Hello, Twin Cities arts enthusiasts and creatives!

Theatre in the Round (TRP) is currently producing two shows in repertory (​rotation on the same stage) which I believe the cool theater kids say casually that these shows are, "playing in rep." I saw the opening of The Bearded Company’s Swords & Sorcery improv on Friday and on Saturday caught the other show, Those Who Remain Turn the Pages by Del Mar. This 110 minutes performance is a  horror story where survivors face zombies, vampires, and their own humanity inside a collapsing world. There is an audience interaction element to the show and the ending of the show hinges on the results of an audience vote that happens during intermission. It is an intriguing idea and it gets the audience more engaged with the performance! This production felt eerily relevant to modern news and I found the relatable vibe to add to the uneasiness of a zombie story.

Here is my favorite part: Those Who Remain Turn the Pages features teen artists! This is a co-production, and in fact the third co-production with the Theatre in the Round and FAIR School for Arts, with students from FAIR making up the cast and a bunch of the crew and participating in set & costume building alongside Theatre in the Round staff and artists. I love seeing storytelling from young people, in fact my first arts marketing job was at SteppingStone Theatre in Saint Paul. I especially appreciated that Theatre in the Round provided this opportunity as a solution to FAIR school having to pivot away from producing a fall show due to "tight budgets." Not only do the student cast and crew get the chance to work with the talented artists at Theatre in the Round (like director Gretchen Weinrich and set designer Madeline Achen) they get the excitement of staging a production on a beloved Twin Cities arena (audience on all sides) stage as part of the Theatre in the Round season which is open to the public. ​

​I hope you are planning some winter art adventures! ​Make sure to invite your friends and family to some community art performances. Did you know the average Minnesotan attends arts and culture events four times per year according to the 2019 Creative MN report? Extending a personal invitation to an arts event is a really important way to stay in connection with our loved ones and make our creative spaces more inclusive.

And if you are of voting age, Minnesota election day is November 4 so please vote! You can be involved in arts advocacy all year round, learn more at Minnesota Citizens for the Arts.

Artfully,

Dates:
11/1/25 @ 7:30 pm
11/2/25 @ 2:00 pm
11/7/25 @  7:30 pm
11/8/25 @ 7:30 pm
11/9/25 @ 2pm

Recommended Ages:
Best for ages 12 and up. ​The show utilizes water-based theatrical haze and contains stylized violence and scary moments. 

Happy autumn, arts friends!

Last night was Halloween (and a Friday) and I had the pleasure of attending fantasy themed improv! What a wonderful way to celebrate spooky season with friends and our great local arts community. 

And then today November rolled in and I am grieving for the loss of HUGE Theater (our local improvisation theater closed) as I lined up my Give to the Max donations, since I have donated to HUGE annually at this time of year. But in the midst of that sadness I realized that in the past year some of my partner and my most amazing joys and arts adventures have been from following our favorite improv groups to new physical theaters where they are performing. It's great to explore the Twin Cities and be improv groupies. 

One of our absolutely favorite groups is The Bearded Company. Along with The Shrieking Harpies, The Bearded Company are my recommendation to introduce Minneapolis improv newbies to the the fun and playfulness of attending improv. And last night we saw ​The Bearded Company’s Swords & Sorcery at Theatre in the Round. What a truly magical way to enjoy some laughs and kick off a weekend! 

The one hour show we saw was made up on the spot with the help from a 20-sided die. Nerd stuff, yay! The story revolved around a chaotic good baker, Doug Ocar (Owner and director at ComedySportz Twin Cities) who was put in the king's dungeon and then forced to transform and feed people from the kingdom to the king. There was romance, heroic adventure, and lots of belly laughs. I honestly wish I could see all four performances (the full continuation of the story because each show is different.) 

I recommend catching this show! It's playing in repertory (​rotation) on the same stage with another show, Those Who Remain Turn the Pages which I'm catching tonight. Also mark your calendar for May, because The Bearded Company is returning to Theatre in the Round to run in rep with The Hobbit. Yay, MORE nerd stuff!!! I definitely recommend attending Swords & Sorcery.

Keep supporting local artists. Bring your friends and family to the theater. Make art and get creative. Get out from behind your screens and have some adventures in your community. Donate to a local nonprofit. Let's build the future we need.

Artfully,

​The Bearded Company’s Swords & Sorcery
Presented by: Theatre in the Round

Campaign #1: October 31 – November 7
Running in repertory with Those Who Remain Turn the Pages

10/31/25 @ 7:30 pm
11/1/25  @ 2 pm (PG rating)
11/2/25 @ 7:30 pm
11/6/25 @ 7:30 pm

Campaign #2: May 13–17
Running in repertory with The Hobbit

Sharpen your sword and prepare for adventure! Swords & Sorcery is an improvised fantasy campaign where fate is decided by the roll of a 20-sided die. Each show features a new epic tale filled with legendary heroes, dungeons, dragons, and laughter—perfect for fantasy fans and newcomers alike.

In Minnesota it's Give to the Max season - a time of generosity and support of local nonprofits. Please consider a gift to your favorite arts group. It's a really challenging time to get grants and also sponsorships from businesses, so individual support is very important right now. 

May I suggest a donation to the Minnesota Fringe Festival? Springboard for the Arts? Theatre in the Round? Or search for your favorite at GiveMN. A donation of any amount helps.

If you can't donate right now, understandable, please help spread the word by talking about your favorite arts groups, resharing Give to the Max posts on social media, inviting folks to attend the arts with you and shouting loudly your advocacy for the arts.

Hello, Artfully Engaging readers and arts supporters.

My life has been forever altered by an act of mass violence and I know that I am not alone.

