TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Category: Theater

  • Cinderella – Children’s Theatre Company

    Cinderella – Children’s Theatre Company

    Photo Credit: Dan Norman

    Cinderella, A Children’s Theatre Company Original Production
    Adapted by John B. Davidson, Original music by Victor Zupanc, Directed by Peter C. Brosius

    This was my first visit to Children’s Theater Company!
    My niece Ashley (@mycreativeadventure) attended with me and neither of us knew what to expect of this modern yet traditional spin on Cinderella.

    We loved it! What a treat! If I had kids, I would definitely bring them to this show for the holidays. There’s so much interaction, audience participation and FUN! I always love being surprised by the unexpected and I was many times during this show. Also, hearing all the kids giggling around me made the experience even better. This production is just as wonderful for adults as it is for kids.

    I was also impressed that there are wonderful things for the kids to do and learn in the program. For example….draw a pair of magic shoes, inspiration to use their imagination and to think beyond the show.

    This production of Cinderella is inspired by the old English tradition of Panto. There is slapstick comedy, female characters played by men, a chorus who performs songs and dances throughout the show, a combination of classic songs along with awesome modern songs. I have to say that I don’t always enjoy slapstick humor but the CTC Acting Company members Dean Holt, Autumn Ness and Reed Sigmund were hilarious!

    Here’s another reason that I loved Cinderella from the words of the Director, Peter C. Brosius:
    In Cinderella, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit, that even in the darkest moments, when we feel most isolated and alone there are allies and there powers within ourselves that can give us the courage to persevere and triumph.

    The lesson of Cinderella is timeless. What’s fantastic is adding modern twists so that the kids can completely relate, understand and keep their focus on the show.

    If you’re looking for a quick snack or glass of wine before the show. Ashley and I enjoyed hitting Agra Culture in the MIA(Minneapolis Institute of Art) before the show. Very cool atmosphere being surrounded by art. 🙂

    Click HERE for ticket information to Cinderella running through January 8, 2017.

    You can also check out my fellow theater blogger’s, Artfully Engaging with Cherry and Spoon, behind the scenes video by clicking HERE

  • The Oldest Boy – Jungle Theater – Review

    The Oldest Boy – Jungle Theater – Review

    Photo Credit: Dan Norman 

    Regional premiere of The Oldest Boy, a “play in three ceremonies” by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Sarah Rasmussen now through December 18, 2016 at the Jungle Theater.

    Letting go – the ultimate LOVE.

    The Oldest Boy is about an American mom and Tibetan husband whose three year old son is believed to be the reincarnation of a high Buddhist Lama. Two Tibetan monks arrive at their home unexpectedly, asking to bring their child to India for spiritual training. This huge decision will forever change their lives and challenge their faith.

    The Oldest Boy is heartfelt and thoughtful. There’s so much depth, it offers something for everyone and will touch every person differently. Even though I’m not a mother, I connected deeply with this story.

    Families can be debilitating and hold each other back in the name of love. When we are allowed to experience the world on our terms without restrictions and judgment, that’s when we discover our hearts. It’s hard to realize a dream, if we are suffocated (sometimes without even knowing because it’s so ingrain in us) with the opinions of our family. What they taught us to believe instead of what we discover. It is hard to let go but it is the ultimate show of faith and love.

    The Oldest Boy also shows that we can have as strong of a relationship with someone that isn’t family. In our society, many times these connections are dismissed. The mother talks of her teacher, how devastated she was when he passed but that there was no understanding because it was her “teacher” and not “family”. I think we’ve all been guilty of this, myself included. It validated to not take my kindred spirits for granted because they are part of my family.

     

    This was my first experience at the Jungle Theater. I was a little concerned about parking with the location on Lake and Lyndale but it was a breeze. There is a great parking lot right behind the theater. Jungle Theater has been there since 1991 but when you walk in, you feel a bit like your stepping back in time. It’s intimate and cozy. For tickets and more information about the show, visit jungletheater.com

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    Before the show we checked out the LynLake Brewery. The beer was delicious and loved the location. Even though it’s November, we were blessed with a beautiful night and the big front windows were open. Fun atmosphere and they have an old school popcorn machine….the best. You also can have pizza delivered right to your table!

