Twin Cities Theater Chat

Welcome to Twin Cities Theater Chat. This podcast is created by members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers to share our love of theater, promote theatergoing, and support our theater community.On today's episode, Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon is chatting with father-daughter co-directors Michael and Cat Brindisi of Chanhassen Dinner Theaters. They discuss the Chanhassen's production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which runs through September 28. One note: this episode was recorded back in March 2024 and we apologize for the delay in release date as well as the quality of the audio. Nonetheless, please enjoy this episode of Twin Cities Theater Chat.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

We continue our series on the History Plays, an epic Shakespearean event where the Guthrie is presenting Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V with a rotating repertory cast.On today's episode, Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon is chatting with Jan Chambers, scenic designer for the History Plays.This is one of several Twin Cities Theater Chat podcast episodes featuring the  epic Shakespeare event (through May 25). Find all the info at guthrietheater.org.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

We continue our series on the History Plays, an epic Shakespearean event where the Guthrie is presenting Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V with a rotating repertory cast. On today's episode, our bloggers are chatting with the titular kings of each play. We start with Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN and Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon in conversation with Tyler Michaels King and Daniel Jose Molina and follow that up with Rob chatting with William Sturdivant. This is one of several Twin Cities Theater Chat podcast episodes featuring the  epic Shakespeare event (through May 25). Find all the info at guthrietheater.org.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

~SPECIAL OFFER~  The Twin Cities Theater Bloggers will be participating in a Talkback on Saturday, April 27 following the 1:00 p.m. performance of Richard II. Use our discount code to get 20% off this performance. Call the Guthrie box office and use the code TCBLOG.On today's episode, Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN is speaking with Trevor Bowen,  costume designer of the History Plays series at the Guthrie Theater. His amazing work can be seen locally at the Guthrie Theater, Mixed Blood, The Jungle, Children's Theater Company, and across the country at Asolo Rep, Seattle Children's Theatre,  5th Avenue, and Steppenwolf and many more.For the first time in over 30 years, the Guthrie is performing Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V with a rotating repertory cast. This is one of several podcasts featuring the  epic Shakespeare event (through May 25). Find all the info at guthrietheater.org.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

~SPECIAL OFFER~  The Twin Cities Theater Bloggers will be participating in a Talkback on Saturday, April 27 following the 1:00 p.m. performance of Richard II. Use our discount code to get 20% off this performance. Call the Guthrie box office and use the code TCBLOG.On today's episode, Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN is speaking with Em Rosenberg, an actor, vocalist-musician, arts administrator, and visual artist who is currently performing in the History Plays series at the Guthrie Theater. For the first time in over 30 years, the Guthrie is performing Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V with a rotating repertory cast. This is one of several podcasts featuring the  epic Shakespeare event (through May 25). Find all the info at guthrietheater.org.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

Welcome to Twin Cities Theater Chat. This podcast is created by members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers to share our love of theater, promote theatergoing, and support our theater community.On today's episode, Rob Dunkelberger of the Stages of MN and Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon are speaking with Joseph Haj, artistic director of the Guthrie Theater about the upcoming History Plays series. For the first time in over 30 years, the Guthrie is performing Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V with a rotating repertory cast. This epic Shakespeare event runs through May 25 and includes dates where you can binge watch all three and a number of Shakespeare-related educational events. Find all the info at guthrietheater.org.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On today's episode, Julie Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon are digging into the work of Pangea World Theater and their upcoming show Hecuba. They're chatting with Adlyn Carreras, General Manager at Pangea and Suzanne Victoria Cross, Pangea's Production Manager, who is also playing the title role in Hecuba. Hecuba, by Marina Carr, will be playing at the Southern Theater from April 5th through the 21st. Get your tickets and find out more about all of Pangea's work at their website, including to an extensive performance guide and a documentary on their Transition Stage project. Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On this episode, Rob Dunkelberger of the Stages of Minnesota is chatting with John Gebretatose and Jada Pulley, co-directors of the Black and Funny Improv Festival, which runs March 21st through the 24th at HUGE Theater (now at 2728 Lyndale Ave). The Black and Funny Improv Festival features four days of workshops and performances featuring world-class Black improvisors from across the country and here in Minnesota. In this festival, Blackness is centered AND all are welcome. For the festival schedule, tickets, and more info, check out blackandfunny.com.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On today's episode, Keith Russell of Life in Revue is joined by director/choreographer/dancer/actor/everything Kyle Weiler. Kyle takes us on a journey from the Juilliard School to his time touring as Riff in West Side Story to the surprising story behind his being cast in Hamilton on Broadway. He's back here in Minnesota and quickly winning the admiration of our bloggers with his work directing and choreographing She Loves Me at Lakeshore Players Theatre, choreographing and starring in Crazy For You at Artistry, as well as choreographing and starring as Gabe in Theater Latte Da's Next to Normal. He is now directing  the operas Trouble in Tahiti and Service Provider for Minnesota Opera (at Luminary Arts Center from March 9-23). Enjoy the conversation!Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

