Ten Thousand Things Theater Presents Shakespeare’s Two Gents as Season Opener

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Caitlin Lowans, Artistic Director

Ten Thousand Things (TTT) opens their season with William Shakespeare’s comedy Two Gents on tour September 24 - November 2. We talked to TTT’s new artistic director, Caitlin Lowans, about why she chose the play as season opener, what she will bring to the legendary theater company and the importance of TTT continuing to tour at correctional facilities, schools, low-income senior centers, workplaces for people with disabilities, and also paid public performances at Open Book, Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, Capri Theater, and 825 Arts. The play promises to make you laugh heartily and we could all use more of that – get tickets here. Full performance schedule follows Lowans’ interview.

Q:  Two Gents is your first production as artistic director - what drew you to this play as the season opener and as your debut?

A:  What I love about your question is that it draws attention to Two Gents as a production of firsts: it will be my first time directing for Ten Thousand Things, it's the first time TTT has ever performed Two Gents in our long relationship with Shakespeare; and scholars speculate Two Gents is the first play, and certainly the first comedy, the Shakespeare wrote. The play itself has the energy of a first: we can see Shakespeare trying out so many ideas that he'll develop in his later plays, it bursts with jokes, plots and ideas, as if the playwright couldn't wait to get all everything out of his mind and onto the stage. As I think about the riotous joy of moments in our rehearsal process, I empathize with him! When I think of firsts, I think of the energy that comes from discovery, like a first kiss or a first step; maybe a first isn't the product of a perfect technique, but it goes beyond form into a meaning or a memory that is singular and magical. What more could we want from a play experience?

Caitlin Lowans

It's worth noting that we often think of firsts as something that only happens to young people at the beginning of life. But our relationship with self alters so much across time! As someone who picked up their life and their family and moved to this community in the middle of their 40s, I can firmly attest that it's never too late for firsts!

Q:  The ending of Two Gentlemen of Verona - with its sudden forgiveness and reconciliation - has puzzled directors for centuries. How are you approaching it in this production?

A:  Ooh, I'm also so excited about this question! I approach the ending of the play with a healthy love of Shakespeare's text - and his guiding spirit of uplifting friendship and forgiveness. At the same time, I'm very conscious of the stories that we want to embody in the world right now: how can fault be faced and forgiveness be earned? So, I have reshaped Shakespeare's text to open up slightly different questions of what actions need forgiving and who has the power to grant forgiveness, while uplifting a more expensive version of friendship then the world of the 1580s might have allowed.

Our ending is all Shakespeare's text - just not quite in the order in which he wrote it and with one thought borrowed from another play - but also relying on creative, actor-driven magic and audience imagination in a way that twins the simplicity of Shakespearean stagecraft with the magic of TTT's creativity. I'm really excited for both who will be experiencing Two Gents for the first time, as well as those who have pre-conceived opinions about Two Gents to engage with the work together.

For me, the work of Ten Thousand Things Things harnesses the power of the audience's and artists' imaginations together to create magic. Creativity is our birthright as individuals, and yet contemporary life sometimes feels as if it's taking away our very creative capacities. The style of TTT in which we gather with each other, with the story at the center, and then use the simplest possible tools - actors bodies, voices, the story of the play, the soundscape created by a live musician, the power of the audience members own presence and deep listening - to create something bigger than ourselves is central to how I want to live as a person and create as an artist.

Q:  What new directions or priorities do you hope to bring to the company in your role as artistic director?

A:  As an artist, I believe in building on the legacy of what has come before - the inherited artistic leadership of Marcela Lorca and founder Michelle Hensley - and to lead the organization in partnership with Stephanie Thompson. We have to look towards the world as it is now: a world in which gathering together in physical space and time is less frequent and therefore more precious. I'm excited to rehabilitate our own capacity for presence, including deep listening and deep watching, as well as strengthening our capacity to imagine together new, complex, and joyous futures.

Q:  How do you see Ten Thousand Things continuing to serve both traditional theater audiences and the broader community, including nontraditional spaces?

A:  I think of our audiences in terms of performances in which we are hosted and performances in which we are hosting. When we are hosted in the community, we are lucky enough to enter into spaces important to people and into the lives that they are living. When we gather for shows with traditional theater audiences, we are hosting them and creating a unique community just for that evening. While those two experiences are different, I'm excited to create more pathways for our hosting audiences to join at our hosted public performances. I'm also excited for our public theater audiences to understand the wealth of artistry and depth of life knowledge of our hosting community audiences, and find ways for them to know each other directly, bridging across difference and bonding through shared experiences.

Q:  What excites you most about the Twin Cities theater scene, and how do you envision TTT’s place within it under your leadership?

A:  The depth and breadth of the Twin Cities theater scene, not only in its scale but also in its diversity of voices and aesthetics, is so exciting to me. Bold work is happening at the largest level, and bold work is happening in the neighborhood experimental theaters.

I also see the Twin Cities has such a commitment to homegrown, homemade, accessible art. I'm thinking of the community choirs, the May Day parade, the neighborhood gatherings that I've gotten to witness over my eight months here. When I think of TTT, I think of an overlap in the Venn diagram between the excellence of our largest scale theaters, the accessibility of our mission-centered service organizations, and the communal creativity of our experimental, maker-centered art. 

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  Our social media on Facebook and Instagram are great ways to follow our news at Ten Thousand Things, as well as signing up for our email list. We provide sneak peeks behind the scenes and into our unique process, both in the rehearsal room and as we take the production on the road.

* * * * PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE * * * *

Paid Performances: 

• Thursday & Friday shows at 7:30pm
• Saturday shows at 2pm and 7:30pm
• Sunday shows at 2pm
• Tickets are $40 suggested and Pay What You Can starting at $15.
• Pre-show readings on Thursdays with authors from Cow Tipping Press 

Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue S 

• Thursday, Oct 9 (preview, all tickets $15, pre-show reading)
• Friday, Oct 10 (post-show reception)
• Saturday, Oct 11
• Sunday, Oct 12 

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Avenue 

• Thursday, Oct 18 (pre-show reading)
• Friday, Oct 17 (post-show talk)
• Saturday, Oct 18
• Thursday, Oct 23 (pre-show reading)
• Friday, Oct 24 (post-show talk)
• Saturday, Oct 25
• Sunday, Oct 26
• Capri Theater, 2027 W Broadway
• Sunday, Oct 19 

825 Arts, 825 University Avenue W, St. Paul 

• Thursday, Oct 30 (pre-show reading)
• Friday, Oct 31 (special pre-show activities)
• Saturday, Nov 1
• Sunday, Nov 2 

Free Public Performances (Reservations Required) 