If you live in the United States, you likely have also been impacted by mass violence or shootings or know someone who has. Artfully Engaging is usually a blog where I celebrate engaging in creativity in the Twin Cities...so why am I writing to you today about such a serious topic?

What we see on stage is never separate from the world outside. Art helps us process, question, and imagine new possibilities. Since so many of us are currently grappling with tragic events related to gun violence, it makes sense that we would see that reflected in the art around us.

In 2015, I performed in the chorus of the Guthrie Theater's The Events which was a play that explored a fictional mass shooting event. It was a cathartic production to be involved with but I'm angry and heartbroken that a decade later the play is still as relevant as when it was written.

Which is why I am asking you to get involved. Please join the community in taking action so that in ten years we can look back and say that we acted with compassion and urgency, and that we did make a difference in reducing gun violence.

​Artfully,

I receive a lot of press releases from a lot of worthy events happening around town, but as soon as I read the press release from Stages Theatre Company  I knew that I needed to help tell our community about an important event happening soon at Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins. 

On Monday, October 6, they are presenting *ENOUGH: Plays to End Gun Violence, a national project that amplifies teen voices through bold 10-minute plays. These plays are written by young people who are courageously sharing their lived experiences and perspectives through theater

Tickets to the Stages Theater Company event are free but must be reserved in advance, so I encourage you to reserve yours now and and be part of this important community gathering.

*This is a nation wide event and there are other events happening in Minnesota on the same night, including at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. All events.

​It's clear why this is relevant now. What was the catalyst for Stages Theater Company to use your platform to stage this for our community at this time?

Sandy: ENOUGH: Plays to End Gun Violence is now in its fourth year of producing powerful 10-minute plays written by teens—many of whom have witnessed or personally experienced gun violence. This is not a new issue, and unfortunately, it is not improving. In fact, it’s getting worse.

I first heard about the national ENOUGH project this summer, in the wake of the heartbreaking deaths of Mark and Melissa Hortman. I had the honor of hearing Speaker Melissa Hortman speak at Minnesota Arts Advocacy Day at the Capitol last winter, and was deeply moved by her commitment to the arts. Bringing ENOUGH to our community felt like a meaningful way to honor her advocacy, bring people together who are ready to push for change, and - most importantly - amplify the voices of teens in our community and beyond.

What kind of conversations and impact are you hoping for this to have on the involved artists and audiences?

Sandy: Art is a powerful form of resistance. It helps us process pain, challenge injustice, and imagine a better path forward. Our hope is that these plays will ignite critical conversations and inspire real, lasting change in communities across the country.

Teens are asking hard questions - how do we avoid becoming another statistic? How do we make our voices heard? With these plays, they are standing up and saying, ENOUGH.
​
My hope is that this work becomes a catalyst—not just for reflection, but for action.

Is there a quote or moment in putting this together that stands out?
​
Sandy: In Holding Space by Abby Dougherty, one of the characters, Katherine, says:
“I smile at everyone in the hall - people I know, people I don’t, even people I don’t like -because I don’t know which one of them might bring a gun to school tomorrow. And I don’t want to die because I didn’t play nice.”

That line hit me hard. I couldn’t stop thinking about my own kids and the teens I work with every day. It shook me, and I knew I couldn’t look away or stay silent.

We have to do something.
 
What didn't I ask that you want people to know about?

Sandy: I want people to show up. To come to Stages Theatre Company on October 6 and be part of this community. I want them to sit in the discomfort that teens live with every single day at school.
I want them to see that it doesn’t have to be this way. To imagine something better. To believe they can be part of making that change.
​
And most of all, I want them to leave inspired to act—because that’s how we’ll know we’ve made an impact. When audience members walk out and say, ENOUGH.

Sandy Boren-Barrett has been shaping Stages Theatre Company for more than three decades, directing over 75 productions, championing new work and representation on stage, and helping bring nationally recognized honors to this Twin Cities company dedicated to young audiences.

Nearly 3,000 artists in more than 150 communities have participated across the three previous ENOUGH Nationwide Readings. The Atlanta flagship anchors ENOUGH!’s Nationwide Reading on October 6, 2025, a coast-to-coast series of readings staged on the same evening in 31 states and 70 communities, including sites as far flung as the U.S. Virgin Islands and a U.S. military school in Germany. Participating organizations range from professional theaters to high schools, universities, faith-based groups, and gun violence prevention organizations, in both rural and urban communities. Each organization pairs its performance with a community engagement component that addresses the realities of gun violence specific to their area, ensuring the plays spark dialogue and action at a local level. Confirmed venues are listed at enoughplays.com/reading. 

Happy June, Artfully Engaging readers!

​This month is the 10th anniversary of Artfully Engaging! It's been one decade of uplifting the voices of Twin Cities' creatives.

Thank you to the artists who have collaborated on blog posts and videos! Thank you to the audiences who have read Artfully Engagement content, those who have shared it, and those who have seen it and taken the leap to experience local art in person! Thank you, thank you, thank you. <3

June is also Pride! It's an important time (as always) to celebrate and support our LBGTQIA+ community. If you are looking for a way to engage in community events related to Pride, look no further than Theater Mu's upcoming show, Stop Kiss which runs June 12-29, 2025 at Gremlin Theatre (nearby Lake Monster Brewing) in Saint Paul!

First off, if you didn't know, Theater Mu is the largest Asian American theater company in the Midwest and has received national attention for its artistic excellence and community engagement. I love attending Theater Mu (formerly Mu Performing Arts) theatrical performances and I'm really excited to attend opening night of this Obie- and GLAAD Media Award-winning play this weekend! 

Stop Kiss is written by Brooklyn playwright Diana Son and directed by Katie Bradley, a familiar artist in the Twin Cities theater scene. Stop Kiss is a tender, time-jumping play about two women whose friendship unexpectedly turns into something more—until one life-changing kiss brings both joy and heartbreak. It’s a love story set in 1990s New York that explores identity, connection, and how one moment can shift everything.

