Presented by Stages Theatre Company

WHOEVER YOU ARE

Apr 20 – May 20, 2018

Book by Mem Fox
Illustrated by Leslie Staub
Adapted by Suzanne Maynard Miller. Music and lyrics by Sarah Durkee and Paul Jacobs.

World Premiere!

Age Recommendation:  All Ages

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This spring we bring to life the poignantly inspiring story-poem by the popular, best-selling children’s author, Mem Fox. Every day, everywhere, all over the world, “Joys are the same, and love is the same, pain is the same, and blood is the same. Smiles are the same, and hearts are just the same.” Come with us as we soar to the heart of imagination with a world-premiere musical adaptation that weaves across cultures and generations to celebrate the bond that unites us all.

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox is produced with permission of the author.

Presented by St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre

Don’t Hug Me, We’re Family is the sixth in the Don’t Hug Me series of musical comedies. Gunner and Clara Johnson are owners of a little northwoods Minnesota bar called The Bunyan. Things are tight so, to make ends meet, they rent out a little radio station, KOLD Radio, in the bar for extra money. Gunner hosts a radio show called “Crappie Talk,” devoted entirely to ice fishing for crappies. Because of its narrow subject, Gunner has no listeners, and he loses his only advertiser Kanute’s Bait Mart and Deer Petting Farm. His wife Clara hosts "Book Beat." She has all the listeners and all the advertisers. This doesn’t sit well with Gunner, who has been competitive with Clara ever since she beat him in the County Fair fishing contest. Things get turned upside down when two fish-out-of-water Brooklyn Italians come to town and threaten the existence of the radio station, promoting Clara and firing Gunner. Gunner has his work cut out for him. He needs his radio station job, he needs his dignity, but most important, he needs Clara.

Presented by Riverland Theatre

This laugh-out-loud Tony Award-winner tells the timeless story of a recent college grad who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Filled with gut-busting humor and a delightfully catchy score, Avenue Q is a place where puppets are friends, monsters are good, and life lessons are learned.
Rated R for adult language, humor, and situations.

Presented by Woodbury Community Theatre

The hilarious and touching stories of 6 eclectic pre-teens who are in the running for the spelling championship of a lifetime. This is a quirky musical with adult themes told through the lens of children and the adults around them. 

Presented by Children's Theatre Company

Corduroy
Based on the Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy books by Don Freeman
Licensed by CBS Consumer Products
Adapted for the stage by Barry Kornhauser
Directed by Peter C. Brosius
A Children’s Theatre Company Commissioned World Premiere
Best enjoyed by preschool+

Join Corduroy on his delightfully destructive chase through every section of the department store in search of his missing button. Will the night watchman find him and return him to his shelf before he can find this important button? Will Lisa ever convince her mother to let her give the bear a home? The tender, enduring story about true friendship stirs up the stage with a bustling rumpus of action! Don’t miss it!

Presented by The Wildwood Theatre

Spontaneous Combustion by Dennis Bush 
A collection of expressive monologues describing personal experiences with traumatic events and the everyday struggles people encounter.

Phoebe’s Phobia by Christian Kiley
This one act drama will be a parallel production that explores the inner workings of the central character’s mind.

Presented by Stages Theatre Company

CRENSHAW

Apr 27 – May 19, 2018

Based on the book by Katherine Applegate
Originally published by Macmillan Children’s Publishing.

World Premiere Exclusive!

Age Recommendation: Ages 8 and Up

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This magically engaging story, proving that family, friendship and resilience are found in the heart of the imagination, will grace our Hopkins Jaycees Studio in May. Crenshaw is a cat. He’s large, he’s outspoken, and…he’s imaginary. This unforgettable creature comes into 10 year old Jackson’s life to help him and his family as they fall on hard times and may have to live in their minivan…again. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything? This world premiere adaptation, based on the touching book by the Newbery Medal-winning author of The One and Only Ivan, confirms that friends matter—whether real or imaginary.

