The Perfect Arrangement - Walking Shadow Theatre Company - June 2026

Perfect Arrangement

postcard advertisement

By Topher Payne

Review by Ernest Edwards

This 2014 play about lavender marriages during height of McCarthyism during the 1950’s feels even more necessary to see now in 2026 than when Theatre in the Round produced this play in June of 2022. 

The play takes place in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC in 1950. Bob Martindale is high up in the State Department and is married to Millie Martindale, their neighbors are Jim Baxter who is married to Norma Baxter. Normal also works with Bob at the State Department. Bob and Jim are a couple, as are Millie and Norma. 

While hosting a dinner party for of his boss Ted Sanderson and his wife Kitty, Bob is assigned with expanding his search from rooting out Communists to also include deviants. Such as people who are promiscuous, and homosexuals. Kitty no longer allows her husband Ted to go to the Opera, because the Opera might turn him gay. Really, that is what they believed. Bob, Norma, Jim and Millie are all concerned. Will they be found out? Can they keep hiding in plain sight? How long before their Perfect Arrangement falls apart.  

The arrival of State employee Barbara Grant and her past connection to Millie is all it takes for everything to start to unravel. 

Director John Heimbuch has assembled a great cast to tell this story. Bob is played by Joe Swanson, Millie is played by Elora Riley, Norma is played by Rachel Postle, Jim is played by Theo Janie-Furman, Ted Sunderson is played by Peter Colburn, Kitty Sunderson is played by Julie Ann Nevill, and Barbara Grant is played fabulously by Lily Rains. 

The scenery was reminiscent and based on the set of the I Love Lucy television series from the 1950’s. The costumes designed by Mandi Johnson are gorgeous looking. We were definitely in the 1950’s with her costume design. 

This well written play, is a great slice of history that many don’t know about. It’s funny, it’s dramatic, the performances by the cast are perfect for this story that takes place in the 1950’s. This play is perfect to be shown during Pride month.

A favorite part of the show for me, was that the entire cast came out of the closet for the curtain call. 

This play is currently playing at the Crane Theater through June 21, 2026. Check out www.walkingshadow.org for tickets. 

Gorgons - Yellowtree Theatre - June 2026

Gorgons

Program Cover

By Dan Nigro

Review by Ernest Edwards

These performances are not to be missed! Gorgons at Yellowtree Theatre is a masterclass in acting that is not to be missed. 

The play is very reminiscent of the making the movie What Ever Happened to Baby Jane that starred Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Christina Baldin plays Mildred (Bette Davis) and Jamie White Jachimiec plays Ruth (Joan Crawford). 

I did watch the Ryan Murphy mini series Feud when it aired back in 2017. This 2009 play does a great job with the showing us the highlights of the backstage antics while making the movie What Ever Happened to Baby June. These two film stars need each other for a comeback film. Can they put away their animosity towards each other to make this movie? You will need to say the play to find that out. 

This play has it all. There’s something for you to sink your teeth into, there’s humor, there’s drama, there’s Hollywood style over acting. This drama is simply delicious. The best part of the play is the performances by Christina Baldwin and Jamie White Jachimiec. These two actresses are perfect for this play. They are giving us the performance of a lifetime with this play. 

This 90 minute gem is directed by Austene Van, with Scenery designed by Sarah Brandner, costumes designed by Zahara Simmons. The costumes and scenery bring us into the world of this story. 

The play runs through June 21, 2026. Check out www.yellowtreetheatre.com for tickets. 

Spamalot - Ordway - June 2026

Spamalot

Program Cove

Book & Lyrics by Eric Idle

Music by John Du Prez & Eric Idle

A quote from the program “A musical lovingly ripped off from the Motion Picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail”

The National Tour of the Broadway Revival of Spamalot is at the Ordway this week. The National Tour for the original 2005 Broadway production was first at the Ordway in April 2007. It’s been a while since I had last seen this fun piece of musical theater comedy. This new production of Spamalot feels even funnier than the original. If such a thing is even possible. 

Something else that has changed in 20 years between the original Broadway production and the Broadway Revival is the use of projections. There’s a lot more projections this time around, which worked very well for this show. Scenic Design and Projections are designed by Paul Tate DePoo III. Who was also the designer for the Great Gatsby musical that was just in the Twin Cities on tour. The costumes are designed by Jen Caprio. She must have had a lot of fun working on this musical. The musical is directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. 

The audience was really getting into the production last night. I still have not seen the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I need to put that on my watch list. The people behind me were well versed in the movie and were laughing at some of the scenes before anything happened, because they knew where it was going. Such a fun show.

The story follows King Arthur on his quest to gather the Knights of the Round Table in 932AD. Once the knights are assembled, then God wants them to find the Holy Grail. Last seen at the Last Supper. That may seem like a simple way of telling this story, but there is a lot of Monty Python humor throughout the script and from the performances with this cast.

This musical has a strong ensemble cast. Some of the standouts are Amanda Robles as the Lady of the Lake and Major Attaway as King Arthur. The rest of the cast shines so many times. Nearly everyone else is playing multiple characters throughout the musical to hilarious results. 

This is one of the funniest musical comedy’s out there. 

Don’t miss a chance to see this Broadway musical on tour. It’s only playing through Sunday June 14, 2026. Check out www.ordway.org for tickets. 

In The Works 2026 - Trademark Theater - June 2026

In the Works (New Works Showcase)

Program Cover

Review by Ernest Edwards

Last night at the Playwright Center in St. Paul, Trademark Theater concluded their 2025/2026 Season/Season 9 with a one night only event which included a  showcase of three new shows that are in the early stages of development. It was a sold out event, which I was very happy for Trademark Theater and the artists involved for the event being sold out. 

Each show was given about 25 minutes of stage time to give a glimpse into these new works. 