• Wed, Sept 24, 2:30pm, Episcopal Homes – The Gardens (1860 University Ave W, St Paul)
• Thu, Sept 25, 10:30am, Touchstone Mental Health (2312 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis)
• Tue, Sept 30, 9:10am & 11:25am, Harmony Learning Center (1961 County Rd C East, Maplewood)
• Wed, Oct 1, 6:30pm, Metro State University – Student Center (690 E 7th St, St Paul)
• Thu, Oct 2, 10am, MSS (900 Ocean St, St Paul) (Audio-Described)
• Tue, Oct 7, 1pm, St Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (16 W 5th St, St Paul)
• Wed, Oct 8, 1:30pm, Dellwood Gardens (753 E 7th St, St Paul)
• Tue, Oct 14, 1pm, Sabathani Senior Center (310 E 38th St, Minneapolis)
• Tue, Oct 28, St Paul Opportunity Center (422 Dorothy Day Pl, St Paul)
• TBD Interact Center (1860 Minnehaha Ave, St Paul) 

Closed Performances (Not open to public)

Ramsey County Correctional Facility, St Peter Regional Treatment Center, Minnesota, St. Peter Forensic Mental Health, Federal Correctional Institute – Sandstone

Book a Prince Legacy Tour with Experience the Twin Cities in October or November

Experience the Twin Cities is celebrating 15 years of experiencing Twin Cities sights and spots and they're marking the milestone than by bringing back one of their all-time favorite tours - The Prince Legacy Tour! This October and November, step into the world of one of the greatest musical legends to emerge from the Twin Cities during this carefully curated small-group tour experience. 

Book this one early, it will be popular and it's only here for a limited time! If you'd like information on a private booking, email tours@experiencethetwincities.com.

MSP Film Presents the 13th Annual Cine Latino Film Festival, October 8-12

MSP Film Society presents the 13th Annual Cine Latino Film Festival October 8-12 at The Main Cinema, featuring five days and nights of screenings, visiting filmmakers, fiestas, food trucks, and more. Join them in celebrating the very best in US Latine, Latin American, and Ibero films that exemplify the powerful storytelling coming from these communities.

Highlights of this year's festival include PEDRO PÁRAMO, the directorial debut of acclaimed cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto (Barbie, Brokeback Mountain, Killers of the Flower Moon), which is based on the beloved novel by Juan Rulfo, widely considered one of the most important works of Mexican and Latin American literature.

Several films are making big waves on the film festival circuit, including DEAF, Directed by Eva Libertad, which won six awards at Málaga Film Festival and Berlin Film Festival’s Arthouse Cinema Award, and A POET, Directed by Simón Mesa Soto, which won the Jury Prize in Un Certain Regard at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Full details are available here - plan your schedule now!

Small Business Spotlight: Snow Scholars

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Do you have a plan in place for fall leaf removal or snow removal? We have just the answer for you – Snow Scholars. Snow Scholars employs students at three local colleges to handle these services for you. It is completely student run – and they are looking to expand their service area. We talked to Founder and CEO, Jake Piekarski, and Campus Operations Manager, Roddy Hood, about their unique business model.  

Q:  What inspired the creation of Snow Scholars?

A:  We wanted to give college students the highest-paying, most flexible job on campus while helping homeowners stay snow-free in the winter. It’s a win-win - students earn well, and customers get meaningful, friendly service.

Q:  How does being student-run influence your operations and customer service?

A:  We know exactly how to work around class schedules and busy student lives. Our managers are students themselves, so communication is quick, relatable, and focused on making both shovelers and customers happy.

Q:  How many students are currently involved, and what roles do they take on?

A:  Right now, 110 students at UMN, Saint Thomas, and Normandale Community College work as shovelers, campus managers, and weather trackers - each role is key to keeping operations smooth.

Q:  What neighborhoods or areas do you currently serve?

A:  We cover all neighborhoods within a 5-mile radius of each campus so our teams can respond quickly and complete more jobs each day.

Q:  Do you offer services year-round, or just in the winter?

A:  We focus on fall and winter - offering leaf removal before the snow hits, then snow shoveling all season long.

Q:  What kind of snow removal equipment do you use?

A:  Only shovels and snowblowers - never damaging plows - so driveways and lawns are safe from scrapes and gouges.

Q:  How do you prioritize service after a snowfall - by neighborhood, subscription, or urgency?

A:  Customers can add a $20 priority upgrade to be first on a student’s route after the snow stops. Otherwise, we schedule by route efficiency to get everyone cleared as quickly as possible.

Q:  Do you offer one-time service, or only recurring contracts?

A:  We offer two options: A whole-season plan with pay-per-snowfall pricing, or a vacation plan with a flat fee for unlimited snow shoveling during specific dates.

Q:  How do you handle customer satisfaction or complaints?

A:  Our 5am–8pm customer service team is ready on snow days, and shovelers use our custom app to see feedback and return right away if anything was missed.

Q:  How does Snow Scholars benefit students - financially, professionally, personally?

A:  Many students earn $3,000+ per month, gain leadership and management experience, and work entirely around their school schedules - something most campus jobs can’t offer.

Q:  Do you offer discounts for seniors or people with disabilities?

A:  We offer 10% off for seniors, plus 25% off for neighbors who sign up together - terms are flexible, and we try to make it work for everyone.

Q:  What’s your biggest need right now as a growing student business?

A:  We’re focused on bringing on more shovelers to meet the incredible customer demand we’re seeing - and we already have a solid plan in motion to make sure we’re fully staffed for the season.

Q:  What are your goals for the next 1–2 years?

A:  We hope to grow from 11 campuses to 20 while keeping our service consistent, our customers happy, and our student teams supported.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  Visit us at snowscholars.com for updates and campus expansion news. Talk to your neighbors and sign up together for a discounted plan!

Minneapolis Fire Department Launches Social Media Channels

The Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD) has launched new official social media channels to better connect with residents, community members, and businesses.

Follow MFD channels for timely public safety information and education, emergency preparedness, community events, stories highlighting the work and history of the department’s dedicated firefighters and a behind-the-scenes look at our firefighters who serve Minneapolis every day.

Starting September 24, MFD can be found on the following platforms:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X for real-time updates on fires and incidents

Per Bryan Tyner, Minneapolis Fire Chief, “These channels will give our community a direct line to the latest updates on fire safety, emergency preparedness, recruitment opportunities, and real-time incident information when appropriate. We look forward to also using these platforms to share the stories of the firefighters who serve Minneapolis every day.”   

The launch is part of a broader effort by the City of Minneapolis to strengthen digital communication and improve transparency and community engagement across departments.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery Announces Nature's Reflection, Artist Reception October 4

Tranquility by Jodi Reeb

Nature’s Reflection

September 27 – November 8

Artist Reception: Saturday, October 4, 6–8pm

To welcome Autumn, the Kolman & Reeb Gallery presents Nature’s Reflection. Offering a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving relationship with our environment artists, Lynne Sarnoff-Christensen and Jodi Reeb, present works inspired by nature. The exhibition features mixed-media paintings, wall sculptures, and clay wall pieces depicting trees, seeds, and plants.

Art has long been a mirror to humankind’s relationship with the natural world. Throughout history, depictions of nature have served both artistic and functional purposes. Vast landscapes once documented terrain, while detailed botanical illustrations of the 18th and 19th centuries captured plant species for scientific study. These early landscapes in Renaissance and Romantic paintings captured our awe of wild beauty. While 20th-century realism added a human perspective or commentary, whether through depictions of pastoral tranquility or environmental concern, it deepened our understanding of nature’s place in our shared story. As the modern era unfolded, abstract, sculptural, and conceptual forms of art reinterpreted nature as ideas, textures, and emotions.

