Episode 3: The Stages of MN Meets Will Sturdivant and a Game is Played. Available Now!!!

Faithful Readers and hopefully now Faithful Viewers and Listeners, the latest episode of The Stages of MN Show is up on YouTube https://bit.ly/TSOMNEpisode3 as well as in the slightly shorter Audio only Podcast version which you can listen to here https://bit.ly/TSOMNPodcastEpisode3 or search for The Stages of MN wherever you enjoy podcasts!

On this weeks episode, I chatted with Actor and Author Will Sturdivant about his path to becoming an actor, his new books, and The Great River Shakespeare Festival; where he is performing in Romeo and Juliet and The Comedy of Errors through July 27th in Winona, MN. I also try and stump Will with the shakespeare game. Where he has to identify what character spoke a line and for extra points which play it came from. Will was on fire, but I wont spoil if he was able to beat the game and in doing so, win back his car keys. You can click here for more about the Festival and to purchase tickets https://www.grsf.org/. I’ll be there for my third year in a row on July 11th to take in both shows with a few of my fellow Twin Cities Theater Bloggers Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon http://www.cherryandspoon.com/ and Carol and Julie Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love https://www.mntheaterlove.com/. So if you see us around, don’t be shy, say hi! Get a picture and you’ll find yourself up on the next episode of The Stages of MN!

Also on this weeks episode a look at opening night of Cabaret at the Guthrie Theater as well as a review of the show running through August 24th. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets https://www.guthrietheater.org/shows-and-tickets/2024-2025-season/cabaret/. We also have a review of Madagascar: A Musical Adventure at Stages Theatre Company running through August 3rd, Click here for tickets to that show https://www.stagestheatre.org/madagascar-a-musical-adventure/. As always we have the photo montage of who I saw out at the theater last week. We also cover some breaking news in Verona that you will not want to miss. Don’t forget to Like, Review, share and subscribe.

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Cabaret at The Guthrie Theater Makes the World Go Round

The cast of *Cabaret* Photo by Dan Norman

Cabaret closes out the Guthrie season and feels like a portent of coming events. Directed by Guthrie Artistic Director Joseph Haj, this production doesn’t shy away from the ugly underbelly of the show. But it also doesn’t skint on the skin and scintillation. The period of freedom and openness and perhaps excess that allowed conservative forces to frighten the masses into regressing to an empathetic stone age is on full display. What I assume has to be an ad lib, the Emcee played to divine perfection, both wicked and tragic, by Jo Lampert says “Love is Love” and for a throw away line it’s the one that speaks the most urgent truth to our times. Sometimes I feel like every show I see has something urgent and vital to say to audiences. Even something as absurd as a musical about Endometriosis. Cabaret was designed to speak to the rise of nazism and how it stripped the freedom we take for granted away from the people who lived on the fringes or were part of a persecuted class in Berlin in the 1930’s. Written by Joe Masteroff (book), John Kander (music), and Fred ebb (Lyrics) it debuted on Broadway in 1966. That was another time of social unrest and one can see how the authors could see parallels to their world. What would they think if they could see us now?

When you step back and take away all the politics and social commentary what you have is an unusually structured musical. Whom we assume are the main characters, Cliff and Sally really seem to divide half of the spotlight between themselves and the B couple of Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz. The star of the show is the Emcee, who gets the second half of that spotlight. The best numbers have nothing to do with Cliff and Sally, in fact for a show that one feels should be about her, the character of Sally could disappear from the plot and you wouldn’t really lose that much. Let me be clear, I’m not talking about the performance by Mary Kate Moore, which is very strong, I’m talking about the character and the plot. It’s like there are some concessions made to the institution of musical theater, and once they included those they went to town breaking out of the traditional mold. And I think that was a bold move in 1966 and it still works like gangbusters today. The cast is terrific led by Jo Lampert who along with the Kit Kat Klub ensemble are what you will leave the production remembering. There is one scene that was an unexpected knock out for me, it’s between Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz they are singing “Married” and they are joined by Monet Sabel as the Chanteuse is a beautiful voice that works in contrast to the the more risque songs that pepper the rest of the show.

