The Hobbit - Zephyr Theatre - August 2026

The Hobbit

Program Cover

Written for the stage by Greg Banks

Review by Ernest Edwards

Zephyr Theatre found a great venue for producing the play The Hobbit this summer. Outdoors at Aamodt’s Apple Farm in Stillwater. The play is based on the Tolkien book of the same name. I was at the closing weekend of the play. It was excellent. Well done! 

It is the same script that was used by Theatre in the Round this spring. Zephyr Theatre has a smaller cast and also trimmed the script to be a 90 minute play with no intermission. Both productions were wonderful. I really can’t say one was better than the other. It was fun seeing a play outdoors with the woods in the background. 

Actor Jeffry Nolan played all the “creatures”. When he wasn’t being the dwarf named Kili, he was a goblin, a troll, Gollum, a giant spider, and Smaug the dragon. He was definitely earning his sweat during this play. Bilbo was played by Grace Hillmyer, Gandalf was played by Antonisia Collins, Thorin was played by Brandon Brooks, and Anya Naylor was Balin. In addition there was some double and triple casting going on with the cast. There’s a lot of characters in The Hobbit.

While the show did close over the weekend. I want to say producing a play at Aamodt’s Apple Farm is a great idea. I hope Zephyr Theatre makes this an annual event. 

The stage, before the play begins. 

In The Heights - Artistry - August 2026

In The Heights

Program Cover

Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Book by Quiara Algeria Hudes

Review by Ernest Edwards

The 2008 Lin-Manuel Miranda musical In The Heights is on the stage at Artistry in Bloomington this summer. This musical is timely for 2026. It is a sizzling sensation on the stage. It’s definitely a run night at the theatre. 

The story focuses on a street in Washington Heights in Manhattan. On this street there is a thriving Latino community, with folks from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico and more. There is a hair saloon, a car service, and a bodega, but most importantly they all treat each other like family. They are a community. This community takes care of each other. 

The best part of the musical is the cast. Director Maya Garcia has assembled a great cast to share the stage with Scenic Designer Eli Sherlock’s scenery, and embody Abby Magalee’s choreography. Usnavie is played by Andres-Roman Wood, Abuela Claudio is played by Jen Santoro Botty, Vanessa is played by Janely Rodriguez, Camilia is played by Lisa Vogel, Benny is played by Chris Owusu, Nina is played by Raquel Ponce, Daniella is played by Julia Diaz, Carlo is played by Isa Condo-Olvera, Kevin Rosario is played by Pedro R. Bayon. 

The character of Usnavie is kind of the narrator of the story, but his is also part of the story. Actor Andres-Roman Wood is in his final year of at the University of Minnesota. I would like to see how his acting career grows from here.  

What I really liked about the scenery, is how it does feel like a street from upper Manhattan. Artistry brought Manhattan to the Twin Cities with this scenic design. 

It had been over a decade since I had seen the National Tour before the movie version came out. Now that’s only been a few years since I have seen the film, I can better compare the stage musical and the Hollywood treatment it received as a movie musical. As always with Hollywood, there some tweaks made to the movie musical. Both the stage musical and movie musical represents the story in similar ways. Both are excellent versions of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s concept. 

We all know Lin-Manuel Miranda has an even more famous stage musical out there. A little show called Hamilton that is now celebrating 11 years on Broadway. It was with In The Heights that we first got to hear his way of telling a story with the styles of rap in some of the songs. The opening song “In The Heights” gets us in the mood for some excellent Latino inspired story telling. 

This sensational musical is live on stage through August 23, 2026. Check out www.artistrymn.org for ticket. This is a hot ticket for the 2026 summer theatre season. 

