrances, create an immersive experience with the cast coming from different directions and moving among the audience.

    Two Gents is a story of best friends, love, then betrayal, then love again, with lots and lots of shenanigans among the servants. Oh and sword fighting! 😉

    The Two Gentlemen of Verona Company, photo courtesy of Frosted Glass Creative.

    The whole company is a joy to watch. I absolutely loved watching Proteus (one of the gents/best friends) played by Alix Galick because he has the best facial expressions. He speaks as much with his face as his words. Truly the whole cast is fantastic, full of life, vigor, and entertaining. It was a fun night filled with laughter.

    AND my very favorite, star of the show, is Crab. The dog played by Kona. What a rockstar pup. 🐾

    Rustic Roots Winery food options.

    Rustic Roots Winery food is delicous! You can choose between the Rustic Bistro or The Grill. We love their snack board, salads, and flatbread from the bistro and burgers from the grill.

    🍷The wine is fantastic, especially the summer slushies!

    It was so good to see fellow Twin Cities Theater Bloggers, Jill with Cherry and Spoon and Julie with MN Theater Love. ❤️

    Upcoming TWO GENTS shows via Frosted Glass Creative website below. Plus check out the other fun shows they have planned this summer by clicking HERE.

    JUNE 17-20

    RUSTIC ROOTS WINERY

    Friday, June 19th at 7:00pm

    Saturday, June 20th at 7:00pm

    JUNE 25

    ALEXIS BAILLY VINEYARD

    Thursday, June 25th at 6:30pm

    JUNE 26-27

    WINEHAVEN WINERY

    Friday, June 26th at 6:30pm

    Saturday, June 27th at 6:30pm

    TICKETS

    #SeeTwinCitiesTheater

    Discover. Inspire. Connect.

    ©Tracy Blowers unless otherwise stated

  • Come From Away – Guthrie Theater

    Come From Away – Guthrie Theater

    *Featured image: Cast of Come From Away by Dan Norman.

    Now I want to kiss a cod and become a Newfoundlander! 😉

    COME FROM AWAY at the Guthrie Theater through August 9, 2026.

    Book, Music, and Lyrics by IRENE SANKOFF and DAVID HEIN
    Directed by KENT GASH

    This cast! One word: Incredible. So many local favorites!

    Cast of Come From Away by Dan Norman.

    I love to see Ann Michels and Jennifer Grimm perform. Jon Hegge as Oz is absolutely hilarious. Everyone is top tier and gives you a show to remember.

    Come From Away is a hit musical based on an incredible true story from 9/11. When the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closed the U.S. airspace, 38 commercial aircraft were diverted to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada. Gander’s population was around 10,000, and with the “plane people” (an additional 7,000), it was about to double. This could have been a disaster, but instead, the townspeople embraced the plane people. They went above and beyond to make them comfortable AND took the time to understand their needs and who they were. Bonds were formed, unlikely connections turned into lifelong friendships, and love blossomed.

    What I loved about Come From Away at Guthrie Theater.

    The opening number, “Welcome to the Rock,” sets the energetic tone for the show. I was so captivated, I don’t think I blinked for the next two hours. The extraordinary way this (at times scary and sad) story is told through the music is inspiring. It’s the contrast of how they share the tragedy but highlight the good, the intensity of how the story builds, and the release that comes with humor.

    Come From Away is performed on the McGuire Proscenium Stage, which is my favorite. I love that they chose the McGuire stage because this story deserves an intimate space where the audience feels connected. And that is exactly what happened. During a comedic scene, a few people started laughing, but one gentleman’s laugh stood out. It was contagious, and more and more people started laughing. The cast held the scene for quite a few minutes, and more and more people started hysterically laughing. I’m always so impressed that the cast doesn’t break character. It was such a joyous moment.

    Cast of Come From Away by Dan Norman – Scenic Design by Edward E. Haynes Jr., Costume Design by Kara Harmon, and Lighting Design by Rui Rita.

    Come From Away brings joy and a renewed faith in humanity.

    Enjoy Minneapolis views before the show.

    As always, we love to get a drink and take in the views before the show. We can’t wait for Indígena by Owamni to open in a few weeks!

    I ran into fellow Twin Cities Theater Blogger Rob from The Stages of Minnesota. He rarely misses a show; make sure to follow our reviews HERE.

    TICKETS to Come From Away.

    Run time is 1 hour and 55 minutes. No intermission.

    © Tracy Blowers unless otherwise stated.

  • Glacier National Park and West Glacier KOA

    Glacier National Park and West Glacier KOA

    Glacier National Park

    Our goal is to visit all of the United States national parks in our lifetime and we recently checked Glacier National Park off our travel list! Included in that list was capturing this photo. The fishing boat was a bonus. When I saw the boat leaving the dock, I was so excited because I knew it would add perspective to the rugged glacier mountains.

    *Written in 2021 – the ticketed entry system no longer applies.

    I wasn’t sure if I would have the opportunity to see this iconic view of Lake McDonald due to the new ticketed entry system. But, we found a way, and I share our entry hack below. I also share our favorite things about Glacier National Park and this trip, like the ever-changing colorful rocks, the refreshing scent of pine, and West Glacier KOA.

    mountains and lake at glacier national park

    Glacier National Park, also referred to as the Crown of the Continent, was established in 1910, making it the 10th National Park in the United States. It is also part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park along with Waterton National Park in Canada. This designation makes it the first international peace park in the world. The park offers grand rocky mountains, over 700 lakes (only 131 are named), tall pine-filled forests, and beautiful meadows. There are endless things to do and see with so many lakes, trails (700 miles), and the scenic Going-To-The-Sun-Road. This road is specifically what you will need an extra ticket for when entering the park.

