A Steaming “Hot Asian Doctor Husband”

If you’re a rom com fan, this is the show for you

Photo courtesy of Theater Mu

I’ve waxed ad nauseam about my love for new theater work, and one of my favorite companies consistently celebrating and commissioning new plays is Theater Mu. Their new play, Hot Asian Doctor Husband, is another exciting addition to the catalog and one I think will be traveling around the country for some time.

It goes like this: Emi and Collin seem made for each other – except they’re not. At least in her mind. Emi is mixed race, and the more serious things get with Collin, the more she questions if they have a viable future. She is especially worried about having kids who might not identify with her Japanese heritage. To further complicate things, Emi’s mother, who raised her a single parent and was her last direct link to her ethnic history, recently died in a tragic accident. Emi decides to take a leap of faith and find a “hot Asian doctor husband” to fulfill her fantasy of an idyllic Asian American household, breaking up with Collin and stunning her friends.

The trouble is, of course, that love doesn’t work on preferred timelines and specific fantasies. Emi and especially Collin still have feelings for each other, which is plainly evident when they continue to run into each other after the breakup. Emi does find a hot Asian doctor and it seems like things will work out; the only trouble is that he is already someone else’s husband, which Emi learns in a devastating emotional blow that finally pushes her to confront her unprocessed depression and sadness about her mother’s death. The play goes a little off the rails after the affair with the doctor ends, taking a turn from nippy comedy into a serious exploration of mental health issues; it felt a little bit like two different plays in one, but it leaves the audience with a rich understanding of Emi’s identity crisis by the time we leave.

The cast includes Theater Mu regulars and several newcomers, and they’re a really fun crew. Meghan Kreidler deftly handles the role of Emi. No matter how serious or radical her character’s actions seem, Kreidler keeps them believable and touching. Damian Leverett is a joy as the shunned, mournfully #woke Collin; by leaning into the stereotype, he finds some kernels of truth about the white male experience that are new on the stage. Mikell Sapp is delightful as Emi’s best friend Leonard. I haven’t seen him on stage before and I sure hope this isn’t the last time. Danielle Troiano is equally lovely as Leonard’s girlfriend Veronica, bringing vulnerability and poise to the role. Eric Sharp is thoroughly, gut-splittingly hilarious as the Hot Asian Doctor Husband. His scenes were among my favorite in the show and I wish we got a little more of him. And eternal favorite Sun Mee Chomet is fabulous as the Mother characters, milking the most of her time on stage and making a great mentor to Maekalah Ratsabout, the young actress playing the child version of Emi.

The clever scenic design by Sarah Brandner is millennial approved and has all sorts of Ikea-style innovations that keep the action swiftly moving and the aesthetic clean. Costumes, by Jeni O’Malley, are equally well matched to the tone. Karin Olson’s lighting design and Katharine Horowitz’s sound design are subtle and warm, enhancing the action on stage (especially Horowitz’s original music, composed with Damian Leverett). And it’s good to see the importance of physical movement in comedy embraced by Magnolia Yang Sao Yia’s clever choreography and Lauren Keating’s intimacy consulting, a field I suspect we’ll see much more of on programs around #tctheater in this season and beyond.

Hot Asian Doctor Husband is one of the shows I was most excited for this year, and it doesn’t disappoint. Like any new play, there is some revision I’d do on a future iteration to help clarify the story – is it about Emi and Collin’s relationship, or her relationship with her mother? – but the content here is engaging and has a lot of potential. It’s a golden time for Asian Americans* in the rom com world, and Theater Mu’s consistently approachable and inspiring new work is a vital addition to the genre. Make sure to head to Mixed Blood Theatre to check it out before it closes on September 1; click here for more information or to buy tickets.

*If you want more shows like this one on the silver screen, you’re in luck! Here are a few in the last year that I have really loved: 

• Crazy Rich Asians (I also devoured the book series – highly recommend as perfect beach reads) 
• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Probably my favorite on this list – keep an eye out for the sequel next year!)
• Always Be My Maybe (and don't miss Ali Wong's comedy stand-up specials, also on Netflix)
• Anything by Mindy Kaling - I especially love The Mindy Project, but Late Night and Four Weddings and A Funeral are also surefire bets. And although technically off the scope of this list, who could possibly forget The Office (the episodes Kaling authors are all my favorites)
• Fresh Off the Boat (Not technically a rom com but a hilarious comedy that does include winsome romance in some episodes and two of my favorite stars of movies listed above, Constance Wu and Randall Park)

Autonomy Is In A Class All Its Own

I can truly promise that you will never see a show like this again. 

You've heard of drive-in movie theaters, but have you heard of drive-in plays? No?

You wouldn't be alone! It's a highly unusual concept, but a drive-in play (or maybe a drive-by play is more accurate) is exactly what Autonomy, the latest show from the ever innovative Mixed Blood Theater, is. Hosted in St. Paul's River Centre, Autonomy is a densely packed, politically charged play set amidst a closely curated collection of exotic automobiles that moves the audience through the action on golf carts, rather than having us sit statically in a theater as usual.

Photo by Rich Ryan

It's hard to succinctly describe exactly what Autonomy is all about. The main characters focus on the life of Gabby Reyes, an undocumented teenager, as she tries to survive in an America where ICE has unfettered powers three years from now and her father has recently died in a car accident. Hidden away from the public for risk of deportation, Gabby slaves away online to invent a free coding program for controlling autonomous vehicles that will help barter her freedom and make the world safer. Gabby is finally hunted down by for-profit companies like Amazon and Ford to take her coding offline, and a new chapter begins. At the same time, scientists are working to clone woolly mammoths to assist in the fight against climate change and unknowingly release an ancient pandemic in the process. All of these threads take place in and around cars and transportation. 2022 is a world where almost all vehicles are automated, and Autonomy closely examines the nuanced implications of transitioning the world to an automated driving system (which are far more complex than anyone might suspect).

Photo by Rich Ryan

The large cast is almost a who's who of #tctheater, including several of my personal local favorites. You can see three possible actresses play Gabby Reyes; we had Isabella LaBlanc, who is quickly becoming one of my top young performers to watch locally. LaBlanc is dynamic and emotional, and you can't help but empathize with her plight as the show unfolds. Other amazing performers from my local favorites include Juan Rivera Labron; Malachi Caballero; Bruce Young; Raúl Ramos; Taj Ruler; Nathan Barlow; and Ansa Akyea, all of whom make poignant cameos. There is also a delightful voiceover short film starring Joy Dolo, Stephen Yoakam and Jeff Hatcher that was hilarious and utterly charming; it reminded me of something you might see on Adult Swim, and I'd happily subscribe to a channel of similar shorts featuring local actors.