Copyright © 2015 by Katherine Applegate. Used with permission of Pippin Properties, inc.

Presented by Children's Theatre Company in Partnership with The Old Vic (London)

Children’s Theatre Company in partnership with The Old Vic Present
Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax 
Based on the book The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Adapted for the stage by David Greig
Music and lyrics by Charlie Fink
Directed by Max Webster 
Choreographer Drew McOnie
A U.S. Premiere by Children’s Theatre Company 
Best enjoyed by everyone

The silky soft tufts of the Truffula trees, are the perfect stuffs to knit the perfect Thneeds. But the first chop, chop of the perilous ax, begins the powerful tale of The Lorax. When the last tree of the forest falls, was it worth losing paradise for nothing at all? The most beloved environmental tale of all time, The Lorax will have you singing in Seussian rhymes!

Presented by Theater Latte Da

FIVE POINTS

WORLD PREMIERE
April 4 – May 6, 2018
Ritz Theater

Book by Harrison David Rivers  
Music by Ethan D. Pakchar & Douglas Lyons
Lyrics by Douglas Lyons

Directed by Peter Rothstein
Music Direction by Denise Prosek
Choreography by Kelli Foster Warder

Featuring: Ben Bakken, Dieter Bierbrauer, Shinah Brashears, Ivory Doublette, Daniel Greco, John Jamison, Lamar Jefferson, Ann Michels, Thomasina Petrus, T. Mychael Rambo, Matt Riehle, Kendall Anne Thompson, Evan Tyler Wilson, and Alejandro Vega

New York City. 1863. Set amidst the tumult of the Civil War, Five Points chronicles the journeys of Willie Lane, a young African American performer at the famed Almack’s Dance Hall, and John Diamond, an Irish immigrant and former jig champion. Inspired by the confluence of African American and Irish cultures, and the birth of American tap dance, Five Points tells the story of two men who risk everything for the chance to be a part of the American Dream.

Presented by Yellow Tree Theatre

A powerful love story with extraordinary heart, Still Dance the Stars follows the journey of James and Anne, a married couple facing unthinkable loss. Things go from bad to worse as their beloved dance studio is about to go under. Desperate, they discover an old box of stuffed animals, and the magic unfolds. Can one dance heal what has been broken? Whimsical, heart-warming and imaginative – this brand new play is truly a breathtaking gem! A must-see for dance-lovers! 

Featuring: Emily Madigan, Louisa Darr, Zachary Stofer, Vanessa Wasche, Corey Mills, Peter Colburn, Janet Hanson, Mary Fox, & Abigail Magalee

Presented by Anoka Middle School for the Arts Theater

Xanadu is inspired by the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical and the Universal Pictures' cult classic movie that starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. Xanadu is a moving, electrifying tale of endless fun that will keep you in stitches while the original, legendary chart-topping tunes lift you out of your seats.

Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California, on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first Roller Disco. (Hey, it's 1980!) But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation, and chaos abounds.

(This production has the JR tag because it is slightly shorter than the Broadway version and the vocal ranges are adapted for younger voices)

COSTUME CONTEST:
There will be an '80s costume contest with prizes at every performance so dress up!!

TICKETS:
$ $10 Adults
$5 Seniors/Students under 18yrs
$3 5yrs and under
Tickets on-sale online at www.amsatheater.org, by calling Showtix4u at 1-866-967-8167 or at the school's theater one hour prior to each performance.