Choreographer Casey Sams creates some unforgettable tableaus making each number at the Kit Kat Klub unique and memorable. Jen Caprio’s costumes, again especially with the Kit Kat Klub ensemble and the Emcee are daring and creative. There is one scene where Lampert is dressed half as a man and half as a woman that’s very well executed. Marion Williams set design is well planned with the upper level used as train cars and rooms at the Kit Kat Klub. Some of my favorite technical moments came from the lighting and sound cues by Lighting Designer Josh Epstein and Sound Designer Mikaal Sulaiman. Their work helps to bring out some of the darker emotional moments with a sudden immediacy that one feels throughout their body. Mark Hartman as Music Director has his own tricks up his sleeves which I will not spoil but there’s a moment that surprises us and lands an emotional punch we aren’t quite expecting.

I’ve seen Cabaret performed three times now and this is my favorite production so far. if you’ve never seen it, this is the production to see. If you have and love it, you will not want to miss this what Joe Haj and the Guthrie have concocted. Cabaret runs through August 24th at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://www.guthrietheater.org/shows-and-tickets/2024-2025-season/cabaret/ for more on my coverage of Cabaret be sure to tune into episode three of The Stages of MN Show on YouTube.

Necessity requires that going forward in order to produce a weekly YouTube show and podcast that reviews will become shorter. There are only so many hours in a day, but I have no intention of abandoning the blog version. Faithful readers, you have year after year grown The Stages of MN audience. While I hope you will become viewers or listeners as well, there will always be things here that cannot be found there. This will be the place for longer reviews, though slightly shorter than before, as well as Reviews of more shows than can be covered on the YouTube and Podcast versions. Essentially there will be some overlap, but each format will have unique content.

Cabaret From Theatre 55 is Risque and Relevant at Mixed Blood in Minneapolis

This was my first time taking in one of Theatre 55’s productions. The unique theatre company that was formed as a way to give those over 55 a chance to continue to play the roles they were no longer being offered by most other companies. Past productions include Hair and most recently last years sold out run of Rent. I don’t know if it’s the companies mission to only produce shows with one word titles but this winters production continues that theme with Cabaret. Cabaret features a book by Joe Masteroff with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, and is based in part of the Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood which I recall listening too on audiobook when I was about the age of the characters in this musical. It’s interesting to revisit that world at about the age of the performers, perhaps a hair younger. Anyone familiar with the material will know this isn’t a show to take the kiddies to, even if Grandma and Grandpa are it in it. I think the recommended age is about 16, in terms of bladder strength it’s recommended for those with strong to heavy duty organs. The first act runs easily 90 minutes and with a late start and a word about the company before hand your looking at 100 minutes before the interval. The second act runs around 30 minutes which seems unbalanced but it’s hard to argue with the placement of the intermission, it’s the turning point in the play and lands powerfully.

The story follows Cliff played by Jeff Goodson, a novelist who has come to Berlin to write and give english lessons for extra cash. On the train he meets Ernst played by Jeff Bieganek, who is smuggling something across the border. Ernst helps him find a room in Frau Schneider’s boarding house and introduces him to the Kit Kat Klub where Cliff runs into an old lover named Bobby and meets Sally Bowles who performs there. Sally played by Prudence Johnson loses her job at the club and more or less forces herself on Cliff becoming his roommate despite his protestations. Frau Schneider is bought off by the increase in rent and perhaps because she has a soft spot for what she assumes are young lovers. She is carrying on a flirtation with Mr. Schultz another one of her tenants who woos her with fresh fruit from his shop. This is Berlin in the late 1930’s and it is revealed early on in conversation that Schultz is Jewish, and from there you can get a sense of where the story is inevitably heading, but for the most part until the final scene Act I is a Cabaret of old chums.

