Merry and Bright!

The holidays are in full swing! We started out the month with a fabulous Grand Meander along Saint Paul's Grand Avenue, which included breakfast with Santa, carolers, and the annual soup-tasting contest (Red Rabbit won the judge’s choice award with their roasted cauliflower with black butter soup)!

But the festivities aren't over yet. For music fans, Marie and Rosetta brings down the house with gospel, rhythm, and blues on the the Proscenium Stage at Park Square Theatre through Dec 30. The regional premiere of this play with music follows the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the "grandmother of rock-n-roll" who influenced everyone from Elvis to Hendrix.

And if you're searching for a laughter-filled break, check out Triple Espresso, the "highly caffinated commedy" that's taking over the Andy Boss Thrust Stage at Park Square Theatre from Nov 9 - Jan 13. An energetic vaudeville-inspired show, Triple Espresso highlights a musician, an illusionist and a comic entertainer as they reminisce about their "big breaks."

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment of gratitude for the many amazing people, organizations, and projects we've had the pleasure to work with over the last twelve months. Thank you!

'Tis the Season!

   
Marie and Rosetta at Park Square and Grand Meander hosted by GABA

Whether you're looking to revel in or escape from the holiday season, we've got something for everyone coming up!

For non-stop laughs, check out Triple Espresso, the "highly caffinated commedy" that's taking over the Andy Boss Thrust Stage at Park Square Theatre from Nov 9 - Jan 13. An energetic vaudeville-inspired show, Triple Espresso highlights a musician, an illusionist and a comic entertainer as they reminisce about their "big breaks."

For music fans, Marie and Rosetta brings down the house with gospel, rhythm, and blues on the the Proscenium Stage at Park Square Theatre, Nov 23 - Dec 30. The regional premiere of this play with music follows the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the "grandmother of rock-n-roll" who influenced everyone from Elvis to Hendrix.

In honor of Veterans Day--and the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I--on Sunday, Nov 11, Oratorio Socieity of Minnesota jointly premieres Patrick Hawes' The Great War Symphony at the Northrop Auditorium

And for some holiday cheer and shopping, don't miss Grand Meander on Saturday, Dec 1, hosted by Saint Paul's Grand Avenue Business Association, and featuring breakfast with Santa, strolling carolers, classic trolley rides, art shows, soup tasting contest, window decorations, and more!

Fall Arts + Events

   
Sometimes There's Wine at Park Square and Lest We Forget by Oratorio Society

In addition to fall colors, pumpkin-spice everything, and back-to-school blues, September also harkens a new season of performing arts in the Twin Cities.

This year, Park Square Theatre kicks things off with Sometimes There's Wine, a comedic conversation about that “little sliver of time in a woman’s life when you can either get pregnant or break a hip.” Created and performed by Shanan Custer and Carolyn Pool, this clever, hilarious, and feel-good theatre experience plays on the Andy Boss Thrust Stage Sept 14 - Oct 14.

On the Proscenium Stage at Park Square, the historic drama The Agitators takes us back to the Civil War and reconstruction era. The story of the tempestuous friendship between Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, The Agitators plays Sept 21 - Oct 28.

In Bloomington, Sidekick Theatre gets their 5th season started with The Gin Game at Ives Auditorium in the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, Sept 7 - 22. The show starring Twin City theatre legends Candace Barrett and Raye Birk under the direction of Tim Stolz. Then, from Oct 3 - Nov 15, Sidekick presents Radio Gals, the story of a 1920's "all-girl" orchestra that attracts national attention from Arkansas.

The 21st annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival is set for June 20 - 22, 2019, but in the meantime, they're hosting a Fall Jazz Fest at Crooners on October 14, with two stages of music featuring New Orleans vocalist Nayo Jones and Butch Miles, along with local favorites.

Oratorio Society of Minnesota begins its 2018-19 seson on Nov 11 with a joint premiere of Patrick Hawes' The Great War Symphony, a four movement work to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice. This Veterans Day concert will take place at Northrop Auditorium and is presented in collaboration with the U of M Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.

If you have any kiddos in your life, DanceCo premieres Which Witch is Which??, a mystery ballet filled with magic and interactivity, at the Avalon Theater in Minneapolis, Oct 16 - 21. There will also be a pre-show wand making craft and workshops (20 minutes before curtain) teaching the audience dance moves to become part of the show.

For outdoor events this fall, we are excited to be working with with Saint Paul Oktoberfest, taking place Sept 14 and 15 at the Schmidt Artis Lofts. As in Munich, the festival begins with a horse-drawn beer wagon parde down West Seventh on Friday evening. Then, the celebration continues with music, dancing, contests, cultural demonstrations, and of course, German beer and food!