FEATURED THIS WEEK...


January 12th thru January 28th, 2007
(My friend and fellow Fringe blogger Chris Kidder is the director on this one, and from all the interesting backstage insights he’s provided, it sounds like a really interesting production. Highly recommended...)
Commedia Beauregard is proud to announce its production of “The Jeweler’s Shop” by Pope John Paul II, directed by Christopher O. Kidder. The most widely produced of the plays by Pope John Paul II, “The Jeweler's Shop” made its Off-Broadway debut in 1994. This poetic drama explores the aspects of human existence expressed through love and marriage. Three couples learn along the journey of life that we are all looking for the same thing – Love. Will they find it? One couple is torn apart by death of the husband, but their love lives on in their child. Another couple is tempted by infidelities. A third couple, about to unite, is made up of the children of the first two marriages. Will their union stand a chance? What does it mean to love? Newsday called this drama about love and family, "Marvelous. A message for our times." Gannett Newspapers described it as "surprisingly secular" and a "compelling evening of entertainment that touches the audience in unexpected ways." The show features the many talents of Suzin Hoagland, Christopher Kehoe, Katherine Kupiecki, Brian Hesser, Alan Stage, Jamie Dix, Clarence Wethern, Abby DeSanto, Phyllis (Mel) Thorne, Forest Godfrey, Sasha Walloch, David Lind and Erin Schroeder.
Show dates and times are:
January 12, 13, 18, 19, 22*, 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 pm and
January 14, 21, 28 at 2:00pm.
(*Jan 22 is pay what you can night).
All shows will be at Loading Dock Theatre - 509 Sibley Street
in St Paul.
Tickets are $18
($12 for Seniors/Students, or w/ a Fringe Button)
and are available through www.ticketworks.com
or by calling 651-209-6689.
Commedia Beauregard’s Website is http://www.cbtheatre.org



THIS WEEK ONLY
Friday & Saturday, January 12th & 13th, 2007
- TWO NIGHTS ONLY
(I have a soft spot for this Shakespearean romantic comedy, so just the fact that anyone is doing it is good enough for me. Recommed...)
Bad Attitude Productions presents William Shakespeare's “Love's Labours Lost” - Love is more than a battlefield, it's a circus! Join them for this comedy of notions as the King of Navarre and his lords walk a tightrope of love. This is a special two night engagement produced with the assistance of the Saint Louis Park Friends of the Arts.
Performances are at 7:30 PM,
January 12 & 13
at the Lutheran Reformation Church,
2544 Highway 100 South in Saint Louis Park, MN
Tickets are $7
or $5 with your Fringe button or a canned food donation to the STEP food pantry.
To reserve tickets, please email badattitudeproductions@yahoo.com or call 952-215-2694




Friday, January 12th, 2007 - ONE NIGHT ONLY
(No, it’s not about the rebellious doctor with the freaky diagnostic skills, it’s a completely different kind of “House” - this group just ended up on my radar, so I’m curious to see what they’re about...)
Workhouse Theatre Company will kick off the spring half of their Reader's Theatre Series Friday, January 12, with a staged reading of Canadian Playwright, Daniel MacIvor's one-man show - “House” - Meet Victor.  His mother is posessed by the devil, his father is the saddest man in the world, his sister is in love with a dog, the one he loves is not in love with him, and he has no place to live. “House” is an illustration of one man's inhumanity to himself that presents a troubling portrait in which the ties that bind also terrorize the human heart. Filled with comically painful introspection, bizarrely honest observations, and just the right amount of mature language.
WTC founder and artistic director Jeff Redman will be reading the role of the dysfunction-beset Victor.  Northsider Cristopher Tibbetts brings a wealth of experience to the role of director, having directed as well as acted, written plays, and taught performance throughout the state of Minnesota.
What is Reader's Theatre?  A bare bones style of theatre that brings the actors and the audience back to the root of theatre: the story.  With no set, costumes, or props, the actors return to the script and use their many talents and skills to bring the script to life.
WHERE - “House” will be performed at The Warren - www.thewarrenhabitat.com - an Artist's Habitat (44th and Osseo Road, Minneapolis),
WHEN - Friday January 12 at 7:30 pm. 
TICKETS - $3.00 at the door, and may reserved at info@workhousetheatre.org.
Visit them on the web at www.workhousetheatre.org
Email them at info@workhousetheatre.org
Phone them at 612-529-2584  