Photo by Rich Ryan

The set is really just a chance to look at all those specialty cars! It's a dizzying array of types from many eras of American automotive design, from Corvettes to El Caminos to DeLoreans. My personal favorite included a suite of movie themed cars in pristine condition. This collection included a Gotham Roadster Batmobile; Jaguar XKE Series 1, also known as the Austin Powers "Shag Jag"; a 1981 DeLorean just like the Back to the Future Time Machine; the Ghostbusters station wagon; and a bonafide Ford Econoline Scooby Doo Mystery Machine. It was so nostalgic and fun to be that close to those famous cars, and it really showed how much character and personality an inanimate object can carry.

Photo by Rich Ryan

Ambitious is hardly a big enough word to describe what Autonomy is. There are so many things about this play that are truly unique: it's not set in a theater at all; attendees have to drive around from station to station to see the show; nothing is told in a linear fashion; there are 9 concurrent productions happening at any given moment; dozens of actors and cars are included in the show, all of whom are giving distinct performances; attendees have to wear ear pieces to hear all of the dialog in the cavernous space; film elements have to be routinely switched and coordinated to match each cast member acting for each specific group, without disrupting the radio channels that the 8 other groups are listening to; and so on. It's a mammoth undertaking and mostly successful. We had some audio glitches at the very beginning of our performance, but they were quickly fixed and the rest of the show went seamlessly. I also definitely recommend getting a seat in the middle carts if possible to help with visibility, although any position will allow you to see the action. Overall, Autonomy is a really impressive risk to take, and hats off to Director Jack Rueller for the mountains of work he surely completed in order to get this off the ground and the insanity the sound and tech teams are tackling in every performance with very few errors.

Photo by Rich Ryan

I thoroughly enjoyed Autonomy and learned so much from the unusual mix of subject matter. It's an awkward mix of things on the surface - who else would be smart (crazy?) enough to combine immigration policy, automated (aka robotic) cars, and climate change into a single show that finishes in less than two hours? Somehow Autonomy not only works but actually hits on some surprisingly profound insights. Every person I overheard leaving the River Centre was having rich conversations about things they learned, and there are just so many ways in which to engage with this material. While the story may be fictional, many of the events are based on things that have actually already happened, and it's really important to remember that issues are always more complicated than they seem on the surface. Autonomy is an absolute blast and a completely different kind of theater experience, one that I highly recommend you see. I have heard that the first two nights are already completely sold out, and there are only four days of performance available - so make sure to click here to snap up your tickets ASAP before they're gone forever.

Photo by Rich Ryan

MUST SEE: Roe at Mixed Blood Theatre

History is way, way more important than modern society gives it credit for. 

Photo by Rich Ryan

And I'm not just saying that because I was a history major in college.

When people think of history, they tend to think of a boring giant textbook with tests that make you memorize endless dates and stories about a bunch of fusty old white dudes who have nothing to do with modern life.

History as I think of it is a living, breathing text coexisting all around us. It's the context that frames our understanding of life and culture (although we don't always know it). History doesn't just tell us the who and the when of a thing; it tells us the why. And that why really matters when it comes to solving big problems like racism or sexism or income inequality. Good history helps us understand the problem itself and the way forward by asking fundamental questions like: Why does this system exist? Who made it, and for what purpose? Can it be better? How?

Those origin questions are at the heart of Roe, a dense, fabulous new show at Mixed Blood Theatre and my first MUST SEE production of 2019. Roe tells the story of the Roe vs. Wade court decision, the infamous case that legalized abortion procedures across America. Thanks to two generations of legality, abortion is cropping up again in the cultural consciousness as an issue to be debated. Unfortunately, that debate is mostly absent the context that history provides - Why did "Jane Roe" win her case? What about her argument was compelling? What does the Supreme Court decision actually say is and is not legal? Why has this law been applied unequally state by state? What is the impact of reversing that decision and going back to the days when abortion was illegal?

Photo by Rich Ryan

These are not trivial questions, and it's imperative that we ground this conversation in context with that level of detail. Lives are literally at stake, and once this right is reversed it will not be so easy to get it back again. Roe is a MUST SEE because it provides a fully fleshed context to understand the issue of legal abortion by centering those most affected by it: women. Leading the show are Tracey Maloney as Norma McCorvey (the real life Jane Roe) and Laura Zabel as Sarah Weddington, the lawyer who argued and won the Roe vs. Wade case in front of the Supreme Court. The story could have stayed narrowly focused on the relationship between these two women and still been fascinating; the origins of the Roe vs. Wade suit and the way the case was argued are really interesting and rarely discussed. Roe's genius is that it takes that relationship, gives it the long perspective of stretching over several decades, and then adds in voices from many others along the way who seem to be otherwise completely absent from this conversation: medical professionals who worked in clinics before abortion was legal and saw the medical trauma women would go through when they were botched; experiences of any stripe of women of color; lesbians; and many more.

This subject, and the level of detail that Roe utilizes, could easily become daunting or obtuse. The brilliant cast at Mixed Blood does an excellent job of turning it into a riveting, almost game show-level piece of entertainment that educates as thoroughly as it enthralls. Maloney and Zabel are superstars in the leading roles and perfect shepherds of this material. They both bring great complexity to their performances; neither is a villain or a saint, and Maloney in particular totally disappears into her role as Norma. They force us to find empathy on all sides of the aisle, and in a debate as fraught as this one that is no mean feat. A host of spectacular supporting actors provide great depth to the show that helps transition the action through the years. Several regular favorites, such as Dame-Jasmine Hughes, Bonni Allen, and Kate Guentzel grace the stage and are just as good as ever. Two new-to-me actresses also provided astonishing depth in their short times on stage: Lisa Suarez, who was devastating as Norma's partner Connie; and Jamila Joiner, who pops out of nowhere and give a heartrending monologue at the end of the show, closing Roe out with a moving, modern understanding of what this issue really means.

Photo by Rich Ryan

Hats off to director Mark Valdez for his stunning vision for this performance. The cast is perfect and the production design sets a clean stage for the complexity of the story. Anna Robinson keeps the scenic design understated so the large cast can quickly rotate through roles, a wise choice. Sarah Bahr and Emma Gustafson provide iconic costume and wig design, respectively, placing us smack in the middle of each decade featured in the play. C. Andrew Mayer provides subtle sound design that subconsciously moves the audience between perspectives, and Paul Whitaker's lighting design fleshes out the lean set. Abbee Warmboe places several key props - such as hanging judicial coats - that loom over the drama, helping us never forget who is really in charge of this issue.

Why do I declare Roe a MUST SEE performance? For one, it's a damn good piece of theater work; the writing is tight and engaging, the cast is filled with rock star performers, and it's overall a beautifully run production. The real reason, though, is that the issue of abortion is only abstract until you need one, and people need them more often than you think. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 75% of abortion recipients are poor or low income and 62% are religiously affiliated. Perhaps most astonishingly, 59% already have at least one child and 60% are obtained by women in their 20s or older - not their teens.