The first new work is the musical Locust with book by Emma Y. Lai, and Music & Lyrics by Hannah Bakke. Before the show started I learned a fun fact. Did you know that locusts and grasshoppers are one and the same? Just at different stages in development. Kind of like how chipotle peppers are just jalapeños that have turned red, and that black olives are just green olives that have ripened. I’m full of fun facts as I write this. 🤣 I did enjoy this musical about a grasshoppers and locusts. The songs were fun, and the cast was great, but out of the three shows I saw at the same event. This one needs more work, but that is why it’s being showcased in the early stages. I do see the potential and can’t wait to see this show evolves. 

The second show is the play The February Play, by Vinecia Coleman. This was one of the my favorites of the evening. This play is about a theater company doing a production of A Raisin In The Sun during February/Black History Month, and the Director has a heart attack during rehearsals. We got a glimpse at the first 30 pages of the script. This play, I didn’t want it to stop. I really liked what we got to see, and where it was going. The February Play is one that I can’t wait to see it again, and someday see a fully staged play. 

The third and final show was Pansy, which is created and performed by Max Wajtanowicz, with music by Michael Gruber. I learned something new from this musical. The term pansy was associated with clubs in the 1920’s to the mid 1930’s in America that featured members of the LGBTQ community as performers. Max play cabaret singer Buddy Fields. I have seen Max before on stage, and in musicals. His voice was golden in this performance. This was another favorite of the evening. I can’t wait to watch this become a fuller stage musical. 

It’s not easy creating a show from scratch. It’s nice to be part of the process to see early staged readings and provide reaction as a member of the audience. 

Trademark Theater will have a launch party for Season 10 on July 15, 2026.

Midsummer Night’s Dream - Modern Rep - June 2026

Midsummer Night’s Dream

The cast, photo by Molly Jay Photography

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Grant Sorenson

Review by Ernest Edwards

This production of Midsummer Night’s Dream lives up to its description. It’s something messy, sexy, and very gay. I was here for every single minute of it!!!

The play is presented with a small cast of six male actors who play all the roles. Way back in Shakespeare’s time, only men were allowed to act on stage. The roles are parsed out very evenly amongst this talented cast. 

This production runs for about one hour and fifty minutes with no intermission. It’s mostly the entire story

David Mitchell (Hermia), Bryce Baxter (Lysander), 
Leo Rossmiller (Demetrius), Jonathan Edwards (Helena)
Photo by Molly Jay Photography

of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with a few tweaks here or there. All of the core moments are there. If you have never seen the original play before, it’s very easy to follow along with this fun updated twist to the tale. 

To get the to stage, you have walk down the alley behind 901 North Third Street, Minneapolis, which is part of the North Loop neighborhood. Then enter through a large garage door. Inside is a thrust stage, flanked by metal risers on three sides. The cast makes good use of every square inch of this performance space. For this productions there is also popcorn, beverages and temporary tattoos all available. 

If you are familiar with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, you know there are fairies, and a play within a play. Midsummer Night’s Dream elevates those moments. I really liked how the fairy scenes were accomplished on stage. The transformation of Bottom was not what you typically see. He comes out transformed with clear acrylic high heels, a donkey sized sex toy strapped in a certain location, and at times he has a ball gag. And when he lays on his back on Titania’s bed, the compass hilariously points north. If you know what I’m saying. 

We all know A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the magical Shakespeare play. Who knew Shakespeare could be

David Mitchell (Oberon) photo by
Molly Jay Photography

fun and sexy?! This production takes the fun to 125%. The sexiness is off the charts. 

This play was everything it was described to be and more. The play within the play about Pyramus and Thisbe, is normally he funniest part of the whole play. It definitely was in this production. It’s also over the top. One of the most outlandish versions I have ever seen of Pyramus and Thisbe. I don’t know if anyone will ever be able to top this version. 

This cast deserves a lot of recognition. They are definitely working up a sweat with this production. The cast consists of Bryce Baxter, Jonathan Edwards, David Mictchell, Richard Rigmaiden, Leo Rossmiller, Kashif Shakti, and Jack Bechard. They all share their stage and they all have their moments to shine. 

This is the second production I have seen directed by Grant Sorensen this year. I can wait to see what he directs next. 

The play continues through June 20, 2026. Check out www.dreammpls.com for tickets. 

 

My Anotonia - Theater Latte Da - June 2026

My Antonia

Program Cover

Conceived by Jessie Austrian, Noah Brody, Kate Kilbane and Dan Moses

Music and Lyrics by The Kilbanes

Book by Noah Brody

Review by Ernest Edwards

This musical had me under its spell from the opening moment of the show. Picture this, that cast is on stage and throughout the theater. They ask us to picture the wide open prairies, and then we begin to hear birds chirping and the sounds of crickets. The way that was executed was pure theater magic. It was such a wonderful moment. It reminded me of the opening moment the first time I had seen the musical Light at the Piazza. When those leaves drifted across the stage during the first few moments of that musical, it was an elevated detail that was so cool to see on stage. It had me hooked from the beginning. It was the same with My Antonia. I knew I was going to be in for an excellent evening of  storytelling. 

I did not know this world premiere musical is based on a book by Willa Cather. There is a nice display in the lobby that you should check out either before the show or the during intermission. It’s fun to see a new work and not have any previous knowledge to the story. This musical stands on its own. 

The story and the storytelling are so compelling, it was a treat for me to be a witness to this world premiere production. It was truly a magical evening. 

The story follows James as he recounts to Willa, meeting Antonia (pronounced An-toe-knee-uh) for the

Photo by Dan Norman

first time. As young Jimmy, his parents died in Virginia.  He takes the train to live with his Grandparents in Nebraska. On the same train is Antonia and her family, fresh from Bohemia trying to start a new life in America. The story takes place over the course of approximately 30 years. Life on the prairie was hard. Antonia’s family is living in a sod house. Jimmy and Antonia become good friends, but their lives do diverge and take different paths as they get older. 