 


CLOSING THIS WEEK
thru January 13th, 2007
LAST CHANCES TO SEE...
(I know one the cast members, Bill Stiteler, of Council of Doom fame, so he gave me a heads up on this one. I’m always up for a little counter-programming at holiday time, too, particularly when it’s a new play by a local playwright...)
The Old Arizona Theater with Urban Samurai Productions presents “Protection Program” - where the amazingly horrible Arnold Schwarzenegger movie “Eraser” meets “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” (and really, for that description alone, I’m fascinated) - They say, “Our cast and crew haven't stopped laughing since the first read through. Four of us have been hospitalized. The stage manager died, twice. See how the witness protection program takes a bizarre turn in this new farce by local playwright Aaron Christopher. Otto Pfaff faces a life or death situation with only his interior decorating skills to protect him. Come on in take a break from the Holiday Stress, and enjoy a laugh on us”
City Pages further explains, “Urban Samurai's contemporary farce unashamedly embraces its own shaggy illogic to tell the story of Otto Pfaff (Nate Hessburg). Otto, it seems, lacks the ability to properly pronounce his own (false) name, which he took up after entering the witness protection program. (He turned over hot information in an embezzling case.) His handler, a U.S. marshal (Ryan Grimes), drops Otto off in a small-town apartment and then becomes completely unavailable. Otto, apparently never stable in the most placid of circumstances, descends into a hysterical tizzy at the arrival of Cynthia (Marcia Svaleson). She has rented the same apartment, we learn, after a name mix-up that, in real life, would have seen everyone drop to his knees to worship the god of Chance. Here, it slides by easily in the wake of lascivious neighbors, recurring head-injury gags, and the arrival of an assassin who seems to be sucking on a sour tooth. Writer Aaron Christopher and director Matt Greseth present this stuff with an appealingly cracked sunniness, and while the proceedings are sitcom light, the cast sells the material like an energetic Girl Scout mother who knows her daughter is too flighty to move the cookies.”
Performance dates: Thursdays: December 14, 21, and 28
Fridays: December 15, 22, 29, January 5, and 12
Saturdays: December 16, 30, January 6, and 13
Performances will all begin at 8:00pm.
The Old Arizona Theater is located at 2821 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404, www.oldarizona.com
Tickets: $15 General and $10 Students,
(2 for 1 Tickets with any Protection Program flyer or Fringe Festival Button.)
For reservations and more information, visit www.urbansamuraipro.com




NEW THIS WEEK...
thru January 27th, 2007
(If you didn’t get a chance to see this powerful production the first time around, here’s your chance. And if you did see it, you know why I’m saying it’s worth a return visit. Just stellar work all around. You can see my five star review by checking the link on the front page of the site. Very highly recommended...)
Torch Theater presents the return of their great production of “The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson - Directed by Craig Johnson - Starring Stacia Rice and Shelby Flannery - Blind, deaf, and mute, nobody knows what Helen Keller’s fate might have been had she not come under the tutelage of Annie Sullivan, an Irish woman who had also been born blind. Little Helen, trapped in her secret world, is bitter, violent, spoiled and living like an animal. Only Annie realizes that there is a mind waiting to be rescued from that dark, tortured silence...
All remaining shows are ASL Interpreted.
For questions please email info@torchtheater.com
Reservations Recommended
Show dates and times
Thursday, January 11th at 7:30pm
Friday, January 12th at 7:30pm
Saturday, January 13th at 7:30pm
Sunday, January 14th at 3:00pm
Thursday, January 18th at 7:30pm
Friday, January 19th at 7:30pm
Saturday, January 20th at 7:30pm
Sunday, January 21th at 3:00pm
Monday, January 22nd at 7:30pm
Thursday, January 25th at 7:30pm
Friday, January 26th at 7:30pm
Saturday, January 27th at 7:30pm
Please call 952-929-9097 for reservations or send an email to info@torchtheater.com
All performances are at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage - 711 West Franklin Avenue (on the corner of Lyndale and Franklin) in Minneapolis. For more information, visit www.torchtheater.com