In this episode, Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon and Mary Aalgaard of Play Off the Page are chatting with director, composer, and arranger Jason Hansen, who is composing music for and music directing Theater Latte Da's Stones in His Pockets (Jan 24 - Feb 25, 2024) . In this year's Twin Cities Theater Blogger awards, Jason received the Favorite Music Director award for Falsettos, Next to Normal, and Christmas at the Local, all for Theater Latte Da. He shares his experiences in creating music, directing music in theater, and how it fits into the process of creating a show. Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

We've got a lightning round of 2024 recommendations!  Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN, Julie Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love, Mary Aalgaard of Play Off the Page, Keith Russell of Life in Revue, and Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon discuss the shows they recommend and are anticipating.Shows discussed include:Ironbound by Frank Theatre at the Gremlin - 1/19/24 to 2/11/24The Last Five Years at Lyric Arts - 1/19/24 to 2/11/24Crazy for You at Artistry - 1/25/24 to 2/11/24A variety of upcoming events at Hive CollaborativeMacPhail Presents: Faculty Spotlight – It Takes Two - 2/3/24The Broadway Songbook: Broadway in Love at Park Square Theatre - 2/16/24 to 2/18/24Elixir of Love at Minnesota Opera - 1/27/24 to 2/4/24Radiant Vermin at Lyric Arts - 3/1/24 to 3/24/24In the Green at Theatre Elision - 2/22/24 to 3/9/24 Toil and Trouble at Yellow Tree Theatre - 2/2/24 to 3/3/24Silent Sky at Theatre in the Round - 2/23/24 to 3/17/24 Cabaret at Theatre 55 - 2/2/24 to 2/10/24Stones in His Pockets at Theater Latte Da - 1/24/24 to 2/25/24Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

In this episode, Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon sits down with Richard Hitchler, Founder and Artistic Director of Theatre 55 and Prudence Johnson, jazz and folk singer extraordinaire. They discuss Theater 55, their new production of Cabaret, and Prudence Johnson's return to acting as Sally Bowles.  Performed by a cast of actors 55 and up, this Cabaret continues Theatre 55's work of reinterpreting musical works through the lens of age and aging.  Enjoy this illuminating and inspiring discussion with Richard Hitchler and Prudence Johnson! Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

We are excited to announce the winners of the 9th Annual Twin Cities Theater Bloggers Awards! This is our first full set of nominations since before the pandemic (in the intervening years we've just announced a few limited awards). The bloggers have voted for their favorites, the votes have been tallied and we are announcing the winners here on this podcast!Bloggers Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon, Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN,  Mary Aalgaard of Play Off the Page, Erica Skarohlid of Lettered in Theatre, and  Julie Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love are here to discuss the year in theater, the nominees, and the decisions that went into voting for their favorites.You can find the full nomination list at http://www.twincitiestheaterbloggers.com as well as links to the past TCTB Awards.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