The scenic design by Benjamin Olsen takes us to those big open prairies. The Costumes by Sarah Bahr tell us who each character is, their status in society and when the show takes place. Such amazing detail with the costume designs. 

The biggest reason for the success of the story of My Antonia is the cast. What a cast it is. Looking at the cast list in the program, and it’s a who’s who of the Twin Cities theatre community. We have so much talent in this metro area, and it’s great to see it showcased in a production like My Antonia. Jimmy is played by Maddox Tabalba, Jim is played by Will Dusek, James is played by Tom Reed, Lillian Hochman plays Young Antonia, Sara Masterson plays Antonia, Emily Gunyou Halasas plays older Antonia, Em Adam Rosenberg plays Willa, Sally Wingert plays Grandmother, Bradley Greenwald plays Grandfather, Anna Hashizume, James Rodrigue and Spencer Chandler round out the rest of the cast. Another thing that makes this show so wonderful and magical, is that while the actors do have a primary character that they are playing they also are part of the ensemble and take on other roles throughout the musical. This is a strong ensemble production. 

This production was so good, and so moving that the show received an instant standing ovation when the show was over. That a testament to the story, the storytelling and the performances of the cast. 

My Antonia is not to be missed. Check out www.latteda.org for tickets. The musical runs through July 12, 2026. 

The Great Gatsby - Hennepin Arts - June 2026

The Great Gatsby

Program Cover

Based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel

Book by Kait Kerrigan, Music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Nathan Tysen

Review by Ernest Edwards

The 2024 Broadway musical, The Great Gatsby is on town this week as part of its National Tour. The musical is gracing the stage of the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis with its Art Deco extravaganza. This musical showcases high end Art Deco from the roaring 1920’s. I was here for it!

The stage musical follows the story of the novel. You have Jay Gatsby who is still in love with Daisy. Gatsby and Daisy knew each other, before he left for war. Daisy is now married to Tom Buchanan. Gatsby made his fortune after The Great War/WWI, and built an estate across the sound from the Buchanan residence in Long Island. Where Gatsby can stare across the water at the green light in their lighthouse and know Daisy is there. A plan begins to form when Daisy’s cousin Nick Caraway rents a cottage from Gatsby. Gatsby encourages Jay to arrange a tea with Daisy, so he can just stop on by. The plot thickens from there. 

The visuals really bring us into the 1920’s. The Art Deco scenery and projections designed by Paul Tate

Photo taken by Ernest Edwards

DePoo III are breathtaking. The Costumes designed by Linda Cho are elegant and fabulous. The lighting design by Cory Pattak helps to bring the spectacle to life. This musical is a good old fashioned spectacle. In addition to the singing and dancing, it’s a visual delight. This production just keeps giving more and more. Which is also due to the dancing by Choreographer Dominique Kelley. Director Marc Bruni guided this classic story to wonderful new results. 

We need to talk about this cast. There is so many wonderful talented cast members. This show wouldn’t be what is without the ensemble. For the leads we have Jake David Smith as Jay Gatsby, Senzel Ahmad’s as Daisy Buchanan, Joshua Crosso as Nick Carraway, Leanne Robinson as Jordan Baker, Will Branner as Tom Buchanan and Edward Staudenmayer as Meyer Wolfsheim. These leading cast members carry the story, and each has such vocal talent with their singing. 

This entire show is a giant gift, and every element is the cherry on top. 

The marquee

If you like musicals with singing, dancing, gorgeous scenery and spectacle. The Great Gatsby fits that bill perfectly.  The musical is in town until Sunday June 7, 2026, check out www.hennepinarts.org for tickets. 

Brokeback Mountain - Chicago Shakespeare Theater - May 2026

Brokeback Mountain

Poster on Navy Pier

A play by Ashley Robinson

Review by Ernest Edwards

Brokeback Mountain, as a play is making it’s North American premiere at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Courtyard Theater. The play premiered in London in 2023. The play is based on the novella, not the movie. The playwright made that very clear on a recent interview on a Chicago news segment. 

I must say, this play is a work of art. It is a work of literature live on stage. There are many reasons for that. First of all is the cast. Jack Twist is played by Jack Cameron Kay and Emmit Del Mar is played by Harrison Ball. These two actors were perfectly cast and portray these characters so well. I just can’t say enough about their performances and the strong cast supporting them throughout the play. These two leading men are part of this plays success. 

In no particular order all of these elements help to make this play a success. There is the direction by Jonathan Butterell, the Scenery & Costumes were designed by Tom Pye, the Lighting designed by David Finn, and the songs by Dan Gillespie Sells. This is not a musical, it’s a play with music. The music and vocals provide a nice undertone to what is happening on stage. 

Let’s talk about the scenery in a greater detail. The story takes place in various locations in Wyoming

Photo by Ernest Edwards

between 1963 and 1983. The scenery was universal, but had elements that took us to where needed to go for every scene. There’s patches of grass, there’s a fire pit for the campsite’s (with real flames and smoke), beds, tables and counters rise out the floor for the various indoor scenes, with the appropriate lighting fixtures that descend from above. The scenery was spectacularly designed and functioned very well. The scenery, along wth the costumes helped take us to Jack and Emmit’s Wyoming. 

Let’s talk about the story. Jack and Emmit meet in 1963 and are herding sheep on Brokeback Mountain. During the course of that summer. They two cowboys discover something that they can only share with each other. These two cowboys in the 1960’s become lovers. Eventually they both marry women. Emitt has two daughters. This is probably a lot to do with society, that these two cannot fully be themselves. They have their fishing trips multiple times a year. This goes on for 20 years. 

