Photo Credit: Dan Norman

Cinderella, A Children’s Theatre Company Original Production
Adapted by John B. Davidson, Original music by Victor Zupanc, Directed by Peter C. Brosius

This was my first visit to Children’s Theater Company!
My niece Ashley (@mycreativeadventure) attended with me and neither of us knew what to expect of this modern yet traditional spin on Cinderella.

We loved it! What a treat! If I had kids, I would definitely bring them to this show for the holidays. There’s so much interaction, audience participation and FUN! I always love being surprised by the unexpected and I was many times during this show. Also, hearing all the kids giggling around me made the experience even better. This production is just as wonderful for adults as it is for kids.

I was also impressed that there are wonderful things for the kids to do and learn in the program. For example….draw a pair of magic shoes, inspiration to use their imagination and to think beyond the show.

This production of Cinderella is inspired by the old English tradition of Panto. There is slapstick comedy, female characters played by men, a chorus who performs songs and dances throughout the show, a combination of classic songs along with awesome modern songs. I have to say that I don’t always enjoy slapstick humor but the CTC Acting Company members Dean Holt, Autumn Ness and Reed Sigmund were hilarious!

Here’s another reason that I loved Cinderella from the words of the Director, Peter C. Brosius:
In Cinderella, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit, that even in the darkest moments, when we feel most isolated and alone there are allies and there powers within ourselves that can give us the courage to persevere and triumph.

The lesson of Cinderella is timeless. What’s fantastic is adding modern twists so that the kids can completely relate, understand and keep their focus on the show.

If you’re looking for a quick snack or glass of wine before the show. Ashley and I enjoyed hitting Agra Culture in the MIA(Minneapolis Institute of Art) before the show. Very cool atmosphere being surrounded by art. 🙂

Click HERE for ticket information to Cinderella running through January 8, 2017.

You can also check out my fellow theater blogger’s, Artfully Engaging with Cherry and Spoon, behind the scenes video by clicking HERE

Regional premiere of The Oldest Boy, a “play in three ceremonies” by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Sarah Rasmussen now through December 18, 2016 at the Jungle Theater.

Letting go – the ultimate LOVE.

The Oldest Boy is about an American mom and Tibetan husband whose three year old son is believed to be the reincarnation of a high Buddhist Lama. Two Tibetan monks arrive at their home unexpectedly, asking to bring their child to India for spiritual training. This huge decision will forever change their lives and challenge their faith.

The Oldest Boy is heartfelt and thoughtful. There’s so much depth, it offers something for everyone and will touch every person differently. Even though I’m not a mother, I connected deeply with this story.

Families can be debilitating and hold each other back in the name of love. When we are allowed to experience the world on our terms without restrictions and judgment, that’s when we discover our hearts. It’s hard to realize a dream, if we are suffocated (sometimes without even knowing because it’s so ingrain in us) with the opinions of our family. What they taught us to believe instead of what we discover. It is hard to let go but it is the ultimate show of faith and love.

The Oldest Boy also shows that we can have as strong of a relationship with someone that isn’t family. In our society, many times these connections are dismissed. The mother talks of her teacher, how devastated she was when he passed but that there was no understanding because it was her “teacher” and not “family”. I think we’ve all been guilty of this, myself included. It validated to not take my kindred spirits for granted because they are part of my family.

This was my first experience at the Jungle Theater. I was a little concerned about parking with the location on Lake and Lyndale but it was a breeze. There is a great parking lot right behind the theater. Jungle Theater has been there since 1991 but when you walk in, you feel a bit like your stepping back in time. It’s intimate and cozy. For tickets and more information about the show, visit jungletheater.com

The cast of the Guthrie Theater’s The Parchman Hour, written by Mike Wiley and directed by Patricia McGregor. Scenic design by Clint Ramos, costume design by Katherine O’Neill, lighting design by Jiyoun Chang and projection design by Tom Mays. October 1 – November 6, 2016 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. Photo by Dan Norman.

Rise UP….it calls you from the stage….RISE UP!

Chilling and inspiring!

The Parchman Hour is incredibly important during this time of unrest. Lately I’ve felt that the world is falling apart, that times are worse than ever. The Parchman Hour reminds us that there have always been huge challenges. That it was the people who took action, used their voices and stood together that made true change. They also sacrificed so much.

The history of the 1961 Freedom Rides told through songs and stories touched my soul. I can’t express enough how good this show is on so many levels. The acting, the singing, the stage, the story, the lesson. The Freedom Riders were courageous men and women from all backgrounds standing together against segregation. They traveled to the deep south only to be arrested and imprisoned in Mississippi’s Parchman Farm Penitentiary. The lived through it by creating a nightly variety show called “The Parchman Hour”.

The human spirit is truly amazing and can do the impossible when pushed. I left the theater inspired and also asking myself, am I willing to push? Am I willing to sacrifice for the greater good? Today more than ever, it is important to take action. Not only on social media where it’s easy to hide and to judge. We live in a great country where we can actually make change when we do it right. This musical offers that hope. Don’t miss it!

A few things to note:

• Even with the serious tone, it’s very entertaining which is the magic of it. You’ll be on your feet dancing by the end.
• I LOVE that they portray us as ONE.
• It was amazing to see the mug shots of the real Freedom Riders during the show, it brings the story to life and full circle.
• Keep an eye on Katherine Fried (Actor 2 – Janie Forsyth/Mimi Real) and Zonya Love (Actor 5 – Pearl/L.Collins) Their voices and acting blew me away!

P.S. If you go on the weekend, you HAVE to try the Biscuits and Gravy at the Sea Change. Mouth watering goodness. The biscuits are crispy, the sausage gravy has the perfect texture and seasoning…not too spicy. THEN they add two splendidly poached eggs on top. It’s a little piece of heaven. They run out so get there early!! My picture could have been better but I was salivating. 😉