Year in Review: Minnesota’s Arts & Culture Scene in 2018

Minnesota’s arts and culture scene experienced its fair share of high highs and low lows this year. From the #metoo movement bringing about leadership changes at notable organizations to our state making history by electing the first Somali-American to the U.S. Congress, there was no lack of drama, excitement, anticipation, and disappointment in 2018. Here’s … [ Read more]

Bold sound and set design elevates the Guthrie’s ‘Frankenstein’ to new heights

The creak of shifting ice and horror-film undertones are the first sounds welcoming audience members into the Wurtle Thrust stage at Guthrie Theater. A gleaming black, sloping mound dominates the set; a black disk of a sun glows ominously in the upper-left corner of the stage. The sounds, composed and designed by Cliff Caruthers, and … [ Read more]

A lesson in drag at Guthrie Theater

It takes more than putting on a dress and squeezing into nylons and high heels to be a true drag queen. You have to know the history of it, the community of it, the art of it. You have to know who you are and who you’re hoping to become. You have to commit to … [ Read more]

The Mill: “Black Panther” star brings her play to the Guthrie

Iowa-born, Macalester-educated Danai Gurira, who co-starred as a warrior of Wakanda in “Black Panther,” is bringing her newest play to the stage at the Guthrie. Now more than ever, Gurira is juggling the roles of playwright and actress, as she reckons with the star status she’s acquired since starring in Marvel’s “Black Panther,” which has … [ Read more]

Vogue has discovered Minneapolis—and is really pumped about it

Vogue posted today a love-letter of sorts to about Minneapolis, singing the praises of the City of Lakes, from its lakes (duh) to its arts, food, shopping, and more. …The city itself is brimming with travel opportunities—especially during the warmer months. Maybe lake culture and the Midwest friendliness are infectious characteristics. Maybe winter-weary Minnesotans know … [ Read more]

Guthrie Theater awarded $1 million grant to create a ninth floor “theatrical hub”

The Guthrie Theater today announced it has been awarded a $1 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to underwrite a groundbreaking initiative for the theater’s entire ninth floor, home to the 200-seat Dowling Studio, the Citizens of Minnesota Overlook—a signature feature of the lobby known as the “amber box”—and a unique retractable wall … [ Read more]

Guthrie Theater announces 2016-17 season

Guthrie Theater’s new artistic director, Joseph Haj, announced his inaugural season, and is wasting no time in jumping in and showing off what he can do. Two literary adaptations, a monumental Shakespeare tragedy, a Sondheim masterpiece, two theatrical classics, a play with music, a world premiere, and a brilliant comedy from a significant new voice … [ 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]

Minnesota theaters pave the way for nation-wide change

Leadership changes are happening swiftly and often at theaters around the United States, but perhaps nowhere is the change happening faster than in the Twin Cities, reports The New York Times. Minneapolis–St. Paul is one of only two markets in the country (with New York) that can claim three or more companies that have won a Tony Award … [ Read more]

Arts MN: TU Dance, Live Plays, and Mother’s Day

By Naomi Crocker Although I’m not usually one for holidays that don’t involve a federally mandated vacation day, I couldn’t help but highlight events this week that relate to Mothers’ Day. Specifically, the events reflect both qualities of and issues that were important to the various mothers (my own mother, aunts, grandmothers, friends’ moms, and … [ Read more]

Arts MN: Saved By the Bell’s Mr. Dewey makes unlikely sounds, Freud meets C.S. Lewis, and more

By Naomi Crocker Keep in tune with the Minnesota arts scene with Arts MN, a weekly arts preview from The Growler.   Art(ists) on the Verge 5 The Soap Factory, 514 Second St SE, Minneapolis MN 55414 The Soap Factory, in collaboration with Northern Lights.mn, presents Art(ists) on the Verge 5, an exhibition of works … [ Read more]

Holiday Theater (and Your Best Beer Bets Nearby)

By Juliana Bryarly A look at the many seasonal theater offerings and the best beer bets nearby Long lines, present purchasing, and marketing madness can instigate that holiday havoc. Avoid stressing over the small details and remember to enjoy the season by dedicating an afternoon or evening for a live holiday performance and a beer. … [ Read more]