    Then we stopped at the Lyndale Tap House for dinner. The Lyndale is directly across from Jungle Theater so very convenient and a fantastic happy hour.

  • STOMP – Ordway Theater

    STOMP – Ordway Theater

    Have you seen the international sensation? I hadn’t!

    STOMP is showing now through Sunday, October 23, 2016 at the Ordway Theater is St. Paul.

    It’s amazing what beautiful music can be made only using our bodies. Then add in a few brooms, some garbage cans, a little creativity and look out! STOMP is very entertaining and great for the whole family. There was a little boy sitting next to me that kept giggling and squealing with delight. It made the show even better every time I heard him laugh. 🙂

    A few fun facts:

    STOMP was created in 1991 by Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell and has been going strong for 25 years.

    STOMP previewed at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre and premiered at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.

    Between 1991-1994, the original cast played to capacity audiences around the world.

    STOMP began it’s run at the Orpheum Theater in New York in February 1994. By summer of 1994, the first American cast was in place at the Orpheum, freeing the original cast for sell-out tours of North America and Japan.

    In 2011 the New York production of STOMP entered it’s eighteenth year, trouncing the Orpheum house record set by Little Shop of Horrors.

    For ticket information visit www.ordway.org

    Allow extra time to walk around the heart of historic St. Paul and enjoy dinner before the show! St. Paul has so many fantastic new restaurants like Saint Dinette, The Commodore and Fitzgerald’s (opening this week!). It’s a perfect time of year to take in a little fresh air and explore the city. So many beautiful city views from Rice Park.

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    My favorite is going to St. Paul Grill for an appetizer and drink, then walking around Rice Park before the show. We enjoyed the Ahi Tuna and their warm cheese tray. The grilled Crostini with warm cheese and berry compote….melts in your mouth. The Ahi Tuna comes with a beautiful vegetable salad that never disappoints.

    Ordway Center for Performing Arts
    345 Washington Street
    Saint Paul, MN 55102
  • The Parchman Hour – Guthrie Theater – Minneapolis

    The Parchman Hour – Guthrie Theater – Minneapolis

    The cast of the Guthrie Theater’s The Parchman Hour, written by Mike Wiley and directed by Patricia McGregor. Scenic design by Clint Ramos, costume design by Katherine O’Neill, lighting design by Jiyoun Chang and projection design by Tom Mays. October 1 – November 6, 2016 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. Photo by Dan Norman.

    Rise UP….it calls you from the stage….RISE UP!

    Chilling and inspiring!

    The Parchman Hour is incredibly important during this time of unrest. Lately I’ve felt that the world is falling apart, that times are worse than ever. The Parchman Hour reminds us that there have always been huge challenges. That it was the people who took action, used their voices and stood together that made true change. They also sacrificed so much.

    The history of the 1961 Freedom Rides told through songs and stories touched my soul. I can’t express enough how good this show is on so many levels. The acting, the singing, the stage, the story, the lesson. The Freedom Riders were courageous men and women from all backgrounds standing together against segregation. They traveled to the deep south only to be arrested and imprisoned in Mississippi’s Parchman Farm Penitentiary. The lived through it by creating a nightly variety show called “The Parchman Hour”.

    The human spirit is truly amazing and can do the impossible when pushed. I left the theater inspired and also asking myself, am I willing to push? Am I willing to sacrifice for the greater good? Today more than ever, it is important to take action. Not only on social media where it’s easy to hide and to judge. We live in a great country where we can actually make change when we do it right. This musical offers that hope. Don’t miss it!

    A few things to note:

    • Even with the serious tone, it’s very entertaining which is the magic of it. You’ll be on your feet dancing by the end.
    • I LOVE that they portray us as ONE.
    • It was amazing to see the mug shots of the real Freedom Riders during the show, it brings the story to life and full circle.
    • Keep an eye on Katherine Fried (Actor 2 – Janie Forsyth/Mimi Real) and Zonya Love (Actor 5 – Pearl/L.Collins) Their voices and acting blew me away!

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    Go see The Parchman Hour now through November 6, 2016. Click HERE for all details.