Black Girl In Paris - Theater Latte Da - July 2026

Black Girl in Paris

Words by AriDy Nox, Music by Jacinth Greywoode

Review by Ernest Edwards

Black Girl in Paris is the first new show to have a staged reading for Theater Latte Da’s 2026 Next Festival. We were treated to the first act of this new musical. Black Girl in Paris is about Sally Heming when she arrives in Paris with Thomas Jefferson’s daughter Patsy. The story takes place on the eve of the French Revolution. (Thomas Jefferson was in Paris from 1784-1789) Sally’s brother, James, was already in Paris with Thomas Jefferson. He was learning to be a chef. He was also fluent in French. Sally has a lot to learn about French language, manners, and society. Freed slave Marie-Jeanne takes Sally under her wing and tutors her in the things she doesn’t know. Sally quickly learns that Paris is definitely not Virginia. 

As depicted in the musical, Thomas Jefferson was realizing that the United States was created on the backs of slavery. He is looking at abolishing slavery in America, but his plan was then to just send the slaves back to Africa. We all know that is not what happened with American history. 

As this first act ends, Thomas Jefferson asks Sally Heming to spend the night in his bedchambers. Sally has a decision to make. 

I hope that some day we get to see a staged reading of the full show. Seeing Sally Heming in Paris is not a part of her history that I was aware of before. This story was both fascinating and informative. 

Some of the cast that I want to call out from the staged reading are Rajane Katurah as Sally, Nubia Monks as Mama, Richard S. Rigmaiden IV as James, Sasha Andreev as Thomas Jefferson, Audrey Parker as Patsy, and Deidre Cochran as Marie-Jeanne. 

There are two additional new shows getting staged readings coming up through August 10, 2026. Check out www.latteda.org for tickets. 

Slip - Yellowtree Theatre - July 2026

Slip

Program Cover

By Michael Egan

Review by Ernest Edwards

This year I was able to see one out of the three shows that Yellowtree Theatre are presenting as part of their The Playwright Festival. These are new works that get staged readings, which is an important part of the process when working on new works. It’s great to be a member of the audience. Your reactions help the playwright know what is and is not working. 

The play I was able to see is Slip by Michael Egan. I was at the final performance of the play. It’s a play dealing with a parent who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. The playwright has also dedicated this play to his parents. 

There is a great cast who perform the stage reading of Slip at Yellowtree Theatre. Mick, the Dad is played by Stephen Yoakam, Mary, the Mom, is played by Molly Sue McDonald, Patrick is played by Michael Egan, and Lee is played by Thomasina Petrus. 

It’s a very powerful play that spans several months. We see the affects of Alzheimer’s on Mick and how it affects his son Patrick and the nurse Lee. As the show goes on, we also discover that Mary is a figment of Mick’s imagination. She has been dead for years now. 

The play ran for 90 minutes. I for one, would like to see this story become a fully staged play someday. It was very moving and powerful. 

Yellowtree Theatre has also announced the shows for Season 19. Check out www.yellowtreetheatre.com for more information on Season 19 and how to purchase tickets. 

The Prom - Lyric Arts - July 2026

The Prom

Program Cover

Book and Lyrics by Chad Beguelin, Book by Bob Martin, Music by Matthew Sklar

Review by Ernest Edwards

Lyric Arts has the uplifting, fun, infectious musical The Prom playing on Main Street in downtown Anoka this summer. The Prom is a love letter to fans of musical theatre. 

The musical opened on Broadway in 2018, I was able to see the National Tour of The Prom at the Orpheum Theater in April 2022. There was the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre’s Production that I was able to attend in May 2023. I’ve been anxiously waiting all season to see Lyric Arts production of The Prom as their summer musical. 

You can join in the fun. There’s an area set up with a Prom background in the lobby, so you can take your own Prom photos. 

The story is about a teenage lesbian in small Indiana town who wants to go to her High School Prom with her girlfriend. There is some resistance with the local PTA. A group of self absorbed washed up Broadway stars come to town to save the day. They do turn the town upside down. This group of rag tag Broadway stars have their hands full as they go head to head with the leader of the PTA. The ending to the first act is such a punch in the gut. It’s a great cliffhanger to make you come back to see how the story turns out.  