From oil paints and encaustic wax to industrial metals and glass, the tools and materials available have shaped how artists expressed that evolving intimacy, revealing the technological and cultural shifts of their time. Each material carries its own metaphorical weight: fluidity in glass, permanence in metal, warmth in clay. Together, they echo across centuries of creativity.

In Nature’s Reflection, the blend of painting and sculptural media becomes a dialogue, showcasing how mediums have expanded artists’ capacity to interpret the natural world. It’s as if each acts as a lens, reflecting our collective story with nature’s textures, patterns, and life cycles.

Artists have let nature influence their work by bringing the outside in. Transforming the play of light and shadow, Lynne and Jodi invite viewers to join this timeless conversation - to reinterpret, challenge, and deepen our connection to the natural world through works that don’t just depict nature but show a unique perspective in multiple mediums.

“Nature’s Reflection isn’t just a show - it’s an experience. Lynne and Jodi take materials like clay, glass, and encaustic paint and turn them into a conversation with nature. This work is fresh, playful, and deeply connected to the world around us. This show invites us to slow down and really feel that connection.” Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner

Red Vase by Lynne Sarnoff Christensen

Lynne Sarnoff-Christensen creates mixed-media and clay wall works that investigate organic forms, memory, and renewal. Her practice is grounded in observing cycles of growth and decay, translating them into contemplative visual narratives.

Jodi Reeb is an award-winning Minneapolis artist whose encaustic and wall sculptures explore light, movement, and transformation. Her work has been exhibited nationally and is held in private and corporate collections.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is in Studio 395, Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE. More information: kolmanreebgallery.com or 612-385-4239.

Nonprofit Spotlight: Southeast Seniors

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Diana Schleisman, Executive Director

Diana SchleismanSoutheast Seniors (SES) has been assisting older Minneapolitans since 1988. Their mission is to help adults 65+ remain in their homes with an enhanced quality of life. Their community programs and volunteer services give seniors just a little extra help which is often all that is needed for aging in place. We talked to Diana Schleisman, Executive Director, about the history of Southeast Seniors, how to volunteer, and the many ways to assist this worthy organization.

Q:  Please tell us the history of Southeast Seniors.

A:  Southeast Seniors was founded by a group of Minneapolis residents who observed that their older neighbors were prematurely moving to assisted living because they did not have the extra help needed to remain in their homes. Our founders developed our ‘neighbor helping neighbor’ program that utilizes volunteer and professional staff to help neighbors 65+ feel supported, connected, and safe at home in Minneapolis.

Now, SES is one of 32 member organizations in Minnesota’s Living-at-Home-Network (LAHN). Our first neighborhood served was Prospect Park, then we slowly expanded over the years to include Marcy-Holmes, Southeast Como, Nicollet Island-East Bank, University, and Mid-City Industrial.

SES student volunteers assist with fall cleanup

SES Volunteers

Q:  What key services does SES provide?

A:  Southeast Seniors is a community resource for neighbors 65+ and their caregivers. SES provides service coordination, volunteer-based assistance, and learning and social opportunities so that seniors can live well at home. We provide some services directly, but also connect clients with community partners for a holistic approach. Our resources and programs include: 

• Individualized/Customized Service Coordination: Help navigating challenges, paperwork, billing and connecting with additional resources to enhance wellbeing.
• In-Home Nurse Visits: Wellness checks, health counseling, in-home foot care, and support managing chronic conditions.
• Rides & Chores: Volunteer transportation for essential appointments and extra support with home tasks.
• Wellness Clinics: Free health screenings held locally within our community.
• Health Education: Guidance and advocacy on healthcare topics, community resources & educational classes.
• Intergenerational Activities: Build connections through friendly visits and youth partnership programs.
• Learning and Support: Learning opportunities and classes, social gatherings and resources sponsored by SES or in conjunction with Minneapolis Community Education, Lifelong Learning, East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership, and Minneapolis Public Libraries.

Please call 612-331-2302 for a free assessment and to discuss available services and home safety recommendations for you for a neighbor who may need help.

SES social visit

SES Intergenerational Program

Q:  How has technology aided in the services you provide?

A:  Technology has enhanced Southeast Seniors and our programs exponentially. Email and text have improved our existing communication with clients and volunteers alike. Our volunteer rides program has been simplified for all involved and streamlined with the advent of GPS. In-home emergency monitoring systems can give peace of mind to care-givers and clients. Volunteer assignments, confirmation of services and surveys allow us to gather information for future services and new programs.

Our partnership with Minnesota’s STAR program provides device loans allowing residents with disabilities and older adults with functional needs the opportunity to try assistive technology devices or software programs before buying.

The most recent benefit of technology is our new LAHN database system that helps us streamline communication, keep accurate records, better serve our clients, and fuel our volunteer programs.

SES social

SES Memoir Event

Q:  Could you use some volunteers? If yes, how would a volunteer be helpful to SES?

A:  YES! YES! YES! Volunteers are the heart of Southeast Seniors. For the first-time in our state’s history, the number of Minnesota residents over the age of 65 outnumbers that of school-age children (5-17). The population of those 65+ is projected to double between 2010 and 2030 as all Baby Boomers turn 65. As the older population grows to 1 in 5 Minnesotans, so does the need for services and programs provided by Southeast Seniors. SES is ALWAYS looking for individual volunteers who want to help neighbors with chores, provide social visits, assist in our office, and simply make a difference in their community. Assisting seniors with transportation for doctor appointments, grocery shopping and SES events makes a big difference. Individuals and groups (company, student, community and church) are needed for fall and spring outdoor clean-up as well as snow-removal during the winter months.

If you and/or your group are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please email connect@seseniors.org or call 612-331-2302.

Q:  Could you share a story of a client and how Southeast Seniors has been helpful to them?

A:  Rhea’s wish was to live out her life in her long-time home. This became harder with each passing day. A caring neighbor initially reached out to SES on Rhea’s behalf, and a journey of caring began.

As Rhea’s health changed, SES delivered an ongoing supply of nutritional supplements and gently used medical equipment. Our Service Coordinator and Community Nurse helped with virtual doctor appointments and communicated with Rhea’s medical team. SES coordinated volunteer assistance to help her be more comfortable in her home. Rhea received assistance with paperwork and applications for additional services from our community partners such as: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid for valued advice, Senior Community Services for the installation of handrails, and Rebuilding Together for in-home safety and equipment.

As Rhea and her family’s relationship with SES grew, so did our mutual appreciation for her rewarding care journey. Rhea’s son, Hong, was so grateful for the support of his mother’s dying wish to stay at home. He said, “SES made many good things happen for us.”

Rhea’s story is like that of others served by SES. Accepting help doesn’t come naturally to many people. This is an important example of how someone can stay in their home with family support and a little extra help. With SES, Rhea was able to realize her wish of passing at home. Rhea is greatly missed but we honor her memory with every opportunity to make a difference.