LOCATION:
Fred Moore Campus of Anoka Middle School for the Arts
1523 Fifth Avenue South, Anoka, MN 55303

ARTISTIC STAFF:
Directed by Jefferson Fietek
Vocal Direction by Jenn Jensen
Choreographed by Gabrielle Dominique
Costume Design by Paula Anderson
Set Design by Matthew Kari
Lighting Design by Ryan Beal

CAST:
Sebastian Whitcomb as Sonny Malone
Micah Allen as Danny Maguire
Makayla Taylor as Clio the Muse of History (also called Kira)
Claire Lockwood as Melpomene the Muse of Tragedy
Lacey Fieldseth as Calliope the Muse of Epics
Meta Miltich as Erato the Muse of Lyrics
Skye Stuempert as Euterpe the Muse of Music
GraceLynn Billings as Polyhymnia the Muse of Sacred Song
Makenzie Taylor as Terpsichore the Muse of Dance
McKenna Whitney as Thalia the Muse of Comedy
Ashley Wongbi as Urania the Muse of Astronomy
Aniya Valencia Hollie as Andrew Sister/Chorus/Siren
Keely Anderson as Andrew Sister/Chorus/Siren
Alexandra Glenn as Andrew Sister/Chorus/Siren
Matthew Phillips as Tube Band Member/Chorus
Nina English as Siren/Chorus
Lauren Larson as Siren/Chorus
Erin Schommer as Siren/Chorus
Jaden Brooks as Chorus/Tube Band Member
Michael Seye as Chorus/Centaur
Nick Hemkin-Jenson as Chorus//Tube Band Member
Malachi Leake as Zeus/Ensemble/Tube Band Member
Marisa Day as Hera/Chorus
Anika Erickson as Thetis/Chorus
Madison Loftus as Aphrodite/Chorus
Terrel Cummings as Hermes/Chorus
Joseph Morphew as Eros/Chorus
Ethan Zajaczkowski as Cyclops/Chorus
Jordan Ridgley as Medusa/Chorus
Riley King as Chorus/Tube Band Member

Presented by St. Croix Festival Theatre

Lone Star Spirits

By Josh Tobiessen

A delightfully funny, heartwarming story about a father-daughter reunion, set in a small-town Texas liquor store. Colorful characters and laugh-out-loud moments from local MN playwright Josh Tobiessen.

Festival Theatre will be producing this as partners in The Big Read, a program of National Endowment for the Arts, designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment.  ArtReach St. Croix is presenting The Big Read in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller, Stillwater Public Library, Little Free Library, St. Croix Festival Theatre and library branches located in St. Croix Valley communities between St. Croix Falls, WI and Hastings, MN.

Presented by Theatre in the Round

In aristocratic Paris, poets are the rock stars of the day, and young people have gone métromanie (“crazy for poetry”). And Damis has developed a particularly severe case – he’s fallen in love with the work of a mysterious poetess, not knowing that his idol is actually a middle-aged gentleman writing under a pen name. Plot twists, complications, and mistaken identities – all in rhymed verse – tumble to a happy ending in this new telling of a 1738 French farce. “…the language is golden…almost criminally enjoyable…”  –Washington Post

Presented by Century College Theatre Company

The Century College Theatre Company is proud and excited to produce the fun, song and dance-filled musical HAIRSPRAY! With a large cast of talented actors from throughout the Twin Cities and Century College, full orchestra, technical wonders, and some unique twists, we are thrilled to present our audiences with a joyful couple of hours!

The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.

It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network... all without denting her 'do!-Music Theatre International

Who: The Century College Theatre Company

When: April 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 PM and 4/28 at 2:00PM

Where: Century College Theatre
             3401 Century Ave. N
             White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Cost: General:             $12.00
          Students/Seniors:           $10.00

Purchase Tickets at: www.showtix4u.com

For more information contact BoxOffice@century.edu

Presented by Combustible Company

The Imaginary Invalid tells the story of Argan, a miserly hypochondriac who hatches a scheme to get free healthcare by marrying off one of his daughters (Angelique) to a young doctor. Dependent on extravagant cures and desperately worried about his ability to continue to pay for his medical care, he will do anything. Angelique however, having already fallen in love with someone else, has other plans for her life. Argan’s clever servant (Toinette) and gregarious brother (Beralde) come to her aid as they seek to unwind both his nefarious plot and his unhealthy obsession with quackery.