We're well into holiday show season and we sat down with some of our bloggers to get their recommendations for the shows they're loving and looking forward to.  Keep in mind that theater tickets are a wonderful holiday gift for anyone on your list OR a donation to a theater in someone's name!On this episode of Twin Cities Theater Chat Recommends, we are joined by Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon, Keith Russell of Life in Revue, Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN,  Mary Aalgaard of Play Off the Page, and  Julie Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love.Discussed shows include:- Dinner for One at the Jungle Theater (through 12/31)- Scrooge in Rouge at Open Eye Figure Theatre (through 12/30)- The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley at Lyric Arts (through 12/22)- She Loves Me at Lakeshore Players Theatre (through 12/20)- Peter Pan at Ordway (through 12/31)- Mrs. Doubtfire at the Orpheum (12/19 - 12/24)- Art at the Guthrie Theater (12/16 - 1/28/24)- Out There at Walker Art Center (TBA)Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

In this episode, Rob Dunkelberger interviews the members of the Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society (MORLS) podcast and theater group: Tim Uren, Joshua English Scrimshaw, Shanan Custer, and Eric Webster. They chat about their love for old-time theater, performing live on stage, and what's coming up next for them. Tune in to hear the answers to these burning questions and more:Who IS Jimmy Montague, Antiquarian-for-Hire? What is the Fourth Prong? And did they really have cigarettes for babies in the olden days?Find out more about the adventures of the Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society on their website, listen to their delightful podcast, and keep an eye out for their regular appearances at Bryant Lake Bowl. Upcoming shows include:  Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society: A Christmas Post-Mortem at Crooners Supper Club on December 28th at 7:30 pm. You can also catch Eric Webster and Shanan Custer in I'll Be Homicidal for Christmas at the Mystery Cafe through January 6, 2024 and Tim Uren in in the Mounds Theatre production of It's an Honorable Life through December 23.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

*SPECIAL MESSAGE* We're giving away two tickets to I Am Betty at History Theatre. Enter by filling out this form! Contest ends 12/3/23, so enter today!It's beginning to look a lot like holiday show time. As our theater bloggers share the shows they're enjoying and looking forward to, remember that theater tickets are a wonderful holiday gift for anyone on your list!On this episode of Twin Cities Theater Chat Recommends, we are joined by Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN, Jill Shafer of Cherry and Spoon,  Julie and Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love, and Keith Russell of Life in Revue.Recommended shows: Christmas at the Local (Theater Latte Da through 12/31), A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater through 12/30), I Am Betty (History Theatre through 12/23), The Thin Place (Gremlin Theatre through12/3) Anticipated shows: All About Jane: The Eras of Austen (Hive Collaborative: 12/1-12/4),  Triple Threat Entertainment presents the Experteasers in Nutcracker Noir (Phoenix: 12/21-12/23), Dinner for One (Jungle Theater: 12/8-12/31), I'll Be Homicidal for Christmas (Mystery Cafe through 1/6), and Clevername Theatre Presents Who's Afraid of Winnie-the-Pooh (Phoenix: December 8 only). Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On this episode, Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon is chatting with Eric Morris and Laura Rudolph Morris, Twin Cities theater artists and the proud new owners of the Hive Collaborative, a new artistic space in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul. You can check out the Hive Collaborative space at their upcoming show, All About Jane, the Eras of Austen, which runs December 1st through 4th. Get $5.00 off your ticket if you use the discount code TCTC5. Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

