This is not a show that you will come away from the theater humming most of the songs. It is not a show where you will leave with a content, warm fuzzy feeling. This is a show that will make you think, leave you breathless, teary-eyed and full of questions. This show will start conversations – way more after it closes. Isn’t that what great theater should do?
Bare, a “pop/rock musical” coming-of-age story about students at a Catholic boarding school is entering its final weekend. Produced by Minneapolis Musical Theater, known for premiering new or rarely seen productions to the Minneapolis theater scene, this show bravely tackles all sorts of teen growing up issues. Weight, sex, promiscuity, partying, drugs, sexuality, bullying, judgment – whoa right, I mean, can I get my money’s worth?
You can read more about the story on MMT's site. The production itself moves at a fervent pace, and is lit more like a rock concert than a musical. It introduces us to many different characters and mini stories that help us laugh and have those poignant moments along the way. MMT’s young cast shines vocally and their acting chops are just as impressive. Comments from the audience include “the most powerful, thought-provoking show I’ve seen in years” and “It was almost too believable. It felt real”.
These comments and impact of our audiences don’t come without months of hard work, which I can say I have participated in. I have been lucky enough to be involved with this show since day 1. From the moment I heard the music and the story, I realized that this was a show I had never done before. This was more than just entertainment; this was my story in a way, a story that others needed to hear. Because of the specific age range of the cast, this is a show that you likely have a limited window in which to be a part of. Tonight I learned that several prominent Twin Cities actors were envious of our parts and were not coming to see the show since they felt ‘snubbed’ at auditions. It’s no coincidence that most of us in the production are making their debut with MMT. We are fresh faces, we are not perfect, we are a little rough around the edges. But at the end of the day, it works. It moves people. It feels real. And I have enjoyed every moment.
Though I am biased: I LOVE(D) IT
IF YOU GO: MMT stages its shows at the illusion Theater, an intimate 250 seat house on the 8th Floor of the Hennepin Center for the Arts building (6th and Hennepin, downtown Minneapolis). The cheapest parking can be found at the $3 lot on 5th and Marquette. Valet parking and closer lots usually fill quickly and are very expensive because of their proximity to Target Field and Target Center.
STUDENTS can receive $10 off any show by calling the box office or presenting their student ID at the box office. Runs nightly, through April 3.
