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Tag: Twin Cities Theater Bloggers

  • A CHRISTMAS CAROL TRADITION

    A CHRISTMAS CAROL TRADITION

    A Christmas Carol – Guthrie Theater – Minneapolis

    by CHARLES DICKENS
    adapted by LAVINA JADHWANI
    directed by ADDIE GORLIN-HAN
    based on the original direction by JOSEPH HAJ
    Wurtele Thrust Stage

    Now – December 28, 2025

    *featured photo above of the cast of A Christmas Carol by Dan Norman

    Photo Credit: Dan Norman, David Beach (Ebeneezer Scrooge) and Regina Marie Williams (Ghost of Christmas Present)

    I didn’t fully appreciate traditions until the pandemic. I was even a little Scroogy about some traditions. But as human nature goes, once they stopped, I missed them. I missed looking forward to an upcoming experience and I missed the connections. It was also a reminder that nothing stays the same, not usually, so live in the present moment. In the same way, A Christmas Carol gives us important reminders, especially that we need each other. For us, attending A Christmas Carol this year was extra special because it was a tradition rekindled.

    “This play has never been out of fashion because it always has somthing to say.” – from Guthrie Director Addie Gorlin-Han

    I love seeing A Christmas Carol early in the festive season because of the timeless message of hope. It is never too late to turn it all around, to evolve, to be kind. It not only helps others, it helps yourself. And, of course, I love the fun, laughter, and holiday songs.

    Photo Credit: Dan Norman, David Beach (Ebeneezer Scrooge) and Charity Jones (Marley)

    Lavina Jadhwani’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol follows closely the original novella by Charles Dickens, published in 1843. Much of the pomp and circumstance is pulled back, allowing the message to come forward. But I have to say, I missed it in the first half. I wanted a little more song and dance, but the second half totally made up for it! And as always, the ending was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes.

    Photo Credit: Dan Norman, The cast of A Christmas Carol

    The acting is phenomenal, and David Beach as Ebenezer Scrooge is perfect. From his crabbiness to his transformation and movement across the stage with each ghost encounter, I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. China Brickey as Fred’s wife, Kitty, was also a joy to watch. She, too, commanded the stage.

    The traditional carols and hymns brought nostalgia and warmth, and at the same time, I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see when and where the next ghost would show up! The dresses and costumes are always a highlight of the show and they shined bright against the minimal stage.

    Photo Credit: Dan Norman, David Beach (Ebeneezer Scrooge) and Nathan Huberty (Ghost of Christmas Future)

    Adapter Lavina Jadhwani passed away in September after a courageous battle with cancer.

    “We dedicate A Christmas Carol to Lavina this year, and it’s in her gorgeous adaption of the story that I see the themes of her life: We are all responsible for each other, we can be better and we all need a bit of the Fezziwigs in our lives.” – Joseph Haj, Artistic Director of the Guthrie Theater

    We loved all the decorations, selfie stations, and festive sips and snacks at the Fezziwig’s Holiday Party. They’ve transformed the Target Lounge on Level Four into a family-friendly pop-up bar!

    Tip: Pre-order your drinks so you can skip the long intermission line.

    This year, we decided to attend a Saturday matinee of the play and enjoy brunch at the Aster Cafe before the show. We were lucky and got a beautiful November day to walk across the Stone Arch Bridge from Aster Cafe to the Guthrie Theater. The views of Minneapolis and the Mississippi River are incredible.

    For another fun holiday theater experience, visit the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. <Click link to read my review of The Notebook.

    Cheers!

    ©Tracy Blowers unless otherwise stated

  • THE NOTEBOOK Broadway Musical Brings Down the House

    THE NOTEBOOK Broadway Musical Brings Down the House

    The Notebook Musical Broadway Tour at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul, Minnesota

    *featured above photo by Roger Mastroianni includes Ken Wulf Clark (Middle Noah) and Alysha Deslorieux (Middle Allie)

    Alysha Deslorieux (Middle Allie) and Ken Wulf Clark (Middle Noah)
    Photo by Roger Mastroianni

    The Notebook
    directed by Michael Greif
    music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson
    book by Bekah Brunstetter
    choreography by Katie Spelman
    Photo by Roger Mastroianni

    The Broadway musical tour of The Notebook (based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks) premiered this week at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul, Minnesota, and runs through November 30, 2025.

    I’ve watched the movie So. Many. Times. It struck me that it was released in 2004, because it feels like yesterday. The Notebook is an enduring story that captivates your soul. A story of ups and downs of love and life. A story of what we crave and need to live the most fulfilling lives: human connection, love, friendship, faith, and understanding.

    I wondered how the musical could ever stack up against the movie, especially how it moves through eras and time, but it was done beautifully. The movement felt flawless and understandable layered perfectly with song and dance, adding depth.

    The Notebook North American Tour Company
    Photo by Roger Mastroianni

    Read this to me, and I’ll come back to you. -Allie from The Notebook

    Sharon Catherine Brown (Older Allie) and Beau Gravitte (Older Noah)
    Photo by Roger Mastroianni

    Allie and Noah meet as teenagers and fall fast in love. They are 1000% in, but social expectations and Allie’s parents’ disapproval split them apart. They find each other again in their twenties, and it is like not a moment has passed. Despite the hurdles, this time, they choose each other. As years go by, Allie slowly starts to lose her memory. She writes their beautiful love story down so she’ll never forget and so Noah can read it to her. Noah never gives up faith and never lets her go.

    Chloë Cheers (Younger Allie) and Kyle Mangold (Younger Noah)
    Photo by Roger Mastroianni

    This story resonates and is familiar for so many of us. The way they move through Allie’s memories makes you consider the importance of creating memories. Great memories. Also, finding hobbies and people that you’re passionate about and fully living in those moments.