Haul out the holly, cause we need a little holiday fun. Luckily, our Twin Cities theater community is ready to share some wonderful shows with you and your loved ones. Pro tip! Buy tickets for a show for gifts! Support your local theater!This episode features bloggers Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN, Erica Skarohlid of Lettered in Theatre, Jill Shafer of Cherry and Spoon, and Julie and Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love.For all the info about the shows we mentioned (too numerous to enumerate here), check out Minnesota Theater Love: Twin Cities Theater Chat Addendum - Holidays 2023 Edition!Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On this episode, Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon and Kendra Plant of Artfully Engaging are joined by Emma Stratton, who is playing Jenny in the first national tour of the revised and gender-flipped Company.  We learned about Emma's love of all things Stephen Sondheim, dug into her Minnesota connections, and learned what it's really like touring in a major Broadway show. Company will be playing at the Orpheum in Minneapolis from November 14-19.  Get your tickets now!Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On this episode, Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon and Kendra Plant of Artfully Engaging are joined by Butch Roy, Executive Director of HUGE Theater. They spend some time seriously geeking out about all of the ins and outs of HUGEs journey to theater ownership.The grand opening of Huge Theater's new space at 2728 Lyndale Ave in Minneapolis will be held on Friday, November 4th. Check out their calendar to see all the awesome shows they have coming up. Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

There's so much spooky theater goodness in the Twin Cities this year that Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN and Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love had to put together a Super Spooky Special Edition of Twin Cities Theater Chat Recommends.We talk about the Twin Cities Horror Festival, comedy shows, cabarets and concerts, why this is clearly the year of the puppet, and strategize plans for staying up for late night shows.For all the info about the shows we mentioned (too numerous to enumerate here), check out Minnesota Theater Love: Super Spooky Horror Recommendations.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On this episode of Twin Cities Theater Chat, Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN and Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love will be chatting with two of the people behind our favorite Halloween tradition: Duck Washington, Executive Director, and Nissa Nordland Morgan, Artistic Director of the Twin Cities Horror Festival. The Twin Cities Horror Festival is celebrating its 12th year, and Duck and Nissa are here to tell us how it all started, how it works, what's new, and why you should definitely add it to your October theater list. Spooky, funny, gory, chilling . . . there's something for everyone (even scaredy cats!) at the TCHF. The Twin Cities Horror Festival XII runs from October 19-29 at the Crane Theater in NE Minneapolis. Get your tickets and find more info at tchorrorfestival.com.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

In this episode of Twin Cities Theater Chat Recommends, we are joined by Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon,  Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN,  Erica Skarohlid of Lettered in Theatre, and Julie Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love who will recommend a few shows currently running in the Twin Cities.Shows discussed include:Falsettos at Theater Latte DaPassage by Pillsbury House + Theatre and Exposed Brick TheatreSee also our interview with Passage Co-Directors Suzy  Messerole and Signe Harriday!Cookin' at Children's Theatre CompanyThe (Almost) Complete and (Mostly) Accurate History of Alcohol at Bryant Lake BowlAND:The Rats and Wasps' Nest at Yellow Tree TheatreBernhardt/Hamlet at Theatre Pro RataDark Sisters at Journey North Opera Co.Boy Wonder at History TheatreThe Great Gatsby at Collide Theatrical Dance CompanyTwin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On this episode, Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon and Carol Jackson and Julie Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love are joined by Suzy Messerole, the Co-Artistic Director of Exposed Brick Theatre and Signe V. Harriday, the Artistic Producing Director of Pillsbury House + Theatre. We had a great time chatting about Passage, an upcoming co-production between Exposed Brick Theatre and Pillsbury House + Theatre of which Suzy Messerole and Signe Harriday are co-directors. They talk about their respective theaters, the power in collaboration, why they're optimistic about the theater world right now, and the unusual way they became collaborators. "Set in the fictional Country X, a neocolonial client of Country Y, PASSAGE examines colonialism, power, and how societal imbalances affect interpersonal dynamics through the story of B, a local doctor, and F, an expat teacher, after their friendship is challenged during a fateful trip to a local attraction. Performances will take place at Pillsbury House + Theatre September 21 – October 15, 2023." (Pillsbury House + Theatre website)Check out the organizational partners that will be presenting talkbacks during Passage: the Million Artist Movement, "a global vision and movement that believes in the role of ART in the campaign to dismantle oppressive racist systems against Black, Brown, Indigenous and disenfranchised peoples," the Native Youth Arts Collective, "a group of Native teens and young adult artists residing in the Little Earth and East Phillips neighborhoods in Minneapolis," and AshaUSA, " a non-profit organization focused on creating healthy, happy, and harmonious South Asian communities by engaging and empowering South Asian women, men, and children through culturally specific programs and services." Also mentioned in this podcast: The history of Pillsbury House in the settlement house movement,  the book Liberated to the Bone by Susan Raffo, and the amazing synchronized swimming team: the Subversive Sirens.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