The best part of the show is the cast! Emma (the student in question) is played by Imani Harris, her

Photo by Molly Jay

girlfriend Alyssa is played by Sydney Line, Mrs. Green (the head of the PTA, and Alyssa’s mom) is played by Sheena Janson, Mr. Hawkins (the High School Principal) is played by Colin Perucco. Our self absorbed Broadway stars are as follows Dee Dee Allen is played by Emily Grodzik, Angie Dickinson is played by Dorian Brooke, Trent Oliver is played by Erik Hearing, Sheldon is played by Parker David Payne, and Barry Glickman is played by Andrew Newman. The character of Barry Glickman is the best part of the show. He is not just a candy coated rainbow wrapped comedy relief. He also has a lot of heart. Andrew Newman deserves some recognition for his portrayal of Barry Glickman. 

I liked the scenery design by Michaela Lichen. The scenery for the The Prom scene itself was there the entire time. It was so simple and effective with how that was revealed. 

It’s a great story about being true to yourself and overcoming adversity. The self absorbed Broadway stars learn how to put the needs of others before themselves. It does feel nice to be selfless. It is fun to watch this character growth happen live on stage. A parent learns how to accept their child for who they are. What’s that saying? Be careful who you hate, it could be someone that you love. 

The Prom is the perfect show for Lyric Arts to wrap up their 2025/2026 season. It is the cherry on top of a wonderful season of excellent theatre. 

This must see musical plays through August 9, 2026. Check out www.lyricarts.org for tickets. 

The Butler Did It - Park Square Theatre - July 2026

The Butler Did It

Program Cover

By Jeffrey Hatcher

Review By Ernest Edwards

Park Square is closing their 50th Season with the new play The Butler Did It, by Jeffrey Hatcher. I was at opening night, and what an exceptional  “who done it” this new play is. You are probably thinking, doesn’t the title give it away? Not really. In an effort not give any spoilers, the play takes place at the Portman School for Gentlemen’s Gentlemen in the spring of 1975 San Francisco. It’s a school for butlers. 

I learned a new phrase from the information in the lobby displays and the program. This mystery is called an inverted mystery. Where we the audience sees the crime happen on stage and then we watch the cast as they try to solve the murder. 

Jeffrey Hatcher has another great play for his catalogue. The Butler Did It has excellent story. The language in the script is superb. Between the situations and the character growth, and will get they get the murderer by the end? It’s all great stuff. Definitely keeps you engaged the entire time. 

The cast is also a good selection of a who’s who of the Twin Cities Theatre scene. Nicholas Lane is played

The cast, Dan Norman Photography

by Peter Christian Hansen, Emma is played by Anna Beth Baker, Tony is played by Neal Beckman, Merriman is played by Pearce Bunting, Portman is played by Steve Hendrickson, Lady Caroline is played by Norah Long, and Inspector Denise is played by Allison Vincent. Allison Vincent as Inspector Denise is the actress to keep an eye on during this play. She has some of best moments and adds some comedy to this play. I feel like she knows who the murderer is, but she has to play a game to catch the killer. 

The gorgeous scenery for this play is designed by Benjamin Olsen, who also designed the scenery for Park Square’s previous show A Chorus Line. The costumes designed by Matthew Lefebvre are great! I also really like the Lighting Design by Karin Olson for this play. There were some moments in the play, where the lighting design had some good moments. 

Park Square has a hit on their hands with the World Premiere of this summer mystery The Butler Did It. Run to the theatre and catch this show. It plays through  August 16, 2026. Check out www.parksquaretheatre.org for tickets. 

The Cottage - Gremlin Theatre - July 2026

The Cottage

Program Cover

By Sandy Rustin

Review by Ernest Edwards

I went to the 2023 play The Cottage at the Gremlin Theatre last night. What a delightful play. It reminded me of the comedies by Noel Coward. The play takes place at a cottage in 1920’s England. This is a very funny play. 