Society has come a long way since the time period when this play takes place. We still have a long way to go. 

The story is so moving, emotional and well executed that it received an instant standing ovation when the play was over. The run time is also 90 minutes with no intermission, which is the right amount of time for this play. If you in Chicago or want to make a trip to Chicago, this play is not to be missed. The play continues through June 28, 2026. Check out www.chicagoshakes.com for tickets. 

. 

Home, I’m Darling - Lyric Arts - May 2026

Home, I’m Darling

Program Cover

Play written by Laura Wade

Review by Ernest Edwards

One of the many reasons why I like Lyric Arts, is that not every show they produce is a well known recognizable title. Everything they do is worth seeing. Home, I’m Darling fits that bill perfectly. I had never heard of this play before, I liked the description and ended up loving the production. 

This play was written and first produced in 2018. It’s still a fairly new play. At the center of the play is the couple Judy (Kendra Mueller) and Johnny (Kyler Chase). The play starts out in the 1950’s. Everything is the 50’s from the clothing, the hair styles, to the decor, metal lunch boxes, landline telephones, a console record player, the furniture and the appliances. Then we notice present day things start to pop in. A laptop here, the mention of cell phones there.  

It is revealed that this play doesn’t take place in the 1950’s. It’s present day and Judy & Johnny have decided to live like they are in the 1950’s. It started out as a 6 month experiment, but has now been going on for three years. What got them here was that Judy’s job was downsized. She did get a severance. Johnny was bringing home good money. Judy was kind of tired of the corporate life. They give living like the 1950’s a try, and Judy becomes the stay at home wife who wears high heels and jewelry as she cleans the house. As the years have gone on, Johnnys’ commission has been shrinking and Judy has used her savings to bridge the gap. Judy’s savings is now completely gone, as is the money her father left her, and the bank wants to start foreclosure proceedings. 

Judy’s mom Silvia (Patti Haynes-McCarthy) set’s the record straight on the 1950’s with a great monologue in the second act. She talks about the racism, the sexism, the physical and mental abuse. The 1950’s wasn’t as rosy as television and movies make it out to be. I like in the program how the director says his own Mom wasn’t making london broil and cherry pie every night like June Cleever did. 

The stage before the play begins. Photo by Ernest Edwards

Some of my favorite moments from this play were the moments between scenes. The cast looked like they were fun during those interludes. The two story scenic design by Greg Vanselow was gorgeous. It had that classic look and feel to it. 

What era would like to live as in today’s world? Would you be willing to make a leap like Judy & Johnny did? Would you completely renovate your house and wardrobe to fit that time period? 

Not only is this a fun play with a nice mix of comedy and drama. It also makes you think. What if? It was also fascinating to watch this story unfold over the evening. 

This fun play runs through June 21, 2026. Check out www.lyricarts.org for tickets. 

Little Women - The Guthrie Theater - May 2026

Little Women

Program Cover

Adapted by Lauren M. Gunderson, based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott

Review by Ernest Edwards

Little Women at the Guthrie Theater is a wonderful delight. From the moment you walk into the Wurtele Thrust Stage and see the gorgeous scenery, to the first spoken words of the play. It was an enchanting night of theatre. 

One of the aspects that I really like with this adaptation is that the play is both acted out on stage, and narrated from all of the characters at the same time. Such a creative way of storytelling. Spoiler alert, the story of the March sisters is also bookended by the character Louisa May Alcott in writing this timeless tale. 

My season seat in the slope, felt perfect last night. I was sitting in the right place. I was drawn into the play, and loving every moment. 

There is such wonderful energy coming from the cast. It was great to experience being in the theatre with  this script. It put me in a great uplifting mood. 

This is a wonderful ensemble play, but there are standouts in the cast. Daniel Petzold as Laurie, he has a great energy about him as Laurie. Stephanie Anne Bertumen is Meg. May Heinicke is Beth. Isabella Star LeBlance is Jo/Louisa. This play was well acted. The cast is lead expertly by Director Jackson Gay. 

I really enjoyed the scenery designed by Junghyun Georgia Lee. The outdoors and the indoors blended

The stage before the play begins. 
Photo by Ernest Edwards

well together in this play that takes place in rural Massachusetts during and after The Civil War. The scenery was perfect to represent all of the different seasons that the story takes place during. Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. It was fun watching the snow fall upstage, or the falling of flower petals and Autumn leaves. I also liked the costumes for the play, designed by Jessica Ford. Her costumes helped to transport us to when the play was taking place back in the 1860’s.

The story and struggles of the March sisters is not a new story, it was written and published in 1868. There have been numerous film and stage adaptations over the years. This adaptation by Lauren M. Gunderson is true, classic, heartwarming and refreshing at the same time. 

I can’t say enough nice things about this production of Little Women. This gem of a play continues through June 21, 2026. Check out www.guthrietheater.org for tickets. 

The Most Happy Fella - Ten Thousand Things - May 2026

The Most Happy Fella

Program Cover

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Frank Loesser

Review By Ernest Edwards

This was my first time seeing the musical The Most Happy Fella and attending a Ten Thousand Things production. I do remember having a cast recording from a Broadway revival in the 1990’s. The only song I recognized was “Standing on the Corner”. It’s nice to see a classic musical for the first time. 

The Most Happy Fella is another musical by Frank Loesser, who is also known for the musicals Guys and Dolls and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. 

A fun fact that I learned about Ten Thousand Things is that they take their shows on tour around the Twin Cities and the great state of Minnesota. I got to see the musical in the Performance Hall at Open Book in downtown Minneapolis. A cast of seven actors play all the characters and are also the part of the musicians for the musical. 