In this episode of Twin Cities Theater Chat Recommends, we are joined by Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon,  Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN, and  Mary Aalgaard of Play Off The Page to recommend a few shows currently running in the Twin Cities.Shows discussed include: The Chinese Lady at Open Eye Theatre, A Chorus Line at Lyric Arts, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Dark & Stormy (at the Gremlin), and American Players Theatre in Spring Green, WI. Rob also shares info about Transforming Families' Day of the Transgender Child, which is coming up on Saturday, September 23 and features a wealth of amazing theater tickets in their silent auction!Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

We're kicking off Season TWO of Twin Cities Theater Chat with a theater season preview! You'll hear from Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon, Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN, Erica Skarohlid of Lettered in Theatre, Mary Aalgaard of Play Off the Page,  and Carol and Julie Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love as we chat about the upcoming theater season and why you should consider subscribing. We discuss the upcoming 2023-24 theater seasons of the following theaters:  Guthrie Theater, Six Points Theater,  Ten Thousand Things Theater,  Theatre in the Round, Jungle Theater,  History Theatre, Theater Mu, Lakeshore Players Theatre, Yellow Tree Theatre, Theatre Elision, Penumbra Theatre, Collide Theatrical Dance Company, Theater Latte Da, Stages Theatre Company, Children's Theatre Company,  Lyric Arts, and Open Eye Theatre. WHEW!Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

The understudy is the actor whom, if everything goes perfectly, will never be seen by an audience. They are the unsung heroes of the theater world, swooping in to save the day when tragedy or more frequently these days, covid strikes. They are the living embodiment of the old saying: “The show must go on” On today's episode, Rob Dunkelberger (The Stages of MN) explores the topic of the Understudy with three guests.  Paul de Cordova, an actor who has performed and understudied all over the Twin Cities. At the time we are recording this, he is  understudying the role of Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express at the Guthrie Theater. Jennifer Liestman, Resident Casting Director at the Guthrie Theater. And Austene Van, the hardest working woman in theater. She is the  Artistic Director at Yellow Tree Theater in Osseo and can be found at other theaters around town  directing, choreographing, writing, and yes, understudying.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

It's halfway through the Minnesota Fringe Festival (running August 3-13 at various locations in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood and beyond. Our bloggers are taking time out of their crazy Fringe schedules to share a few of the shows they are loving at the Festival this year.We are joined by Kendra Plant (of Artfully Engaging), who recommends: Ha Ha Da Vinci, DOLLY WHO?, and Boy Crazy. Rob Dunkelberger (of The Stages of MN) chats about A Girl Scout's Guide to Exorcism, Fargo Allegro, and H.G. Wells' The Invisible Man. Jill Schafer (of Cherry and Spoon) throws her vote in for Stabby Stab Stab, Fire in My Veins, and The Windblown Cheeks of Lovers. Laura Van Zandt (of Bite-Sized Beet) weighs in with Reincarnation Soup, My Only Hope for a Hero, and Coyfish.There's still time to catch these and other fabulous shows at the Minnesota Fringe Festival. Check in with our bloggers for many more reviews and happy Fringing!Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