Stop Kiss artist Kelsey Angel Baehrens took some time, during tech week (thank you, Kelsey!), for an Artfully Engaging artist Q&A. Enjoy the interview and then make sure to share this post and invite your friends to join you at the show!
​
Artfully,

In this Artfully Engaging interview Kelsey Angel Baehrens (she/her) opens up about stepping into the raw, emotional role of Sara in Stop Kiss—from '90s nostalgia to the deep honesty this love story invites.

Kelsey: Whether you're familiar with this American theater classic or hearing about it for the first time, I think there's a gorgeous relatability in this play for everyone. It's a love story first and foremost--both devastating and hysterical--but it'll sneak into your brain and make you question the labels that you apply to yourself and to others. OH and BONUS, it's a throwback to the '90s!!

​Despite the play's bittersweetness, I hope the play offers our audiences the same hope it gives me. It's a beacon in the chaos and a reminder that love heals and inspires change.

What did you want me to ask -- but I didn’t?
​
Kelsey: I'd love to share the fun fact that our cast has been bonding over a '90s music playlist we've been building together. It's HOURS LONG and AMAZING.

Dates: June 12-29, 2025
Location: Gremlin Theatre
Ticket Prices: $10 - $45

​Special performances throughout the show’s run will feature open captions, ASL interpretations, audio description, and mask requirements in order to increase accessibility. All shows will have available sensory kits and large-print playbills. 

Content note: Stop Kiss explores themes of anti-LGBTQ+ violence. The play includes graphic description of a hate crime, which is not depicted on stage; adult language and situations; homophobia and homophobic slurs; sexism; and onstage costume changes.

2023 Artfully Engaging Interview: 
Artist Interview with Dexieng Yang of "Again" a Hmong American Musical Premiering with Mu Theater

Recently, one of my friends said to me, "I've never been to an opera."

I said, "Let's change that." And we did! We got dressed up (optional!) and made our way to the Minnesota Opera's The Barber of Seville, which will be onstage at the Ordway from May 3-18, 2025. If you don't have a lot of opera experience or know someone who could use a friendly introduction to the art form, this production is the perfect way to dive in! 

The Barber of Seville, at the Ordway Music theater in Saint Paul, is packed with comedy, colorful characters, and music you’ll recognize even if you’ve never seen an opera before. The story is easy to follow (with English super titles projected above the stage), the energy is infectious, and the performances are both playful and impressive. It's approachable for newcomers while still delighting longtime opera fans. I've seen this opera at least once before and this production is one I won't forget.

I have a lot of favorites from this experience, but I want to point out the scenery, the costumes, the beautiful music and the comedic physical acting of Don Basilio (played by Stefan Egerstrom when I saw the show) as especially delightful.

Just a reminder that my blog posts are reflective of my experience! I'm not paid to review shows, but I do (like in this instance) receive free tickets. Please check out my colleague Rob's experience here at the Stages of Minnesota blog: The Barber of Seville is a Comedic Delight at the Minnesota Opera:

Cast
Rosina – Katherine Beck (May 3, 8, 11, 17)
Rosina – Kara Morgan (May 4, 10, 18)*
Count Almaviva – Lunga Eric Hallam (May 3, 8, 11, 17)
Count Almaviva – David Walton (May 4, 10, 18)˚
Figaro – Takaoki Onishi (May 3, 8, 11, 17)
Figaro – David Wolfe (May 4, 10, 18)*
Doctor Bartolo – Matthew Anchel (May 3, 8, 11, 17)
Doctor Bartolo – Andrew Wilkowske (May 4, 10, 18)˚
Don Basilio – Stefan Egerstrom
Berta – Katherine Henly
Fiorello – John Mburu*

Please support artists and arts organizations with your attendance and your donations. This is an important time to come together as a community. 

So, if you aren't familiar with this show yet, it is set during the aesthetic craze of the late 1800s, which I was not familiar with by name. Although, I am familiar with Oscar Wilde. (who, according to the program, was a fan of this show!) Patience hilariously pokes fun at trends and fads. It follows two rival poets, Reginald Bunthorne and Archibald Grosvenor, who are adored by a chorus of swooning young women obsessed with all things “aesthetic.” Both poets, however, have their sights set on Patience, a sweet, no-nonsense milkmaid. Meanwhile, the chorus of women have abandoned their military suitors and the men's chorus then try to win them back by adopting the poets’ over-the-top aesthetic style—leading to plenty of ridiculous moments.

As someone who grew up singing in choirs, I especially loved the gorgeous harmonies and lively musical numbers. The cast’s vocal performances were top-notch, with beautifully blended ensemble singing and standout solos. The live orchestra did a tremendous job and it really added to the full opera experience.

The bright, Victorian-era costumes and the playful garden set design added to the fun, while the satire still feels surprisingly relevant. The show pokes fun at the way society latches onto trends—something we can definitely still relate to today! One of my favorite moments was a garden fountain that, when an actor manually cranked it, created the illusion of water flowing—a charming and whimsical touch that made me giggle at the cleverness. There was a lot of giggling during this performance!

If you love Gilbert & Sullivan’s sharp wit and catchy music or you’re just looking for a fun night  or afternoon out, this production is a treat. With its satire, silly romance, and memorable tunes, Patience offers plenty of laughs, great music, and a little Victorian flair. It’s light, delightful, and a perfect way to experience live theater!