The musical takes place in Northern California in 1927. Rosabella is working as a waitress in a San Francisco cafe and agrees to be a mail order bride for Tony Esposito. She doesn’t realize that Tony used the photo of Joe, his foreman. Tony was ashamed of the age difference. Rosabella does grow to love Tony. Tony hires for friend Cleo to also work at the vineyard. 

The cast really stands out for this wonderful production. Tony is played by Pedro R. Bayon, Rosabella is played by Susie Juul, Joe is played by Sasha Andreev, Cleo is played by Julia Diaz, Marie (Tony’s Sister) is played by Norah Long, the rest of the cast includes Phinehas Bynum and Maje Adams.

I liked the staging of this production. With minimum sets and costumes, you really get drawn into the story and performances of the cast. The intimate staging of an arena stage in the Performance Hall was a great fit for The Most Happy Fella. 

This musical plays through June 7, 2029. Check out www.tenthousandthings.org for tickets and locations/venues. 

It Wasn’t Murder? - KJ Productions at Plymouth Playhouse - May 2026

It Wasn’t Murder?

Program Cover

By Kiernon James

Review by Ernest Edwards

It Wasn’t Murder is currently playing at the Plymouth Playhouse through June 14, 2026. It’s a new play that is back for a second time. I didn’t see it the first time around, but am happy to have caught this delicious murder mystery play. It’s a really good “who done it”. 

They have us take a survey during intermission. A question in the survey is who do you think did it? At the end of the first act, I had strong convictions as to who was guilty. With a murder mystery play, it keeps you guessing until all is revealed at the end. 

In an effort not to give away and any of the details, I’ll give a brief recap of the story. The rich matriarch of the Rothberg family is dead. As family, friends and neighbors gather for the funeral, her nurse Lucy Granger is the next victim. As is Silvia Fulton, who lives nearby. Who is behind this? What do they want? Who could it be? 

I really liked the scenery designed by Dan Sherman, and the costumes designed by Deb Murphy. Both take us back to the 1940’s in the sunroom at the Rothberg’s home. If you have ever been to the Plymouth Playhouse it is a great performance space, but not a big stage. What impressed me with the scenery was that they were able to create four different entrances for the cast to use. There was a hallway to the front door of the residence, French doors to the garden, stairs to the second level, and a double hinged door for the kitchen. All tastefully place within the Rothberg residence. 

The play also has a really good cast.  

This play was so delicious, I could see it again. It’s a great spring/summertime mystery. Check out www.plymouthplayhouse.com for tickets. 

A Chorus Line - Park Square Theatre - May 2026

A Chorus Line

Program cover

Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett

Review by Ernest Edwards

Park Square has a hit on their hands with their production of A Chorus Line. The stars aligned perfectly for this production. Park Square Theatre is celebrating their 50th Anniversary season, and it’s been 50 years since A Chorus Line appeared on Broadway. The original production of A Chorus Line was at one time the longest running production on Broadway. This is a high energy production that starts strong and doesn’t stop. The audience was living for every moment at opening night. 

The musical has wonderful memorable songs with music by Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by Edward Kleban. This production is directed by Stephen DiMenna, with the original Michael Bennet choreography recreated by Associate Director/Choreographer Eddie Gutierrez who is a representative of the Michael Bennet Estate. With this cast, along with the music, and the original choreography makes for a unique, wonderful, and magical experience. 

Something else to note with this production, is Park Square kept A Chorus Line in the 1970’s. There’s no introduction of cell phones, tablets nor modern cultural references. Which is simply perfect.  

If you are not familiar with the musical. I’m sure you are familiar with the song “One” from the musical. A 

The stage, before the musical begins

Chorus Line is about a new Broadway show that is being created, and they are hosting an audition for dancers to be part of the chorus. (We would call that the ensemble today.) Director/Choreographer Zach, played by Tyler Michaels King, is trying to get to know these dancers. He doesn’t just want to see their resume and their talent, but wants to get know the person too. This show is about getting a job, having a paycheck. All the hard work, determination, talent and persistence that it takes to get cast. 

This production is perfect for the Twin Cities theatre scene. We have so much talent in the Twin Cities, and Park Square Theatre has so many of those triple threats all gathered for A Chorus Line. A triple threat is a person who can act, sing and dance. Camryn Buelow embodies Sheila. For opening night we had understudy Anna Novak as Cassie. Her Cassie was flawless. Marley Ritchie as Diana does gives a great rendition of “What I Did For Love”. Steven Rada as Paul was one of my favorite actors and characters in the musical. So much wonderful talent. I could go on forever talking about the each and every cast member. They all have their moment to shine. 

I will give one spoiler alert, which is really not specific to Park Square, but to A Chorus Line as a whole. I only know this from seeing different productions over the years. I remember being surprised by this the first time I had seen a production of A Chorus Line. There is no formal curtain call. The last song, “One Respise/Finale” has recognition for each cast member incorporated into the dance number. Once that song/dance number is over, the house lights come up and the show is over. That is such a great way to close out this musical. What a number “One Reprise/Finale” is. I almost wish that song/dance number could be on repeat. 

It’s probably a mix of the music and the story. This is one of my favorite musicals to see live on stage. I was getting a bit choked up by the end of the show. The cast! The Choreography! The songs! There is a lot of excellent theatre in the Twin Cities. This show is one of them. It’s definitely at the top of the list. I may have to go see it again. It’s that good!!!

A Chorus Line runs through June 14, 2026. Don’t walk, run to get tickets. Tickets are available at www.parksquaretheatre.org When you go see the show, check out the costume designs, scenic designs and a history of A Chorus Line displays in the lobby of the Park Square Theatre. 

Park Square has had a pretty amazing season celebrating their 50th Anniversary season. Although there is one more show left of the season this summer, A Chorus Line is the cherry on top of a wonderful dessert. 