Q:  Thank you for sharing Rhea’s story. How may we follow your news?

A:  Sign up for our bimonthly newsletter at seseniors.org or by email at info@seseniors.org. Also, please check us out on Facebook. We can’t wait to meet more of you!

Open Eye Theatre opens new season with LIZZIE: The Rock Musical

Article by Becky Filliner, photos provided

The character of Lizzie Borden, as portrayed in this show and by the wonderful performer Lux Mortenson, is a figure that is at once vulnerable, dangerous and thrilling.

A discussion with Artistic Director, Joel Sass

Open Eye Theatre has a banger of a season opener with LIZZIE: The Rock Musical. It’s a retelling of one of the original American true crime stories, Lizzie Borden and the murder of her parents in 1892. We spoke to Open Eye’s Producing Artistic Director Joel Sass about why the musical is perfect for the theater and how the audience member will be treated to a blend of live punk rock concert, history lesson, Victorian gothic fashion show and edge of the seat suspense. Sounds like a winner to me. It's only on stage for a month, October 9 – November 2 - get your tickets here.

Joel Sass

Q:  What drew you to LIZZIE and why did you feel it was the right show for Open Eye at this time?  

A:  LIZZIE has one of the best rock music theater scores around, drawing comparisons with Hedwig & the  Angry Inch and the recent musical Six about the wives of Henry VIII. Like those pieces, LIZZIE leans into the performance energy of a live concert, and provides incredible roles for a quartet of women music-theater performers who will blow the roof off our little theater! Open Eye is proud to be a theatrical home to promising performing artists, and the LIZZIE project is an ideal match for several artists we've been enjoying working with in recent years.

Q:  The musical blends true crime, history, and rock opera - how do you balance those elements on stage? 

A:  I love a project that combines several elements that might appear at first to contradict each other, but actually combine to create something singular and unique. You might say that achieving that balance has long been part of the 'Open Eye brand!' As a culture we are fascinated by true crime stories: there is always a new documentary, or podcast, or TV anthology...just think of Only Murders in the Building, or the series of star-powered true crime dramatizations produced by Ryan Murphy on Netflix. LIZZIE draws on the enduring notoriety and fascination with one of the first true crime tabloid celebrities, and embellishes the known facts and enduring mysteries with a dramatically rich and emotionally compelling version of the tale. A rock opera treatment is the perfect approach for this material, amplifying the heightened emotions of what was then (and still remains) one of the "Crimes of the Century."

Q:  Can you talk about the collaboration between music, choreography, and design in shaping the atmosphere?

A:  LIZZIE is intended to live somewhere between a rock concert, a 'legit' musical, and a staged concept album - exactly the sort of one-of-a-kind, unique theater experience Open Eye exists to produce. Our jewel-box stage will be decorated with Victorian gothic wrought iron frames, ominous family portraits, and our usual trick-or-treat bag of visual surprises: floating bird cages, smoking teacups, and a Victorian dollhouse. Costumes by Samantha Fromme will be a punk-rock reimagining of Victorian period garments that gradually decay as the characters’ rebellion grows. The musicians in the band (aka "The Forty Whacks") will be surrounding the performers and the playing area, giving the audience an extremely intimate and visceral musical experience. Open Eye is thrilled to collaborate for the first time with choreographer Abby Magalee, who will bring a mixture of punk-rock thrashing and Victorian voguing to the character's physicality!

Q:  LIZZIE deals with repression, female rage, and power. How do you hope audiences connect with these themes today?

A:  The legend of Lizzie Borden contains enough unresolved mystery that any number of themes can be drawn out or woven into it. In this musical treatment, the rage, passion, and rebellion of the female characters is placed unapologetically front and center in a manner that is traditionally only granted to male protagonists - so in that way the piece feels very fresh and modern. The character of Lizzie Borden, as portrayed in this show and by the wonderful performer Lux Mortenson, is a figure that is at once vulnerable, dangerous and thrilling.

Q:  What do you think this story reveals about gender, justice, and violence - both in Lizzie’s time and ours?  

A:  We might not like to think it, but America has always had a fascination with violence - especially when that violence might manifest through a female form. These figures have at times become a type of folk hero in the popular imagination. While the historical Lizzie Borden was eventually acquitted of the crimes of which she was accused, our musical accepts the fact that she did swing that axe. The musical wrestles with the question of whether that act was justified, and how the combined social and gender inequities Lizzie was subjected to influenced the events in the House of Borden.

Q:  You’ve worn many hats in Twin Cities theater- director, designer, playwright. How do those experiences inform your directing process?  

A:  I've been so lucky to have worn so many different hats as a theater-maker! Those experiences have given me a deep understanding and appreciation of the many contributions the LIZZIE team is making to this process, and how to support the success of others. My directing process is primarily that of articulating a clear vision for the piece, while empowering everyone to share ownership and agency for contributing their unique artistry to the end result.

Q:  How do you hope this production of LIZZIE contributes to Open Eye’s identity as a bold, adventurous theater space?  

A:  Our approach to LIZZIE will synthesize everything Open Eye does so well: a platform for extraordinary emerging talent, combined with amazing visual art in our intimate space...  A lot of creative imagination, a little bit of surreal puppetry, and live music round it all out. We're able to offer the Twin Cities some high-quality, one-of-a-kind theater that isn't found elsewhere, and LIZZIE: The Rock Musical is a perfect way to launch another ambitious and exciting new season!

Q:  How may we follow you and Open Eye’s news? 

A:  You can follow us by signing up for our emails by visiting our website, or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.

5-Year Anniversary of the Sexual Violence Memorial

A 5-year anniversary observance of Sexual Violence Memorial will be held on Saturday, October 11, 4pm, at Boom Island Park, 500 Marshall St. NE.

The event will feature prayers, music, speakers, crime statistics, resources for victims of sexual assault, and an invitation for audience comments and stories.

The memorial is the first of its kind in the nation, and was established in 2020 by Sarah Super. According to www.survivorsmemorial.org, this memorial honors the courage and strength of survivors and brings awareness to the prevalence of sexual violence. It is a symbol that our community believes survivors, supports survivors, and stands with survivors in solidarity. The memorial depicts two prominent metaphors: mosaic and a ripple effect.

Local Musical Icon: Ginger Commodore

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

Ginger Commodore is one of the premier jazz vocalists in the Midwest. How lucky are we that she is based in Minneapolis? We talked to Ms. Commodore about her musical influences, the wide range of her performance genres and advice for young singers. Please check out her extensive calendar of upcoming shows – you won’t be disappointed.

Q:  How did you first discover your love for singing and performing?

A:  I discovered that I had the ability to sing varieties of music other than R&B that I heard all day long on the radio. I began to branch out - once I started performing for folks, and they seemed to really like it, I pretty much didn’t turn down any opportunity. Singing with the 3-time Grammy Award winning Sounds of Blackness, I began to sing on stages all over the United States.