The play opens with Beau and Sylvia having a tryst at the cottage. Silvia is actually married to Clarke, Beau’s brother. The hilarity starts to happen as other characters begin to arrive at the cottage. 

It turns out Clarke has been having an affair with Marjorie, Beau’s wife, for the past seven years. Marjorie is also pregnant with Clark’s child. Beau’s other mistress Dierdre shows up, and announces that she has divorced her husband Richard, which Beau did not ask her do. Richard is on his way to murder Beau. When Richard does show up, he turns out to be William, who is Sylvia’s long lost first love that she has never gotten over. 

What really makes this play fun is the cast, the scenery and the costumes. Sylvia is played by Sarah Malfara, Beau is played by Sasha Andreev, Marjorie is played by Shana Eisenberg, Clarke is played by Corey DiNardo, Dierdre is played by Mira Davis, and Richard is played by Chance Carroll. What I found interesting in the program, is that I have seen most of the these actors at theatre’s across the Twin Cities, but five out of the six are making their debut with The Gremlin Theatre with The Cottage. What a great cast that has been assembled for this production. Director Brian Balcom makes full use of the stage space for The Cottage. 

The scenery is designed by Carl Schoenborn. There’s not a bad seat in the house with how this thrust stage

The stage, before the play begins.
Photo by Ernest Edwards

production is set up. Excellent use of the space and furniture by the cast. The costumes designed by A. Emily Heaney do help to transport us to the 1920’s. 

What is really delicious with this play, is the fate of the cottage. I will not spoil that for you, but it was a fun twist. 

Don’t miss out on this humorous summer play. The Gremlin is air conditioned too, which is perfect for finding ways to deal with this summer heat. 

The play runs through August 2, 2026. Check out www.gremlintheatre.org for tickets. 

Iceboy! - Goodman Theatre - July 2026

Iceboy! Or The Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O’Neill Came to Write “The Iceman Cometh”

Playbill Cover

Music by Mark Hollmann, Lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Jay Reiss, Book by Erin Quinn Purcell and Jay Reiss

Directed by Marc Bruni

Review by Ernest Edwards

I had a fun day of shows in Chicago over the weekend. For the matinee I went to the new musical Iceboy!, which is having a PreBroadway engagement at the Goodman Theatre in downtown Chicago, before the show goes to New York City. Before the musical even started, I had seen actor Richard Kind enter the theatre and take a seat in the audience. I was thinking to myself, “he must be here to support Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman”. Later that same night, I would see Richard Kind for a second time, as he was the host for John Mulaney’s comedy tour Mister Whatever at Wrigley Field. John Mulaney was the first comedian to headline at Wrighley Field. That is how I got to see actor Richard Kind twice in one day in Chicago. 

Goodman Theatre marquee

I have never seen Megan Mullally, nor Nick Offerman live on stage before. This was a real treat for me. They were both so good with their respected characters. Nick Offerman plays Eugene O’Neill, who is both in the musical and narrates the story. Megan Mullally is Vera Vimm, who is an aging actress still clinging to her youth, and she has just purchased the frozen remains of a man who is over 40,000 years old incased in ice. (She outbid the British Museum and the Natural History Museum). It’s 1939 and she keeps him on display in her New York City Penthouse. The ice man eventually thaws and comes back to life, and although he is referred to as Iceboy, we also learn his name is Jeff. Now that’s funny. 

Another fun treat with the cast is that Cedric Yarbrough plays playwright Floyd Richards. Floyd’s muse is Vera Vimm herself. For Vera’s staff, the butler is non other than Frankenstein, and her made is Lambert. Lambert has been perpetually in menopause since she as a teenager. These two characters do bring a lot of humor to the musical. 

