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

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

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.

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.