Erin Nagel

Bloomington Civic Theatre is currently staging what could easily be their biggest production to date, Les Miserables, and the production is outstanding.

Family. Love. Faith. Change. Tradition. Those are the themes running throughout FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Currently playing at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, FIDDLER is one of the most beloved musicals of our time. In fact, once you start watching it won't be long before you figure out why.

Love triangles are always complicated. But the one in A Strange and Separate People is as complicated as they come.

The show is beautifully put together and truly embraces the idea that love conquers all. This is a show that all should see. If not for the songs sung gorgeously by the talented cast, then for the beautiful message of love in all shapes and forms that the show champions.

Minneapolis Musical Theatre opened their season this weekend with the regional premiere of 'Carrie The Musical', an adaptation of the Stephen King novel. I have never seen the 1976 movie or read the book. I was going into the show without any preconceived notions of what the show should or should not be. Admittedly I was nervous. I wasn't sure what to expect, but by the end of 'In' the opening number I knew I was going to enjoy the show.

A kidnapped baby. An American Hero. Sensationalized news coverage. All add up to the 'Crime of the Century'. Throw in some songs and you have the musical 'Baby Case' currently playing in Saint Paul at the History Theatre. Known for producing shows with historical ties to Minnesota and the upper Midwest, the History Theatre tapped Michael Ogborn's 'Baby Case' to open their season. 'Baby Case' recounts the 1932 kidnapping and murder of Charles A. Lindbergh's 20 month old son and the non stop press coverage through the conviction of Bruno Hauptmann.

There is a new theatre company in town and they hope to 'flip' musical theatre on its side one production at a time. Flip Theatre Company, founded by long time friends Ben Bakken and John Lynn, believes the crowded Twin Cities theatre scene has room for one more theatre company. The idea to form a theater company has been talked about for years, but it wasn't until the two worked together last summer on the Children's Theatre Company's production of 'RENT' that they decided it was time. Ben, an actor frequently featured in Chanhassen Dinner Theatre productions such as 'Footloose' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and John, a local voice coach who counts two time Tony nominated Broadway actress Laura Osnes as a former student; have chosen Jason Robert Brown's cult hit 'The Last Five Years' as their debut production.

Heading up north to the cabin is such an integral part of life in Minnesota. The tranquility and seclusion of the woods offers an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Even though Ernest Thompson's 1978 play 'On Golden Pond' is set in Maine there is a natural connection with the ambience of Minnesota's lake country. In fact, the dialogue for Yellow Tree Theatre's production has been tweaked to reflect taking place in Northern Minnesota.

Could you make the decision to bid farewell to your family and homeland with the prospect of a better life in the New World? Not knowing if or when you would see them again? That is the tough choice millions of immigrants to America faced from 1840-1924 during the golden age of immigration to America. Steerage Song created by Peter Rothstein and Dan Chouinard of Theater Latte Da gorgeously tells of the struggles European immigrants to America during this time faced.

Nestled in the Lowertown area of Saint Paul Nautilus Music-Theater is producing a beautiful production of a little known musical, Ordinary Days. Its a hidden gem of a musical and put composer/lyricist Adam Gwon on the theatre map in New York City. Ordinary Days tells the story of four New Yorkers Claire (Kersten Rodau), Jason (Doug Scholz-Carlson), Deb (Jill Anna Ponasik) and Warren (Max Wojtanowicz) as they navigate the streets of New York City and discover who they truly are.

Good theater makes you think as you leave the theater. Excellent theater makes you think while watching the scenes unfold before you. That is exactly what David Lindsay-Abaire's Good People does.

Everyone knows the tale of Fern, Wilbur and Charlotte from the beloved classic children's book Charlotte's Web by E.B. White and now for the first time you can see them come to life on the Children's Theatre Company stage. Brilliantly directed by Greg Banks, this production is fun and entertaining whether you have kids or not. He did an amazing job bringing our favorite barnyard story to life...from the acting, scenery, lighting and costumes this show shines as a whole.

As we approach the 15th anniversary of the brutal murder of gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming, The Laramie Project at Lyric Arts is a great example of how theater has a way of tackling tough subject matter.

I overheard another audience member remark before the show 'I think I've been in this seedy motel before' and she was right. Long time fans of the Jungle will recognize the set from the previous production of Sam Shepard's Fool for Love the theatre produced years ago.

Sixteen venues around Minneapolis are set to host 176 theatre, music, and dance productions over the course of 11 days. That can only mean one thing...the 2013 Minnesota Fringe Festival is upon us.

The Twin Cities is second only to New York City in live theater per capita and is the third-largest theater market in the U.S. For smaller and newer theatres it is easy to get lost in the long list of theatre options patrons have. This is something 7th House Theater Collective, a new Twin Cities theatre company is hoping to avoid. Founded by a young group of professional theater artists the collective is dedicated to offering low-cost, high quality musical theatre to the Twin Cities. HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical will be the collective's first production.

Actors, dancers, writers, directors all flock to Hollywood in an attempt to make it big and see their name in lights. Those lucky enough to see their dream to fruition also face the challenge of keeping their name in lights and face in public view. That's the fate that has transpired for silent movie star Norma Desmond (Sarah Gibson) in Minneapolis Musical Theatre's SUNSET BOULEVARD.

After countless hours of rehearsals in 56 high schools across Minnesota, more than 500 participants in Hennepin Theatre Trust's SpotLight Musical Theatre Program gathered at the Orpheum in Minneapolis for the 8th Annual SpotLight Showcase.

High school graduation, The Orpheum Theatre. The White House. Broadway debut. To say June has been a busy month for Hennepin Theatre Trust Spotlight Triple Threat winner Ryan McCartan is an understatement.