I remember seeing a sign in the lobby that this show is mostly fiction. It’s not exactly a true story. It is definitely a fun story. It may fall under the category of historical fiction. Eugene O’Neill is a real person, playwright, and historical figure. 

Something else I noticed in the program is the scenery was designed by Paul Tate DePoo III. I have been seeing his name more and more lately on Broadway shows and with some Broadway shows that have gone on tour. With it being 1939 in NYC, Vera’s penthouse did have a nice touch of Art Deco going on. 

With this being a preBroadway run. I also like that they did include a song list in the Playbill, but with the disclaimer that these were the songs as of June 1, 2026. There could have been songs added, cut or rearranged while the show was in previews prior to opening night in Chicago. 

It’s hard for me to describe this show. The show is so funny, and the cast is so great! I laughed so hard at this musical. If you planning to be in Chicago soon, check out Iceboy! The Goodman Theatre is closing out their 100th season with this fun musical that has been extended through August 16, 2026. Check out www.goodmantheatre.org for tickets. 

Mean Girls - Stage West - July 2026

Mean Girls

Program Cover

Book By Tina Fey, Music Jeff Richmond, Lyrics by Nell Benjamin

Review by Ernest Edwards

Stage West has a fun summer show with the musical Mean Girls playing at The Lights in West Fargo through July 8, 2026. Yes, a musical based on the 2004 movie of the same name. Tina Fey adapted her screenplay for the stage musical, and subsequent movie musical. 

If you have seen the 2004 movie, it’s the same story, and is more elevated as a musical. I did get to see the original Broadway production back in May 2018, and then the National Tour in October 2019 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis, and the tour was back in downtown St. Paul at the Ordway in April of 2025. Stage West’s production is the first locally produced production I have seen of Mean Girls. It does not disappoint. 

What I really liked about this production is the cast! My favorite cast member is Chase Ohren as Damian Hubbard. He brought the humor and the energy to his character and then some. Molly Hommerding is Janice Sarkisian, Macy Scharmer is Cady Heron, Eleanor Culloton is Regina George, Kristina Lutz is Gretchen Weiners, Josie Kendall is Karen Smith, Benji Trumbo is Kevin G, and Hudson Hall is Aaron Samuels.

I probably noticed this with the original movie and the times I have seen the stage production before. I feel like it’s worth noting the differences between Grease and Mean Girls. In Grease, both Sandy and Danny tried to change for each other. In Mean Girls, Cady changes so much that no one likes her. She is now the Cady version of Regina George. Cady has to learn not get rid of the things that make her different,  but to embrace those things. Those were the aspects of Cady that people liked. 

I thought the scenery was interesting for this show. It was a unit set with stairs that were rearranged throughout the show. The scenery was also adorned with pages torn out of the infamous burn book. I thought that was a nice touch.  

The stage before the musical begins.
Photo by Ernest Edwards

There’s not much time left to catch Mean Girls at The Lights, but check out Stage West’s site to see what they have upcoming. https://westfargoevents.com/organizer/stage-west-productions/ Up next is a 24 hour production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Come From Away, and A Very Die Hard Christmas. 

Come From Away - Guthrie Theater - July 2026

Come From Away

Program Cover

Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Henn

Review by Ernest Edwards

The Guthrie Theater has a hit summer musical with their production of Come From Away. This musical shows humanity’s fullest potential. It’s a beautifully told story that can move you emotionally. Last nights production looked like it was sold out. Which is great news for the Guthrie Theater. 

Come From Away is a musical about the events of 9/11/2001. After the United States of America closed its air space, airplanes either had to turn back or get rerouted. 38 of those plans landed in Gander, Newfoundland. Here’s what I learned when I had first seen the National Tour of Come From Away at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis back in January 2022. Before jet engines and jet fuel became as efficient as they are today, all cross Atlantic flights had to refuel at Gander. At one point in time Gander was the largest airport in the world. This musical is the story about how a town of 9,000, all of the sudden became at town of 16,000. It wasn’t just Gander that housed people, the “Plane People” as they are referred to the musical, were taken to towns all across Newfoundland. Schools were turned into shelters, folks opened their homes so the Plane People could have a shower. The whole community came together to help these strangers from around the world. 