Q:  Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

A:  Growing up, I started singing the music of Aretha Franklin. I could sing as high as she could, and as low as she could, and with her same kind of passion. It carried me through many years. As I branched into other genres, I modeled the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson, Nancy Wilson, Chaka Kahn, Natalie Cole, and more recently Roberta Flack, Rachelle Ferrell, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cynthia Erivo and Samara Joy.

Q:  You’ve performed in so many different genres - jazz, R&B, gospel, musical theater - how do you navigate between them?

A:  It’s easy. My style is rooted in telling a story and that the same story can be portrayed in many different ways. The music behind the songs also makes it easy to work within the different styles.

Q:  Are there any songs or pieces you never tire of performing?

A:  I love singing. So far, I haven't tired of singing. There are a couple of tunes that I tire of performing (I won’t name them) because they so often requested - I still need to include them in my sets.

Q:  The Twin Cities has such a rich music scene - what has it meant for you to be part of it?

A:  I’m not sure where I’d be without it. The Twin Cities has provided such a wealth of opportunities to learn and grow and develop. I’ve worked and learned from the most talented artists around. I have been able to meet and perform with so many of the musicians and singers that I have learned from and admired. I’ve performed on all of the major artistic stages in the Twin Cities. The experiences here are irreplaceable. 

Q:  You’ve worked with some incredible local artists. What do you enjoy most about collaborating?

A:  Collaborating with others and producing my own shows keeps me learning and growing.  It is so important to keep growing.

Q:  What do you see as your next endeavor?

A:  I think songwriting will be my next endeavor…we’ll see. I’d also like to do a new recording project.

Q:  What advice would you give to young singers just starting out?

A:  Study, learn and be the best at what you do. Find opportunities to sit in with singers/musicians who are out there gigging, once you’ve asked if they are comfortable with you participating.

Q:  Where might we see you performing in the next few months?

A:  I have a pretty healthy schedule through the end of the year:

Saturday, September 20, 7pm, I will perform with the Jazz Women All Stars, celebrating the 40th year anniversary of The Dakota. The club was birthed at Bandana Square, St. Paul, then carried on the legacy, moving downtown Minneapolis. The lineup includes myself, Connie Evingson, Patty Peterson (founder of JWAS), Sheila Early, Joan Griffith, Mary Louise Knutson, and Sue Orfield.

Sunday, September 21, 7pm, I will be with Lori Dokken and another group of extremely talented musicians/singers as we perform a show titled “Women on the Moon” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. This show highlights music from the 60s and includes singers Judi Vinar, Joyann Parker, Patty Peterson and Rachel Holder.

Thursday, September 25, 7pm, I’ll be part of a tribute show titled “Ladies of Soul” highlighting the music of Gladys Knight, Patty LaBelle and Chaka Kahn at The Dakota. I'll be joined by Patricia Lacy (Sounds of Blackness, Luther Vandross) and Jamecia Bennett (Sounds of Blackness, Daughters of Legacy).

Monday, October 13, 7pm, I’ll be performing with my longtime homebase group, Moore By Four, under the direction of Sanford Moore, at The Dakota with Ashley Commodore, Connie Evingson and Dennis Spears. We specialize in music from the Cotton Club era. Musicians are Sanford Moore, Jay Young and Steve Jennings.

Thursday, November 20, 7pm, I’ll be performing a show at the Danish American Center. This show includes music from several genres, including R&B, Jazz, Soul and Gospel.

Sunday, December 14 (two shows) 2pm & 7pm at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. I’ll perform with Lori Dokken, Rachel Holder, Judi Vinar and Joyann Parker. “The Simple Feeling of Christmas” (Like Friends & Family Singing in the Kitchen…).

Saturday, December 20 (two shows 1pm & 7:30pm) at Chanhassen Dinner. For this annual Holiday show “Christmas With a Whole Lotta Soul,” joining me will be singers Ashley Commodore, Chreese Jones, Geoff Jones and Kijana Gant. Musicians will include Brian Ziemniak, Brandon Commodore, Geoff LeCrone, and Peter Whitman.

Follow my calendar for new shows that will be added. Come and see me perform!

Two Ways to Experience the Genius of Hans Zimmer Locally in September

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Hans Zimmer"If you talk to any director, they'll say music is fifty percent of the movie."

That’s a quote from the legendary Hans Zimmer. Zimmer is a German film composer and music producer. I’d wager he has the credentials to make the statement, as he has won two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, five Grammys, and has been nominated for seven Emmys and a Tony. Zimmer was also named on the list of Top 100 Living Geniuses, published by The Daily Telegraph in 2007. For fans of the composer, there are two upcoming events that will be of interest.

The World of Hans Zimmer takes Target Center stage on September 27th. It will feature a full live orchestra and soloists who will perform his most iconic scores synchronized perfectly with film sequences. 

Mia has teamed up with Target Center to amplify The World of Hans Zimmer. Visitors may grab a self-guided tour sheet from the info desk when they arrive and explore Mia's collection against a backdrop of Hans Zimmer's most iconic scores. To explore the collaboration, just scan a QR code, select the corresponding music and artwork, and be transported through your phone and earbuds. Eight works of art are featured on the tour – with descriptions of how you might uncover the similarities between the artwork and the film score. Mia believes that Zimmer’s music and visual art alike, and in combination, can stir the senses. Though music and painting are distinct forms of expression, they are deeply connected in their power to evoke emotion, convey stories, and capture the full range of human experience.

The self-guided tour is available through the end of September. Admission is always free of charge at Mia.

Puttshack to Open in the North Loop September 24

Opening on September 24, the 20,000+ square-foot venue marks Puttshack’s second Minnesota location, 19th U.S. venue, and 23rd globally.

Puttshack, an upscale, tech-infused mini golf experience, is expanding its Minnesota presence with a new location in North Loop. Building on the success of its Edina location, Puttshack Minneapolis brings the brand’s signature blend of competitive socializing, globally inspired dining, and vibrant nightlife to the city’s most energetic neighborhood. Just steps from Target Field, Target Center, and U.S. Bank Stadium, it will serve as the perfect pre- and post-game destination for Minnesota Twins, Timberwolves, and Vikings fans.

The new venue features three highly competitive, tech-driven nine-hole mini golf courses powered by Puttshack’s proprietary Trackaball™ technology, which keeps score automatically - eliminating paper, pencils, and cheating.

Puttshack Minneapolis will also debut one of the brand’s latest innovations: The Challenge Hole Suite Experience. This interactive mini golf suite offers a private, 90-minute gameplay experience with six unique mini golf games in one dedicated space. Minneapolis will feature two Challenge Hole suites available for group bookings, alongside additional semi-private areas and a private event space that can host up to 70 guests.

