Theater in the Twin Cities

It is said that the Twin Cities have more theater seats per capita than any other American metropolitan area besides New York. Long-lived and influential local theaters include the Brave New Workshop, the Guthrie Theater, and the Penumbra Theater. Founded in 1958 (a year earlier than Second City in Chicago), the Brave New Workshop has nurtured talents such as Al Franken and Mo Collins of MADtv. Pioneering the regional theater movement, Sir Tyrone Guthrie created the Guthrie Theater in 1963 because he was concerned about the commercialism of Broadway. The Penumbra Theater, which is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this season, was a product of the Black Arts Movement. This theater is known for its early support of August Wilson’s career.

Unfortunately, some of Minneapolis’s best theaters (such as the Penumbra and the Jungle) will be closed during the OAH, and A Prairie Home Companion will be broadcasting from New York City. What follows is a short list of my recommendations of productions available during the OAH conference. I recommend visiting City Pages at <http://www.citypages.com> in order to get a full picture of what will be showing.

▪ The Guthrie Theater. This theater has recently moved from the beloved Ralph Rapson building next to the Walker Art Institute to a new site on the Mississippi River. Reviewers have remarked how well the Jean Nouvel building integrates with its setting, offering amazing views of the river. During the OAH, the Guthrie will be showing The Merchant of Venice. 818 South 2nd St., Minneapolis; 612-377-2224.

▪ The Jeune Lune. Inspired by mime and opera, this troupe writes new productions through improvisation. During the OAH, they will be showing Don Juan Giovanni. As their website describes the production, “Actors and singers join together in a cross-country road trip that brilliantly skewers notions of love, sex, and hypocrisy.” 105 North 1st Street, Minneapolis; 612-333-6200.

▪ Brave New Workshop. After the scripted show on weekends, they offer one of the best bargains in town—a $1.00 improv session. Late Night Improv starts on Friday at 10:00 p.m. and Saturday at midnight. 2605 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis; 612-332-6620.

▪ Bryant-Lake Bowl. A theater used by many small theater companies, such as the Hardcover Theater, which turns written fiction into plays. The only place I’ve ever been that combines a bar, a restaurant, a bowling alley, and a dinner theater. I can’t imagine not having a good time here. 810 W. Lake St., Minneapolis; 612-825-3737.

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