    P.S. If you go on the weekend, you HAVE to try the Biscuits and Gravy at the Sea Change. Mouth watering goodness. The biscuits are crispy, the sausage gravy has the perfect texture and seasoning…not too spicy. THEN they add two splendidly poached eggs on top. It’s a little piece of heaven. They run out so get there early!! My picture could have been better but I was salivating. 😉

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    Guthrie Theater
    818 South Second Street
    Minneapolis, MN 55415
    612.377.2224
  • Sense and Sensibility – Guthrie Theater – Minneapolis

    Sense and Sensibility – Guthrie Theater – Minneapolis

    Alejandra Escalante (Marianne Dashwood), Jolly Abraham (Elinor Dashwood), Kris L. Nelson (John Dashwood) and the cast of the Guthrie Theater’s production of Sense and Sensibility, adapted by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Jane Austen and directed by Sarah Rasmussen. Scenic design by Junghyun Georgia Lee, costume design by Moria Sine Clinton, lighting design by Charlie Morrison. September 10 – October 29, 2016 on the Wurtele Thrust Stage at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. Photo by Dan Norman.

    I’ve never attended a play where the audience was on their feet clapping as the show ended even before curtain call. I’ve also never witnessed the audience acting as a whole, everyone standing at the same time. It was incredible.

    Sense: any of the faculties by which the mind receives information about the external world or about the state of the body.

    Sensibility: awareness of and responsiveness toward something

    It’s funny how we think things have changed so much since the 1790s and yet how much has stayed the same. Sense and Sensibility is as significant now as it was then. I think especially for women and how they navigate their feelings and actions. Also in our social media world, how appearance and how people perceive you can be everything.

    Sense and Sensibility is about two girls and how their lives are turned upside down after their father dies. How will they ever find love without a home or any fortune? Love comes and love goes and eventually the girls learn to appreciate each other’s differences and how to find love. It’s a beautiful story of family and of love.

    Kate Hamill did an amazing job writing this adaptation and with the direction of Sarah Rasmussen, the show shines. You can also feel the shift with new Artistic Director Joseph Haj at the Guthrie Theater. It’s hard to put your finger on it but there is definitely something wonderful happening!

    See Sense and Sensibility now through October 29, 2016. Click HERE for all details.

    Guthrie Theater
    818 South Second Street
    Minneapolis, MN 55415
    612.377.2224
  • The 2016 Ivey Awards

    The 2016 Ivey Awards

    This was my first year attending the Ivey Awards and it was a blast! We are so fortunate to have such an amazing theater community in the Twin Cities and this unique event to honor it. Below, I attached the press release naming all the honorees and details about the event supplied by Anne Q. Ulseth with AQUA Public Relations. You can also follow the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on our Facebook Page for reviews of this event and all things theater. The wonderful thing about this event is that it is open to the public so mark your calendars for next year! Also the 2016 Iveys will be broadcast on 45TV at 7pm on Saturday, September 24 including pre-event activities, behind the scenes interviews and the Awards show.

