A Celebration of Twin Cities Theater

I'll begin with a brief advertisement for the last blog of the site: A review of Arsenic and Old Lace at the Guthrie, which will be posted by Tuesday. It was hilarious. More detail to follow.

The mention of this post, though, is to get the word out about the IVEY AWARDS - (http://www.iveyawards.com/)

Self-billing as a "Celebration of Twin Cities Theater", it allows users and members of the press to vote for the best actors, directors, theaters and productions of the past year. A huge list of theaters are listed as 'participants', meaning that they are opening themselves up for the ratings. So, seeing as I saw a number of productions from companies that are eligible, I thought I would rate them on the site. Considering Mpls/St. Paul has the 2nd most theater seats anywhere outside of NYC, it would be fitting that the Mini-Apple would have a Mini Tony award show celebrating the vast diversity of theater offered here.

Also, I'm hoping I'm nominated for best dressed in the cast of 'bare'. I had a great costume. Just saying.

Vote for me :)

DOUBLE POST MADNESS!

OK - two posts in one day? What could be better?

CHEAP TICKETS you ask!?!? WHAT!?

but what could be even better, you ask!??!

FREE TICKETS.

I am about to let you in on a secret. Actually, it isn't a secret, since it's on the internet but I bet you just don't know about it. A website that promises not one, but both of those things and regularly delivers by sending you a nice little update of the events going on in your area and a convenient link to buy within their website, read reviews of people who actually went to it and directions to the venues.

May I present: GOLDSTAR.

I first used Goldstar this past weekend when I went to the opening of [title of show] (Which you can conveniently read below this post... hint... hint) A friend tweeted about free tickets via Goldstar and since it was a show I wanted to see anyway, I signed up for a free account and ordered my free* tickets.

The '*' indicates that there are still service charges like most ticketing outlet sites. Usually about $3-4 per ticket, which is still not bad compared to the outlandish 'convenience fees' charged by Ticketmaster and StubHub.

Every week, you'll get an email based on the type of events you are most interested in, summarizing opportunities and dates when you can see great stuff for free or half price.

Run, don't walk to this magnificent website.

[title of show]

No, I didn't forget to insert the name of this post...

[title of show] is the name of the hilarious musical I saw Saturday night at the Sabes Theater in the Jewish community center in St. Louis Park. Presented by Urban Samurai productions, this off-Broadway hit found itself a warm reception by a delighted audience on opening weekend.

[title of show] is the story of 4 New York theater aficionados who are struggling to find success in their art. One has taken a part time job she hates, one is close to landing that big Broadway break, and the other two are composer and playwright, struggling to come up with an entry to an upcoming festival showcasing new work. Then, the idea strikes: a musical about writing a musical.

This production was absolutely brilliant. The show itself deserves a lot of credit, as there are enough general 'funny' jokes and situations to make all ages laugh, but also a number of insider references - namely, plays off of "Wicked", "Rent" and other 'name-brand' musicals that if known, will garner a few extra laughs. The talent is absolutely stunning - and Max Wojtanowicz really shows off his vocal chops and acting chops - with a quirky, enduring quality that somehow manages to find the humanity within a show about... nothing.

IN THE END: I REALLY, REALLY LOVED IT.

(in fact, it was the best show I've seen so far as part of this blog.)

Oh, and if you're wondering what happened to "Avenue Q"? Well, it's wildly popular. And sold out the night I wanted to go. So that's on the backburner for now.

IF YOU GO: The Sabes JCC is literally in the middle of nowhere. You'll take 394 West out of Minneapolis, exit into a residential neighborhood, and just when you think you've taken a wrong term, the road deposits you into an overgrowth of trees that houses a large facility with plenty of free parking. Trust your Garmin on this one.

Tickets can be purchased directly through their website, but for students, I'd suggest visiting Goldstar and registering for a free account to buy tickets for half off. The company also has a widely popular 'pay what you can' night for those who love great theater, but who don't have great budgets.


You can read the 'professional' critic's review from the StarTribune here.

WARNING: Not your kids' puppet show...

I was a little surprised to hear Avenue Q, the sort-of "R-Rated" version of a Sesame Street episode, was coming to Minneapolis - not as part of a tour, but by the highly acclaimed production vehicle known as Mixed Blood.

I'll have the review once I go see it on Tuesday, though I've already seen the show on Broadway. It is an enjoyable, zippy musical with such hits as "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist", "The Internet is for Porn" and "If You Were Gay". Laughs will abound and this particular show is already getting great reviews from critics. Plus, Mixed Blood touts access to all for its shows, meaning it will be ASL-Audio described. They also offer affordable tickets (You can see the show for as little as $10).

This is not your kids' puppet show. And amid the shouldilaughatthisornot thoughts in your head, you might come away with an endearing message of acceptance and diversity. Or just laughs.

I'll let you know how it goes!