Photo by Rich Ryan

It is very hard to watch the debate around abortion - especially as a woman - and know there is so much misinformation being weaponized within it. What is undeniable about this issue is that women WILL get abortions whether they are legal or not. The question as a society is: do we want to make that process safe? Do we care about the lives of pregnant women who are put at risk, or who will be put at risk by receiving dangerous care on the black market? Wherever you stand on this issue, Roe is the best thing I've seen yet that provides important context and detail to help you distill your thoughts. It turns the issue of abortion from an abstract but vitriolic debate into one with flesh and blood and very important consequences. I think any person of any belief system can find valuable information in Roe and I highly encourage everyone to check it out before it closes on April 14. For more information or to buy tickets, click on this link.

Is God Is is Literally Killer

CW: This show (and review) discusses violence, assault, sexual assault and abuse. 

Photo by Rich Ryan

Walking out of Mixed Blood Theatre last night, all I could say was HOT DAMN.

For anyone living under a rock, yesterday Dr. Christine Blasely Ford testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee about a past alleged assault from the next Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh. It was a stirring, brave, emotional testimony that has rocked the country. Women were seen weeping on public transit, in lunch rooms, and all sorts of other public places; most of those who weren't in tears (like me) were consumed with a passionate rage. Suffice it to say: yesterday was a very, very rough day for a lot of us.

Photo by Rich Ryan

So the headspace I was in when I entered Mixed Blood Theatre to see Is God Is was not exactly a peaceful one. I'd heard a lot of vague but intriguing things about the show - it's horrific but funny? - and wasn't sure what I was in for. By the end, I knew what it was. In a word? Mayhem. I was in for mayhem.

Photo by Rich Ryan

I am trying to tread cautiously about describing Is God Is because the plot twists are so important to the story. I don't want to give it away and ruin all the fun of seeing the show yourself (which you definitely should do). The most succinct description I can give is this: imagine if Kill Bill was written by a black woman, starred only black people, and had a little bit of Breaking Bad's Saul Goodman character thrown in for good measure. It's a quirky, singular experience that has all sorts of campy American film hallmarks - road trips, sister journeys, broken families, vengeance, bloodshed - in a darkly funny (think like, Coen Brothers funny, not ha ha funny) package. It manages at the same time to also discuss some deeply serious issues, many of which are all too common in the #metoo movement we're striding through.

Photo by Rich Ryan

Like watching a Tarantino film or reading a Victorian novel, it took me a solid 15 minutes to adjust to what I was seeing. When I say this show is singular, I mean it: the language, the quirks of the performances, the stark visuals, and more all combine to be totally unlike anything else I've seen on stage. I'm not usually great with violent content, but something about the explicitly performative violence of Is God Is worked for me and kept me intrigued. Maybe it was that unfettered rage after the Kavanaugh hearing; maybe it was the slow burn of #metoo stories that have been building up for the last year; maybe it was just the lived experience of being a woman in a world that seems to struggle to respect my humanity. I really don't know, but what I can say is: something about Is God Is is extraordinarily satisfying to watch. These characters do bad things, and their outcomes aren't good - but they do them for understandable reasons, and something about watching a pair of black women physically beat out their latent anger was wholly satisfying, especially last night.

Photo by Rich Ryan

These are some heavy hitters on stage, and without them this show would be much harder to watch. Dame-Jasmine Hughes and Chaz Hodges star as the twin sisters Racine and Anaia, respectively. Is God Is is their journey, and Hughes and Hodges nail the complicated script through nuanced performances. Hughes is terrific as always, with an explosively physical performance that is honestly a little terrifying. Hodges has a slow burn into her role, and you really won't see the end coming behind her meek persona. Joy Dolo is utterly unrecognizable as She. I have to leave it at that, but her performance is chilling. Kevin West brings a Saul Goodman vibe as the crooked lawyer Chuck Hall; his imitation of drunkenness is masterful, and I found him one of the funnier performers. Jacob Gibson and Kory Pullam are well paired as brothers Scotch and Riley, respectively. Gibson is new to me and I'm excited to learn more about him; Pullam is surprising, comedic and even a little charming as the nerdy Riley. Jessica Rosilyn is awesome as Angie, with a Reese Witherspoon quality that I really enjoyed; she'd be right at home on Big Little Lies. And Kirkaldy Myers is the one I didn't see coming (literally) as Man, with a sinister entrance that will blow your hair back (I couldn't help it and audibly exclaimed).

Photo by Rich Ryan

The set design looks at first glance like a sheer white wall and projections, but is used ingeniously throughout the show to reveal many layers of setting. Christopher Heilman got so creative with his design, and I keep running it over in my mind and finding new things to enjoy about it. Trevor Bowen gives every performer a distinctive personality through his costume design that will clue you in to their meaning. Mixed Blood always has great effects in their shows, which continues to be true here through the absolutely striking tech direction from Bethany Reinfeld; lighting design by Mary Shabatura; sound design by Phillip O'Toole; and fight choreography and effects by Bruce Young. Finally, Tessie Bundick's makeup design is intrinsic to the story (which you'll learn more about when you go). I wish we got a chance to see the detail closer up.

Photo by Rich Ryan

Is God Is is such an unparalleled experience, and it couldn't be better timed. Between the ongoing #metoo and #timesup movements and the arrival of Halloween season, it hits all sorts of sweet spots between horror, vengeance, women-centric and escapist stories. This is not the kind of show I'm in the habit of watching or recommending, but I gotta say: Is God Is swept me up with its manic energy and gave me a lot more to chew on than I ever expected. It's a wild experience to have live in the theater, and the incredible cast really pushes this performance over the edge. I recommend this very highly, especially to anyone who is feeling the need to vent some rage over recent political events. Please keep in mind, however: this is very definitely NOT a show for children. Make this one an adults-only date night. Is God Is runs at the Mixed Blood through October 14. For more information or to find your tickets, click on this link.

Photo by Rich Ryan

MUST SEE: Mermaid Hour: Remixed at Mixed Blood

When you think of mermaids, what comes to mind? 

Photo by Rich Ryan

Many of us immediately jump to thoughts of Disney's Ariel a la The Little Mermaid. Others might harken to darker implications, such as the cursed mermaids of West African lore.

What I recently learned is that mermaid can also be a term used to describe genderqueer individuals as a way of identifying their blended identities. Like a mythical mermaid is not fully made for land or sea, mermaid can help visualize a queer person who does not identify as CIS gender and as such lives "between worlds." There's more about this here at the website for the U.K.'s Mermaids organization, which has advocated for awareness of and safe spaces for queer children over the last 20 years, but I learned it from the lovely new show Mermaid Hour: Remixed at Mixed Blood Theater, one of my must-see shows of 2018.