Every Monday at 7:30pm, thru February 26th, 2008
Thirst Theater's 3rd Year is Neat, With a Twist
Cannibals, Zombies, Muppets and Musicals. Serials, Beethoven, Dancing and Gangsters -- O my! Thirst Theater continues to challenge and entertain its slightly inebriated audience with new styles, new ideas, and, sometimes, old jokes. Please join us for a drink every Monday night from now until March 5. Remember -- the show changes every Monday, so if you've seen Thirst once, you've only seen Thirst once. (Multi-show discounts available.) Added bonus coming soon -- enjoy new plays by Fringe favorites Jeffrey Hatcher and Ari Hoptman.

On this week’s Thirst menu
January 8
Tales from Beyond: Ep. 2 and 3 by Joseph Scrimshaw
What the Fuck? Ep. 2 by Tom Poole
Brian Sostek's Movement Play
Ari Hoptman's Play

Up next week on the menu - a double first-time collaboration, from my writer friends Anne & Randy, and actresses Cathy Fuller & Barbara Kingsley...

January 15
What the Fuck? Ep. 2
MSP by Dan Hopman
Inheritance by Anne Bertram & Randy Beard
Ari Hoptman's Play
Stacey Parshall's Dancing Play

Anne says - "Inheritance" packs a tale of death, sibling rivalry, heartache, mulch, and Machiavellian intrigue into 10 lively minutes, and it features local stars Cathy Fuller and Barbara Kingsley - working together for the first time ever! Rehearsal so far has been delightful and revelatory, and I'm really excited about the performance.

*****************************

Thirst is back with new and improved recipe: Equity actors collaborate with professional writers – now with 66% MORE DARING: Musicals, Period Pieces, Dance, Jeffrey Hatcher, Adventure Serials, and more.
 Thirst Theater’s 3rd Year is “Neat, With a Twist”
 @Jitters Bar and Café, 205 East Hennepin Avenue
(under The Times)
Every Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Oct 2, 2006 through Feb 26, 2007
(new format! 5 months of consecutive Mondays!)
$ 8-15 cover charge at the door (new price!)
(Multi-show discounts available.)
Call (612) 617-1111 for reservations.
(Seating is limited.)

And on the pricing front, they say...
“We're using a sliding pay scale this year. 8-15 pay-what-you-can. So, if you're not in this round, please do come down and feel free to pay no more than $8. We just like to hang out with you.”

[I was reminded that, even though this round runs into February, many of the plays running notw won’t be around by the end. For instance, there are a couple of serials that have a new episode each month, and new material rotating in on all fronts as other stuff rotates out. So, as always with Thirst, every week is different, and a dandy way to spend your Monday nights. Make it a date out, by yourself or with friends...]

(It’s baaack. Yes, more new short plays, more great actors, and the very cool ambience - and food - and drink - of Jitters. If you haven’t been to Thirst, now, as ever, is a great time to try. If you have, well, it’s new again, so check it out...)
What Else is New?
Joe Scrimshaw and Tom Poole will be writing adventure serials over the course of five months.
Six writers have written period pieces set in the 1930s. See them all together Nov. 6 or Dec. 4.
Kim Burke, playwright and bass player for the popular band Shearwater, and Christina Ham (in collaboration with composer Jake Endres) have written musicals.
Trista Baldwin, Jim Lichsheidel, and Brian Sostek will incorporate movement into their work. Ryan Hill will incorporate puppets.
Plus, Jitters will offer $3 beer, wine and bar drinks after the show.
New Writers:
Jeffrey Hatcher, Jeany Park, John Middleton, Connie Kuntz, Jim Lichtsheidel, Charlie Bethel, Brian Sostek and more.
New Actors:
Christina Baldwin, Harry Waters, Jr., Maren Bush, Zach Curtis, Sun Mee, and more.
Go to www.fringefestival.org/thirst for more information and a schedule.
What Hasn’t Changed?
Every Monday, the audience experiences five different, new plays over a burger and a beer and enjoys a rare opportunity to see Actor’s Equity members perform at the table next them. After the show, the experience continues as the actors, writers and audience members meet each other at the bar. 
Oh, and I additional enticement from the folks at Thirst...
“Jitters is offering $3 beer, wine and well drinks after the show for EVERYONE. Will this help motivate your friends?”
Why, yes. I think it will. Good theater, good eats, cheap drinks. What more could you ask for?