“We’re thrilled to build on the success of our Edina location and bring Puttshack directly into the city. The North Loop is the ideal neighborhood for our mix of tech-driven play, dining, and nightlife, and we can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors alike to experience Puttshack Minneapolis.”                                              Ryan Nowicki, COO of Puttshack

More Than Mini Golf: Elevated Food & Beverage

Puttshack pairs its high-energy gameplay with a chef-driven menu inspired by global flavors and crafted with dietary inclusivity in mind. Minneapolis guests can enjoy unique local offerings including:

Above, the Minnesota Tailpipe

• Minnesota Tailpipe – a chicken & wild rice soup-inspired spring roll with poblano cheese dipping sauce. $1 from every Tailpipe sold will benefit HopeKids, supporting children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families.

• Pierogi Flatbread – roasted garlic béchamel, sliced potato, roasted chicken, smoked Gouda, and mozzarella.

The culinary lineup also includes over 100 scratch-made recipes ranging from shareable bites to full entrées, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly options.

Behind the bar, guests will find a playful cocktail menu featuring show-stopping drinks like the Spicy Pineapple Mezcal Margarita with a jalapeño popsicle, the smoke-filled Breaking Bad, and the passion-fruit-smoked Porn Star Martini.

Local craft beer favorites from Fulton Brewing, Surly Brewing Co., Inbound Brew Co., Pryes Brewing Company, and Modest Brewing Company will also be on tap, along with zero-proof cocktail options.

Hours and Reservations

Puttshack Minneapolis will open to the public at 4pm on Wednesday, September 24. Regular hours will be:

• Monday–Thursday: 11am – 11pm

• Friday–Saturday: 11am – 1am

• Sunday: 10am – 10pm

Reservations will be available beginning September 10 at puttshack.com/minneapolis. Guests can also sign up for Puttshack Perks to be the first to book and receive a free game of mini golf.

My Very Own Bed Announces 5th Annual Steps for Sleep

Wellness Event at DeLaSalle High School on September 13, plus Walk Anywhere now through September 13

Steps for Sleep returns for its 5th year with a fresh new format - energizing movement, community connection, and a goal to help kids sleep better. Hosted by Minneapolis nonprofit My Very Own Bed, the event shines a spotlight on the link between physical activity and healthy sleep while raising awareness and funds to provide children in the Twin Cities with new beds and Dream Kits. Learn more and register! 

Many children in the Twin Cities sleep on the floor or share a bed with a parent or sibling, making it hard to get the rest they need to grow, learn, and thrive. Since 2014, My Very Own Bed has provided more than 10,000 new beds and Dream Kits - complete with bedding, stuffed animals, and books - giving kids the comfort, stability, and support they need for better health, focus, and emotional well-being. In 2025, the organization aims to reach 1,900 more children.

“Mornings are much more positive. The kids are happy, I am happy. Having a comfortable place to sleep has changed their attitudes and bed routines so much.” – Parent of children who received new beds

New This Year: Movement Moments

Instead of a traditional walk, Steps for Sleep at DeLaSalle High School on September 13 will feature Movement Moments - fun, accessible 15-minute activity sessions for all ages and abilities, including:

• Grounding Exercise with Jeff Reed
• Yoga with Thomas Collins
• Hip Hop Cardio with Miss Kiki, The Curvy Instructor
• Soul Line Dancing with Miss Tina
• Drum Circle with Lemtutu
• Music by DJ Rich
• Wellness Fair

Attendees can also explore the Wellness Fair, featuring 26 local organizations and businesses offering tips, resources, and sample products for better sleep, health, and well-being. Exhibitors span movement, mindfulness, nutrition, and more—everything to help families rest well and thrive.

Ways to Participate

Get Moving: Join My Very Own Bed on Saturday, September 13, 9:00– 1:30am at DeLaSalle High School.

Walk Anywhere: Can’t attend the event in person? Participate from your own neighborhood, trail, or treadmill - solo or as part of a team, now through September 13.

Give Back: Every $450 provides a child with a new bed and Dream Kit. All donations up to $20,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous donor.

Start a Fundraiser: Rally friends, family, or coworkers to raise $450 and change a child’s life—plus earn fun rewards and recognition along the way.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

Since its founding in 2014, My Very Own Bed has had one goal: to provide new beds and Dream Kits to children moving into stable housing. While working in social services, founder Michael Allen saw beds as a great need as he helped families move out of shelters and into homes. What struck him most was seeing children sleeping on the floor because a bed was out of reach for many families. The organization has since provided nearly 10,000 beds to kids in the Twin Cities.

September 3 Bridge 9 Improvements Project Update

Bridge No. 9 was constructed in 1922 by the Northern Pacific Railroad to carry freight over the Mississippi. The City of Minneapolis acquired this bridge in 1986 and converted the bridge to a pedestrian use bridge in 1999. The bridge currently provides a Mississippi River crossing for the Dinkytown Greenway bike trail.

Beginning in April, 2025, the City of Minneapolis started making repairs and improvements to Bridge 9, Abutment 1 and the approach spans on both ends of the bridge

*  *  *  Latest project news  *  *  * 

2025 Construction Phase

Public Works has been working on this bridge in phases over the past few years, starting with the substructure work (piers and abutments).

In 2025, the scope of work will focus on the superstructure, which includes removing and replacing the approach span decks, replacing the existing railing with a high-safety railing and rehabilitating the east side abutment.

Rehabilitation work on the abutment consists of the removal of degraded concrete, then repairing and strengthening the concrete to remain with new reinforced concrete. The work on the approach spans consists of the removal of the old ballast slab, aggregate and bituminous pavement, then constructing a new reinforced concrete deck.

Forms for north approach span nearing completion

Encasement at abutment 1 between pours

Southern approach span before forms are installed

Schedule

Construction activities this season started on April 7th of 2025. The scheduled completion date is the end of December 2025. The contractor is currently anticipating substantial completion by mid December 2025.

Traffic Impact

The bridge is closed to bicyclists and pedestrians this season. The Detour route is below, and it is also posted to the project webpage.

Current Work

For the month of August, the following construction operations were performed: Abutment 1 encasement, assembling reinforcement cages for abutment 1 reconstruction, completing the formwork on the north approach spans, steel preparation and repairs on the southern approach spans, and beginning to set formwork on the southern approach span.

Concrete pour at Abutment 1

Coming Up

Abutment 1 reconstruction, installing shear studs on the southern approach spans, setting forms on the southern approach spans, and pouring the deck on the northern approach spans.

Stay Connected

For more details and to sign up for email updates please visit the project page. 

For concerns or questions about the Bridge 9 project please contact:

Contact the project engineer: Oscar Weber,
651-470-4790 or Oscar.Weber@minneapolismn.gov 

Contact the engineer: Petru Vizoli,
612-201-1905, or Petru.Vizoli@minneapolismn.gov.

Contact the design team project manager: Rich Revering,
612-718-8412 or Richard.Revering@Bolton-Menk.com

A Discussion with Luke Langfeldt, Portrayer of Mr. Darcy in Kate Hamill’s Adaptation of Pride & Prejudice at Theatre in the Round

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

We have such a treat coming to the neighborhood – Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) opens their 74th season with Kate Hamill’s Pride & Prejudice September 12 – October 5. You must order your tickets now to not miss this comedic reworking of Jane Austen’s classic novel. We all have a favorite Mr. Darcy – but Luke Langfeldt as this Mr. Darcy has his work cut out for him – he’s the only actor playing it “straight.” We talked to him about playing an iconic role, not laughing out loud and what’s next for him (he’s moving to Portland, OR) so don’t miss the chance to see this performance!