Photo by Rich Ryan

Mermaid Hour tells the story of Vi, a young Latinx trans woman, and her parents and friends as they navigate her transition and she starts to hit puberty. I want to emphasize up front that refreshingly, this is not a coming out story (although of course those are important too): Vi's gender identity is always known to her, her parents, and her friends, and there is no question of who she is. Instead this play focuses on the ways that Vi's identity is complicated by the world around her. Even if she knows exactly who she is, the rest of the world still isn't sure how to react to or engage with her, and it is the confusion of others that makes her life (and especially her parents' lives) complicated. Vi's parents Pilar and Bird are accepting and amazing, and they try desperately to understand what she needs and how to help - but they fail, and often. The trouble is that instead of "just parenting," they are in transition too: from the grief of navigating losing a son but gaining a daughter; from explaining to friends and colleagues who and what their daughter is and how she should be seen; from raising a child to raising a teenager who is racing towards sexuality in a body that is fully unprepared for it, literally; and from the evolution of their marriage as Vi gets older and their engagement with her and each other necessarily changes.

Photo by Rich Ryan

I want to focus on this conversation about Vi's parents because to me that is the most remarkable part of this show. Vi's story is centered to be sure, and we hear her discuss her feelings with her friend Jacob, her comforting online merperson Crux, and with her own parents. I don't want to discredit the importance of that perspective and that Vi has her own agency: it's crucial to her safety and happiness, and it's a gift that too few people (and characters) get. But the beautiful, gentle, subtle way that Mermaid Hour discusses the nuances around transition (especially for young kids) is really remarkable, and much of this is conducted through Vi's parents. Here's a great example: one of the most devastating side effects of the discrimination towards trans people is their lack of adequate health care - both in it being paid for by insurance, and in having little proven real medical understanding of what trans bodies actually need to thrive. There is so little scientific information about the prolonged effect of sustained hormone therapy, especially on pubescent bodies, that it makes navigating the whole process of transitioning - such as considering regular hormone shots for decades at a time - terrifying for families. Even the most accepting parents have doubts, fears and concerns, and those are real emotions that need to be discussed (aside: for a fabulous discussion of this issue of long-term hormone use for trans people, click here to listen to this excellent podcast - I listened before attending this show and I learned SO. MUCH.). Through great writing and a pair of terrific performances, Pilar and Bird are allowed to express all of their feelings about this process - their grief, their fear, their doubt, their love, their confusion - and it gives such a complex, honest look at this experience that was so refreshing and instructive for me.

Photo by Rich Ryan

And speaking of performances, this show is filled with some really great ones. Thallis Santesteban is gripping as Vi's mother Pilar. She displays such deep emotion that you can't help but be moved, especially towards the end of the show. Michael Hanna plays Bird, and not only is his gorgeous voice is perfect for the part but he matches Santesteban's performance nuance for nuance. They are a great pair with electric chemistry, and perfectly cast. Azoralla Arroyo Caballero is in his first performance on a professional stage, and he nails it. Vi's youth is central to the conversations about her experience, and Caballero's thoughtfully adolescent performance is one more reminder of how amazing this current young generation is. Caballero's nuanced portrayal is a reminder that the societal issues we face about gender and sexual identity aren't problems with people knowing who they are: it's problems with those of us who were raised in a society that pretended they didn't exist in the first place. Helped with this perspective is the magical presence of Catherine Charles Hammond as Crux, Vi's merperson and a crucial mentor to her in her quest for safety and acceptance. Hammond gracefully sings through sparkling numbers, and their quiet but strong performance (replete with terrific advice) at the end of the show will cause you to think deeply. Meng Xiong was new-to-me as Vi's best friend Jacob; watch out, because I think he's about to be one of the newest #tctheater stars. His breakdancing interlude in particular gave me a radiant moment of joy. And Sheena Janson is a musical rockstar as Jacob's mother Mika, her beautiful voice giving so much depth to the songs. Love, love, love them all.

Photo by Rich Ryan

The set, designed by Britton Mauk, is intriguingly hung off the wall of the main stage. This is used surprisingly effectively, and it gives the sense of a busy middle class home while still leaving the stage free for the performers to dance and move quickly. Two vignette stages are broken off in the corners (make sure to get a seat where you can turn around) and give the supporting characters their own time in the spotlight. The costumes by Valerie St. Pierre Smith are simple but do a great job of evoking each character's persona, and the choreography from Movement Director Sarah Lozoff is similarly simple but efficient. The most impressive behind-the-scenes element for me is the work of composer Eric Mayson, who totally invented music for this show,* and Director Leah Anderson, whose comprehensive vision clearly leads Mermaid Hour to a messy, beautiful success - just like real life.

Photo by Rich Ryan

I love shows that make me think, especially those that make me think without making me depressed. Mermaid Hour: Remixed tackles some very tough subjects, but it always does it with love and respect at its core. This clear foundation in empathy and understanding allows the narrative to go so much deeper than it otherwise might. Constellating the main story are a host of other deftly handled and really important conversations, such as allowing youth to own their power (hello there #parklandstudents); changing with your changing marriage; allowing kids a safe place to explore and find acceptance, even if you don't understand it; and so much more. Although this story centers around trans and queer kids, I imagine that many parents could relate to the experiences of Bird and Pilar, and I definitely encourage you to go even if you think it "doesn't apply to you;" I guarantee you'll be surprised at how much you relate.

Photo by Rich Ryan

There seems to be an explosion of plays diving deep into the gender and sexuality spectrum these days, especially around the trans experience. All I can say is amen and keep it going! There is such a need to discuss these issues, not only to normalize them and help make the world a more tolerant place for trans and queer people, but to also provide resources for healthcare needs, mental health support, and better quality of life. We've come leaps and bounds societally in even the last five years, but it's not a fast enough transition to keep trans people from being murdered or discrimination from preventing trans people from freely living their lives. Anything that raises awareness about these issues is vital and necessary, and this beautiful, subtle production of Mermaid Hour: Remixed is perhaps my favorite I've seen of this journey so far. If you're interested (and you should be), click here for more information and to get tickets. Please also make sure to check out some of the other shows that have been cropping up to talk about trans and queer identities; we have such a vibrant LGBTQIA community here and they are doing some incredible work:

• The Resistance of My Skin by Uprising Theater Company
• Cardboard Piano by Park Square Theatre 
• As One by Skylark Opera Theatre 
• The work of Marcel Michelle-Mobama 
• 20% Theater 
• Uprising Theater 

Photo by Rich Ryan

*A word on the music: Mermaid Hour: Remixed is part of a rolling premiere of the play Mermaid Hour, which is concurrently debuting at multiple theaters around the U.S. A rolling premiere means each theater gets more freedom to develop their rendition of a new show through a concurrent world premiere. Of all of the performances of Mermaid Hour currently running, the Mixed Blood rendition is the only version that is being staged as a musical, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Mixed Blood Team. I have to say that after seeing the show this way, I really can't imagine it as a play - the music adds such life to the show, it's really a great way to go. 

