Knight Errant » Theater Reviews

No Pot of Gold at the “End of The Rainbow”

Kiley Petersen, Staff Writer — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:14:14 +0000

There is certainly no pot of gold at the end of Judy Garland’s rainbow. In the Guthrie’s new production of “The End of the Rainbow,” the US premiere of the play, British actress Tracie Bennett shines in Peter Quilter’s tragic account of the last year of the international icon’s life. Judy’s troubles began at a [...]

Green Day to come to life on the Orpheum stage

Lauren Effertz, Staff Writer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:59:25 +0000

It’s been eight years since Green Day released their smash hit album “American Idiot,” but fans of the concept album will have a chance to hear it in a whole new way this month at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. “Green Days American Idiot: The Musical” will begin its run February 21 and close on the 26. In addition to a stellar cast, many of whom are returning from the original Broadway production, the musical’s creative team consists of some of the most progressive artists currently working in the industry. Director Michael Mayer won a Tony for his work on “Spring Awakening,” while musical arranger Tom Kitt’s work can also be heard in the popular show “Next to Normal.” Mayer and Kitt worked closely with Green Day frontman Billy Joel Armstrong to create the story and adapt the album’s tracks to make them more stage-friendly.

“Ragtime” goes from rags to riches

Emily Kline, Staff Writer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:30:24 +0000

Ragtime trailer from Park Square Theatre on Vimeo.

Ragtime trailer from Park Square Theatre on Vimeo.Park Square Theatre’s “Ragtime,” the most ambitious show in its 36-year history, takes on the challenge of a musical behemoth and comes up with resounding success. This production features emotional songs, a wide range of characters, and acting talent to make both shine. In the end, “Ragtime” tells [...]

“Silent Night” Makes a Loud Impact

Emily Kline, Staff Writer — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:49:36 +0000

Making its explosive world premiere at St. Paul’s Ordway Theatre, “Silent Night,” the dynamic first opera of composer Kevin Puts, weaves music, acting, and visuals together into a poignant portrait of World War I. Opera skeptics, never fear: this brand-new work engages all audiences, regardless of previous experience. Based on actual events, “Silent Night” depicts [...]

“Charley’s Aunt” Does Fine Without Uncle

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:23:44 +0000

“I’m Charley’s aunt from Brazil–where the nuts come from,” says Lord Fancourt “Babbs” Babberley in Guthrie’s production of Brandon Thomas’ farce, directed by John Miller-Stephany. “Charley’s Aunt” opened on Dec. 2 and runs through the holiday season until Jan. 15. Thomas’s comedy centers around two Oxford students, Jack Chesney (Matthew Amendt) and Charley Wykeham (Ben Mandelbaum) who force their friend Babbs (John Skelley) to dress up as Charley’s aunt, Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez. Charley has never met his aunt–a rich widow who is supposed to be arriving at Oxford from Brazil. Jack and Charley ask their sweethearts Kitty and Amy over for lunch in order to meet the aunt, actually intending to propose to them, when the aunt telegrams saying that she will be delayed. Kitty and Amy would refuse to stay for lunch without a female chaperone, so in a state of panic, the boys convince Babbs to don his costume for a school drama (a Victorian-era black ruffled dress complete with a doily and a gray curled wig) and play the part of Charley’s wealthy old aunt from Brazil. Chaos and hilarity ensue.

“The Lion King” to bring pride to the Orpheum

Emily Kline, Staff Writer — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 01:37:57 +0000

Combining the story of a Disney classic with breathtakingly unconventional sets, costumes, and dance, “The Lion King,” coming to Minneapolis’s Orpheum Theatre in January, presents an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. The musical follows Simba (Jelani Remy), the next-in-line of an African lion pride, as his uncle Scar (J. Anthony Crane) murders [...]

“Much Ado About Nothing” Is Something Special

Kiley Peterson, Staff Writer — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:26:38 +0000

Shakespeare’s famous quick-tongued play, “Much Ado About Nothing”, will wrap up its run at the Guthrie on November 5, but one can still grab tickets for artistic director Joe Dowling’s upbeat production of the classic. The verbal sparring provides ample entertainment for the audience. Set in Messina, Italy, “Much Ado” is the tale of two [...]

The “Burial at Thebes” Rises from the Grave

Kiley Peterson, Staff Writer — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:07:07 +0000

Based on Sophocles’ “Antigone,” Irish poet Seamus Heaney’s adaption of the famous tale is brought to life in director Marcela Lorca’s production of “The Burial at Thebes,” performing at the Guthrie. With modern touches such as the original music composed by J.D. Steele, “The Burial at Thebes” delivers a poignant and memorable theatrical statement. Music [...]

Hair…something to sing about?

Shannon Cron, photographer — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:16:55 +0000

“Hair”––a vibrant, toe-tapping revival of the original Broadway rock musical––comes to Orpheum Theatre March 1-6, and by the third musical number, you’ll certainly be singing along. Written by James Rado and Gerome Ragni with music by Galt MacDermot, this contagiously outrageous celebration of the 1960s––and good hair––keeps the audience captivated all the way through both [...]

Broadway makes its way to Minneapolis

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:24:55 +0000

Filled with dramatic dancing, impressive singing, and unexpected humor, “Billy Elliot” is a compelling story about following one’s dream. With ten Tony awards and songs written by Elton John, the touring Broadway musical has come to Minneapolis and was shown at the Orpheum Theater from December 16 to January 9. The story follows eleven-year-old Billy [...]