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    This is my vote for “best dressed” on the red carpet!
    Her purse says: IT’S ALL AN ACT
    Love it!
    2016 Ivey Awards Recognize
    Star Tribune’s Graydon Royce for Lifetime Achievement and
    Costume Designer Trevor Bowen for Emerging Artist
    (MINNEAPOLIS; September 20, 2016) — The Twin Cities theater community honored Graydon Royce, long-time theater critic for the Star Tribune, with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and costume designer Trevor Bowen with the Emerging Artist Award at the 12th annual Ivey Awards. The yearly celebration was held Monday, September 19, at the Historic State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis.
    The 2016 Ivey Awards attracted a sold out audience to the show designed to celebrate and showcase the work of professional theater companies and artists over the past year.
    Based on evaluations completed by the more than 150 volunteer theater evaluators who saw more than 1,200 performances created by 84 professional theaters in the Minneapolis-St. Paul seven-county metropolitan area from September 2015 through August 2016, three productions and seven individuals/ensembles were also recognized:
    Productions
    – The Wizard of Oz (Children’s Theatre Company) – Overall Excellence
    – Glensheen (History Theatre) – Overall Excellence
    – Le Switch (Jungle Theater) – Overall Excellence
    Individuals/Ensembles
    – Victor Zupanc – Sound Design and Music: Pinocchio (Children’s Theatre Company)
    – Kevin Fanshaw and Charles Numrich – Acting: Equus (Theatre Coup d’Etat)
    – Warren C. Bowles – Direction: The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife  (Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company)
    – Kate Sutton-Johnson – Set Design: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street  (Theater Latté Da)
    – Jasmine Hughes – Acting: Sunset Baby (Penumbra Theatre)
    – Ensemble – Acting: Trouble in Mind (Guthrie Theater)
    – Ensemble – Acting: Now or Later (New Epic Theater)
    The 2016 Iveys – including pre-event activities, behind-the-scenes interviews and the Awards show – will be broadcast on 45TV at 7pm on Saturday, September 24 and on KSTP-TV at 1am on Sunday, September 25.
    About the Iveys
    The Iveys are unique among awards events in the country in that they are open to the public and that there are no nominees, set number of awards or pre-determined award categories, with the exception of the Lifetime Achievement and the Emerging Artist Awards. The artists and organizations receiving special recognition are selected from evaluations completed by the general public and the volunteer theater evaluators. Each participating theater receives a vote to determine the Lifetime Achievement and Emerging Artist Awards.
    The Ivey Awards are presented with the generous support of Target, Best Buy, Delta, Disciplined Growth Investors, Lurie Wealth Advisors, UBS, Galleria, JP Morgan, IATSE, Actor’s Equity Association, AIMIA, Fox Rothschild, Knock, Robins Kaplan, Risdall, BMW of Minnetonka, Far North Spirits, myTalk 107.1, MinnPost, Mpls/St Paul Magazine, martinpatrick3, Summit Brewing, Joel Gott Wines, iheartmedia, Arts Ink, Clear Channel Outdoor, City Pages, William Clark Photography, McKnight Foundation, Thomson Reuters, Marin, Savvi Formalwear, Principal Financial and RBC Dain Rauscher.
    ###
    GRAYDON ROYCE (Lifetime Achievement Award) recently retired from the Star Tribune as a full-time reporter covering theater, classical music and other fine arts. He grew up in Mound, Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in Journalism. He was a fellow at the 2003 O’Neill Theater National Critics Institute and a fellow at the National Endowment for the Arts Institute on Classical Music and Opera in 2009. Prior to his work on the arts team, Royce was an editor in various capacities at the Star Tribune for 19 years.
    Royce got his career start in radio before joining the Star Tribune in 1980, and he’s renewed that path with the “New Frontier Lutheran Radio Hour,” a monthly variety program that he’s created and hosted at his south Minneapolis church since 2011. He’s also written and produced several plays, including one that went off-Broadway.
    In his own words, “Graydon Royce has been in love with theater ever since he portrayed Crusher, Mad Dog Vachon and Wally Karbo to frenzied applause in the 6th grade talent show at Hilltop Elementary School. His most embarrassing moment in life was a dance audition at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre in 1974. So many steps, so few feet. Now he just likes to watch.”
    TREVOR BOWEN (Emerging Artist Award): “A powerhouse of a costume designer and critical thinker, [his] designs have thundered onto the scene and he quickly became a fixture of Twin Cities theatre” (Technical Tools of the Trade) when he arrived in Minnesota less than five years ago. Bowen got his start as a design assistant in the Guthrie’s costume shop (2012-13 Season) and since then, has designed costumes for many of the area’s major theater companies, including Mixed Blood Theater (An Octoroon, Pussy Valley, Colossal, Hir, Charm, DJ Latindad’s Latino Dance Party), Theatre Latté Da (Our Town, Lullaby), Pillsbury House Theatre (The Road Weeps, The Well Runs Dry), Park Square Theatre (Nina Simone: Four Women, My Children! My Africa!), Ten Thousand Things (Romeo and Juliet, Pericles), the History Theater (George Bonga: Black Voyageur) and the Jungle Theater (Bars and Measures).
    Nationally, Bowen has designed costumes for the Contemporary American Theater Festival (West Virginia), the Gateway Playhouse (New York) and has assistant costume design credits with The Public Theater (New York City) and Steppenwolf Theater (Chicago), Jess Goldstein costume designer; and Long Wharf Theater (Connecticut). Bowen holds an M.F.A. in costume design from West Virginia University.
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