A Thrilling Two Mile Hollow

Who doesn't need more opportunities to laugh?

I have to say, I am absolutely loving all of the terrific comedies cycling through Twin Cities theaters lately. Don't get me wrong, I love a good drama - but with the currently contentious state of American politics let's be honest: we all could use an extended break from #reallife.

The latest offering from Mu Performing Arts, Two Mile Hollow, is a brilliant addition to the comedic wave sweeping through #tctheater. The play is a spoof of what is known as the genre of 'white people by the water,' a funny way of saying stories about super wealthy white people living in their mansions and complaining about their ridiculous sets of problems. The story features a wealthy family in their estate called Two Mile Hollow. Blythe, the matriarch, is selling the property and her daughter Mary and stepsons Joshua and Christopher have congregated to say goodbye (or more honestly to gossip about and snipe at each other). The script discusses their horrific relationships with each other as well as their uncomfortable interaction with Charlotte, Christopher's lower-class personal assistant and lover on the down-low. The big twist? These overtly privileged, prejudiced characters are played by an all-Asian cast, adding an elevated level of satire and silent commentary on their wholly ridiculous antics. The best encapsulation I can think of is that the events of Two Mile Hollow lie somewhere between Gossip Girl, Get Out and any of The Real Housewives TV series. It manages to be wholly entertaining but subversive, and the cartoony manner the actors inhabit keeps it from feeling less derogative than trenchant.

Photo by Rich Ryan

The cast for this show is fabulous and features many of my local favorites, beginning with the endlessly jocose Sun Mee Chomet. I've known about her searing comedic chops for some time and they are brilliantly on display here; she had me laughing before even saying a line, barely emerging on stage with an awkwardly dilletante carriage that couldn't be funnier. She's a riot and I only wish we'd seen more of her. Meghan Kreidler is terrific as Charlotte, easily carrying the show's moral compass on her shoulders with an emotive and piercing performance, especially at the play's close. Eric Sharp and Sherwin Resurreccion are in their best roles yet as Christopher and Joshua, respectively. Sharp's parody of a self-important movie star is guttingly humorous and performed with total ease. It's been such a pleasure seeing Resurreccion's career evolve, and he is clearly confident and comfortable with this cast, pulling out all sorts of silly antics and an unexpected but brilliant touch of pathos in his role. Kathryn Fumie is pointed as the overlooked Mary, delivering a few striking surprises in her rants.

Photo by Rich Ryan

The set, designed by Joseph Stanley, remains placed inside the cohabited rooms inside Two Mile Hollow, with beachy Nantucket vibes, a startlingly delicate house frame, and just enough props (from Abbee Warmboe) to make it feel like a retreat. A delightfully "sandy" garden planter, which became the focus of a fight over Charlotte's affections, spilled out across the stage and was my favorite element of the production design. The costumes by Joanne Jongsma could all be cropped straight from a J. Crew catalog and further reinforces the snooty attitudes of these one-percenters.

Photo by Rich Ryan

Two Mile Hollow is a fine kickoff for Mu Performing Arts' 2018 theater season. It's sharp, it's smart, and like so much of Mu's work, Two Mile Hollow does a great job of subverting traditional narratives and making its audience think without even knowing they're doing it. It's a wonderful opportunity to see some of the best of our local theater artists perform together (and clearly have a blast doing so). We never stopped laughing from the moment we sat down; what a gift it is to find such light and joy in such dark times. We could all use our own personal laugh track these days, so head to Two Mile Hollow to lighten the mood a little. Click here for more information or to get tickets to Two Mile Hollow, which closes on March 4.

Thrillist: Best Winter Date Ideas

What do you do when the weather is cold and #dryjanuary is only half over? 

Photo from Thrillist. 

If you're feeling a little stir crazy and uninspired with your dating life (I don't blame you), look no further than this comprehensive list of winter date ideas that I pulled together for Thrillist. There's something for everyone on this list, from theater to classes to nature appreciation and outdoor athletic activities. There's so much going on in the Twin Cities right now - especially thanks to the Superbowl coming - so there's no excuse not to venture out and enjoy some of our unique things to do. Take a look at my list by clicking here and tell me - did I get it right? What would you add? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

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Date night -- whether that means meeting your Bumble crush for the first time or trying to have an adult conversation with your spouse sans the kids -- should be the bright spot in your busy week. We think the best dates are affordable, quality time spent with your significant other, and in the Twin Cities there’s no shortage of great options. Forget “let’s grab a drink!” (insert boring eye-roll here) and check out this list we’ve scouted instead below.

See a spectacular waterfall
Minnehaha Park
One of the most scenic date spots in the Twin Cities? Minnehaha Falls, hands-down. The 100-foot cascade is a sight to behold any time of year, whether it's flowing in the summer or frozen in the winter. You can view it from the top or descend the stairs to take it all in from the base.

Ice skate with a view of downtown Minneapolis
Loring Park
If you’re brave enough to explore the outdoors despite the cold temperatures, make sure to swing by the Wells Fargo Winterskate in Loring Park. You can always stop by one of the many ponds or lakes in the Twin Cities too, of course, but this location also features free skate rentals, a warming house, and a groomed rink, making it perfect even for the greenest skater.

Warm up at the Como Zoo Conservatory
Como
The Como Zoo is a popular summer attraction (a free zoo? Who wouldn’t go?), but why not head there in the wintertime? Rather than see animals, you can stop by the Como Zoo Conservatory which is a free, glass-enclosed building, filled with steamy tropical heat. In addition to the gorgeous gardens, visitors can attend a free weekly concert series in the conservatory. Nothing sets the mood like an abundance of flowers.

Pull your best Harry Houdini by playing the Escape Game
Bloomington
Intentionally locking yourself and a small group into an escape room for an hour might not sound like your idea of fun, but it is truly a blast. With themes from a Mars Mission to a museum heist, the Escape Game is the best group date out there for mystery and whodunit fans.

Get dinner and a show at the largest dinner theater
Chanhassen
If the idea of hopping between locations is just too exhausting for you, look no further than the Chanhassen Dinner Theater (CDT). The largest dinner theater in the country, CDT has a rotating schedule of spunky musicals, comedic shows, and musical theater that serves multi-course dinners along with the performance. Free parking and excellent customer service make this more than worth the drive.

Indulge your inner Al Capone
Wabasha
Learn about St. Paul’s mobster past and practice your swing dancing steps with a visit to the Wabasha Street Caves. With live swing bands and year-round historical tours, the Wabasha Caves will teach you everything you didn’t know about St. Paul’s dark, Prohibition-era past. It's cheap too; swing night tickets are less than $10.

See world-class exhibits for free
Whittier
In case you didn't know, the Minneapolis Institute of Art is free and boasts one of the best collections of Asian Art in the United States. Attend on a trendy Third Thursday of the month, where events like fashion shows from local designers or concerts by local bands are featured inside of the exhibit halls.

