Theater and Movie Listings

By Thornton Wilder.
Performed by: Girl Friday Productions.
Location: Minneapolis Theatre Garage, 711 W. Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis.
AD: Friday, July 10, 7:30 PM.
Describer: Laurie Pape Hadley.
Tickets: Reduced to $15 for AD patrons (regular $15-20); phone: 612-729-1071; email: info@girlfridayproductions.org.
Website: Girl Friday Productions (www.girlfridayproductions.org).
Description: Join Girl Friday for a fresh take on Wilder's optimistic and lively tribute to the invincible human spirit. The Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic is a comedy of epic proportions! The Antrobus Family has survived through eons of calamity – the Ice Age, Great Flood, World War… – with their hope intact.  "We came through the depression by the skin of our teeth; one more tight squeeze like that and where will we be?"
Run: 2.5 hours, July 2-25, 2009.

Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, Book by David Henry Hwang
Performed by: Mu Performing Arts.
Location: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, McKnight Theatre, 345 Washington, Saint Paul.
AD: Saturday, July 11, 2:00 PM.
Describer: Rick Jacobson.
Interpreters: TBA.
Tickets: $24-27; phone: 651-224-4222, TTY 651-282-3099.
Web: Mu Performing Arts  (www.muperformingarts.org) or Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Accessibility (www.ordway.org/accessibility).
Description: Mei-Li flees communist China and finds herself in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The naïve young refugee is befriended by Wang, who is struggling to keep the Chinese opera tradition alive despite his son’s determination to turn the old opera house into a swingin’ Western-style nightclub. The unique blending of American razz-ma-tazz and stylized Chinese opera traditions creates a beautiful theatrical tapestry in this lovely new version of an American classic. Directed by Rick Shiomi, Choreographed by Sandy Agustin, Music Direction by Anita Ruth.
Run: June 26 – July 12, 2009.

Book by Hugh Wheeler, music by Hugh Martin & Ralph Blaine.
Performed by: Lyric Arts Company of Anoka.
Location: Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main Street, Anoka.
ASL: Saturday, July 11, 7:30 PM (IF a request is made at least one week before opening night).
Interpreter: Erika Dixon-Goss.
Tickets: Reduced to $13 (regular $18, $16 student/senior), $20 box seats; phone: 763-422-1838
Website: Lyric Arts Main Street Stage (www.lyricarts.org).
Description: In Saint Louis, in the summer of 1903, as the Smith sisters fret about fret about simple things like boys and love, a dark cloud appears on the horizon: their father has just been offered a job in New York City—just as the World’s Fair is coming to town!  Based on the 1944 film starring Judy Garland, this joyous musical includes classic songs like The Boy Next Door, The Trolley Song, and  Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.
Run: July 10-26, 2009.

Performed by: Rochester Civic Theatre.
Location: Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Center Drive SE.
ASL: Saturday, July 11, 8:00 PM.
Interpreters: Rebecca Wulff & Melissa Almer Montour.
Tickets: $22, $19 senior (65+), $12 student (25 & under); phone: 507-282-848.
Website: Rochester Civic Theatre (www.rochestercivictheatre.org).
Description:  This wildly irreverent salute to musicals tells the same story in five funny variations - parodying the styles and popular works of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, Jerry Herman, Stephen Sondheim, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. You’ll roar at the lyrics of songs that are amusingly familiar but hilariously askew. Although the same basic plot is used, each mock mini-musical veers riotously into new territory. A delirious treat for aficionado and novice musical lovers!
Run: July 10-26 (no show July 12).

With music and lyrics of the MGM motion picture score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg; Book adapted by John Kane.
Performed by: Stages Theatre Company.
Location: Hopkins Center for the Arts Mainstage, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins.
ASL: Sunday, July 12, 2:00 PM, and Wednesday, July 22, 10:00 AM.
Interpreter: Erika Dixon-Goss.
AD: Audio Description available upon request.
Tickets: $15, $11 child (age 2-17) & senior (age 60+) plus $1.50 fee per ticket for phone & web orders; phone: 952-979-1111.
Website: Stages Theatre (www.stagestheatre.org).
Description: Everybody's Favorite Fantasy Musical. From Kansas all the way "Over the Rainbow," the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, Dorothy and Toto find the emerald city, Oz, as they "Follow the Yellow Brick Road."
Run: approx. one hour; June 26 – August 2, 2009.