    And how present time for someone with Alzheimers can be the past. The Notebook shows us that we can honor that for them and it can help bring them back to us, even if for a moment. ❤️

    L-R: Sharon Catherine Brown (Older Allie), Alysha Deslorieux (Middle Allie) and Chloë
    Cheers     (Younger Allie)
    Photo by Roger Mastroianni

    The orchestra and sound were booming, and I loved it! The Ordway recently added state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and I could really tell the difference. I wasn’t straining to hear some of the actors and not only heard the songs but felt them.

    The Notebook Broadway Musical ended with an high-spirited standing ovation!

    Then, in a surprise moment after Kevin McCollum, Producer of The Notebook Musical, finished speaking (which was already exciting), he introduced Mr. Nicholas Sparks. The crowd went wild. 🙂 Awesome surprise by The Ordway!

    Where to Eat and Park before a show at the Ordway

    One of the best parts about visiting The Ordway over the holidays is how everything from Rice Park and the St. Paul Hotel to The Ordway are magically decorated. All the trees are lit up and twinkling. The pictures don’t do it justice, it feels like a wonderland, and I can’t wait for snow to add that little extra! ✨

    The Ordway also have selfie stations to capture some fun photos.

    Tips: Enjoy dinner or drinks at the St. Paul Grill. It is such a festive treat! I didn’t get any pictures because I was having too much fun catching up with my sister-in-law. We loved the Beef Tenderloin, Au Gratin Potatoes, and Butternut Squash. The Butternut Squash was filled with little marshmellows and tasted like the holidays in a dish. 😍

    **Use the Valet Parking at the St. Paul Hotel.

    Are you going to any holiday shows in the Twin Cities? I would definitely add The Notebook to the list! The Ordway also has an incredible line-up for the rest of the year including a Celtic music celebration from Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, The String Queens, and Jesus Christ Superstar. For more information on Events and Tickets, click HERE.

    “Coming together as an audience from all different backgrounds and lived experiences to enjoy this universal tale of love in the face of adveristy is a powerful reminder of the unifying power of the performing arts.” – Christopher Harrington, Ordway President & CEO

    Cheers to connecting and exploring local together!

    ©Tracy Blowers unless otherwise stated.

  • Discover Friendship at PRIMARY TRUST – Guthrie Theater – Minneapolis, MN

    Discover Friendship at PRIMARY TRUST – Guthrie Theater – Minneapolis, MN

    PRIMARY TRUST NOW SHOWING AT GUTHRIE THEATER October 11 – November 16, 2025

    *featured photo of William Sturdivant (Bert) and Bryce Michael Wood (Kenneth) by Dan Norman

    It felt wonderful to be back at Guthrie Theater! I couldn’t have asked for a better show to kick off my return.

    PRIMARY TRUST by EBONI BOOTH, directed by MARSHALL JONES III, is a poignant story about the power of friendship, not only with others but with ourselves. It highlights how human connections open new doors and can be our path to healing. But that doesn’t always come easy; sometimes we have to let go of what we hold onto so tightly to discover our potential.

    Photo Credit: Dan Norman – Nubia Monks (Corrina) and Bryce Michael Wood (Kenneth)

    “Sometimes the most powerful steps we can take are small steps toward each other.” -Joseph Haj, Artistic Director, Guthrie Theater

    PRIMARY TRUST is set in the small town of Cranberry, New York. The story takes you on a journey with Kenneth (Bryce Michael Wood) who hasn’t had an easy life. Despite traumatic events, Kenneth has found solace in routine with his friend Bert (William Sturdivant). He has a fulfilling bookstore job and a fun daily happy hour with Bert, drinking mai tais at Wally’s. That is, until everything changes. Through a new job and new friendships, Kenneth faces his past, take steps to heal, and find new adventures in new places.

    Photo Credit: Dan Norman – William Sturdivant (Bert), Bryce Michael Wood (Kenneth) and Pearce Bunting (Sam)

    There were so many amazing lines throughout the show that touched me to my core. So much so that I found myself saying “yes” out loud. Beautiful reminders that we all need each other. That is the way through. I loved the depth and layers from tears to laughter. PRIMARY TRUST touches on many things at the same time, and I think every person will find something to connect to in this story.

    The acting is phenominal with each character taking on multiple roles. Nubia Monks (Wally’s Waiters/Corrina/Bank Customers) is hilarious and amazing how she moves through each role. The creative transitions through Kenny’s life, make it so interesting and easy to follow. Simple, straight forward, BUT powerful.

    This show is incredibly timely in a world that is changing so fast. From AI to people turning inward or towards their phones, it shows the importance of human connection. A call that life moves fast and when we get stuck in loops or routines, it is human connection that will wake us up. A reminder that everything changes and to stay in the present. But for NOW.

    Did you hear the news?! Owamni by the Sioux Chef is relocating to Guthrie Theater’s restaurant space! I’m so excited to see the restaurant space come alive with such an incredible restaurant. It is a perfect match.

    To celebrate, we dined at Owamni before the show. We tried the Bison, Sweet Potatoes, and Green Beens. Everything was delicous! The vibes, views of the Stone Arch Bridge, and service are top notch.

    Owamni is a full-service Indigenous restaurant using decolonized ingredients, and removing ingredients such as wheat flour, cane sugar, and dairy.

    It was an honor to experience.

    Don’t miss PRIMARY TRUST this fall! Details below.

    Primary Trust
    by EBONI BOOTH
    directed by MARSHALL JONES III
    McGuire Proscenium Stage
    October 11 – November 16, 2025

    Single and group tickets are now on sale at the Box Office or online at guthrietheater.org. Accessibility services (ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances) are also available on select dates.

    ©Tracy Blowers

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