Luke LangfeldtQ:  How do you balance Darcy’s iconic aloofness with the physical comedy demanded in this version?

A:  It’s really about remaining true to the way a man of that period would move and behave in these social settings while finding opportunities to use timing to create moments of levity. How can I draw out or speed up a reaction or gesture to make it land differently? And as with Darcy a lot of it is about reacting to these other characters who have no concern whatsoever for decorum or personal space.

Q:  What is it like to be only actor playing it “straight.”

A:  I bite my tongue and try not to look directly at the funny thing. That’s how I get through a lot of the shenanigans the other actors get up to on stage. 

The easy part of playing the straight is that I never get called on to do some absurd bit that’s really funny, but would also require me to spend all week completely reworking Darcy from the ground up as a result. Because you always need to be able to justify everything your character does on stage - no matter how silly it is - and you need it to be internally consistent throughout the show.

The hard part of playing the straight is watching all the other actors reveling in those absurd and silly bits and not getting to join in on the fun. Thankfully there are still some very genuine moments between Darcy and Elizabeth where playing it straight really pays off to lend emotional weight to the moment. And that makes it worth feeling like a stick in the mud the rest of the time.

Q:  Do you find any parallels between Darcy and modern "rom-com" characters?

A:  Like a lot of rom-com characters, Darcy has to get knocked down a bit to learn a lesson about the way he acts. I think Darcy is a pretty unique character in that he knows that he wants Elizabeth very early in the story. In a lot of modern rom-coms the characters don’t see the truth about their feelings until the third act. Darcy isn’t unaware of his feelings, he's just really not comfortable around strangers and quickly gets defensive about it which leads to him making a terrible first impression.  

Q:  What’s the most ridiculous or unexpected thing Darcy does in this production?

A:  It’s got to be the first proposal to Elizabeth, right? I think because the story is so shaped by Elizabeth’s perception, Darcy proposing is always going to feel like it comes out of nowhere. Even having read the book before I got the script, I was still surprised when it happened. Clearly Darcy is doing his version of flirting in the scene before, but it still feels like quite a bit more than a hop, skip and jump to “you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” 

Q:  What was it like to play romantic tension through comedy instead of brooding drama?

A:  I think it makes it easier for Darcy to blame others for the missteps that happen along the way. “Elizabeth and I were having a lovely, romantic moment until everyone else ruined it with their ridiculous behavior.” It also makes it easier for him to continue to see only what he wants to see with regards to how Elizabeth feels towards him.

Q:  Did you have to ‘unlearn’ anything from the classic film versions of Darcy to play him in this?

A:  The only one I have seen is the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice with Matthew Mcfayden as Darcy. I watched it with my wife months before being cast or even seeing that TRP was doing the show. Admittedly I mostly was trying to see if I could spot Tom Wambsgans from Succession in Darcy at all. I plan on watching the BBC version with Colin Firth once we’ve finished our run, but I always avoid watching other actors interpretations until I’m done with a character. I don’t want to end up imitating their work or making unnatural choices just to make my version seem different from someone else’s.

Q:  What do you hope the Theatre in the Round audience feels about Darcy by the final scene?

A:  I hope they feel like Darcy would be a great friend to have once you get through his very thick shell. Because Darcy is a good person and he doesn’t mean to insult or hurt anyone. He just has some truly horrible habits he’s picked up to protect himself from the constant judgment he sees in high society and to avoid being used by people who only want his money. And of course, I hope they want him to get together with Elizabeth. We’re in trouble if most of the audience isn’t invested in the resolution of the story.

Q:  What’s next for you?

A:  I am moving to Portland, OR about a week after Pride & Prejudice ends. My wife, Peyton, accepted a job to be a lead designer for Nike’s womens’ basketball team, she’s a rock star fashion designer. So, we’ll be spending about 24 hours on the road with our 2 dogs (Mac and Rosie), 2 cats (Moose and Yumi) and pet turtle, Toph. Hopefully there’s still room for us somewhere in the vehicle!

Plan Your Trip on the Minnesota Great River Road this September

The MN Mississippi River Parkway Commission invites you to make the most of Minnesota’s changing fall colors and hit the road! September is Drive the Great River Month, and the Commission is providing exclusive content on 700+ places to explore by vehicle, foot, bicycle, boat, train, and plane.

The Plan Your Trip interactive map can help you find your next adventure along the Mighty Mississippi River in Minnesota. It’s your one-stop shop for details on the Great River Road route (follow the green & white “pilot’s wheel” signs) and insider information on things to see and do, organized and searchable by category.

The interactive map includes: 

• The Great River Road route – follow the green line that shows you the exact location of the byway
• Interpretive Centers – 13 attractions that are part of a 10-state network of sites to learn specifically about the Mississippi River’s landscape, history and art
• Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas – local, state, and federal parklands, forests, and wildlife refuges/areas
• History – history museums, historic sites, and interpretive markers
• Arts & Culture – outdoor art locations, art museums, and performance art venues
• Get On the Water – boat landings, river bridges, and fishing piers
• Minnesota Grown Members – a variety of farmers markets, garden centers, wineries, fruit & vegetable growers & more, all within 10 miles of the Great River Road
• Other Minnesota Byways – Minnesota’s other 21 State and National Scenic Byways
• Navigation capability to help you plan your travel between points of interest

The Great River Road - an All-American Road - runs through 20 Minnesota counties, 43 communities and three tribal nations from Lake Itasca to the Iowa border. And, the National Great River Road was named Best Scenic Drive in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards! September is the perfect time to check it out. 

For more information on the Minnesota and National Great River Road and to order maps, visit www.mnmississippiriver.com and www.experiencemississippiriver.com.

Minnesota’s Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MN-MRPC) is a statutory Commission, whose mission is...To preserve, promote and enhance the scenic, historic, and recreational resources of the Mississippi River, to foster economic growth in the corridor and to develop the national, scenic, and historic byway known as the Great River Road. The MN-MPRC is part of the larger 10-State National MRPC organized in 1938 to celebrate the Mississippi River by developing the Great River Road Scenic Byway. The ten states are: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Open Eye Theatre Announces 2025-2026 Season

Open Eye Theatre has announced their daring and dynamic 2025–2026 season - a vibrant lineup of theatre, puppetry, music, and storytelling that challenges conventions and celebrates community. Tickets and more info.

This season invites audiences on an exhilarating journey - from punk rock rebellion and campy holiday chaos to haunting poetry and visionary puppetry. Featuring adventurous new works by Minnesota artists and beyond, each Open Eye Mainstage and Guest Artist Series production is designed to provoke thought, spark delight, and ignite the imagination.

*  *  *  Open Eye Mainstage *  *  * 

LIZZIE: The Rock Musical  October 9 – November 2, 2025

Revenge, betrayal, sex, murder! What really happened in the house of Borden? LIZZIE is the punk-rock reimagining of the gripping true-crime case of Lizzie Borden. Brought to life by a powerhouse cast and a searing live band!