Consider some contemporary art
Loring Park
The Walker Art Center regularly makes national headlines with its collection of truly abstract, contemporary, mind-bending theater and art displays. Thursday evenings are free thanks to a Target sponsorship; special exhibits currently include a display of Cuban art that is sure to warm your frigid soul. If you’re extra daring, venture across the street for a stroll around the Walker’s world-renowned (but outdoor only) sculpture garden, which is open year-round.

See a free show about a new culture
Cedar Riverside
With their totally unique Radical Hospitality program, Mixed Blood Theatre gives you no excuse to avoid checking out our vibrant local theater community. Most of the performances are free charge, with a host of programming representative of many of the local immigrant groups in the Twin Cities, making Mixed Blood a must-visit destination any time of the year.

Visit a museum after closing
Downtown St. Paul
Geek out with a visit to the Science Museum of Minnesota, which regularly hosts adults-only events after-hours where you can enjoy the interactive exhibits kid-free. With tons of special events like Star Wars Day, Lego construction challenges, and Omnitheater screenings, there is no shortage of date night activities to be found here.

Take a selfie above the Minneapolis River
Downtown East
There’s a reason why people fly from all over the country to the Guthrie Theater. Aside from the gorgeously staged productions in three separate theaters, the facility itself is an architectural landmark that provides #instaworthy views of the beautiful Mississippi Riverfront from many angles. Combined with delicious on-site dining, this theatrical destination is a great one-stop date shop. Even better: Some performances go for as low as $15 a pop.

Expand your mind with an avant-garde show
Seven Corners
The Southern Theater is one of the busiest and most affordable theatrical venues in the Twin Cities and hosts a rotating schedule of shows from indie companies to one-man performances and student revues, meaning you're always guaranteed to see something unusual there. Come for a cheap ticket to an unknown theater company; stay for the hauntingly gorgeous historical interiors.

Indulge your inner art activist
Northeast Minneapolis
If you and your date consider yourselves part of the #resistance, look no further than the Public Functionary gallery, which routinely hosts politically charged work by diverse artists that are sure to trigger your political touchpoints.

Take a leisurely stroll around the lake
Literally everywhere
One of the best parts of living in the Twin Cities is our abundance of urban bodies of water. Don’t let the weather scare you off; parks are still open, and many have planned seasonally appropriate activities that are unique and a whole lot of fun.

Putt through some indoor mini-golf
Hamline-Midway
For those who are going fully stir crazy, Can Can Wonderland is a terrific option to check out. While the main attraction is an elaborate indoor mini-golf course, there are lots of other active options, from pinball machines to variety shows to an indoor beach boardwalk, to keep you occupied.

Vertical Endeavors
Those who climb together, stay together
Bloomington, Minneapolis, or St. Paul
Prepare for warmer, better, barer days by getting some training in at Vertical Endeavors, the Twin Cities’ resident rock climbing society. Options are available for all skill levels, giving anyone the chance to get sweaty in more ways than one.

Drive through the Mall of America -- literally
Bloomington
Forgo the typical mall shopping experience at the Mall of America and immerse yourself in a world of full-body virtual reality games and -- wait for it -- a full-size indoor go-kart racing track. Smaaash has 40,000 square feet of entertainment that includes a multi-level racetrack. Say no more.

Please a big group at Punch Bowl Social
St. Louis Park
Another great spot for group dates, Punch Bowl Social has something to please everyone. There are bowling lanes, arcade games, karaoke, and table games, so if Punch Bowl Social can’t keep your crew engaged, nothing can.

Catch a movie in a unique theater
Columbia Heights, Edina, St. Anthony Main
Movie dates are one of the oldest (and least original) ideas you can have, but they’re a crowd pleaser for a reason. Spice up your cinema card by taking your date to a unique theater like the historically renovated Heights Theater, avant-garde and international films at Edina Cinema, or an eclectic mix of blockbuster and independent films at the cobblestone-paved St. Anthony Main Theatre.

Pick up some new reading material
Uptown
Think of Magers and Quinn as Minnesota’s version of The Strand. With an expertly curated roster of books (including troves published by the Twin Cities’ many award-winning indie presses) and a full calendar of literary events, there’s something here to please every bibliophile.

Indulge your inner Ice Queen at an ice castle in Excelsior
Excelsior
Speaking of ice castles, if you are up for a short road trip you have no alternative but to head to Excelsior for their magical display of ice castles, which are constructed and refreshed daily. If you’re impressed by the formal castle constructed at the St. Paul Winter Carnival, you’re bound to be blown away by these luminescent natural beauties.

Get hands on at The Loft
Downtown East
If browsing a bookstore isn’t bookish enough for you, you’re in luck: Minneapolis hosts The Loft Literary Center, a temple to all things paper. There are meeting rooms, a coffee shop, and a bookstore (as might be expected), but look a little deeper and you’ll find a plethora of unique activities to partake in. From writing classes to hands-on activities like making chapbooks or letterpress, The Loft is a must for lovers of the written word.

Practice your best Patrick Swayze pottery at Fired Up Studios
Golden Valley
Are you a secret 1990s film aficionado? You wouldn’t be alone. If you’ve waited all your life to pull off your best Demi and Patrick in Ghost, look no further than Fired Up Studios, a local pottery studio that -- no joke -- offers "clay dates" for couples.

Use your noodle with Trivia Mafia
Metro-wide
Many local watering holes host trivia nights, but for the safest bet for a great trivia experience, you should attend one led by Trivia Mafia. Hosted at locations throughout the Twin Cities, Trivia Mafia provides excellent bar trivia as well as drunken spelling bees, bingo, and live radio trivia available any time you want to quiz yourself (or vet your date’s IQ).

Free your inner Che Guevara
Seward
Revolutionaries and anarchists will feel right at home at Boneshaker Books, which is the truest embodiment of an indie bookstore. Run solely by volunteer power, Boneshaker hosts a litany of queer and radical reading clubs, promotes social justice and movements, offers an extensive list of hard-to-find books and zines, and will even deliver your books by bicycle if it’s just too cold to get them yourself. 

Cook yourselves dinner
St. Paul, Minneapolis, Stillwater
Why go out to dinner at a restaurant when you can cook your own with instruction from a pro chef? Local cooking shops like Cooks of Crocus Hill and Kitchen Window offer classes with instruction on everything from make-your-own sushi to hand-rolled pasta to cupcakes and macarons. Afterwards, you get to eat whatever you make -- and you don’t have to tip!

Go wild with a trail hike
St. Paul
Get active with an afternoon hike at Fort Snelling State Park’s Pike Island -- the three-mile loop leads you along the path where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers meet. It’s hard to believe a trail this scenic is just off the highway, and if you look closely you and your sweetie may spot deer, beavers, or otters along the shore.