 It's another Minnesota Fringe-tacular episode for you! We're getting recs from the Voices of Minnesota Fringe. What's a Voice of Fringe? These are the lovely people who record the show announcements you'll hear at the Fringe. The Voices of Fringe you'll hear today are Maria Ghasssemlou, Leah Cooper, Natalie Rae Wass, and Josh Carson. They'll discuss their show recommendations and their hot Fringe tips. BTW, our podcast host has limited characters for the show notes, so you can find the full list of recommendations on Minnesota Theater Love, including those of fifth Voice Jennifer Walker.  Happy listening, happy Fringing!Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

Are you overwhelmed by the plethora of theatrical entertainment opportunities at the Minnesota Fringe Festival? Are you unsure of the importance of the Fringe Button? Does the idea of that much sheer theatrical talent in one place seem more than a little intimidating? Our Twin Cities Theater Bloggers Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon,  Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN, and  Erica Skarohlid of Lettered in Theatre are here to answer your burning Fringe questions!The 30th annual Minnesota Fringe Festival takes place August 3 through August 13. Important note: Everyone needs a button this year. More info on ticketing, show list, and accessibility options can be found at the Minnesota Fringe Festival website.  For all the day to day details on potential sell-outs, potential traffic issues, and discounts at local businesses (with your button!), sign up for the Fringe File emails. Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

Laura Van Zandt (Bite-Sized Beet) joins us to chat with playwright Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay and actor Michelle de Joya about Theater Mu's The Kung Fu Zombies Saga: Shaman Warrior and Cannibals, running July 20 - August 13, 2023 at the Luminary Arts Center.From Theater Mu's website:  "The Kung Fu Zombies Saga: Shaman Warrior & Cannibals brings us to a world overrun by zombies—“and these motherf— know kung fu.” In the first act, shaman warrior Arun must fight the demons inside and out as she tries to rescue her sister with the help of the Monkey King. Then in Act Two, we return to an updated Kung Fu Zombies vs. Cannibals (2013), where Lao American Sika is on a treacherous quest to release her dead parents' ashes in her motherland. Together, they're two halves of one epic saga."Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay is an award-winning Lao American poet, playwright, essayist, children's book author, cultural producer, arts & cultural consultant, and philanthropist. Find out more about Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay at her website Refugenius.  Michelle de Joya is a Filipino-American actor, playwright, theater maker, teaching artist, and fitness instructor. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or check out one of her classes at The Workroom. Also mentioned in this podcast are Legacies of War, an educational and advocacy organization working to address the impact of the American Secret War and the conflict in Southeast Asia, including removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO), the Southeast Asian Diaspora Project, Minnesota Eight, and the East Side Freedom Library.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On this episode, Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon and Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love are joined by Dawn Bentley, Executive Director of the Minnesota Fringe Festival, which is celebrating its 30th year of providing adventurous theater.  We chat about the history of Fringe, how the festival is surviving and thriving in 2023,  and why the motto at the Minnesota Fringe Festival office is "There's always something...at the Fringe." (Although I'd like to recommend: "Fringe gonna Fringe." I'd buy that t-shirt!)The 30th annual Minnesota Fringe Festival takes place August 3 through August 13. Important note: Everyone needs a button this year. More info on ticketing, show list, and accessibility options can be found at the Minnesota Fringe Festival website.  For all the day to day details on potential sell-outs, potential traffic issues, and discounts at local businesses (with your button!), sign up for the Fringe File emails. Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On this episode, Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN chats with acclaimed playwright Jeffrey Hatcher. They discuss Glensheen and the perils of writing about real crime, why there were no prop guns in The Defeat of Jesse James,  and his collaborations with Chan Poling. Along the way, they discuss murder, mayhem, and local history as well the endless appeal of murder mysteries. AND an episode of Columbo (Ashes to Ashes) that Hatcher wrote!Glensheen runs from July 8 through July 23, 2023 at the History Theatre. From their website: "1977.  An heiress, kind and generous, is found dead in her bed. Her night nurse, lying lifeless on the staircase. A robbery? A clumsy break-in? A conspiracy? A scandal! The Congdon family tragedy splashed across the headlines of every newspaper in Minnesota. But what really happened on that fateful night at the Glensheen Mansion? Whodunit? Witness this dark musical that tackles the tale with wicked dialogue and evocative music."Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