The clubs Emcee is played by Rik Kutcher who, like most performers before him in the role, steals the show every time he’s on stage. Let us not forget that Joel Grey won the Tony for the original Broadway production and Best Supporting Actor Oscar for the role in the 1972 film directed by Bob Fosse. Alan Cumming also won a Tony for the role in the 1998 revival. It’s a juicy highly eroticized role that is a hell of a lot of fun and Kutcher slays. He sings and performs wickedly good throughout the production but raised it vocally to another level with his rendition of “I Don’t Care Much”. It feels like there should be something extra shocking about the roles of the Kit Kat Klub performers both male and female who, it is more than implied, are also sex workers. But it isn’t and I think that’s the point of Theatre 55 to show us that age doesn’t matter. These are actors playing roles and the older you get the more the idea that good times and indeed sex itself are the exclusive purview of the young becomes more and more silly. Johnson as Sally is most at home with the singing aspects of the role, which is how she primarily spends her time in front of audiences. You can tell that acting isn’t where her primary training is, she does well in the role but the imbalance toward the vocal is noticeable, chiefly because she has such a fantastic voice. Goodson is also very good as Cliff, the role doesn’t require much in the way of singing from him but when he does get a few bars, it’s clear he would do just fine had the role called for more. The other favorite among the cast was Brenda Starr, not the 1940’s comic strip heroine, a current actor who plays the role of Frau Schneider. She isn’t the best performer on the stage, but there is a truth and authenticity to her that stands out, don’t be surprised if you come away with a warm feeling about her performance that you can’t explain but stays with you.

Richard Hitchler the founder of Theatre 55 produces and directs the show. Hitchler blocks the show using all areas available to him, even some of the audience become part of the act as their tables and chairs double as customer seating in the Kit Kat Klub. The space is limited but Hitchler definitely makes the most of it, it’s a well directed show with the exception of the curtain call, which contains a good message that is lost a little bit in what feels like an under rehearsed presentation, but I think that will improve greatly over the run of the show. With the band center stage throughout the show we get a chance to watch Musical Director Shirley Mier and her band at work. It’s wonderful how they are costumes as well, so they are essentially part of the cast as the Kit Kat Klub band. Costume Designer Alicia Vegell must have had a blast putting the look of this show together, it’s risque and cheeky and just plan old naughty fun. But aside from the fun there is a message that seems very relevant today, as Cliff says if you are not against it you are for it. I’m not sure that I saw any added layer that emerged from the story or themes of the musical by the casting of actors over 55 but I did learn that age is just a number, an actor is an actor and that in theater, we should be looking at the performance not counting wrinkles and gray hairs.

Cabaret runs through February 10th at Mixed Blood in Minneapolis for more information and to purchase tickets go to https://theatre55.org/cabaret-winter-2024/

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Ring out the Holidays with Nutcracker Noir: A Sensual Cirque Ballet at Minnsky Theatre in NE Minneapolis

This was my 4th visit to the Minnsky Theatre on Central Ave in NE Minneapolis. You just never know what you are walking into at the Minnsky. I’m always expecting something like what I saw the last time and then I get something new. I’m sure at some point I will have seen all of the variables, but last night was reminiscent of what came before, but also unique. First off, I don’t think it was quite a sold out show as I saw a couple of empty seats, but it was very close. Due to a show by the Danger Committee before the Nutcracker Noir, the lobby wasn’t opened until about 5 minutes before the show start time. If you are planning to go, that is the schedule for the remaining Friday and Saturday shows. I recommend either showing up early so you are first in when the doors open and can get a beverage and snack (the baked goods are to die for); or coming at around 9, so you don’t have to wait in the line, you’ll have assigned seats so no need to be early.

