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!

REVIEW: bare

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 8^th Floor of the Hennepin Center for the Arts building (6^th and Hennepin, downtown Minneapolis). The cheapest parking can be found at the $3 lot on 5^th 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.