Artfully,

Life of Pi (the three time Tony Award® winning production) at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis is a mesmerizing theatrical experience that pulls you right into Pi’s incredible story of survival. Having never read the book or seen the film, I was completely captivated as the story unfolded through stunning puppetry, evocative lighting, and immersive scenery. There are six puppeteers in the show. Pretty much every actor in the show does some kind of puppetry

The play follows sixteen-year-old Pi as he recounts his harrowing journey after a shipwreck leaves him stranded on a lifeboat with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Bengal tiger—brought to life by masterful puppeteers. Set within a hospital room with flashbacks to his family’s ill-fated voyage, the show explores resilience, the complexities of belief, and the raw realities of survival with nuance and depth. The ending took me by surprise, and I was deeply engaged from start to finish. If you’re looking for a theater experience that’s both visually stunning and thought-provoking, this is one to see!

My one recommendation would be to purchase theater seats as close (as possible) to the center of the theater for this show as I was seated house left and some of the projected words and even the actors were out of my site line. I thought it was nice that the theater patrons near me started whispering the projected text down the rows so the people further to the side could still participate. 

I was supposed to attend a media event this week to meet the tiger....but the snow storm ruined the fun. That's life in Minnesota for ya. Life of Pi at the Orpheum Theatre runs now through March 9, 2025. 

Artfully,

Please note that Hennepin Arts provided me with two theater tickets to this event. ​I want to keep things transparent! If you want to become a Twin Cities Theater Blogger and help Minnesota arts organizations share their important work with more people, reach out to the group on Facebook.

I'm a big fan of improvised musical comedy. So when I received an email from one of my very favorite Twin Cities improv groups, the Shrieking Harpies, about an upcoming show Leave Room for Jesus featuring the group's Hannah Wydeven and Lizzie Gardner, I was intrigued! I reached out and Hannah was kind enough to agree to chat with Artfully Engaging readers about her upcoming show, how the show came about, and why comedy is important in our current political climate.

Thanks to Hannah Wydeven for taking the time to share this behind-the-scenes information. Enjoy Hannah's interview, get your tickets to the show, and since social media is a bit...complicated right now, please consider signing-up for the Shrieking Harpies email list so you can get notified for upcoming shows.

​Artfully,

Hannah, tell us about Leave Room for Jesus! 

Hannah: Leave Room for Jesus is a parody show really playing on evangelical ideals of chastity and purity, as well as the fame-mongering of both men and women in mega-churches. More than anything it’s super goofy and fun, and doesn’t take itself seriously in any way. The show is also musical and uses a lot of audience interaction, so it will feel very much like a sermon (gone awry).

How did this show come to be?

Hannah: Every year I do a one off musical show around Valentine’s Day weekend that explores some facet of love and lust. It’s an opportunity for me to bring in some really talented friends and play a character I want to explore. It’s also a chance for me to just let it rip and do somewhat offensive and intensely stupid improv for a night. There are so many really thoughtful and poignant and emotionally driven improv shows being done in the twin cities (that are incredible), and this just isn’t one of them. Every piece of it was designed to just make people laugh their asses off.

Make your own question (what do you want to share about this process? Or something fun?)

Hannah: This show started with my idea for the main character Marla Hope, and every additional character has been someone else being like “what if this character showed up.” I’m really excited to share what everyone else is bringing to the table.

Here are some photos of Lizzie, Hannah (and Taj!) doing their thing as the Shrieking Harpies:

In a time when so many people feel disconnected or overwhelmed by the political climate, art—especially comedy—can be a powerful way to bring people together. How has your work in comedy and improv helped you build community?

Hannah: Oh man this question is so spot on. Behind the scenes I try to always be inclusive when I teach and when I direct, or produce or even when I invite people to play with me. I’ve been particularly enmeshed in bringing more queer voices and women’s voices to the front in comedy and that’s really important to me. When I teach I always offer sliding scale or free spots in classes/ workshops so people can come without issue. I try to keep ticket prices low and pay the people that perform with me as much as I can. 

Shows like this can really help people vent and get some shit off their chest, including me. I hope the audience walks away from this feeling like they got a chance to punch up in a really cathartic way. 

What’s next for you after this production? Any upcoming projects or performances we should know about? (Also how to find out about future work)

Hannah: This will for sure be a one night only thing which is what makes it special for me, but I continue to produce solo work under Sad Songs for Happy People (see @funnyladypants on Instagram for more). I’m also doing shows with Mayhem (feat. Butch Roy) and Shrieking Harpies (feat. Taj Ruler, Lizzie Gardner and Justin Nellis). Follow @shriekingharpies for more there. ​

Date:
Thursday, February 13, 2025
7:30 - 8:30pm CST

Ticket Price:
$15.08 (with fees)

Venue:
Strike Theater
824 NE 18th Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55418

I had a wonderful time at Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. It was the perfect mix of popular Irving Berlin music, lively dancing, and a great night out with dinner and drinks. The show featured “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” and of course, “White Christmas.” The cast really brought the music to life, and the dancing was so fun to watch—it had the whole audience smiling, tapping their feet, and singing along!

The evening started with a yummy dinner, and with holiday themed drinks in hand, we settled in for a festive holiday show - in October! The cast, including Michael Gruber as Bob Wallace and Tony Vierling as Phil Davis, gave energetic performances that made the night very enjoyable. The dazzling choreography (Tamara Kangas Erickson) and the vibrant costumes (Rich Hamson) added an extra layer of excitement and joy to the entire musical - the dancing and costumes truly create a magic atmosphere in the musicals at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres!

But you can't have a musical without the music (music direction by Andy Kust), and while the entire cast delivered strong vocal performances, the women truly stood out with their energy and presence. Ann Michels as Betty Haynes, Andrea Mislan as Judy Haynes, and Michelle Barber as Martha Watson brought incredible vitality to the stage and really made the night for me! Performances in songs like "Sisters," "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me," and "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy" were memorable highlights that left a lasting impression on the audience. 

