Symphony and Suds Takes Classical Music Off the Stage and Into the Taproom

In a time when all things old are suddenly cool again, you’d think orchestral music would be a hot ticket item. But for some reason, while record players and retro furniture and typewriters have all made their way back into everyday life, classical music is still being snubbed by younger generations, and labeled as stuffy, … [ Read more]

Minnesota Fringe Festival receives most applications ever

After closing its application period Friday, February 19, Minnesota Fringe Festival announced via press release it had received 524 applications for its 2016 festival, a 10-percent increase over 2015’s 477 applications and a new record for the organization. The uncurated, 11-day performing arts festival—taking place August 4-14 this year—chooses its annual lineup of 170 shows with … [ Read more]

A celebration of voices and culture at Orchestra Hall

What happens when the internationally-renowned Morehouse College Glee Club partners with nationally acclaimed choral ensemble VocalEssence to celebrate the male voice? Find out at the VocalEssence WITNESS: Morehouse College Glee Club concert Sunday, February 21 at Orchestra Hall. The performance will feature Morehouse College Glee Club conductor David E. Morrow and new VocalEssence associate conductor … [ Read more]

Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival announces new series, special events

The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) announced a new series, called “Tribute,” to honor important international film figures today via press release. “We wanted to make our 35th anniversary something special, so we’ve created this new Tribute series to pay homage to the luminaries that make world cinema great,” said Susan Smoluchowski, executive … [ Read more]

For the love of theater: 11 shows opening this week

There are 11—yes, 11—shows opening this week in and around the Twin Cities, just in time for Valentine’s Day. (Read: Date ideas!) With such a wide variety of productions being staged, we thought we would take a minute to help you navigate your options. Here’s what’s coming up, in order of opening date. Feb. 9 – … [ Read more]

2016 MSP International Film Fest bigger, better than ever

The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) turns 35 this spring, and its impressive plans for celebrating show that some things do get better with age. MSPIFF is the largest premier film event in the region and one of the longest-running film festivals in the nation. It has traditionally been held at the St. Anthony Main Theatre, but this … [ Read more]

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres getting a much-needed facelift

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres was built in 1968 and designed to look cozy and welcoming, like someone’s living room or Up North-themed den. While there’s nothing wrong with that vibe, after 50 years it’s time for a little sprucing up. The Chan has hired Smart Associates to do just that, reports the Star Tribune. Lobbies, box offices, … [ Read more]

Lullaby: A new kind of musical

Artistic inspiration doesn’t always strike in the way we think it will. It can come from anywhere at anytime—even from your insomniac two-year-old who refuses to adhere to any sort of sleep schedule. Such was the situation playwright Michael Elyanow found himself in 10 years ago. Elyanow and his husband were living in North Hampton, … [ Read more]