ALSO THIS WEEK ONLY




Monday, January 8, 2007 at 9:00pm - ONE NIGHT ONLY 
Walking Shadow Theatre Company & Children's Theatre Company present musician Sxip Shirey - Just off tour with the Dresden Dolls, Brooklyn composer Sxip Shirey is back in Minneapolis to compose music for the Children's Theater's Marsupial Girl.” In this special one-night only show, Sxip will be performing his incredible music for Mutant Harmonicas, Industrial Flute, Triple Extended Tin Whistle, Regurgitated Music Boxes, Glass Bowl Choir Unit and Human Beat Box. Sxip is a member of The Daredevil Opera Company and and has appeared in productions at The Kennedy Center, The Edinburgh Fringe, The Sydney Opera House and the New Victory Theater on Broadway. He has toured the US with The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus and has performed at Bonnaroo, The Knitting Factory, Joe's Pub, CBGB's, Tonic and has played many underground parties in New York City. "New Yorkers are perpetually trying to explain the musical gazingstock that is Sxip. Their eyes grow big as saucers and they wave their hands around, emitting odd tones of pleasure and emphatic non sequiturs such as 'A bowl-like thing with a tampon applicator, utterly transcendent' before sagging from the effort and saying simply, 'I guess you'll just have to go see him.' ... He's one of those musicians who see potential and beauty in detritus and shrapnel. As a collector of lost things and constructor of never-before-heard noise ... he conjures a world of infernal calliopes and cotton candy machetes wielded by Gypsy crones with angel feet."  --Silke Tudor, SF Weekly
Performance at The Acadia Cafe - The NE corner of Nicollet and Franklin Avenues - 1931 Nicollet Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Tickets $12.00 - cash at the door
Seating is limited. Reservations are encouraged.
Reservations must be claimed by 9:00 pm. For more information, visit www.walkingshadowcompany.org



Wednesday, January 10th, 2007 and
Sunday, January 21st, 2007
Bitter and Grievously Overlooked Productions presents “Of Weiss and Men” - starring Stephanie Weiss, with Ronda Steller on piano and The Weiss Men - John Flannagan, Michael Lambert and Dennis Tutewohl. "He must be a prison guard in Australia - where is he?!" In hopes of finding that one lasting relationship, Stephanie, the ever-hopeful romantic, is putting it all on the line. She reveals more of herself than most people have seen - even backstage! An evening of music, laughter and passion!
Two shows only
Wednesday, January 10 at 7:00pm
and Sunday, January 21 at 7:00pm.
Tickets are $12 or $10 with Fringe Button.
Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 West Lake Street, Minneapolis
Make reservations online at www.bryantlakebowl.com or call 612-825-8949




Thursday, January 11th, 2007 and
Saturday, January 13th, 2007
Allegra Lingo, spoken word performer, storyteller, and musician, wears all her hats this week...
First up, the music...
Thursday, January 11th
Buckets and Tap Shoes
Elk River Auditorium
http://elkriverart.org
Elk River, MN
7.30 PM
Allegra says, “Come and see us in our last in town show before we head out on the road again.
“If vaudeville had looked anything like Buckets and Tap Shoes, it never would have gone out of style” -- David Gustafson, Star Tribune

Then, the stories...
Saturday, January 13th
Women StandUP!
Bryant Lake Bowl
www.bryantlakebowl.com
810 West Lake Street, Minneapolis
10 pm, 9.30 doors
$8-12 (pay what you can), $6 with Fringe Button
Allegra says, “Yeah, you read that right.  I'm going to do a stand-up comedy gig at the BLB.  Five funny females, one show, what could be better? Come hear the History of Tap Dancing, the story of Buzz the Bartender in Sedona, Arizona, and whatever else decides to come out of my mouth that night.”
For more information, visit
http://allegralingo.tripod.com
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/events/18006.html
http://10foot5.com/Updates.htm
.