The costumes were vibrant, the choreography was upbeat, and the whole production was pure holiday magic. If you’re looking for a fun night out with great food, drinks, and a show that’ll get you into the holiday spirit, White Christmas is a must-see. Make sure to grab your tickets while they last!

Disclosure: I received complimentary press tickets, dinner, and drinks to attend Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Just wanted to keep things transparent! If you want to become a Twin Cities Theater Blogger, reach out on Facebook.

Kendra

P.S. Check out my last blog post, Minnesota Fringe 2024: So It Begins, to learn more about the Minnesota Fringe and how to participate through August 11, 2024. Also please read more Fringe coverage by other Twin Cities Theater Bloggers: Cherry and the Spoon, The Stages of MN, and Single White Fringe Geek.

Holy O 
Lauren Hance: Writer/Performer
Amelia Peterson: Developer/Director
Cathy Lam-Patrie: Co-Director

How do you strike a balance between humor and depth when discussing topics like sexuality in the show?
​
Lauren: I often take the mantra of make 'em laugh, make 'em cry. Laughter, in its best form, is incredibly unifying. When we laugh together, it is an auditory and physical sign that says, "Oh, you too!" Laughter bonds people together. When you laugh together, it opens the door for you to get a little deeper and maybe even cry together. Part of creating a safe space is bringing some laughter into the mix.

Additionally, from the opening of the show, I begin in a very vulnerable state. I take on the brunt of the jokes and the unease, which creates a space for others to feel safe going on the journey with me. Holy O is interactive, and to get people to participate, I have to be vulnerable myself. The show is carefully crafted that way on purpose.  

When people feel safe, they can broach the more difficult subject matters. Holy O broaches some complicated subject matters such as assault, abuse, and suicide, and the stories are told in such a way that they begin with a more light-hearted stance. And the seriousness of the subject matters is never treated with judgment, but simply "this is how it is." It makes the difficult moments easier to get through. While the Holy O does not end with a tidy solution, it does point to hope, which helps audiences process the complex subjects they've just encountered.

Describe your show in three words or less.
​
​Lauren: ​Laugh. Cry. Orgasm?

One of my favorite parts of your podcast What the Fringe?! is how you are building community and creating conversation with fringe artists. You had a great discussion with other producers from the 2024 Fringe Festival Timothy Kelly from Melancholics Anonymous and Jake Mierva and Danylo Loutchko of an alleged Theatre Company on your recent podcasts. How do you think platforms like Minnesota Fringe support our arts communities and why are they so important?

Lauren: Interviewing these three artists was so eye-opening to the value of Fringe to local production companies. Participating in Fringe was the beginning of both of these companies, and without Fringe, these two companies may not be doing what they are doing now. Both Melancholics Anonymous and an Alleged Theater Company produce quirky shows. Fringe has given them a place to try out their ideas and see if people are into it - and they are! Fringe is such a low financial stake that companies can really get experimental to see what might work in their season lineup. Additionally, Fringe helps local artists, like these two companies, build an audience base, which in turn helps them build a stronger year-round company.
​
I am a touring artist, and when I first started doing Fringe, I was a little put off by some fringes allocating large percentages of the lineup to local talent and much smaller percentages to touring artists. After a few years of hitting the fringe circuit, I get it. Fringe can be a space for local artists to grow, discover who they are, and build a loyal following that will support them throughout the year. Plus, local artists draw crowds that will not only see their friends' shows but will then try out other shows at the Fringe.

The US fringe is unique in its emphasis on local artists. Fringes in Canada and Australia emphasize country artists and touring shows, while Edinburgh is all about bringing the world to the city. I cannot say if one system is better, but I celebrate what each type offers.

Lauren Hance is a playwright, producer, director, and actress. Lauren’s plays have been produced across the country, including Chicago, Minnesota, Texas, New York, New Orleans, and California. She has worked as a writer and director at Southern Rep Theatre in New Orleans in the 6x6 and 3x3 Playwriting programs. Lauren is a proud member of the Dramatist Guild of America and has been published through Mushroom Cloud Press. Lauren is the founder of Out of Mind Productions, a small production company with the mission to present stories that stir the heart, and served two years as the Director of Theatre & Theology at CITA. Lauren’s most recent project is the podcast What the Fringe?!, where each week, she sits down with a fringe artist to talk all things fringe theatre. Lauren holds a BFA in Directing from Abilene Christian University and a MAT in Arts and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. She resides in Houston with her husband and two daughters. www.LaurenHance.com

Greeting, outlaw and theater enthusiasts! Step into the world of Old West legends as we sit down with Angela Timberman, a talented local theater artist, who shares her experience playing Zerelda, Jesse James's mother, in the musical production of The Defeat of Jesse James, at the History Theatre from April 29 through May 28, 2023. This production offers a unique fusion of rock 'n roll, country, gospel, and pop music, while exploring the Minnesota connection to the notorious outlaw. In my conversation with Angela, we discuss her role, the importance of addressing controversial characters and issues in theater, and how this blend of musical genres influences her performance.

Join us in uncovering the rich and immersive experience of live theater and the lessons we can learn from deconstructing the stories of notorious figures like Jesse James, whose daring 1876 Northfield, Minnesota bank robbery continues to captivate our imagination. Read on to discover Angela's insights and to get a tantalizing glimpse of this high-energy production.

Artfully,

Tell us about your role in The Defeat of Jesse James at History Theatre!

Angela: I am playing the role of Jesse James's mother, Zerelda. She was one tough cookie.

She respected the white patriarchal construct of her world, but she expected the men in her life to be as tough as she was. Frank and Jesse felt the pressure of her expectations as did her 3 husbands. She was also a staunch supporter of the Confederacy. She resented the South's defeat in the Civil War and the way they suffered in the aftermath. I believe that's where most of her pride and expectations for Frank and Jesse came from. She saw their violent lives as noble and the masculine thing to do in response to the "Northern aggression" and she defended her boys to a fault.  
 