A nice surprise on the back of the program is the season announcement for Park Square’s 2026/2027

Back cover of program

season. Subscriptions are now available at https://www.parksquaretheatre.org/26/27-season-information-season-tickets

What the Constitution Mean To Me - Artistry - May 2026

What the Constitution Means to Me

A Play by Heidi Schreck

Review by Ernest Edwards

I really liked this play. The topics are current and insightful. It’s got an engaging story. The play is also about only 100 minutes long. 

Heidi wrote and starred in the original 2017 Broadway production of What The Constitution Means to Me. The play went on to be Tony Nominated and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama. 

The play follows Heidi today in her mid 40’s looking back at her 15 year old self who travelled the country doing debates at American Legions for scholarship money to pay for college. As a 15 year old she was really into the Constitution of the United States of America. 

This play uses the Constitution to show it’s affect not only on women, people of color, and Native Americans, but how the Constitution personally affected the women in Heidi’s life going all the way back to her Great Grandmother in Washington State in the 1800’s. The recap of laws from various countries over the centuries about acceptable forms of domestic violence against women/wives, was unsettling. History is there for us to learn from it. History can be uncomfortable too.  

Artistry’s production is directed by Amanda White. The cast has Stephanie Cousins as Heidi, Dan

The stage, before the play begins

Hopman as the Legionnaire, and the high school debater is played by Mackenzie Ganbaatar. 

This play is very thought provoking, moving, upsetting and educational. It’s a great piece of literature about one of founding documents of the United States of America. 

With this play, I was reminded that the United States Constitution was written by white men for white men. Woman, people of color and Native Americans were not in consideration back in the late 1700’s. 

Also with America in 2026, I found this play to be timely. 

Check out this play at Artistry. It runs through June 7, 2026. Tickets are available at www.artistrymn.org

Pagliacci - MN Opera - May 2026

Pagliacci

Program Cover

Music and Libretto by Ruggero Leonavallo

Review By Ernest Edwards

MN Opera is closing out their 2025/2026 season at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts with their production of Pagliacci. 

One of the things I really like with this opera is the run time. Including the intermission it’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Even on an opening Saturday night, that run time can be music to one’s ears.  I have nothing against shows that range from 2-1/2 hours, to 3 hours to 4 hours. It’s nice, once in a while to have such a short run time. Downtown St. Paul was crazy last night, with the watch party for The MN Wild’s playoff game at the same time as the MN Opera production.

In addition to the vocal talent, what I really liked with this opera was the scenery. There was a reason they kept the curtain closed before the show began. The scenery contained the cars from a traveling circus inside of a warehouse. For this production they began the story in the 1970’s and then went back in time to the 1930’s for the main parts of the story. 

So many great vocals and talent with this cast. Amanda Batista as Nedda, Won Whi Choi as Canio, David Wolfe as Silvio and Reginald Smith Jr as Tonio. 

This production is rich in visuals, with both the costumes and scenery. While this opera is beautiful in many ways, the story has a tragic ending. 

This gorgeous production runs through May 17, 2026. Check out www.mnopera.org for tickets. 

The Hobbit - Theatre in the Round - May 2026

The Hobbit

The program cover

Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien

Adapted for the stage by Greg Banks

Review by Ernest Edwards

The Hobbit. As a play? Is it any good? It’s better than good, it’s absolutely fabulous!!!

Theatre in the Round has one of the best plays currently in production in the Twin Cities.  

This faithful adaption of the story of The Hobbit, is told by 10 actors who play all the roles. This play has it all, a story, adventure, dwarves, a wizard, goblins, trolls, eagles, spiders, elves, wolves and a dragon. All of this is accomplished with simple stage craft and stage magic. The results are simply amazing. One of the best nights at the theatre that I have ever had. 

It was fun listening to fellow audience members during the intermission and walking to the parking ramp after the show. Everyone was talking about the scene with the eagles. That scene definitely leaves a lasting impression. 

This play made its premiere in 2019. The concept for this story is a dark utopian future in the year 2056. 30 years after “the incident.” There’s an acting troupe who was going to tell us the story of The Hobbit. They couldn’t make it, but this group of performers has seen the show many times before, and they also have the costumes and props. Don’t let hearing this turn you away from the play. Once the story begins, you are hooked. This is The Hobbit. All the key moments are there. The way they did Smaug the dragon was perfect. 

This show kept on delivering and delivering. It didn’t stop with the surprises, nor the story, nor the stage magic. 

Director Scott Gilbert has a very fine cast with The Hobbit. The cast is lead by Isabelle Hopewell as Bilbo Baggins. Two of the many characters played by Wini Froelich are Gandalph and the Elf Queen. One of the many characters played by Bryce Kalal is Thorin Oakenshield. 

Shout out to the scenery and props designers, for whom this play would be nothing without their creativity of taking us to Middle Earth. There and back again. On an unexpected journey. The Set was designed by Keven Lock, with assistant set designers Ash Aurig and Nomi. Props were designed by Elliott Van Winkle. We also need to mention the costumes for this play. Very fun and creative. Costumes Design Coordinator is Constance C. M’allowince, along with Costume Design Contributor Hunter Goldsmith. 

Get your tickets for an adventure. Some performances are already selling out. The play runs through May 31, 2026. Check out www.theatreintheround.org for tickets. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Hennepin Arts - April 2026

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Marquee

Based on a new story by J.K.Rowling, Jack Thorne, & John Tiffany

A new play by Jack Thorne

There is magic on stage at the Orpheum Theatre. The special effects are out of this world. It’s a treat for the whole family. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the new eighth story in the Harry Potter franchise. The story in the play takes place right after the ending in the “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” book/the ending in the “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” movie. The story begins 19 years after the events of the Battle for Hogwarts.The gang is at Kings Cross Station in London, watching the next generation hop on the Hogwarts Express for their first year at Hogwarts. Ron and Hermione are sending their daughter Rose to school. Harry and Ginny are sending their youngest child Albus Severus Potter to Hogwarts. On the train Albus befriends Scorpious Malfoy, Draco Malfoy’s son. 