By L. Frank Baum, adapted by Frank Gabrielson, with music/lyrics of the MGM motion pictures score by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg.
Performed by: Applause Community Theatre.
Location: Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Avenue in downtown Lakeville.
ASL: Thursday, July 16, 7:00 PM.
Interpreters: Susan Nelson, Jonathan Roberts.
Tickets: $13; senior/student $11; Reduced price available to ASL patrons; phone: 952-217-9534; email: sabinceo@gmail.com.
Website: Applause Community Theatre (www.applausecommunitytheatre.com).
Description: A girl. A twister. A pair of ruby slippers. With a click of your heels and a sprinkle of musical theater magic you'll be swept away on a bewitching adventure down the Yellow Brick Road into the mystical Land of Oz. Directed by: Laura Wilhelm.
Run: July 8-19, 2009 (8-10, 16, 18 at 7:00 PM; 11-12, 18-19 at 1:00 PM).

By Randy Sue Latimer, original musical score by Gary Rue.
Performed by: SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development.
Location: SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria Street N., Saint Paul.
AD: Friday, July 17, 7:00 PM.
Describer: Laurie Pape Hadley.
ASL: Sunday, July 19, 3:00 PM.
Interpreter: TBA.
Tickets: $11; child/senior $9; phone: 651-225-9265; email: boxoffice@steppingstonetheatre.org.
Website: SteppingStone Theatre (www.steppingstonetheatre.org).
Description: There is no sound more beautiful to the Emperor than the song of his beloved Nightingale. That is until he is given a wind-up version that take the glorious bird's exalted perch! The poor Nightingale is left sad and alone. But, when the Emperor falls ill, the mechanical friend cannot cheer him up, and only the real thing can help.
Run: July 10 - August 2, 2009.

Music by Stephen Flaherty, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, based on the works of Dr. Seuss.  Artistic Director: Minrod Mier, Vocal Director:  Kathryn Eckes,  Orchestra Director:  Suzanne Svitak.
Performed by: Cross Community Players.
Location: Maple Grove Senior High School, 9800 Fernbrook Lane N., Maple Grove.
ASL: Friday, July 17, 7:30 PM.
Interpreters: Jaime Hall and Andrea Opatrny.
AD: Friday, July 24, 7:30 PM.
Describer: Laurie Pape-Hadley.
Tickets: Half price for ASL patrons (regular $16, $14 senior-62+, $10 student/child); AD patrons will receive 2 complimentary tickets for July 24 if you call the messageline by July 20.  For each ticket, please bring a non-perishable food item for the local food shelf. phone: 763-391-ARTS (2787); email: mail@crossplayers.org.
Website: Cross Community Players (www.crossplayers.org).
Description: This musical lovingly brings to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all of the Whos of Whoville. These classic, colorful tales are seamlessly brought together by Jojo, a young boy and "thinker of strange and wonderful thinks."
Run: July 17-26, 2009.

Adapted from "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"; Book by William F. Brown, Music/lyrics by Charlie Smalls.
Performed by: Trollwood Performing Arts School.
Location: IMAGINE Theatre, 801 50th Avenue SW, Moorhead.
AD: Friday, July 17, 8:30 PM.
Describer: Karla Pederson.
ASL: Friday, July 24, 8:30 PM.
Interpreter: David Coons.
Tickets: $17-25 Reserved, General Admission: $11-13; phone: 218-477-6502 or 477-6500; email: Trollwood@fargo.k12.nd.us.
Website: Trollwood Performing Arts School (www.trollwood.org).
Run: July 15 – August 2, 2009.

By Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.
Performed by: Mounds View Community Theatre.
Location: Irondale High School, 2425 Long Lake Road, New Brighton.
ASL: Saturday, July 18, 2:00 PM upon request at least two weeks in advance.
Interpreters: Beth Cherryholmes & Dakota Anderson.
Tickets: Reduced to $9 for ASL patron & 1 companion; (regular $16, $12 senior (65+) & student, $8 children 10 and under); phone: 651-638-2139 or e-mail goseemvct@aol.com.
Website: Mounds View Community Theatre (www.mvct.org).
Description: The all-American musical, based on the sub-cultures of high school life in the 1950s, takes place at the hyperactive Rydell High School, where Danny Zuko fronts his gang - the raucous T-Birds - who romance their sassy female equivalents - the Pink Ladies. When "good-girl" Sandy Dumbrowski arrives in town, the Pink Ladies take her under their collective wing. Artistic Director is Christopher Teipner, Music Director: Steve Quesnel.
Run: July 10-26, 2009, Wednesday – Sunday (no show July 19), 7:30 PM, Sunday 2:00 PM.

