Brave New Workshop's newest review: "Smelling Elon's Musk" at the Dudley Riggs Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. Image Credit: Dani Werner
You don't have to go far to catch a live theater performance these days, with productions happening all across the Twin Cities! And what better way to celebrate the surge of shows than by catching the newest performance at Brave New Workshop in downtown Minneapolis right in our very own theater district? I had the pleasure of attending opening weekend of Smelling Elon's Musk and I can confidently say that it's a show that comedy and satire fans won't want to miss. The Brave New Workshop (BWN) is Minneapolis' own Saturday Night Live -- but actually it's been operating since long before SNL. In fact, BNW has been writing, performing, and producing original sketch comedy, music and comedy improvisation longer than any other theater in the United States.
Artfully Engaging: Creativity & Culture in the Twin Cities by Kendra Plant
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I haven't been to BNW since before the pandemic and I have been excited to return. I used to work in the box office at the theater (I wore a cute bow-tie for that gig!) and frequently after I got done with tickets and theater business, I loved quietly slipping into the theater to watch, re-watch, and re-re-watch the antics of the cast. I have long relied on the Brave New Workshop to come through for some chuckle inducing comedy.
In 2021 the Hennepin Theatre Trust acquired the BNW theater and the building on Hennepin Avenue, so I wanted to see for myself if the Brave New Workshop experience had been changed drastically. I'm happy to say that founder Dudley Riggs' legacy lives on and they even named the theater after him. As I settled into my seat at the theater. I was pleased to see tables full of theater-goers having fun and and a communal sense of excitement for the show to start. We spent the evening laughing together and experiencing the revue in real-time in the same room. It's a reminder of how unifying live art can be and how after a long-time in isolation we realize that we miss coming together with other people to experience new things. |
Pre-show beverages and fun-night-out-vibes at the Dudley Riggs Theatre.
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As someone who has always been a fan of Brave New Workshop's political and social commentary, I was excited to see their take on greed and the role of billionaires in Smelling Elon's Musk. Timely, because the night before this show I saw the touring show The Poor Rich by Gemma Soldati (an interactive clown show about the absurdity of greed). Issues of economic inequality and the growing wealth gap in our country are timely, what more can I say? Smelling Elon's Musk explores the private space races of billionaires and the impact they have on the rest of humanity, artificial intelligence, women billionaires, and my favorite: Dwayne Johnson.
Thanks to my theater companion @XyloSara for snapping this picture!
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Smelling Elon's Musk features some of my favorite veteran performers Lauren Anderson and Denzel Belin, along with returning cast members Isabella Dunsieth and Ryan Nelson. Jon Pumper serves as the musical director, and Matthew Vichlach is the technical director. Long-time artistic director Caleb McEwen directs the show.
Through sharp satire and clever humor, the show pokes fun at billionaires and challenges us to think critically about the systems that allow such vast wealth disparities to exist. Just like an episode of SNL not all of the sketches or musical numbers may land for you (comedy is so personal) but if you are ready to have fun and be offended a bit, it's worth a little risk. They do sell boozy and non-boozy beverages, which adds to the adventure. And I prefer live performances that take chances, don't you? So if you're looking for a night of laughs, camaraderie, and thought-provoking sketches, be sure to catch Brave New Workshop's latest show. It's a testament to the resilience of Minnesota artistry and a celebration of of this iconic Twin Cities venue. |
Ticket Information:
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Smelling Elon's Musk
Presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust & The Brave New Workshop February 16-May20, 2023 Price Range: $38 to $43 The future is now, but does it include us? Billionaires jockey for position in their own private space races while the rest of us are stuck in traffic. Individuals make more money each year than the GDP of developed nations while others struggle to finance a McRib. Artificial intelligence seems poised to make our lives easier while also taking our jobs. It wouldn’t be so bad if we thought the people driving the next chapter of history had any idea what they’re doing, but do they? Take a deep breath. The scent is unmistakable. |
Join the cast of the Brave New Workshop as they explore what happens when humanity lets Tesla take the wheel. Veterans Lauren Anderson and Denzel Belin are joined by returning cast members Isabella Dunsieth and Ryan Nelson along with Musical Director Jon Pumper and Technical Director Matthew Vichlach.
This show is recommended for ages 14 and up by the theater.
Content includes swearing, some sexual content, irreverent comedy.
Groups of 8 or more can get 15% off their tickets and groups over 20 people can get 20% off tickets.
This show is recommended for ages 14 and up by the theater.
Content includes swearing, some sexual content, irreverent comedy.
Groups of 8 or more can get 15% off their tickets and groups over 20 people can get 20% off tickets.
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The Poor Rich On Tour
After their stop at Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis, the The Poor Rich Show by Gemma Soldati is continuing to tour across the United States!
Las Vegas - Majestic Repertory Theatre Sunday 3/5 & Monday 3/6 at 8pm Los Angeles - Elysian Theatre Tuesday 3/21 at 9:30pm New York - Ars Nova Friday 3/24 at 7pm |
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