The play has been around since June 2016. I can’t believe we are still keeping the secret of what happens

The stage, before the play begins

in the story. I will also keep up the trend. In addition to the magic and special effects, it’s an excellent story that has lost of twist and turns. I do have the play script on a bookshelf at home right next to the rest of the Harry Potter series. 

Here’s my history with the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. When tickets first went on sale for the London production in the summer 2015, they kept adding dates, so my friends and I ended up purchasing tickets for May 2017. We knew almost two years ahead of time that we were seeing the show. We had a fun week of sight seeing and West End productions on that trip. We got the see the original lead actors in the cast just before they departed the production later in the month. The original version of the play was in two parts and had a total run time of 5 hours. We did parts 1 and 2 the same day on a Saturday. After life starting getting back to normal after 2020, we went to see the new 3 hour version on Broadway spring of 2022. At the core it was the same play. It was nicely edited down. I went again in December 2025, because actor Tom Felton was making his Broadway debut and reprising the role of Draco Malfoy that he played in the film franchise. Last night I went to see the National Tour that is in town at the Orpheum Theatre through May 17th. For the previous times I have seen the play in London and on Broadway, I have had main floor seats. For the Broadway on Hennepin season, my season seat is in the balcony. This was the first time that I was seeing designs, pattern ands lettering on the stage floor. That was fun & new for me. On tour the show is like 98% the same as on Broadway. There’s just a some very minor tweaks for the National Tour, but the show is the same as what you see on Broadway. 

As I have seen this play multiple times, I have had different opinions on it. At first I thought it was

Photo of National Tour by Evan Zimmerman

Albus’s story. Then with my December 2025 showing on Broadway, I felt like it was more Scorpious’s story. After seeing it again, I feel like it’s equally Albus and Scorpious’s story. They are best friends. The kind of friendship that rivals the trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione. 

It was fun seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Orpheum Theatre last night. During intermission I heard several people asking “how did they do that?”. All of the magi on stage was spurring conversation amongst the patrons. 

The scenery is designed by Christine Jones. The scenery flows effortlessly from Kings Cross Station, to various locations within Hogwarts and transforms into the Forbidden Forest. Costume Desinger Katrina Lindsay is part of the magic with the costumes. The rest of the magic is brought to us by Lighting Designer Neil Austin, Sound Designer Garett Fry, and Illusions & Magic design by Jamie Harrison. I would love some behinds the scenes information on the magic and special effects in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.  

There are some standouts in the cast for the National Tour. Nick Dillenburg is originally from the Twin Cities. There’s a nice two page interview with him in the program. He is cast as Harry Potter for the tour. David Fine is Scorpious Malfoy, Adam Grant Morrison is Albus Potter, Julie Nightingale as Delphi Diggory, Ryan Hallahan as Draco Malfoy, Abbi Hawk as Ginny Potter, Matt Harrington as Ron Weasley, Rachel Leslie as Hermione Grainger. 

For a magical good time, grab your wands and take the Hogwarts Express to the Orpheum Theatre on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. The play runs through May 17, 2026. Check out www.hennepinarts.org for tickets. Don’t forget to check out the merchandise stand in the lobby of the Orpheum. If you are ever in New York City, also check out the Harry Potter Store, it’s located near Madison Square Park. 

Frozen: The Broadway Musical - Great Theatre - April 2026

Frozen

Program Cover

Music & Lyrics by Kirsten Anderson- Lopez and Robert Lopez

Book by Jennifer Lee

Review by Ernest Edwards

Great Theatre is presenting Disney’s Frozen at the Paramount Center for the Arts in downtown St. Cloud. I have never been to this theatre before. It’s a gorgeous venue. Next season Great Theatre is producing Les Miserables, which I think will be perfect at the Paramount Center for the Arts. 

The stage musical is based on the 2013 Disney animated movie of the same name. For the 2018 transfer to Broadway, they expanded the script and added some additional songs. The stage musical is just as much fun and visually spectacular as the movie if not more so. 

There’s lots of great information in the program about Disney adapting the story from the Hans Christian

The marquee

Anderson tale of the Snow Queen. I learned that Disney had been trying to adapt the story since the late 1930’s. The journey to the movie we now know as Frozen is a wonderful read. There’s also information in the program about Nordic traditions. The fictional city of Arendelle, where Frozen takes place,  is somewhere in the Scandinavian peninsula. 

The story of Disney’s Frozen focuses on the sisters Elsa and Anna. As children they are close. Elsa has abilities with ice and snow. When she accidentally injures Anna as a child, Elsa stays in her own room in the castle. Several years after their parents boat sinks, Elsa is now old enough to be coronated as Queen. Things don’t get well at the Coronation. Elsa’s powers are revealed to all, and the she flees for the mountains. Unaware that she placed Arendelle in a blizzard in the middle of summer. 

The stage, before the musical began

The story of Frozen is about the power of love and the strength of two sisters who have an unbreakable bond. Both have some learning to do about life. They have been isolated in the castle for years. Now it’s time to intermingle with the people from the kingdom and keep those castle gates open year round. 

A fun side affect of Elsa’s magic is bringing the snowman Olaf to life. The act one finale is the song “Let It Go.” That song/scene does not disappoint with Great Theatre’s production. 

What I really liked in the program is the biographies of the cast and crew. They start out with everyone’s day job and then goes into their theatrical experiences. I liked that Great Theatre was showcasing their lives outside of the theatre. Normally you only see their theatre history listed. The Great Theatre has double cast the leads for Frozen. There’s the Snow Cast and the Frost Cast. I had the Snow Cast at the performance I went to. 