Can you share your thoughts on the importance of addressing problematic characters and controversial issues in theater?

Angela: We're fascinated by stories about people who do extraordinary or infamous things. But we have a problem contextualizing heroes and villains. Humans are rarely one or the other. A person with a noble cause can do terrible things.

Jesse's story is tied to issues that we STILL struggle with in our country today. Race and gun violence are the two big ones. That's why his story is important, because for a long time his story was one of the badass hero. And it's not true. We can learn from deconstructing or retelling these stories. And they spark important conversations.

The show is described as a blend of rock and musical theater. How has this unique fusion influenced your performance?

Angela: I think the style in which we're choosing to tell our story is effective in a kind of paradoxical way. As an actor, I may be performing a character from a different era, but I'm playing her for a modern audience in a modern setting.

It feels satirical and the audience can digest the atrocities in an oddly less emotional way. BUT, at the same time the modern sound and setting can sometimes make us even more connected emotionally. This keeps the audience on their toes. Because one minute you're laughing and the next you're sad. Or comfortable and then uncomfortable. Sure and then unsure.

What do you hope audiences will take away from The Defeat of Jesse James, and how does it contribute to the ongoing conversation about America's history and its diverse experiences?

Angela: Society creates heroes and villains, and we curate their stories into myths according to the sensibilities of the times we live in. People who do extraordinary things wake us up and speak to our own plights as humans. They are braver and bigger than our ordinary selves. Sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a bad way, sometimes in a way we don't understand but the "wow" factor is there regardless. Their lives are a kind of spiritual or moral touchstone. And when we come back to their stories, we not only re-evaluate them we re-evaluate us.

I hope the audience leaves thinking something they didn't think before they saw this play. Maybe it will be something about themselves.

Content warning:
Strong language, haze, fog, gunshot sound effects, and strobes.

"[Angela Timberman] is always dynamite in the roles that she plays, and she's especially so as Jesse's hardened mother. She has a great song called House Full of… (a-holes) that had the audience hooting with laughter."
~Play Off The Page

"Hilarious Angela Timberman as one tough mother..."
~Cherry and Spoon

"The incomparable Angela Timberman..."
~Life In Revue

​5 by JuCoby Johnson, a co-production between Trademark Theater and the Jungle Theater, is a timely and thought-provoking play that explores the complex relationships between friendship, and a community facing gentrification of their neighborhood. I was excited to see this production because of the local talent involved, it's directed by H. Adam Harris and has a great cast. 5 plays at the Jungle Theater in Uptown until April 16, 2023 and has been highly applauded by local reviewers and community members who have seen the show. 

5 takes place at a gas station in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood, where best friends Jay and Evan are faced with a tough decision that puts their friendship to the test. When a real estate developer offers to buy their store, the two are faced with a tough decision that puts their friendship to the test. As the pressure to sell mounts...you'll have to see the show because I don't want to give away spoilers. The play's strength lies in its depth and authenticity of the main characters and the nuanced exploration of some weighty themes. 5 is a testament to the importance of supporting new works in American theater, providing playwrights with the opportunity to develop and refine their stories before they are seen by audiences. The result is a play that is both timely and timeless with touches of magical realism sprinkled through all aspects of the show and it gets weird — in a good way, cause that's how I like my theater.

The journey of how 5 got to the stage showcases the importance of supporting new works in American theater, providing playwrights with the opportunity to develop and refine their stories before they are seen by audiences. 5 by JuCoby Johnson began as a commission by Trademark Theater in 2020, as part of their new-works-to-production pipeline. Johnson worked on the play internally before its first workshop in partnership with the Playwrights' Center and Trademark Theater in 2021. The play was then named a finalist for both the 2021 O'Neill NPC and Seven Devils competitions before undergoing a workshop in collaboration with the Jungle Theater in 2022. Currently, 5 is in production for its world premiere at the Jungle Theater in 2023. Trademark Theater, founded in 2017 by Tyler Michaels King, invests in extensive development and workshop processes for each production due to their commitment to telling bold new stories.

The staging and design of 5 are also noteworthy, with the Jungle Theater's intimate space utilized to great effect. The gas station set is very realistic and the use of sound and lighting adds to the increasing sense of unease and foreboding as the play progresses. 

Hello, Twin Cities arts friends! I hope you are staying warm and safe this January.

I'll make this as quick as I can, since there isn't much ticket availability left for the remaining shows of Footloose at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: if you are a fan of musicals, of the magnificent decade of the 80s, live music, amazing dance routines, or amazing food...you should consider trying to snag any seats that are open for the remaining 15 performances of this musical. After I saw the show I was obsessed with the music and if you go to a restaurant in the Twin Cities with Touch Tunes and the jukebox is loaded up with eighties music including the title track Footloose, then maybe I'm at the next table!

So, call the box office or re-load the ticket buying screen and try to make it if you haven't! I can also say the long run (a year!) of this live theater run in COVID-19 era times is a testament and love letter to understudies. The tenacity and flexibility to make quick casting changes and create beautiful performances when things are evolving and changing is miraculous to me. Thanks to all the cast, crew, and arts workers who made my experience amazing.

I enjoyed this behind-the-scenes video (see YouTube video above) with director Michael Brindisi about the process of creating the world of "Footloose" on the CDT stage. It's exciting that he collaborates with the original author of the production and movie to abstract the set pieces.

I'm very excited about what's coming up next at CDT! Check back for more info in February about The Prom. Please save-the-date for Saturday, March 4th and consider joining the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers as our date to THE PROM!