Hard to believe that in 2026, it will be 25 years since 9/11. There’s a whole generation that was born after those events. This musical is great at telling an important part of the 9/11 story. I have been to the 9/11 Memorial, and the 9/11 Museum in NYC. I was not visiting NYC yet when the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were still there. It is a unique experience to walk those grounds and to go through the Musuem. That day, to me is a moment in history that is etched in my mind.

Let me get back to focusing on the musical. The Guthrie has assembled a fine cast of mostly local actors for this production. It is an ensemble production. Each of the 12 cast members play a primary character, but also play many other characters throughout the production. That’s the structure of the show. It was the same way for the two times that I had seen the National Tour at the both the Orpheum Theatre and again at the Ordway. I remember hearing about the behind the scenes dilemmas of the January 2022 tour at the Orpheum. That was when theatre was starting to bounce back from Covid. Due to Covid, cast were being flown in almost daily from the Broadway production and other tours so the Minneapolis dates of the National Tour could still go on. As a member of the audience, I had no idea that was going on behind the scenes. What I had seen on stage was an excellent production. 

I need to talk about this cast that the Guthrie has assembled. What a cast it is! Evan Balasubramaniam as Kevin J., he has a voice that is a

Photo by Dan Norman

smooth as silver. The rest of the cast at last nights performance has several very recognizable names from the Twin Cities theatre scene. There’s Kate Beahan, Katie Bradley, Jennifer Grimm, Matthew Hall, Jon Andrew Hegge, Justin Keyes, Jim Lichtsheidl, Ann Michels, Eric Morris, Soara-Joya Ross and Janet Hayes Trow. This is an amazing cast who can definitely tell this story. 

I liked reading in the program about how the show was created. At the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 in Gander. The Plane People came back for a reunion. The creators of the musical used a similar technique that was also used for creating A Chorus Line. They interviewed the towns people and the Plane People at the reunion, capturing their stories and creating this wonderful musical. Come From Away is the most produced musical of the 2025/2026 season in the USA. Regionally I think there are at least three more productions announced for the 2026/2027 season. Come From Away premiered in Toronto before opening on Broadway in 2017. 

Another fun fact we learn from the musical, is the Plane People sent donations to Gander. Those donations were turned into a long running educational scholarship fund. They gave back to those who opened their hearts and gave them food, shelter and a community during uncertain times. 

Director Ken Gash has a created an important work of art on the Guthrie stage this summer. The scenery designed by Edward E. Haynes Jr., I really liked the scenery. It’s mostly a unit set with a turn table that is used very effectively. Both sides of the stage are flank by trees. It’s so visually appealing. 

Maybe it’s Come From Away connection to 9/11, this is such a wonderful musical about the five to six days following 9/11 that I can’t stop thinking about the story and these events. Whether you are familiar with 9/11 or not, drop everything and get out and see Come From Away. It plays through August 9, 2026. Check out www.guthrietheater.org for tickets. 

New York City - June 2026

I recently went to New York City for the weekend. While I was there, I got to see some Off Broadway shows, some Broadway shows, a fun fundraiser and also went to the closing performance of a Broadway revival. One of my friends also flew to NYC for the weekend, and one of my friends who lives in the NYC Metro joined for some shows too. It was a fun weekend all around. 

Day 1, Friday June 19, 2026. 

I hit the stages right away with two shows on Friday.  The first show was Heated Rivalry: The

Playbill Cover

Unauthorized Musical Parody playing at The Culture Club, which is an Off Broadway venue not far from Hudson Yards and the High Line. It’s a 75 minute fun ride of a musical that includes everything from the first season of the hit cable/Canadian television series. 