There’s only one weekend left to see this wonderful production of Frozen at the Paramount Center for the Arts. It closes on Sunday May 3, 2026. Check out www.greattheatre.org for tickets. 

The SpongeBob Musical - University of Minnesota Duluth Theater - April 2026

The SpongeBob Musical

The Program Cover

Book by Kyle Jarrod

Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler & Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coultron, Alex Elbert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, TI, and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny, and Andy Paley. Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coultron, Additional music by Tom Kitt. 

Over the weekend I went to the matinee performance on the last day of production for the University of Minnesota-Duluth Department of Theatre production of The SpongeBob Musical at the Marshall Performing Arts Center. Even before the musical begins, there’s some activities to get you in the mood in the lobby. You could make yourself a pirate hat, or your own SpongeBob and much more. There was lots of signs up on the lobby about the sustainability of the scenery and costumes, which was a fun read before the show began. 

The stage was very fun looking at the top of the show. At the start of the show, all of the action was taking place in

The stage, before the musical began

front of the stage curtain. Once they said “Welcome to Bikini Bottom!” then the curtain opened to reveal the rest of the scenery and stage space for the musical. 

Director/Choreograher Matthew Wagner help lead the cast into the fun and zaniness of the script. So many moments that had us all laughing out loud. Such a fun joyous musical. I don’t even think hilarious is the right word to describe this production. It was great to let the guard down and enjoy the fun ride with this gang from Bikini Bottom. 

You do not need to be familiar with the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants to enjoy The SpongeBob Musical. It’s a great stand alone story. The town has discovered that the volcano will erupt at sunset tomorrow. They need to find a way to stop the volcano or relocate. The evil Sheldon J. Plankton and his wife Karen have a scheme on how to save the town and hypnotize the residents so their restaurant will be the only one in business. It’s up to SpongeBob, Patrick (the starfish) and, Sandy Cheeks (the squirrel) to stop the volcano and save the town. Sheldon and Karen would try everything to stop them, including creating an avalanche. 

The entire cast had so much energy and cranked up the fun meter to 120%. There are some cast members that I should mention for their outstanding performances. Noah Jetland as SpongeBob SquarePants, Tate Nowacki as Patrick Star, Erik Rasmussen as Squidward Q. Tentacles, Emerson Spenser as the French Narrator, Solymar Romero as Patchy the Pirate, Phuong Nguyen as Karen the Computer, Hope Davis as Sandy Cheeks, and let’s not forget Aaron J. Dumalag as Sheldon D. Plankton. Aaron J. Dumalag as Sheldon D. Plankton, to quote Rupaul “he had uniqueness, nerve, talent and charisma”. 

From the pre show to the curtain call, this show was a blast! 

The stage, during intermission

Scenery was designed by Curtis Phillips, Costumes by Caitlin Quinn, Hair & makeup by Morgan Royals, and Lighting was designed by Richard Tamayo. These four artists helped to create the world of Bikini Bottom and bring it life with such wonderful results. 

UMD Theatre has announced their 2026/2027 season. The season begins with MacBeth in October, Everybody in November, Dance Works in December, Rhythm, Rum, Rise in  February, and Sweeney Todd in April. Looks like a fun season. 

The Wizard of Oz - Children’s Theatre Company - April 2026

The Wizard of Oz

Program Cover

By Frank L. Baum, with Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg

Based on the classic motion picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co and distributed by Warner Bros. 

Review by Ernest Edwards

This stage production of the classic The Wizard of Oz is very true to the 1939 movie of the same name. Similar to the movie there is some double casting going on. The three farm hands named Zeke, Hickory, and Hunk do have some easter eggs about which characters they will be once we go over that rainbow after the tornado scene. 

Just like in the movie Professor Marvel is also the Wizard, Almira Gultch is also the Wicked Witch of the West. In this stage production the actress playing Aunt Em is also Glinda the Witch of the North. 

Got to give some props to the Scenic Designer Adam Koch, Costume Designer Lex Liang, Lighting

The stage, before the musical begins

Designer Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, Sound Designer Reid Resja, and Projection Designer Kylee Loera. At the helm of this production is Director Rick Dildine, who expertly guides this cast and crew into a wonderful production that is both familiar and new. Technology from 2026, does a lot to enhance this stage musical with projections and special affects. The production team knocked this show out of the park! I know, a baseball reference, but it is a true description of the work that went into this stage production. 

The night that I went to the show, actress Aniya Bostick was playing the role of Dorothy. The role of Dorothy has been double cast and there’s two different actresses playing her.  

This is a very talented cast. Zeke/Cowardly Lion is played by Reed Sigmund, Hickory/Tin Man is played by Regina Marie Williams, Hunk/Scarecrow is played by Dean Holt, Aunt Em/Glinda is played by Becca Claire Hart, Uncle Henry/Gatekeeper is played by Riley McNutt, and Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West is played by Autumn Ness. I had a great view of the stage from row O on the main floor, but I spent most of the show saying to myself “I know that voice” of the actor who played the Wizard. I read the cast list after the show, and noticed the actor who played Professor Marvel/The Wizard is JoeNathan Thomas, who played the General in White Christmas the past two holiday seasons at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. That’s where I have heard his voice before. 

If you are a fan of the classic movie, then get out and see this wonderful production. The special effects

The stage, during intermission

are out of this world. Especially the tornado scene with Dorothy. If you have never seen The Wizard of Oz before, this wonderful and fabulous stage production will be a great introduction to this classic story. 

The Wizard of Oz is a must see production. I cannot recommend it enough. 

Buy yourself some tickets and go over the rainbow at The Children’s Theatre Company. The musical runs through June 14, 2026. Tickets are available at www.childrenstheatre.org.