Artfully,

Kendra

P.S. Full transparency that as a content creator I was given two tickets to this show and so this is perhaps a biased opinion of the performance. However, I did buy additional tickets so I could have a wonderful table of friends to enjoy the dinner and show experience and I would 100% recommend bringing a group. They have great food choices for different dietary needs -- including vegan options which I am thankful for each time I attend one of their theaters.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) Box Office Phone Hours:
Monday  10am - 5pm
Tuesday - Saturday  10am - 6pm
Sunday  Closed
 
Contact the Box Office:
Phone: 952.934.1525
Email: [email protected]

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
501 West 78th Street
Chanhassen, MN 55317

Greetings Twin Cities arts community and supporters;

Welcome to 2023. I'm so amazed with all the wonderful in-person arts and community events that we've seen popping up again in our neighborhoods. It has inspired me to venture out into the snow and cold to be a part of the energy that local artists and their offerings provide. I've been busy over the past few years while I've been focusing on growing my technology skill. Exciting news! I recently completed a coding bootcamp and I'm super excited about putting my new nerd skills to work for the power of good.

I've been feeling a pull towards all things creative, since my arts outing have been on the back burner for a while. Resolved to change this, I rang in the new year seeing Smart Mouth Comedy Co. at the Phoenix Theater, my first time back in the space since a car ran through their front door and windows in November (please support them by donating or showing up to upcoming shows). Sharing laughs, music, and physical presence with artists and audience has inspired me to come back to writing about local creative endeavors and local happenings. Our time is valuable and I want to amplify local artists' voices and work with you to build a stronger Twin Cities arts and theater community. So, I'm back to blogging. I'm starting out with this blog: an interview with author and performer Lorna Landvik! Read my previous interview with her from 2017.

If you want more Lorna after the Q&A, please buy her books at your local bookstore and check out her website: LornaLandvik.com.

I am wishing you a year filled with creativity, intention, and local arts.

Artfully,

Start out the new year with comedy, storytelling, improve and antics from Minnesota author and performer Lorna Landvik. You can experience her newest show Pages and Stages which plays Friday and Saturday nights through January 28th at the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater in Uptown, Minneapolis.

Pages and Stages combines derring-do improv, set pieces, music and stories/confessionals about her Hollywood days and writing career.

Lorna, I was a big fan of your long-running show Party in the Rec Room! What's the inspiration for the change to your newest show "Pages & Stages?"

Lorna: First of all, thanks for being a fan of PARTY IN THE REC ROOM! I decided to change it up a bit because often people tell me my book talks and events are like shows themselves. I thought I’d incorporate story-telling (tales of my writing, publishing, my time in Hollywood) into the PAGES part.  In the STAGES part, I improvise characters and scenes according to audience suggestion.

As in PARTY IN THE REC ROOM, the show changes every night, which keeps it fun and exciting for me. 

Describe "Pages & Stages" in three words.

Lorna: Laughs!  Entertainment!  Fun!

It's a brand new year and time to think about the year ahead! Personally, I took a few years off from arts blogging but now I'm starting to recover from some very rocky years and I'm coming home to my creative pursuits. Do you have any advice for other writers and creatives who are picking up a new project or coming back to an art form after some time away?

Lorna: I’m a big fan of Steven Pressfield and the lessons/ideas he puts forth in his books, THE WAR OF ART and TURNING PRO (to name just two).  He doesn’t talk about writers’ block, but resistance and how it can stymie all and any efforts — creative/self-improvement, etc. He’s got a great website -- StevenPressfield.com which I strongly recommend. I also like a long, contemplative walk to think about what I’m working on; even if nothing new comes in your head, at least you get some exercise!  

Any last words for Artfully Engaging readers?

Lorna: I so appreciate when people come out to see my shows, just as I appreciate when they choose one of my books to read. I really do believe we're’ all in this together, so my goal in writing and performing is to tell stories and create characters that will touch the reader/audience and make them laugh, ponder/wonder, hope and ultimately be glad they spent some time in these little worlds of mine.

We are processing some painful realities in the wake of the 2016 elections. I'd like to take some time to ask you, my creative community, how are you doing? Are you taking care of your mind and body? Are you being mindful? Are you making time in your calendar for rest?

Before election results even started coming in, I reached out to Chicago theater artist Eileen Tull asking her to write a piece for Artfully Engaging; I suggested self-care as a topic. I saw on social media that with all the creative hats she wears, she was making an effort to prioritize her wellness. And now I am so glad to share her guest blog post with all of you so that you can learn and be inspired by Eileen's journey.

When you are rested and fully present, I expect to see you engaged and creating work that blows our minds. Let's work together to keep ourselves strong so we can continue to ask important questions.

Artfully,

Kendra

By Eileen Tull

I don’t like traveling by plane. I’m so preoccupied with crashing into a twisted pile of metal and fire that it’s hard to have a good time. I can barely focus on anything else in the time between finding my seat and bump-bumping back onto the earth. What I do know, other than that I have no future as an astronaut, is that the oxygen mask metaphor applies to almost everything in life, but especially to self-care and artistic creation. The oxygen mask metaphor is that you are instructed to put on your own oxygen mask in an emergency before you begin assisting other passengers. You have to make sure that your mask is correctly on you and you are providing yourself with life-giving oxygen before you are able to focus on helping anyone else. You have to take steps to ensure that you are at full strength before you start spreading yourself too thin.  

It's time like these I turn to that little Internet sensation called "self-care." As a freelance performing artist with a day job and several teaching artist side-hustles (not to mention a whole host of mental health obstacles under my belt), I utilize self-care an awful lot. If I am not firing on all (or at least most) cylinders, I simply cannot create worthwhile art. People say great suffering begets great art, but I say that a lot of those artists never really had a good time. Like many things related to mental health, I worry that the true idea of self-care is getting lost in the shuffle of Tumblr posts and likes and faves and all that jazz. So here is a playlist of self-care suggestions, avenues, tips, tricks; a place to start.