SCROOGE IN ROUGE  November 28 - December 28, 2025. Celebrate the season with a Christmas Carol turned holiday boilermaker – a raucous, drag-fueled extravaganza with outrageous costumes, sassy lyrics, and side-splitting performances guaranteed to get your spirits soaring. Now in its third year!

STRANGE HEART: The Dream Songs of John Berryman March 5 – 22, 2026. Beloved vocalists Bradley Greenwald and Anna Hashizume front a live band playing a dreamy jazz-infused score in playwright-composer Greg Brosofske’s lyrical portrait of Minnesota poet John Berryman.

PUPPET LAB FESTIVAL April 10 - 19, 2026. PUPPET LAB is a 2-week festival of radical, genre-expanding, boundary–pushing puppet work, the culmination of a 6-month development residency for emerging puppetry and mask artists.

 *  *  *  Guest Artist Series  *  *  * 

NUDGE Septembre 8, October 20, November 3 & December 8, 2025. Veteran group Nudge create one long mono scene of improvised comedy: grounded, relational, sometimes sweet, often awkward, and always funny.

THROUGH OUR EYES 2: New Play Festival September 18 – 28, 2025. THROUGH OUR EYES 2 is Exposed Brick Theatre’s new play festival that is the culmination of the 2024 – 25 Through Our Eyes playwriting cohort.

FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW  November 13 – 15, 2025. Since 2008, FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW has been performing puppet slams throughout Minneapolis. Join us under the full moon for an adult, rowdy puppet slam. Featuring performances by some of the most innovative Twin Cities puppetry artists!

MERRY & DARK with THE CHAMPAGNE DROPS December 7, 2025. MERRY & DARK celebrates the darker side of the holiday season with a collection of songs performed by the Champagne Drops on Open Eye's intimate stage.

Treasure Island Opens the Children’s Theatre Company 2025-2026 Season September 9th

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Reed Sigmund as Long John Silver                                            Photo by Kaitlin Randolph

A discussion with Reed Sigmund, cast as Long John Silver

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, Treasure Island, is coming to the  Children’s Theatre Company September 9 – October 19. It’s appropriate for ages 8 and up and who wouldn’t want to see a swashbuckling pirate production to open the season? We spoke to Twin Cities favorite Reed Sigmund on what it was like to play Long John Silver in the coming of age tale that features buccaneers and buried gold in the golden age of piracy. Get tickets here.

Q:  I’ve read that it is a lifelong passion of yours to be cast as Long John Silver – please tell us more.

A:  I feel Long John Silver is one the most complex, well-written characters in the entire history of literature. His personality and actions are endlessly ripe for exploration and discoveries. He’s a morally grey, larger-than-life figure who is both magnetic and enigmatic. 

Q:  What aspects of Silver’s personality do you personally relate to, if any? 

A:  I see that Long John Silver is doing the absolute best that he can, given his circumstances! He’s truly kind! He carries a tremendous amount of empathy. But he exists in a time and place where violent oppression from a cruel monarchy forces him to resist and fight back with passion and purpose. 

Q:  How do you balance Silver’s villainous side with the parts of him that are charismatic or even likable?

A:  This is tricky, because I don’t see John Silver as villainous. I don’t necessarily agree with everything he says, or every decision he makes. However, I understand WHY he does everything that he does. He’s a master of tactics. And he understands human nature better than any other character in the piece. By focusing on his intentions, I’m able to find the raw truth of what makes humanity both beautiful and terrifying.

Q:  Did you base your portrayal on any particular version of Silver from film or stage, or did you create your own interpretation?

A:  I’ve seen several versions of the character, but the version I connect with most strongly is from the Disney film, "Treasure Planet." Our script is more faithful to the source material, so it’s far from a re-creation or an impression of that film. But that version approaches Long John’s complexities with understanding and nuance.

Q:  What’s your favorite line or moment as Silver in the show?

A:  Towards the end of the show, Jim Hawkins eloquently articulates his disappointment and disdain for Silver. And Silver listens. He takes Jim’s verbal lashing and Jim’s threats of turning him in to be hanged, and then politely replies with, “That’s fair I reckon, and I thank you for it. You’re a good boy Jim Hawkins, not that you’ll care much for my opinion…but you’re a fine boy. We’ll never see each other again. You’ll think of me as a friend I hope.”

Q:  Did you create a specific voice or accent for Silver? How did you find it?

A:  I looked at the time period, and Silver’s clear loathing of the monarchy, and felt he needed to be from a people who had suffered under the crown. So, I’ve chosen to incorporate an Irish accent. And based on Silver’s age, I’ve incorporated a grizzled vocal quality to accompany the accent! I played with many choices while immersing myself in the script, but I’ve settled on something that I believe feels and sounds organic.

Q:  Why do you think Long John Silver remains such an enduring character in literature and theater?

A:  As a reader or viewer of this classic, I believe we want to root for Silver to make the right choice. In our lives we yearn to see people evolve and become who we know they truly are down deep inside. And underneath it all, it’s impossible to see Silver as a bad man. We want him to get a second chance, or a third, or a fourth! We want to give him patience and grace, because at the end of the day, it’s what we want others to give us.

Q:  If Long John Silver were alive today, what kind of job do you think he’d have?

A:  Without a doubt, Long John Silver would be the greatest Secretary of State this country has ever known! Either that, or he’d run a tasty lil seafood restaurant found in food courts across the land.

Washburn Lofts' Art Exhbit, First Bloom, Reception September 4

Art Show Reception Thursday, September 4, 5-7pm

First Bloom is a group exhibition of first-year Master of Fine Arts students from the University of Minnesota, with works from Anissa Cavazos, Isabela Escalona, Maeve Jackson, martje oostra, nouf saleh, and Isabella Sanchez. It is a celebration of these student artists showcasing their experimentation, growth, and collaboration. Works for sale include photography prints, silk screen prints, paintings, quilts, and neon light sculpture.

Hosted by Washburn Lofts, 700 S 2nd Street. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Metered street parking or nearby pay-garages. Entrance on 2nd Street. 

Art at the Bridgewater Announces 30th Exhibit - Into the Woods - Reception August 28

Art at the Bridgewater is celebrating its 30th exhibition, Into the Woods, with an opening reception on Thursday, August 28, 6:00pm–8:00pm. Enjoy champagne, wine, appetizers and dessert while perusing works of talented local artists.

Into the Woods Artists:

Laura Andrews | Jim Gallop | Belle Hulne | Cheryl LeClair-Sommer | Jodi Reeb | Mark Sifferlin | Neysa Winterer | Melinda Wolff

Preview Into the Woods: https://youtu.be/5BxQD5c4Jvs or scan this QR code:

For more information or sales, contact pczenner@comcast.net

Event access note: Please use the 1026 Washington Avenue entry as the front entry on 215 10th Avenue S is temporarily closed for a construction project. Take the elevator to the 8th floor Community Room.