Go wine-tasting in the countryside
Saint Croix River Valley
What better place is there to spend a lazy weekend date than a winery? Just a short drive (about a half-hour) from the Twin Cities is the Saint Croix River Valley, a peaceful place to escape urban life for a glass of vino in the countryside. Some favorites include Chateau St. Croix and Dancing Dragonfly Winery. Sip and sample at their tasting rooms and bring back a bottle for later.

Get your game on at an arcade bar
Uptown
You can’t beat playing like a kid again...except when you also throw in some 21+ drinks and an attractive date. Minneapolis bar Up-Down charges only a quarter for throwback arcade games from the '80s and '90s and they also have life-size Jenga and Connect Four. The house-made Mac & Cheese Pizza is way better than whatever the gaming spot of your youth served, and we suggest you take advantage of the “Six Pack and a Pound” special- six domestic tallboys and a pound of tokens -- at a steal of a price.

Bad Axe
Throw an axe together
Northeast
If you’re looking for a unique date idea that also serves as a stress reliever, check out Bad Axe, which recently opened an 8,000 square foot building in Northeast. They supply you with tools, coaching, and safety tips so you can learn how to throw an axe like a Northwoods lumberjack. Described as “like bowling, but edgier,” it’s a guaranteed good time. Afterwards, stop at neighboring Norseman Distillery for a cocktail.

FREE: Reading of a New Play + Learn About DREAM Act and DACA

Start the New Year off right by learning about DACA, the DREAM Act, and how to truly help your neighbors. 

Photo by Mark Van Cleave

If I haven't sung the praises of Karen Zacarias enough yet, let me correct that right now: she is one of my favorite new playwrights and I am dying to see what she comes up with next. I was first introduced to Karen Zacarias through the excellent production of Native Gardens at the Guthrie last year (which easily made my top 5 performances of the year), and I've been keeping a sharp eye out for her next work ever since.

She's popped up again in a reading taking place at the Mixed Blood next week (in partnership with the Guthrie) of her play Just Like Us, which discusses the topic of DACA recipients and the very serious, very sad, imminently looming issues facing them today. The mixed event will do a short reading of part of the play and end with a panel discussion and community conversation about these issues centered on ways to build empathy and awareness in our wider community. I think the event is a fabulous idea and I hope it's packed to the gills. I've copied the bulk of the press release below; please read through and take a visit to Mixed Blood for this wonderful event! If you go, make sure to reserve spaces; it's free but you will not get in without an RSVP.

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The Guthrie Theater (Joseph Haj, Artistic Director) and Mixed Blood Theatre (Jack Reuler, Artistic Director) today announced their partnership to present Enacting the Dream: Select Readings from Karen Zacarías’ Just Like Us and a Community Conversation about the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act) on Tuesday, January 9 at 7 p.m. at Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 South 4th Street, Minneapolis. Enacting the Dream is an opportunity to reflect upon the lived realities of the roughly 800,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients living in the United States. The event is free, but reservations are required through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE, or online at guthrietheater.org. There will be an RSVP check-in at Mixed Blood Theatre on the evening of the event. Due to limited capacity, there is a two-person limit per reservation.

Enacting the Dream features select readings from Native Gardens author Karen Zacarías’ play Just Like Us followed by a panel discussion including public officials, immigration experts and DREAMers. As a March 5 deadline looms before the bulk of the DACA permits begin to expire, well over 6,000 DREAMers living in Minnesota remain unsure of their future status in the United States. Enacting the Dream provides the opportunity to build empathy and awareness about the challenges faced by those whose path to citizenship remains unclear.

Mixed Blood Artistic Director Jack Reuler said, “The Guthrie and Mixed Blood offer complementary platforms from which to observe and decry societal wrongdoings and offer affirming alternatives. Enacting the Dream makes the political personal. Issues of immigration and concerns of immigrants and refugees occur daily on Mixed Blood’s block (on which 4,500 people from 65 countries reside). Since 1989, Mixed Blood has produced theater by, about, for, and with Latinos in Spanish and English with bilingual casts, which led me to see the heart-wrenching world premiere of Just Like Us in Denver in 2013. I was moved by its coming-of-age storytelling of four Latina friends in the shadow of disparate immigration consequences. As one cast member said, ‘It’s about finding the courage to build your own destiny.’ Societal progress occurs because of an aggregation of incremental changes. Enacting the Dream is an important ingredient in that process.”

“Our theaters make really lousy forts, but they make very good bridges,” echoed Guthrie Theater Artistic Director Joseph Haj. “Hosting these free community Happenings where listening and dialogue provide a safe backdrop for exploration and learning is an important part of our mission at the Guthrie Theater. For Enacting the Dream, the Guthrie is pleased to partner with Mixed Blood, which champions equity and animates social change through its artistry, community relationships and universal access.”

Based on Helen Thorpe’s bestselling book, Just Like Us is a documentary-style play that follows four overachieving Latina teenagers in Denver, two of whom are documented and two who are not. Their close-knit friendships begin to unravel when immigration status dictates the girls’ opportunities, or lack thereof. When a political firestorm arises, each girl’s future becomes increasingly complicated. Just Like Us questions what makes us American.

Best of 2017: My Favorite Theater Performances and Top Blog Posts

No annual roundup would be complete without a listing of the top performances I saw last year. 

The most exciting exchange I've ever had on Twitter. 

If I had to sum up my feelings about the Twin Cities theater scene in 2017 in just a few words, I'd leave you with these: diverse, general excellence.

It's hard out here at times for someone who sees a lot of shows to write reviews. There are so many companies doing so many different things that they often don't belong in the same categories. The quality in general tends to be very high from show to show and it's quite rare that I see something that I totally despise or just can't support. I hate to sound like a recurring positive broken record, but I genuinely enjoy 90+% of everything I see and I want you all to know how much I love the amazing work amassed by our talented theatrical community as I engage with it.

So with all that in mind, let me introduce you to my favorites of 2017, shows that I can't stop telling people about even months after they've closed and that I desperately wish would return in all of their glory. I'm thoroughly excited for the upcoming seasons from each of these wonderful companies and let me know: what were your favorites? Do you disagree with any of my choices? What are you looking forward to in 2018?

*Note: all shows are listed in order of when I saw them throughout the calendar year. 

**Note: all photos were used with permission from the theater/company and are sourced in my original reviews, which are linked below. Please click through to find credit. 

1. Vietgone (read my original review here) 

This was the first must-see performance of last year for me and it cemented the extraordinary cast - including perennial favorites Meghan Kreidler and Sun Mee Chomet, as well as new-to-me David Huynh - as must-sees in any upcoming performances. I wrote about Vietgone that it was "Hamilton meets Kendrick Lamarr meets the Vietnam War, and it's sublime" - words I still vouch vociferously for to this day. From the witty dialogues to the sexy, serious subject matter, Vietgone brought an untold American perspective to vibrant, throbbing life.