You know it’s going to be fun show when the opening song has lines like “finally a show that gives women what they want. Gay hockey players!”. 

Jimin Moon plays Shane Hollander, for the performance I went to understudy Daniel Bracket played Ilya Rozanov. The show has a cast of 5 who played all the characters. 

The show is currently playing in NYC, London, and Montreal check out https://www.heatedrivalryparody.com/ for tickets. 

For my Friday evening show, I went to the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show at Studio 54. It

Playbill Cover

is always fun to see a Broadway show at the infamous Studio 54. 

This new revival is directed by Sam Pinkleton. Luke Evans is Frank-N-Furter. You can tell that Luke Evans is having the time of his life in this stage production. So great to see him live on stage and in this role. The rest of the cast consists of Rachel Dratch as the Narrator, Andrew Durand as Brad, Stephanie Hsu as Janet, Amber Gray as Riff Raff, the night I went we had Anania as Magenta, Josh Rivera as Rocky, Michaela Jae Rodriguez as Columbia, Eddie/Dr. Scott was played by Harvey Guillen. Such a great cast!

The Rocky Horror Show also would not be as much fun without the sets, costumes, lights, etc. Need to mention the Scenic Design by Dots, Costume Designs by David I. Rynosa, Lightning Design by Jane Cox, Hair & Wig Design by Alberto “Albee” 

Alvarado, Makeup Design by Sterling Tull and Choreography by Ani Taj. 

I, for one, am awaiting for a cast recording for this Broadway Revival. 

Check out https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/production/2025-2026-season/richard-o-brien-s-the-rocky-horror-show/ for tickets. 

Day 2, Saturday June 20, 2026. 

The matinee show was the New York City Center Encores! production of La Cage Aux Folles. This was

Playbill Cover

the first production to feature to an all African American cast. This was also the first time since the original Broadway production in 1983 that featured a full orchestra. 

The cast was lead by Wayne Brady as Georges, Billy Porter as Albin/Zsa Zsa, James Jackson Jr as Jacob (the butler) and Tonya Pinkins as Jacqueline. 

I learned during the talkback, after the matinee, that they rehearsed the entire show in ten days. The orchestra did have 30 days to rehearse the score. That is a crazy schedule to learn not only the songs, also the staging and choreography. Now I have an even deeper appreciation for the shows produced at New York City Center Encores! 

First there was the two French La Cage Aux Folles movies, followed by the Broadway musical in 1983, and then the movie the Birdcage was in 1996. 

For Saturday evening, I went to the new Broadway musical The Lost Boys. Yes, a stage musical based on

Playbill Cover

the 1987 movie. It was one of the best shows of my weekend. Definitely worthy of all the buzz it is receiving. 

It’s been a long time since I have seen the movie, I really can’t directly compare the two. After seeing the Broadway musical, I do want to rewatch the movie. From talking to my friends, who also went to the musical the same weekend. It sounds like all of the key moments from the movie are captured on stage. Of course the vampires do fly on stage. That’s really fun and cool to see. 

It’s a great cast. Michael Emerson is played by LJ Bennet, Lucy Emerson is played by Shoshana Bean, Sam Emerson is played by Benjamin Pajak, Star is played by Maria Wirries, David is played by Ali Louis Bourzgui (who won a Tony Award for his performance), and Max is played by Paul Alexander Nolan. 

This production is directed by Michael Arden, with Book by David Hornsby and Chris Hoch, Music and Lyrics by The Rescues. What was really impressive to me, was the scene changes. I would love to see how things are backstage for this production. The scenery is designed by Dane Laffrey, costumes are designed by Ryan Park. 

This is one of the must see shows that is currently playing on Broadway. Check out https://www.lostboysmusical.com/ for tickets. 