Please note: I'm in no way medically qualified to talk about anything ever. All I am is a gal with a great sense of humor and lots of mental health issues (addiction, body image and disordered eating, anxiety issues, as well as a partridge in a pear tree).

1) Should You Stay Or Should You Go Now?

Sometimes self-care is about removing yourself from a situation that is unsafe for you. This situation may not be unsafe for others, but because you are a unique snowflake with your own brand of mental health cocktail, it may not be safe for you. That's okay. For example (speaking of cocktails), I perform a lot of shows in bars. As a recovering alcoholic, this can prove to be a challenge, especially as the night continues. The more that people around me drink, the less comfortable I feel. There's an emotional factor at play, but it's also that I become physically ill by the smell of alcohol. My sense memory flares up, recalling too many nights drinking until I made myself sick. This is a great boon to my sobriety, but not so much to my social life. I and those who love me understand this, so if I ever abruptly exit, most people understand that it is not out of rudeness, but emotional necessity. Those who might not understand may think me rude, and you know what? That's okay. I'd rather be rude than relapsed.

On the other hand, sometimes that flight impulse is a passing feeling. I stay more often than I leave, and I'm almost always glad I did. Don't underestimate the power of a few deep breaths, a drink of water, or a breath of fresh air to put your needs in perspective.

2) Here Comes The Sun

Go outside. Yes. It's still there. And we need it. Even when it's cold or it's rainy or it's oppressively hot. We need to feel the outside world. So much of our lives are spent living through screens (she said as she typed away on an iPad), where the reality is getting lost in the virtual more and more. Go outside and let your senses experience the world. It's fall in Chicago, the most engaging time of year. The smells and sights of leaves falling to the ground, the feel of the crisp autumn air: this is the world. Take a five minute walk or even open a window. So often when I feel in the midst of a breakdown, my instinct is to retreat into my apartment and plug my face into my machines. Interacting with the outside world always gives me a different point of view, reminding me that I am not alone on this earth and that I am able to look outside myself to ask for assistance.

3) Help! I Need Someone!

Ask for help. Self-care doesn't have to be solitary. People who love you want to be there for you. This is a hard one, because you have to strike the balance of asking for help, but being able to hold yourself up. I'm still heavily working on this one, because I'm used to being a relatively independent and self-reliant person who doesn’t come off the court unless there’s blood. Recently, I experienced a tragic loss in my family, something very painful and sudden. My addict voice tried to convince me that this grief was too much for other people and to clamp down on my feelings. "Suffer through it, don't burden anyone else." I quickly found that a) this grief was too much to bear alone and that b) I have built a network of people that would not leave me alone, constantly pestering me with love and support. When people want to love you, believe them. And furthermore, be the loving person for someone else in their time of need.

4) These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

No self-care arsenal is complete without the things that you love. As you feel yourself tipping, peeking over that despair cliff, wondering once again if you can fly, bust out the things that bring you joy. Make a playlist of songs (may I recommend lots of Sia], OK Go, this crazy, sorta Christian ska band from my youth called Five Iron Frenzy, the last five minutes of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and listen/dance to them as long as you can. Save the links to those articles that made you feel better and heard and more informed about yourself. Find podcast interviews with your favorite people or YouTube clips of parakeets that make you laugh. I have a folder on my phone titled "Nice Things People Say," full of screenshotted compliments and affirmations. It sounds a little desperate on paper, but I can't tell you how many times I have looked through those images and remembered compliments that my brain tried to block out. So whatever the things are that bring you joy: a TV series, book, video game, song, sport, comic book, etc., give yourself space to enjoy those things.

Of course, the caveat here is to find a balance between enjoying and binging. I love The West Wing, but after seven straight hours of watching a few years ago, I swear that Leo McGarry looked right at me with frustration and said, "get a hold of yourself, Eileen." This may have been a slight hallucination. See #2.

5) Do The Mess Around (Or Don't)

Get your mess in order. Yes, self-care is about treating yourself sweetly in a harsh world. We must be more gentle with our beautiful selves. But. Self-care is also about feeding yourself well. Taking a shower. Finishing a project. Sending an email. Paying a bill. Doing your laundry. Taking out the garbage. When I become so overwhelmed by "life," what I'm really overwhelmed by are my thoughts and feelings, usually relating to my mental health challenges. I allow this overwhelming to atrophy my productivity, and as more and more things pile up, my anxieties grow. The vicious cycle becomes a fun wheel to spin at the county fair; which task will I obsess about but put off completing NEXT??!? When I find myself here, I try to focus on what I am physically able to accomplish. If my to-do list is laundry, save up money, end street harassment, and achieve equality for all humans, maybe I should start with laundry. So yes, watch a cute video of a cat and take a walk, but also take out the recycling, finally. For the busy mind, these tasks are frustrating and cyclical, but tackling them allows me to literally make more space for things that make me well. They are the first to fall by the wayside when stress starts to mount, and they have a cumulative impact on my ability to move forward with anything.

And if needing to be reminded of this makes me bad at "adulting," so be it. Nobody's perfect, and unburdening myself of the notion that I have to be has been one of the best progressions of my life.

Care for yourself. Unplug your devices. Volunteer your time. Tell somebody that they're great. Get eight hours of sleep. Drink water. Go to a museum. Look at pictures of Harrison Ford from the 1980s. Eat green things. Apologize for that thing you feel guilty about. Make something with your hands. Write down that thought you keep having. Tell yourself that you're good, you're great, you're wonderful. Throw away that potato.

Learn more about Eileen, a performer, writer, and theater creator living in Chicago, at ElileenTull.com.
Tweet with her at @Tullie23 and follow her on Facebook.