    West Glacier KOA 5 out of 5

    During our visit, we lodged at the West Glacier KOA. I have to say, our stay was an unexpected, delightful surprise. I’ve always enjoyed our KOA experiences, but the West Glacier KOA goes above and beyond. The staff at the front desk was so helpful at check-in and when asked any questions during our visit. After the first night, we decided to extend our stay. We had to move cabins to extend, and the KOA team made it so easy. The layout of the campground gives ample space, so it doesn’t feel overcrowded.

    There are so many amenities beyond the regular KOA standards, including ice cream served every night at Scoops (of course, I list the priorities first), espresso bar, hot breakfast and dinner, a children’s pool and separate adult pool, dog-friendly cabins and two dog parks, a walking trail, basketball court, and live entertainment plus other planned activities. I suggest the huckleberry ice cream! In fact, check out the Huckleberry Patch store filled with everything huckleberry when you enter Glacier National Park at the west entrance. I couldn’t get enough. 🙂 Speaking of the west entrance, it is only a short 3.9-mile drive from the KOA.

    The deluxe cabins include linens, have a fire ring and propane grill, full bath and shower, partial kitchen, lofts, and are pet-friendly.

    cabin in the woods at west glacier koa

    The grounds are impeccable with beautiful views in every direction.

    Glacier National Park’s New Ticketed Entry System And More

    From what I’ve read online, it seems many people are frustrated with the Glacier National Park new ticketed entry ticket reservation system. Your best bet for getting a ticket to Going-To-The-Sun-Road is planning ahead. Tickets go on sale 60 days before your date of arrival. They also sell a small number of tickets 2 days ahead, but it’s hard to snag one of those. The other option, which is our hack, is arriving before 6 am or after 5 pm. We loved going during these times because the park is less crowded and the sunrise/sunset is fantastic!

    glacier national park

    The rocky beaches are amazing! The rocks change based on the time of day. The sun, shadows, and water dance together creating so many different colors. We also enjoyed the fresh cool mountain air during the morning and evening especially after leaving the Minnesota heat.

    Going-To-The-Sun-Road was actually closed while we were there in June due to snow, so it’s good to stay flexible and have a backup plan. There are so many other things to see and do in the area, including at West Glacier KOA. We could have stayed at the campground all day and been just as happy. Whitefish, Montana is an easy 20-minute drive, and Bigfork, Montana is 45 minutes. This whole area of northwestern Montana offers tons of adventuring, wildlife, delicious restaurants, unique shopping, live theater, breweries, and so much history. We were there for two weeks and barely scratched the surface.

    Cheers KOA! We appreciate the awesome service and can’t wait to visit again.

    Learn more about one of our other favorite parks, Grand Teton National Park by clicking HERE.

    Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    © Tracy Blowers

  • Two Nights in Madison, Wisconsin

    Two Nights in Madison, Wisconsin

    Itinerary for a two night stay in Madison, Wisconsin

    Madison offers the perfect combo of urban life and nature.

    10/10 We highly recommend staying on the scenic isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona in the heart of the city. It’s a beautiful, vibrant, and fun spot to enjoy lake life, urban life, culture, and amazing food. Plus, it’s a walking dream. The walk score for Madison is 95!

    Where to stay in Madison, Wisconsin

    STAY: The Saddlery

    The Saddlery is a home away from home for short and long-term rentals in downtown Madison. It is a super cool historic apartment building that is dog-friendly with lake views, rooftop patio, and easy access to everything.

    Where to eat in Madison, Wisconsin

    DINNER night one: Lucille

    Great service, local beers, craft cocktails, and wood-fired pizzas. Their ingredients are locally sourced. The cheese curds were delicious with the perfect crunch and we loved both dipping sauces. They have 3 floors and a cute outdoor patio.

    COFFEE and BREAKFAST morning one: Colectivo Coffee

    So good! The beans are roasted in Wisconsin and it’s a great vibe. The in house homemade granola with strawberry rhubarb sauce was perfect. Hits the spot.

    After a cup of coffee, walk around the neighborhood and over to the Dane County Farmer’s Market at the Capitol. There are an amazing variety of local artisans and the Capitol is such a gorgeous historic building to explore.

    LUNCH: Memorial Union Terrace

    This is a must! We had a blast at the historic Memorial Union Terrace just chilling by Lake Mendota getting brats, burgers, popcorn, and beers. Make sure to watch their calendar for the music, art, and film lineup.

    Known for it’s history (make sure to learn more while visiting), the bright chairs, food, entertainment, and a University of Wisconsin-Madison student favorite.

    DINNER: Leftovers

    We ate our Lucille pizza leftovers and then decided to grab some ice cream from Good News Cafe & Ice Cream. I was super excited that one of their flavors was Huckleberry, one of my faves when traveling out west.

    BREWERY: Young Blood Beer Co.

    It was perfect grabbing a 4-pack from Young Blood Beer Co. and bringing it back to the Saddlery rooftop. Plus, the Mad-City Ski Team practices on the lake so you get a free show.

    BREAKFAST morning two: Marigold Kitchen

    Fresh and local. Their mission is great food, golden energy, and genuine connection. Accomplished! I’m still dreaming about the pancakes.

    Things to do in Madison, Wisconsin

    Other ideas for things to do besides the Farmers’ Market and tour the historic Capitol. Betty Lou Boat Cruises, Paddle Boarding, E-Bikes, Ghost Tours, Art Tour, or Live Music. See Destination Madison for more.

    Last, if you’re road tripping through Wisconsin, you have to stop at Culver’s for a chicken sandwich and chocolate shake. It just hits different in WI. IYKYK

    Ride along with @tracyseesstuff for more Midwest fun!

    ©Tracy Sees Stuff

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