Sunday, January 14th, 2007
the IMPROV A GO-GO - Four improv groups strut their stuff for your enjoyment - ALWAYS JUST $1 - 8pm Every Sunday at the Brave New Workshop, 2605 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis
THIS WEEK AT THE IMPROV A GO-GO: Straight Razors, Ferrari McSpeedy, 300 Comic Books, PowderPuff Boyz - the Improv A Go Go is a weekly improv show at the Brave New Workshop produced by Five Man Job (Butch Roy, Dan Hetzel & Lauren Anderson) to provide a showcase for Minneapolis' thriving improv community. They have a My Space page, so for further amusing information, the latest schedule updates, and to learn how you, too, might get up on stage, visit www.myspace.com/improvagogo




ALSO NEW THIS WEEK...




thru February 4, 2007
(Great script, great cast, great production team - if anyone’s worth the trip, it’s these guys. Recommended...)
The Jon Hassler Theater presents “The Pillowman” by Martin McDonagh
Directed by Matt Sciple
Scenic & Lighting Design by Chris Morris
Sound Design by Katharine Horowitz
Featuring - Casey Grieg* as Katurian, Zach Curtis* as Michal, Steve Lewis as Ariel, Clark A. Cruikshank* as Tupolski
An exhilarating and viciously funny new comedy-drama about a fiction writer who is interrogated by two police detectives about the gruesome content of his short stories and their similarities to a number of bizarre incidents occurring in his town.
January 5 - February 4, 2007
Thursdays 7:30 pm -
Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 PM - Sundays 2:00 pm
Matinee - Thursday Jan 18 at 1:30 PM
$18 general admission,
all Thursday evening shows are $10
Tickets  507.534.2900  or   866-548-7469
The Jon Hassler Theater is at 412 West Broadway in Plainview MN.
For more information, visit www.jonhasslertheater.org




NOW PLAYING...




ONGOING...
Saturdays at Midnight
Balls Cabaret hosted by Leslie Ball - a weekly showcase of dance, song, and experimental theater. You never know what you’re going to get when you sit down for this one, and that’s half the fun. The other half is the parade of top talent that goes through this showcase, along with a first look at talented newbies finding their feet in front of a friendly and supportive crowd. Tickets $5 (since most events charge 4 or 5 times that just for a start and often aren’t nearly as entertaining, this show’s a steal). At the Southern Theatre, 1420 Washington Avenue South in Minneapolis. For reservations and further information, call 612-340-1725.



ONGOING...
THE REGULAR HAUNTS OF STAND-UP COMEDIAN BEN SANDELL
Ben Sandell, Fringer and recently crowned Funniest Person in the Twin Cities by Acme Comedy Club, plies his trade and tries out new material regularly, all around town. Here’s a list of places you can find him, and other comedians, if you’re looking for a good laugh...
Ben’s website - www.bensandel.com (yes, only one L there)- says, “You’ll likely find me performing at these places, at these times...

Balls Cabaret, midnight, second and fourth Saturday every month. Balls is located at 1420 Washington Ave. S. in Seven Corners, Minneapolis. ($6)

Acme Comedy Co., 8 p.m. every Monday (if I get stage time). Acme is located at 708 N. 1st St. in the Historic Itasca Building, Minneapolis. (Free)

Artists’ Quarter, 9:30 p.m., second, third and fourth Monday every month. AQ is located at 408 St. Peter Street, St. Paul. (Two-drink minimum)

Keiran’s Irish Pub, 9 p.m., first and third Tuesday every month. 330 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis. ($1)

Comedy Corner Underground, 10 p.m., most Thursdays and Fridays. The CC is located in the basement of the Corner Bar at Seven Corners, across the intersection from Balls Cabaret. (Free)

You can see clips of Ben’s work, samples of his writings, and other amusing stuff at www.bensandel.com



ONGOING...
Here’s a great opportunity to peek behind the scenes and help a really cool theater company settle into its new home...

