Journey On
Review by Ernest Edwards/Ernest Goes To The Theatre
Journey On is a celebration of Theater Latte Da. It’s the first show of their 2025/2026 season, which is also their 28th season. Journey On is also the 100th production for Theater Latte Da. Learned that their home, The Ritz Theater, is also 100 years old. 100 is being celebrated in many different ways for Latte Da.
Journey On is a love letter to the fans of Theater Latte Da. Expertly directed by Artistic Director Justin Lucero. The show is hosted by Tod Peterson, with the cast of Felix Aguilar Tomlinson, Ronnie Allen, Erin Cupella, Deidre Cochran, Isa Conda-Olivera, Bradley Greenwald, Kim Kivens, and Evan Tyler Wilson. Tod told some stories about how Theater Latte Da got its name and origins. Name came from performing at coffee shops. Latte Ta Da, became Theater Latte Da. I never knew that origin story, I just always like the name.
I went digging through my theater spreadsheet. The first show I had seen with Latte Da was A Man of No Importance at the Loring Playhouse in April 2004. I had seen several Latte Da productions at the old Loring Playhouse such as King of Hearts, Floyd Collins and the first time Latte Da did Gypsy. I also got to see the second production of Gypsy at The Pantages Theater.
Hearing about how Latte Da was able to purchase the Ritz Theater in 2016 was a great story told by Bradley Greenwald. It was at a fundraiser. That evening Latte Da was trying to raise money for the down payment to purchase the Ritz Theater. Within minutes, they not only raised enough money for the down payment, but also for the first 10 mortgage payments. Bradley saw that night how much the audience loves Latte Da.
Evan Tyler Wilson’s story was moving. He talked about when he first moved to the Twin Cities and had a hard time getting parts. He learned about Latte Da’s general audition. He ended up having call backs for Sweeney Todd, C, and All is Calm. Then was cast in all three shows that same season.
I do regret not seeing Latte Da’s production of Sunday in the Park with George at the Loring Playhouse. I have friends who still rave about that production today. I also missed Company at the old McKnight Theater. After many years, I had found myself missing out on some Latte Da productions. I eventually became a season ticket holder a few years ago for Latte Da. Now I don’t miss any Latte Da productions.
Another fun tidbit. Out of 100 productions, Latte Da has performed 8 out 12 musicals where Stephen Sondheim wrote both the music and lyrics. Only 4 more to go. 😉
This was a fun night of reflection, story telling and singing. The show was so good that I found myself wishing it was 4 or 5 hours long. Between the cast, the orchestra, and the songs it was such an enjoyable night of theater.
I went later in the run. The show closes on Sunday October 19, 2025. Not much time left to see this gem. Check out latteda.org for tickets.