In this episode of Twin Cities Theater Chat Recommends, we are joined by Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon,  Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN, and  Erica Skarohlid of Lettered in Theatre  to recommend a few shows currently running in the Twin Cities. Shows discussed include: Into the Woods at the Guthrie Theater, Jersey Boys at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Disney's Descendants at Stages Theatre Company, Lock Mess by Open Eye Theatre and The Buddha Prince by TigerLion Arts. Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On this episode, Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon and Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love are joined by Doug Sholz-Carlson and Melissa Maxwell from the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona to talk about their new season, why they love doing repertory theater, and some of the lessons Great River has learned from the We See You, White American Theater movement.Doug Sholz-Carlson is Great River Shakespeare Festival's Artistic Director. He works nationally as a director, fight choreographer, actor and certified intimacy director. Doug was the first intimacy director at the Metropolitan Opera. This season at Great River Shakespeare Festival, he is directing A Winter's Tale.Melissa Maxwell is the  Co-Associate Artistic Director of The Great River Shakespeare Festival and the Director of Professional Development at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. She is a director, actor, writer, educator, motivational speaker, and an award-winning playwright. Her latest play, IMBROGLIO, which she is also directing, receives its world premiere at the Great River Shakespeare Festival this season. The Great River Shakespeare Festival is located in Winona, Minnesota and runs from June 20 through July 30. Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

In this episode of Twin Cities Theater Chat Recommends, we are joined by Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon,  Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN, and  Erica Skarohlid of Lettered in Theatre  to recommend a few shows currently running in the Twin Cities:  Next to Normal at Theater Latte Da, Sherwood at Theatre in the Round, and Red Speedo by Walking Shadow Theatre Company (at Hamline University). We also discuss a few shows we're looking forward to seeing: The Courtroom: A Reenactment of One Woman's Deportation Proceedings by Jungle Theater (at Hamline University and the Jungle), The Assassination of the Archduke of Austria-Hungary Franz Ferdinand by Jackdonkey Productions (at Bryant Lake Bowl), Into the Woods at the Guthrie Theater, and The School of Rock by Open Door Community Theatre at Park High School.Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

Peter Rothstein, Artistic Director/Co-Founder of Theater Latte Da has long been a favorite director of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers. Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon and Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love sat down with him to talk about his new production of Next to Normal (opening June 7 at Theater Latte Da), his experiences in Twin Cities theater and how it's changed over the last 25 years (for the better!), and his new position as Producing Artistic Director at Asolo Rep in Sarasota, Florida. Peter, you will be missed!Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

In this episode of Twin Cities Theater Chat Recommends, we are joined by Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon,  Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN, and Julie Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love to discuss Our Town at Lyric Arts, Emilia at Ten Thousand Things Theater, and The Prom at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. We also discuss a few shows we're looking forward to seeing: The Courtroom: A Reenactment of One Woman's Deportation Proceedings by Jungle Theater (at Hamline University), Red Speedo by Walking Shadow Theatre Company (also at Hamline University), and Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood by Theater in the Round. Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

On March 4, the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers held "A Date to the Prom with the TCTB" at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres to celebrate their production of The Prom. Blogger Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN moderated a post-show discussion with Chanhassen Artistic Director Michael Brindisi and three stars of The Prom: Monty Hays, Maya Richardson, and Tod Petersen. This episode is the audio recording of that discussion. The beginning of the audio is a little rough, but it gets better. Check it out!Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!

In this episode of Twin Cities Theater Chat Recommends, we are joined by Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon and Rob Dunkelberger of The Stages of MN to discuss Murder on the Orient Express at the Guthrie, Wit at Hypnic Jerk, Tourist Trap by Ghoulish Delights and a few shows we're looking forward to seeing: Next to Normal by Theater Latte Da and The Garden: The Only Way Out of Hell is Through It by Open Flame Theatre. Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!