Book, lyrics and music by Meredith Willson, directed by Haeri Tollefson.
Performed by: Stillwater Community Theatre.
Location: Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Boulevard N.
ASL: Sunday, July 19, 2:00 PM.
Interpreters: Mary Catherine, CI/CT, & Gretchen Toay.
Tickets: $12; seniors $7, students and children $5. Order online beginning June 8 at Stillwater Area Public Schools, Community Theatre (http://ce.stillwater.k12.mn.us/Community_Theatre.html).
Website: Stillwater Area Public Schools, Community Theatre  (http://ce.stillwater.k12.mn.us/Community_Theatre.html).
Description: This classic Pied Piper story of the music salesman who takes the town of River City, Iowa by storm will excite you with its pomp, circumstance and classic songs like "76 Trombones," "Trouble," "Goodnight, My Someone" and many more. Harold Hill’s racket is to convince the town to establish a boy’s band, all-the-while intending to abscond with the money. His plans are diverted when he falls in love with Marian, the librarian. Winner of 6 Tony Awards in 1957.
Run: July 16-19, 2009; 7:00 PM (also 2:00 PM Saturday & Sunday).

Performances by: TBA.
AD & ASL : Friday, July 24, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM.
Interpreters & Describer: TBA (Request by July 17).
Tickets: Free; RSVP, phone: 651-361-7800 or 800-945-8913 v/tty.
Location: Minnesota Department of Health, Mississippi Room, 1645 Energy Park Drive, Saint Paul.
Website: American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) Minnesota (www.adaminnesota.org).
Description: In recognition of the 19th anniversary of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Minnesota State Council on Disability, ADA Minnesota, VSA arts of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Public Health are hosting this ADA Celebration. Keynoter Janet Peters will discuss recent developments on accessible websites, and Jamie Taylor will provide an update on Accessible Technology Standards Law. Light refreshments will be provided.
Run: July 24, 2009.

By J.B. Priestley.
Performed by: Guthrie Theater.
Location: Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 2nd Street S., Minneapolis.
AD: Saturday, July 25, 1:00 PM; Sensory Tour 10:30 AM; Friday, July 31, 7:30 PM.
Describer: Laurie Pape-Hadley.
ASL: Friday, August 7, 7:30 PM; Thursday, August 13, 7:30 PM.
Interpreters: Evonne Bilotta-Burke, RID: CI, & TBA.
Captioning: Friday, August 21, 7:30 PM, by c2 inc.
Tickets: Reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for captioning users ($20 for subscribers) (regular $18-34); phone: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626.
Website: Guthrie Theater, Accessibility (www.guthrietheater.org/accessibility).
Description: Set on a September evening around 1908, J.B. Priestley's farcical comedy set in 1908, old friends gather to celebrate their silver wedding anniversaries. When a shocking truth is revealed to these uptight Victorian gentlemen, each couple's relationship is rigorously and hilariously tested to its limit. Directed by Associate Artistic Director John Miller-Stephany.
Run: July 4 – August 30, 2009.

By Molière, Adapted and Directed by Kenneth Noel Mitchell.
Performed by: University of Minnesota Showboat Players.
Location: University of Minnesota Showboat at Harriet Island Regional Park - East Gate entrance to Showboat Landing, Saint Paul (take Wabasha Street south to E. Water Street, east onto E. Water Street, immediately turn north onto Levee to the Showboat parking lot).
ASL: Saturday, July 25, 2:30 PM.
Describer: Rick Jacobson.
Interpreters: James Gardner & Evonne Bilotta-Burke.
Tickets: $20; email: showboat@umn.edu; phone: Padelford Packet Boat Company, 651-227-1100 or online.
Website: Padelford Riverboat Company (www.riverrides.com) or University of Minnesota Showboat Players (www.Showboat.umn.edu).
Description: Join a wild romp through France in this adaptation of Molière’s "The Imaginary Invalid," a comedy of misdirection, mistaken identity, and misdiagnosis.
Run: June 19 - August 29, 2009.

