Weekend Happenings: Take In A Play

While there doesn't seem to be any huge events or even small ones this weekend, that doesn't mean there's nothing to do.  The Twin Cities Metro area has one of the country's best arts scenes.  So our suggestion for this weekend is to take in a bit of theater. 

Cinderella
Children's Theater Company
2400 3rd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404-3597
Nov. 12, 2013 through Jan. 5, 2014
7:00 p.m. every Thu., Fri. until January 5
2:00 p.m. every Sat., Sun. until January 5
Cost:  $10 and up


 

The holiday hit is back and everyone is raving about this raucous production updated to wondrously wacky perfection. You have not truly experienced the magic and spectacle of the downtrodden would-be princess until you’ve seen it at CTC performed in the enduringly popular panto style with the cross-dressing stepsisters everyone loves to hate. The CTC acting company turns this classic fairy tale on its head with side-splitting physical comedy and enough romance and splendor to soften hearts and inspire audiences of all ages to seek their happily ever after.  Source:  Children's Theater Company

A Christmas Carol
Guthrie Theater
818 S. 2nd St.
Minneapolis,MN 55415
Now through Dec. 29, 2013
7:30 p.m. every Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat. until December 29
1:00 p.m. every Sun. until December 29
7:00 p.m. every Sun. until December 29
Cost:  $34 to $85 
 


Whether compelled by the cooking of a Yuletide feast to satisfy an ungrateful extended family, the cajoling to unruly kids to sit still for a Christmas-card photoshoot, or any number of other seasonal frustrations, would-be revelers can be forgiven for the temptation of saying "humbug" to the holidays. Thankfully, a relatively stress-free holiday tradition can still be found in the Guthrie Theater's annual production of A Christmas Carol. While the story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghost-guided journey through Christmases past, present, and future ranks amongst the most ubiquitous of holiday tales, the Guthrie continues to derive surprising vitality from the familiar work. This is the Guthrie's 39th staging of Charles Dickens's cherished novella, and the theater's continued success with the piece is a credit to the creative rearrangements that have kept each presentation fresh while preserving the thematic core of the narrative. Reprising a lively adaptation from British playwright Crispin Whittell, this latest production also boasts the dynamic direction of Joe Chvala, an artist whose groundbreaking work with Flying Foot Forum suggests a captivating kinetic pace. Featuring a gifted ensemble cast, an immersive Victorian atmosphere, and striking special effects, the Guthrie's A Christmas Carol continues to imbue creative ingenuity into this defining tale of regret and redemption, providing one annual tradition worthy of holiday cheer.  Source:  Brad Richardson for CityPages