Volunteer Saturdays at the new Bedlam Theater
now located at 1501 South 6th Street on the West Bank in Minneapolis

Bedlam says, “Excitement about the new space is mounting and alot of you have been asking "how can I help?". Well, every Saturday starting January 6th, from 12-4 we will be around to answer that question and plug you in.

There's lots to be done from the most menial to the special skilled of tasks. We need help cleaning, fixing, plumbing, and  carpenting to get ready to open. Once we're open there'll still be plenty of work to be done supporting events and continuing to beautify our grand venue.

Volunteer hours earn you free tickets to events and shows and when we have the bar up and running, free drinks! Plus, of course, lots of Bedlam love and comradarie.

so see you on a Saturday 12-4. woo!”

For more information about Bedlam and the great work they do, visit www.bedlamtheatre.org





thru January 26th, 2007
“Hamluke” - A long time ago in a castle far, far away - The vision of Ghosty Wan Kenobi appears, stirring young prince Hamluke into a tragic tale of romance, betrayal, and revenge! From producer Michael T. Mayket and writer/director Brad Erickson comes an exciting, condensed retelling of the Bard's most popular tragedy as told by wookies, droids, and Jedi Knights, “Hamluke.”
Thursdays January 4, 11,18, 25 - 7:00 pm shows;
10:00 pm shows also on Thursdays January 18 and 25.
Friday January 19 and 26 - 10:00 pm shows.
Admission is $15 - $18 (pay what you can) or $13 with a Fringe button.
Performances at The Bryant Lake Bowl Theater - 810 West Lake Street in Minneapolis - For reservations and more information, call 612-825-8949 or visit www.bryantlakebowl.com




thru January 27th, 2007
The Walker Art Center presents “Out There 19” - A Festival of Performance Alternatives - Now in its 19th year, this monthlong festival of boundary-crossing performances features new works by a national and international array of today's most innovative artists. Drink with the artists every Thursday at a postshow gathering. Talk with the artists every Friday at a postshow discussion. Learn from the artists every Saturday morning at an Inside Out There workshop.
Date: January 4 - 27, 8:00 pm
Where: McGuire Theater (not at the Guthrie, but at the Walker Art Center)
Price: $20 ($16 Walker members; $12 on Thursday opening nights)

Lone Twin
Nine Years (US Premiere)
Date: Thursday, January 11, 8:00 pm
Where: McGuire Theater
Price: $20 ($12 Walker members)
Date: January 12 - 13, 8:00 pm
Where: McGuire Theater
Price: $20 ($16 Walker members)
"They came from England. Bewildered, hopeful, dogged. I expect they could read the phone book and be funny." - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Young Jean Lee
Songs of the Dragons Flying to Heaven
Date: Thursday, January 18, 8:00 pm
Where: McGuire Theater
Price: $20 ($12 Walker members)
Date: January 19 - 20, 8:00 pm
Where: McGuire Theater
Price: $20 ($16 Walker members)
"Young Jean Lee's hysterically funny Songs of the Dragons Flying to Heaven...is perfect...politically incorrect...directed brilliantly." - Time Out New York

The Riot Group
Pugilist Specialist
Date: Thursday, January 25, 8:00 pm
Where: McGuire Theater
Price: $20 ($12 Walker members)
Date: January 26 - 27, 8:00 pm
Where: McGuire Theater
Price: $20 ($16 Walker members)
"Sharp, funny, evocative, and distinctly original--as crisp as the stripped-down design and as invigoratingly forceful as the performances." - San Francisco Chronicle

Special performance workshops - only $4 with Fringe button

Lone Twin, Saturday, January 13, 11 am
How does contemporary performance—often located at the extremes of experience—approach sociability, cooperation, and collaboration? Explore such ideas through activities directed toward the making of small performance events for public spaces.