TifDynamite as the host points out before the show, if you are not familiar with the story of the Nutcracker, what you are about to see is not correct. This is like a naughty funny sequel to the classic story. It takes place 10 years after Clara’s original adventure in the Land of Sweets. Unlike the previous Christmas reimagining I saw earlier in December at the Minnsky, this one is not full of jokes, in fact there is no dialogue at all. This is an all dance/performance show. Now that Clara, played by Bookie Blues, is all grown up she wants a man. Her Grandmother and Uncle Drosselmeyer, played by Dee Richards and TifDynamite decide to make her dream come true. Drosselmeyer uses his magic as he did all those years ago to make the toys from Clara’s childhood come to life again, including the Nutcracker, played by Jac Fatale. Before long the Rat Queen, played by Red Rider, appears and there is a dance off and a battle between the Nutcracker, the other toys, the Rat Queen, and her Rats. After Intermission, The Nutcracker and Clara travel to the Land of Oh So Sweet Sweets. Here in the court of Mistress Sugar Kum Fairy, played by Kirstin Nelson (did I mention this show is for adults?) The sweets take turns dancing to entertain the court. So there is a story, but honestly it’s there as a clothesline to hang the different acts on that will be performed.

One of the things I dislike about the Minnsky is it’s hard to single performers out as there are no bios in the programs, sometimes there are not even programs. This time there was and it listed the performers and the roles they played, but when everyone plays multiple roles and you never hear any of their character names, that’s not as helpful as you might think. With names like Droplet, Dew Drop, Spice Drop and Snowflake it’s challenging to know who’s who. If I guess wrong my apologies to the performers please e-mail me and I’ll make corrections.

So what are those acts? There are more than I can probably recount. There is pole dancing, led by Expert on the pole, Red Rider. Many of the routines at the Minsky that involve dangling in air such as pole dancing and the lyra cause the same reaction within me as watching an improv troupe perform a song. I’m incredibly anxious for the performer and amazed at their abilities at the same time. What is even more impressive than a performer doing a pole dance, is when there are four performers, two on each pole. The trust the performers must place in each other is impressive. Aside from the pole and the lyra, there was a trapeze and a large fabric sash. The lyra is usually my favorite, and I really enjoyed it this time as always, but the hammock is my new favorite. Miss Coco Nostal’jah (I think) performed on the hammock, gliding through the air as if she were flying and then wrapping herself up and dangling higher and higher above the ground. It is truly amazing what she can do simply wrapping limbs up in the hammock and turning. Another act that was new this time were the the fire eaters. You just never know what you are going to see at the Minnsky. Including a wardrobe malfunction that provided us with way more Chocolate, played by Obsidian, than we were intended to see. Like a true performer though he carried on and didn’t let it phase him. All the performers are talented, and their acts focus on their area of expertise, whether that be tap, ballet, hip hop or modern dance.

Each individual act has its moments as did the entr’acte moments. There was a nice piece of business throughout with one of the Stagehands who was responsible for raising and lowering the Lyra and trapeze, and placing the safety mats. It was never the simple business of accomplishing the task, there was always some subtle interplay with another stagehand or character in the show. A very dry humor similar to the facial humor of Buster Keaton in his smaller moments. This helped the show enormously. One of the issues with the Minnsky shows can be that they seem to go along and then stop for a routine, which frequently requires setting equipment. This is simply the nature of the shows they do I suppose but it would be nice if they could find a way to integrate the acts within the show more and cut down on the stoppage time for equipement setting. Perhaps staging something in the foreground while the change takes place behind the performers or off to one side so the audiences focus is drawn away from the equipment changes, much harder to do in a show without dialogue I’m sure.

The highpoints of this show are the Minnsky’s specialties, the dancing the aerial gymnastics and the teases of skin. If you enjoy all of that you will have a good time. If you are looking for a more cohesive story and a show that flows from act to act you might be disappointed, so just go in knowing that. That is an area the Minnsky could work on in general. For information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.minnsky.com/shows-.html Nutcracker Noir: A Sensual Cirque Ballet runs through January 4th. This is an 18+ show, it was much tamer then the Grinch Who Stole XXX-mas, aside from the wardrobe malfunction that is, but I don’t imagine that will be repeated.