By John Murray & Allen Boretz, directed by John Gaspard.
Performed by: Theatre in the Round Players.
Location: Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis.
AD: Sunday, July 26, 2:00 PM, tactile tour at 1:00 PM.
Describer: Sharon Bigot.
Tickets: $20, senior/student discount; phone: 612-333-3010.
Website: Theatre in the Round (www.theatreintheround.org).
Description: A brash but broke producer and his pals are holed up in a Times Square hotel room, rehearsing what they think will be a smash hit and cooking up schemes to get a backer. But they better work fast - 19 hungry actors keep ordering food and the bill for room service alone will close the show before it opens. This classic screwball comedy from the ’30s flies along on snappy banter, throwaway lines, sight gags, and a fast-moving parade of characters.
Run: July 3 - August 2, 2009.

Music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, book by Jay Thompson, Marshall Barer & Dean Fuller.
Performed by: Off Broadway Musical Theatre.
Location: New Hope Outdoor Theatre, 4401 Xylon Avenue N., New Hope.
ASL: Friday, July 31, 9:00 PM (August 1 rain make-up).
Interpreters: Mary Catherine, CI/CT.
Tickets: Free; phone: 763-531-5151; TTY 763-531-5109; email: srader@ci.new-hope.mn.us.
Website: New Hope Outdoor Theatre (www.ci.new-hope.mn.us).
Description: A whimsical musical based on the fairy tale of "The Princess and the Pea," this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are, you'll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again.
Run: Thursday-Friday-Saturday, July 23 - August 8, 2009.

Audio Describedand ASL-interpreted shows to be announced in July.
Description: The 16th annual Minnesota Fringe Festival will feature 162 companies giving nearly 850 performances of theatre, dance, performance art, storytelling and other theatrical entertainment at 22 venues in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, all accessible to people with mobility impairments. Shows last 60 minutes or less, with a new show starting every 90 minutes. All patrons are encouraged to limit their use of scented perfumes, detergents, hair products, etc. prior to attending shows to accommodate patrons and artists with chemical sensitivities.
The Fringe Festival printed schedule, inserted in the August issue of Minnesota Monthly and available at all Fringe venues, will include complete schedules, show summaries, a venue map and ticket buying information. For a daily recording of shows presented with AD or ASL, call the MACT Hotline at 612-706-1456 or 800-290-2428 and go to box 4. If you learn through "the buzz" of another show that you would love to have interpreted or described, contact the Fringe office at 612-872-1212 or email robin@fringefestival.org and they will attempt to find an ASL interpreter or audio describer.
Tickets: A $4 Fringe button is required of all attendees. Attend one show for $12 ($10 for seniors, students and Minnesota Public Radio members), get a five-show punch pass for $50, a ten-show punch pass for $90, or an Ultra Pass for unlimited shows for $150. Punch cards are transferable and may be used by multiple people to attend one performance (as long as everyone has a button). Fringe box offices accept cash, checks and credit cards and open 30 minutes before each show time. Advance reservations ($2 fee) guarantee your seat. However, people using access services can make FREE reservations by using the code “access” over the phone or online. Tickets can be reseved online at Minnesota Fringe Festival (www.fringefestival.org) or by calling OvationTix at 866-811-4111.
Website: Minnesota Fringe Festival (www.fringefestival.org) will have the full Fringe schedule starting on July 1. Use customized sort functions to find shows you’ll like, write audience reviews, or create your own Fringe schedule.
Run: July 30 - August 9, 2009.

By Pamela Gien.
Performed by: Jungle Theater.
Location: Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Avenue S., Minneapolis.
AD: Thursday, August 6, 7:30 PM.
Describer: Rick Jacobson.
Tickets: Reduced to $10 (regular $24-36); phone: 612-822-7063.
Website: Jungle Theater (www.jungletheater.com).
Description: A return engagement of a personal, deeply evocative story, inspired by true events, telling of an abiding love between two families, one black, one white, and the two children that are born into their shared household in early 1960's South Africa. Sarah Agnew portrays more than 20 characters in "an emotional powerful tour-de-force…" that "packs a punch rarely felt in the theater today. Don’t miss it."
Run: July 31 – August 31, 2009.

Requests for ASL interpreters or Audio Describers for Grandstand Shows must be made two weeks in advance. Call 651-288-4448 or 651-642-2372 (TTY) or e-mail tickets@mnstatefair.org or guestservices@mnstatefair.org.