Young Jean Lee, Saturday, January 20, 11 am
Playwright/director Lee shares some useful and unusual perspectives on getting past writers’ block that are effective for both experienced writers and occasional dabblers. Bring pencil and paper and prepare to write.

The Riot Group, Saturday, January 27, 11 am
Join artistic director Adriano Shaplin and the Riot Group for a two-hour practical workshop in theater-making and playwriting techniques. Write, revise, and stage short plays in this crash course on ways that a small company can make new work.

Performances in the McGuire Theater in the Walker Art Center - 1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis (aka 725 Vineland Place) - For more information and tickets, visit www.walkerart.org/tickets or call 612-375-7600




thru January 27th, 2007
Brave New Workshop skewers the holiday season with "Christmas - The Other White Holiday" - This year they're forecasting a flurry of funny. If your celebrations are a little bland, let them spice them up- they'll add a little "waaassup" to your wassail with this outrageous collection of ho-ho-ho-larious comedy sketches and songs! Along with all-new tinsel-coated comedy creations, they'll bring back some popular favorites (including BOTH the "Shreiking Mothers" and "Angry Fathers" versions of the 12 Days of Christmas in a musical showdown of guilt and hostility!). You're sure to see why the BNW holiday show is a classic Minnesota tradition! Christmas- The Other White Holiday is performed by holiday hams Lauren Anderson, Joe Bozic, Mike Fotis, Kim Sigler, Josh Eakright and Katie Hartman; and directed by that jolly old elf, Caleb McEwen.
Tickets $23-$29.
Performances at 2605 Hennepin Avenue South in Minneapolis.
For reservations, directions and more information, call (612) 332-6620 or www.bravenewworkshop.org



thru January 27th, 2007
(Adena Brumer had a role in my second outing at Thirst last year, and ever since, I’ve been happy to hear whenever she’d hit the stage again. Later in December, she’s doing more of a Christmasy gig, but right now through the end of January, she’s also participating in a little inspired silliness she wrote to me about...)
“I just wanted to let you know about two shows I'm in for the holidays.  One is VERY silly, the other is not.
Let's start with the silly:
What: Murder Mystery Cafe - "Let's Outsource the Boss!"
Where: The Crown Plaza Minneapolis
North Hwy 694 & Shingle Creek Parkway - Brooklyn Center
When: Most Friday nights and Saturdays through the end of January
How do I get tickets? Call 763.566.2584 or email
info@themysterycafe.com.  The price, with tax, is $52.72 per person. 
Short description: INTERACTIVE DINNER THEATRE!!!  Big characters, gun shots, silly, fun humor.  Good food, too!  Beer, wine, and cocktails not included.”
For more information, visit www.themysterycafe.com



COMING IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE...



Nancy Donoval, creator/performer of the 2006 Fringe hit “Dancing Rats & Vampire Moms” and long time storytelling teacher and coach, is offering a one-day workshop on Storytelling Basics for Beginners and Beyond. This workshop is for performers, writers, business execs, lawyers, non-profit leaders, healing arts professionals, teachers, clergy, librarians, anyone who wants to tell-or listen to-stories more effectively. The workshop is from 9:00 - 5:00 (with a lunch break) and is being offered Sunday, January 14, 2007. It will be held at Black Forest Inn Festaal Room at 26th & Nicollet in Minneapolis. ***Fringe Button Discount*** Cost for the workshop is $125. Fringers save $25 (20%). For more info or to register, email Nancy at NancyStories@yahoo.com or call her at 612-721-8489.




ALSO, IF YOU’RE THINKING OF APPLYING TO THE FRINGE, BUT THE PAPERWORK’S GOT YOU DOWN...
Saturday, January 20th, 2007 at 2pm
If you have questions about filling out the 2007 application the Fringe office staff will be hosting a small Q&A in the downtown Minneapolis library on Sat Jan 20 at 2:00pm. They’ll will be up on the 2nd floor in the Teen Central lounge. Anyone and everyone with application questions is encouraged to attend, especially teens. Teen cast members from the hit show “Angst” will be present to share their experience of putting together their show.