Though written over 300 years ago, The Imaginary Invalid is a strikingly-relevant, passionate farce that shines a light on the wounds we inflict upon ourselves, the scars of life, and the lengths that some will go to achieve "affordable" healthcare in a seemingly-incurable system. This fresh translation by Oded Gross features original Motown- and pop-inspired songs by Paul James Prendergast, commedia dell'arte roots, and sharp modern language.

Presented by Old Log Theatre

Fran Loesser's celebrated Musical Comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love under the bright lights of Broadway.  Guys & Dolls is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy for all ages!

Set in a mythical New York City, Guys & Dolls tells the tall of one Nathan Detroit, a guy who needs a venue for his "permanently established floating craps game." His best venue falls through and he needs money to underwrite an alternative option.  He turns to Sky Masterson, a high roller who will be on anything if the stakes are high enough.  Desperate for a sure thing, Nathan bets Sky he can't get a date with Sarah Brown, the earnest proprietor of the Save-a-Soul mission.  

Things don't go as planned and, along the way, you are treated to some of the most memorable Broadway tunes: Luck Be a Lady, Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat, Sue Me, A Bushel and a Peck... and more.

Presented by Actors Theater of Minnesota

Timber's parents have left on vacation and put the young tiger in charge of the island! Timber, ever the generous host, invites Diddy Kong and his racing crew, Pipsy, Banjo, Conker, and Krunch, to race around the island's exotic racetracks.

But their fun is soon cut short by the arrival of the evil space pig wizard, WizPig, when he lands on the island and claims it and its racetracks as his own! Diddy and his crew must band together and defeat WizPig in a race to reclaim the island, but do they really have the skills and teamwork to defeat the space pig menace?

Relive the magic of Diddy Kong Racing with this musical parody version of this N64 Classic! With music lovingly ripped from the works of Andrew Lloyd Weber and rewritten to celebrate the story of Diddy Kong Racing in a bold new way, you'll be transported back to your parent's basement where Diddy Kong Racing illuminated the screens of your boxy old televisions.

Each ticket comes complete with a package of fruit rollups, gushers, or fruit by the foot to really make the nostalgia hit hard!

Presented by Morris Park Players

THE APRIL 14 PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.  PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Morris Park Players Presents Seussical! The Musical!

Music by Stephen Flaherty

Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens

Directed by Wade Fields

Music Director Blake Brauer

Edison High School Auditorium

700 22nd Ave NE, Mpls, 55418

April 13, 20-21, 27-28 - 7:30pm

April 14, 22, and 29 - 2:00pm

Use code STMMP for $3 off tickets purchased online.

Presented by Guthrie Theater

Matt and Christina Drayton are a progressive couple living in San Francisco. It is 1967 when their daughter Joanna arrives home unexpectedly with Dr. John Prentice, an African American doctor 11 years her senior. They’re in love and they want the Draytons’ blessing for their marriage – today. The Draytons have prided themselves on their liberal-mindedness, but now they are forced to put their values to the test. Based on the iconic film, this classic is a witty and insightful reflection on two families confronted by their prejudices.

Presented by Jungle Theater

MARCH 31 - APRIL 29, 2018

Tuesday – Saturday 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 2 & 7:30 p.m.

by Sarah DeLappe
directed by Sarah Rasmussen

FINALIST FOR THE 2017 PULITZER PRIZE FOR DRAMA

The Wolves is a portrait of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls, who just want to score some goals. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors.

Presented by The University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program Class of 2018

As in her Tony Award-winning Metamorphoses, Mary Zimmerman transforms Greek mythology – here the story of Jason and the Argonauts – into a mesmerizing piece of theater, performed by the senior class of The University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program.

Encountering an array of daunting challenges in their "first voyage of the world," Jason and his crew illustrate the essence of all such journeys to follow--their unpredictability, their inspiring and overwhelming breadth of emotion, their lessons in the inevitability of failure and loss. Bursts of humor and fantastical creatures enrich a story whose characters reveal remarkable complexity. Medea is profoundly sympathetic even as the seeds are sown for the monstrous life ahead of her, and the brute strength of Hercules leaves him no less vulnerable to the vicissitudes of love. Zimmerman brings to Argonautika her trademark ability to encompass the full range of human experience in a work as entertaining as it is enlightening.