Grandstand Shows include:
Thursday, August 27, 7:30 Bonnie Raitt & Taj Mahal, $36.50.
Friday, August 28, 7:30: Jason Aldean with Eli Young Band, $29.
Saturday, August 29, 7:30: Kid Rock & Lynyrd Skynard, $41, $56, $66.
Sunday, August 30, 7:00: Kelly Clarkson with Eric Hutchinson, $35.
Monday, August 31, 8:00: Jackson Browne, $38.
Tuesday, September 1, 7:30: Randy Travis with Joe Nichols, $32.
Wednesday, September 2, 6:00: O.A.R. with Slightly Stoopid and Brett Dennen, $27.
Thursday, September 3, 7:30: Casting Crowns with Barlowgirl, $30.
Friday, September 4, 7:45: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, $23, $28.
Saturday, September 5, 7:00: REO Speedwagon, STYX with 38 Special, $34.
Sunday, September 6, 8:00: State Fair Amateur Contest Finals, Free with admission.
Monday, September 7, 8:00: Jeff Dunham, $38.

ASL: The following events are interpreted daily:
10:00 AM: Ron Schara's Minnesota Bound: The North Woods exhibit on Cooper Street between Randall Avenue and Lee Avenue.
11:00 AM: IRONJACK Timber Team Show: The North Woods exhibit.
Noon: Pet Surgery: Pet Center on Murphy Avenue.
1:30 PM: Sean Emery: At Family Fair in Baldwin Park.
3:00 PM: Barn Tour: East entrance of the Poultry Barn (ASL not available August 30, September 3 and Labor Day due to changeover).
4:00 PM: Milking Parlor Demonstration: Outside the northwest end of the Cattle Barn.
5:00 PM: Local newcasts - see daily schedule for location.
7:00 PM: K-9 Demonstration: Pet Center on Murphy Avenue.
DAILY: ASL interpreters will be available to assist guests from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Inquire about this free service at the guest services office in Visitors Plaza. Or direct special requests for interpreter services to 651-288-4400 or TTY 651-642-2372.

TTY payphones are provided at several locations (listed on maps at information kiosks).
Assistive listening devices are available for free during Grandstand events. Pick up receivers and headsets at the guest services office in Visitors Plaza (valid state ID and credit card required for deposit).
The 2009 State Fair Accessibility Guide (available for download in early August) will include more information. To order a copy, call or send your name, address and zip code to: Access Mail List, MN State Fair, 1265 Snelling Avenue N., Saint Paul, MN 55108, or accessibility@mnstatefair.org.
Tickets: Online, at the Minnesota State Fair box office, 651-288-4400 or 288-4448; TTY 651-642-2372; or with Ticketmaster, 651-989-5151 or Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com/venue/49356) (subject to convenience charge). General admission tickets to the Fairgrounds at the gate are $11 (ages 13-64), $9 (65 & over), $8 (ages 5-12), free under 5. Thrifty Thursday: August 27. Seniors & Kids Day: August 31. Ticket Deal Tuesday: September 1. Read & Ride Day: September 2. Seniors Day: September 3. Kids Day: September 4. Pre-fair discount admission tickets are available online thru August 18 and at Cub Foods thru August 26.
Location: 1265 Snelling Avenue N., Saint Paul 55108.
Website: Minnesota State Fair (www.mnstatefair.org).

Performed by: Touring Company.
Location: Historic Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Avenue S., Minneapolis.
ASL: Sunday, September 13, 1:00 PM (AD must be requested in advance).
Interpreters: TBD.
Tickets: $30-83; phone: 612-373-5639 or 5609; hotline 612-373-5650; TTY 612-373-5655; email: accessible@orpheum.com.
Website: Hennepin Theatre District: Guest Services: ASL AD Performances (www.hennepintheatredistrict.org/guestservices/aslad).
Description: Original Broadway stars Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, along with the entire original creative team, have reunited to bring back this magical story of the world’s most famous nanny. Based on P.L. Travers’s cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, who has written the book, and the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who have composed new songs and additional music and lyrics.
Run: September 3-20, 2009.

By Richard Nash.
Performed by: Commonweal Theatre.
Location: The Commonweal, 208 Parkway Avenue N., Lanesboro.
ASL: Sunday, September 13, 1:30 PM.
Interpreter: Gail Devereaux, CI/CT.
Tickets: Half price (regular $25, student $12), phone: 507-467-2525, 800-657-7025, tickets@commonwealtheatre.org.
Website: Commonweal Theatre (www.commonwealtheatre.org).
Description: Living on a farm stifled by drought, Lizzie has resigned herself to a solitary life —until a charismatic con-man named Starbuck comes promising rain. This 1950s American fable teaches us how love can overcome cynicism in the most tired of souls, and can bloom in the most barren of landscapes.
Run: June 19 – October 24, 2009; Thursday-Monday 7:30, Saturday-Sunday 1:30 PM matinees.