Day 3, Sunday June 21, 2026

For the Sunday matinee I went back to Skid Row for the long running Off Broadway revival of Little Shop

Playbill Cover

of Horrors. The infamous Howard Ashman/Alan Mencken musical currently features Jordan Fisher as Seymour, Nikki M. James as Audrey, and Claybourne Elder as The Dentist.  

I had last seen this production at the West Side Theater back in 2022. It was the current leads who made me want to see the show again. It was still so much fun. A new list of leads have also been announced for this production. Looks like it’s going to be keep on running. Check out https://littleshopnyc.com/ For tickets. 

Playbill Cover

For the Sunday evening show, I went to closing night of the Broadway Revival of the musical Chess. I had the pleasure of seeing Chess when I was in NYC in December of 2025 for a fun week of Christmas in the City. (Check out my blog New York City - December 2025 for a deeper dive into this production of Chess)

There was an energy at the Imperial Theatre for the closing performance. The audience was electric. The show received 18 standing ovations throughout the entire performance. I felt like the code had finally been broken with this production of Chess. Glad there is a Broadway Revival Cast Recording. Chess is one of my favorite scores. It was so cool to not only see this Broadway production a second time, but to be at the closing performance. I hope this production goes on tour. I would definitely see it again. 

My third show on Sunday was the 34th Anniversary of the fun and sexy fundraiser Broadway Bares.

Playbill Cover

This years theme was “License to Strip”. The overall story was about the spies in organization MI-69 completing their mission to save Broadway from an evil spy bent on destroying Broadway.  There were dance numbers that featured Carmen Sandiego, Sherlock Holmes, Austin Powers, James Bond, Inspector Gadget and many more. 

My friends and I picked the right weekend to be in NYC. I believe Broadway Bares is on the third weekend of June every year. The last time I to got to see this fun show was in 2014. It’s a one night only event, with two performances. Going to the midnight showing not only allowed us to make it to the closing performance of Chess, but by also going to the midnight/second show, we learned that the event raised over $2,500,000 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA). That was great to hear. 

Seven shows in three days. Not too bad for a quick weekend in NYC. 

Blithe Spirit - Theatre in the Round - June 2026

Blithe Spirit

Program Cover

By Noel Coward

Review by Ernest Edwards

As a fun summer treat, Theatre in the Round is wrapping up their 74th Season with the Noel Coward comedy Blithe Spirit. This play is just as delicious as ice cream is on these hot summer days. 

It’s a classic three act play with two intermissions. Don’t let that scare you, the play is done shortly after 10pm. Not a bad run time. With this comedy, the time flys by pretty quickly. 

The story takes place in the living room of Charles Condomine’s house in Kent. There’s a seance with some friends at a dinner party that is hosted by Charles and his second wife Ruth. His first wife, Elvira, passed away seven years ago. As Madame Arcati conducts the seance, something happens. Charles first wife Elvira appears in spirit form. Only he can see and hear her. That adds lots of comedy to the play. 

Director Dann Peterson has assembled a fine cast for this production. Charles Condomine is played by James Lane, Ruth Condomine is played by Megan Blakeley, Elvira is played by Dani Pazurek, Edith (the maid) is played by Hailey Zeissler, Dr. George Bradman is played by David Rinzema, Violet Bradman is played by Lori Constable, and Madame Arcati is played by Janice Stone. Janice really deserves some recognition for her performance as Madame Arcati. 

Scenic Designer Thomas L. Valach brings us into a classic looking English Manor. I loved all the details in the scenery from the floors, to the furniture, to the chandeliers, everything took us elegantly to the time period for the play. Costume Designer John A. Woskoff also does a great job with time period for the play. What I really liked with his costume design was how he captured the eccentricity of Madame Acarti, along with all of those bracelets that she wore. The look for Elvira and others who enter the spirit realms are well executed. 

Blithe Spirit is a fun light hearted classic comedy.  

The play runs through July 12, 2026, check out www.theatreintheround.org for tickets. 

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. 

.