From April 20 - 29, 2018 in the Dowling Studio at the Guthrie.

Tickets available at guthrietheater.org

Presented by Mission Theatre Company

When men make of mess of things, who suffers the costs? What happens when those in power dictate our fate? Though these questions have been struggles throughout the ages, they couldn’t be more timely or pertinent today. Euripides’ Trojan Women has been re-imagined by director Andy Browers to take place in a war-torn corner of our world. Come join us to see for yourself why…

AFTERMATH IS HELL.

Featuring: Ali Close, Amanda Chial, Annette Kurek, Craig Fernholz, Erin Farsté, Eva Gemlo, Gary Danciu, Gillian Randall, Helena Mueller, Jared Mogen, Madeleine Farley, Siri Hammond, Sophie Cameron, Tucker Brewster Schuster

JOIN US FOR THE OPENING NIGHT PARTY!

Join the cast and crew after the show on April 13th at 9:00pm for some beer or other beverages (cash bar), bake sale...including baklava and other international treats, test your Greek trivia knowledge, win raffle prize, ask for your future to be told and more. All proceeds go to paying artists and producing Mission’s work; fundraiser party tickets available at https://www.artful.ly/mission-theatre-company

Presented by Lakeshore Players Theatre

Stephen Sondheim’s fairy tale musical masterpiece combines some of your favorite tales: Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and others and explores what happens AFTER they live happily ever after.

Presented by Market Garden Theatre

Canis Latrans

By Eric Coble

Melinda and Toby, two recluses of an apartment in some urban American sprawl, meet a coyote who mysteriously visits their fire escape one night. This wild encounter leads them on a poetic journey of self-realization, with their newly discovered animal instincts leading the way. My Barking Dog is a blend of magical realism and lyrical storytelling that explores how our everyday lives have been disconnected from our roots. Eric Coble examines what happens when nature decides to challenge our inorganic life-styles.

90 Minutes. Contains Mature Themes.

FEATURING: Victoria Pyan & Mike Swan

CREATIVE TEAM: Lucas Skjaret, Samson Perry, Leazah Behrens, Kassia Lisinski, Jacob Lee Hofer, Brittany Ottum, and Madie Kvale

Sliding Scale: $13 - $20

Presented by The Orchard Theater Collective

Thomas Tallis is a portrait of one of England’s most successful composers, set against the tumultuous political backdrop of the renaissance. Living under four monarchs, Tallis was forced to adapt his compositions to suit their religious demands, but at what cost? In Swale’s vividly imagined play, we follow the interwoven fates of Tallis and other citizens of England at the time. Performed by candlelight in the historic Calvary Baptist Church sanctuary in Uptown, the story is underscored by a live choir singing the works of Tallis throughout.

Presented by Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City, Jack Kelly and his friends live day-by-day selling newspapers for pennies. When a publishing giant raises the price the Newsies pay - the Newsies declare a strike against all the publishing giants. Through courage, determination, and friendship the Newsies are ready to take a stand and seize the day!

Presented by The Bearded Company Minneapolis

The finale episode of the final season of one of The Bearded Company's most acclaimed, serialized improv shows! 

Bearded Manor follows the continuing improvised story in a manor on the English countryside. This show will leave you thirsty for a spot of tea. Lords and ladies. Butlers and housemaids. Will the lies and deception tear them apart? Can the Talmadge family keep up appearances? Come to see how it all ends.

Never been before?  DON'T WORRY, we do a "Previously on..." at the top of every episode to catch you up on everything you need to know.

The show has been a hit with audience saying, "A rollercoaster of emotions"and "The Bearded Company at the top of their game."

Come be a part of the series finale!