2. Girl Shakes Loose (read my original review here)

I didn't label Girl Shakes Loose as a must-see when I saw it as I had just posted my Vietgone review and I thought two raves in a row was too many. I've regretted that ever since. This edgy, thoroughly modern world premiere musical told the story of a bisexual millennial in a completely new way (both musically and narratively), and I've thought of it often since it left the stage. Girl Shakes Loose starred many terrific young African American actors who are sure to become stars in the Twin Cities theater scene and the only phrase I can use to describe it appropriately is screaming fresh. Girl Shakes Loose didn't get nearly the amount of press it deserved when it came around last year; here's to hoping it comes back and gets more attention.

3. The Boy and Robin Hood (read my original review here) 

Is there anyone more ambitious right now than Tyler Michaels (except for Kory LaQuess Pullam, of course)? A cornerstone of an excellent passel of hyper-talented young performers making their rounds in the Twin Cities theater scene these days, Michaels has moved himself from starring roles to working behind the red velvet curtains in the director/producer/choreographer's chair, and the early fruits of his labors are promising indeed. Michaels' new venture, Trademark Theater, is not only performing new work but writing and scoring all of that work at the same time. I was thoroughly impressed with this new take on Robin Hood and it was easily one of my favorites last year. Trademark has a few growing pains to work out but have no fear: the path they are on is fantastic, entertaining, and bright indeed.

4. Little Wars (read my original review here)

I've been so excited to see the explosion of women on stage and behind the scenes, and one of the most promising new developments is the work of Prime Productions. Concentrated on telling the stories of "women of a certain age," Prime Productions got off to a banging start with Little Wars. I was delighted to see such a strong group of female performers and learned so much about a period in history I knew little about. Prime Productions fills a vital hole in our theatrical community, and I can't wait to see what they'll be up to next.

5. Native Gardens (read my original review here)

What can I saw about Native Gardens that I haven't already said? This brilliant, masterful comedy from Karen Zacarias was an immediate standout when I saw it last summer. The set is one of my favorites I've ever seen, but even that was totally outshadowed by the delicious performances from this tight four-person cast. Covering any political issue you can think of (from immigration to women at work to motherhood to gentrification) with finesse and biting honesty, this Guthrie production was pitch-perfect from start to finish.

6. The Immigrant Journey Project (read my original review here)

Mu Performing Arts has always been one of my go-tos for fresh, totally original work, and their Immigrant Journey Project was totally unlike anything I've ever seen. Created with the benefit of grants and participation from local immigrant communities, this show told many diverse, real-life stories of the ways that immigrants came to Minnesota through beautiful vignettes and brightly designed puppets. The unpolished, raw performances from local immigrants, several of which were translated from their tribal languages into American English, were moving and vital, and I thought of them long after the lights turned up. The Immigrant Journey Project was everything that Refugia (which had a much larger budget, profile and press coverage) should have been, and I hope we get a series in this vein with Mu at the helm.

7. In The Heights (read my original review here) 

Lin Manuel Miranda is the rare example of a celebrity whose praises may actually be undersung. Many people know Miranda for his work on Hamilton and Moana, but before they existed he created In The Heights, a beautifully performed musical at the Ordway this year. In The Heights proved that you don't need to travel to New York City to get a full on, spectacular, Broadway-caliber theatrical performance; instead, you can stay right here and indulge in top-notch work at one of our many theatrical gems. There are few things I would gladly purchase tickets to watch again and again within a limited week-long run; In The Heights was one of them. That is all you need to know.

8. Man of La Mancha (read my original review here)

Man of La Mancha is one of those revered musicals that has never done much for me. It's fine, whatever, I'm tired just thinking about it - except in relation to the fabulous rendition performed by Theatre Latte Da last fall. Featuring a terrific cast with several new-to-me actors (who I am dying to see come back in roles in other local shows), Man of La Mancha made me fall in love with a musical I thought I'd never care about. The inventive staging, hearty musicality and inventive costumes sold me from the get-go as well as on future productions from Theatre Latte Da.

9. Wedding Band (read my original review here)

Wedding Band was one of the shows I was most excited to see last year, and the Penumbra's production exceeded all of my high expectations. Starring a revelatory Dame-Jasmine Hughes, Wedding Band is the only play I've seen to-date that tells the truth - the whole beautiful, painful, terrifying truth - of interracial relationships in the United States. It moved me from start to finish and gave an articulate voice to many of the struggles I face in my own interracial relationship, and I can't recommend it highly enough if you ever get the chance to see it.

10. The Christmas Carol (read my original review here) 

I know, I know - how on earth did the Guthrie's perennial holiday show make my list? I'm as surprised as you are, but let me tell you: I was blown away by the fresh staging by this first-ever female directed production. With select performances featuring a woman in the role of Ebeneezer Scrooge, a noticeably diverse cast, an expertly trimmed script and a gloriously lavish set, this Christmas rerun entranced me from the get-go and was one of my most recommended shows over the holiday season.

11. Phantom of the Opera (read my original review here) 

Another pick that's not the most original, but I make no apologies. Phantom of the Opera has been a favorite show for my entire life, and the re-imagined set in this production (which runs through tomorrow - you can still grab a ticket if you dare!) is still my favorite I've ever seen. In my life. Of all time. It's lavish, it's transportive, and combined with the experience of seeing the first ever African American actor I've seen in the role of Phantom (my favorite second only to Michael Crawford, a testimony in itself), this was a top-notch production that I am not ashamed to ring the bell for.

12. Dot (read my original review here)

Dot was one of the most unexpected surprises on my best-of list this year. The summary - a story about a woman suffering from Alzheimers and her family over the holidays - isn't terribly engaging and sounds downright depressing. But what I found in this lovely gem of a show was education about an increasingly common disease, terrific ensemble performances, and a bevy of hilarious scenarios that brought teeming life and realistic elements to what otherwise would have been a devastating, heartbreaking story. It rung true from my real-life experience with Alzheimer's in my family and is a show that I hope generates more press attention than it's currently received. You can still get tickets (and I highly encourage you to) through early January.

And while I'm at it, here are some other favorite pieces I wrote last year: 

1. Some thoughts on high-end restaurants and racist servers
2. Wrestling with Refugia at the Moving Company
3. Compendium celebrates its 5 year anniversary 
4. Pixar comes to the Science Museum 
5. Why everyone needs to see Wonder Woman
6. Thrillist: The Best Small Towns in Minnesota
7. Living the podcast dream
8. The Penumbra Theater celebrates 40 years at the Minnesota Historical Society
9. The top 10 reasons to see Romeo and Juliet (again)
10. Why the Lynx deserve more
11. Thrillist: Best New Restaurants of 2017
12. The best books I read in 2017

Don't just take my word for it! Don't miss the best of year posts from some of my other TCTB blogger friends below: 

Cherry and Spoon: click here
MN Theater Love: click here
Play off the Page: click here