Q&A with Elizabeth Ann Berg, Mary Poppins Cast Member and St. Paul Native

Posted on April 18, 2013 by | Leave a comment

No matter where you grew up, chances are you were familiar with Mary Poppins as a child. The classic 1964 Walt Disney movie has been beloved from madeline_trumble_as_mary._photo_by_jeremy_danielgeneration to generation, and the stage production is creating a new legacy for the Mary Poppins name. Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins features familiar songs such as, “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” With 44 major theatre honors and seven productions on three continents, Mary Poppins is one of the biggest stage musical successes in recent years. In preparation for the show’s visit to the Orpheum Theatre, April 23-28 we present a Q&A with St. Paul native Elizabeth Ann Berg, who explains what it was like to grow up as a theatre student in Minnesota and how she came to be part of the ensemble of Mary Poppins.

Q. I hear you are from Minnesota, where did you grow up and where did you go to school?

Elizabeth Ann Berg

Elizabeth Ann Berg

A. Yes, I was born in St. Paul and grew up in St. Paul and the surrounding area. I attended Saint Paul Academy and graduated in 2007.

Q. Did you participate in musical theatre – or high school musicals while you were here? 

A. I participated in many, many theater productions, starting with the Egyptian Cinderella in 5th grade.

Q. What are some of the other artistic groups you have performed with (theater, choirs, etc.)?

A. I performed in the Prelude program at MacPhail Center for the Performing Arts, The Children’s Theater Company, Hillcrest Community Theater, Steppingstone Theater, as well as local summer camps. In middle school I performed in Into the Woods, Bye Bye Birdie and Grease in theaters around Saint Paul. In high school, I performed in Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, Company, and A Class Act at regional theaters. At my high school, I performed in Peer Gynt, Six Characters in Search of an Author, Into the Woods, Tartuffe and Evita.

Q. When and why did you leave Minnesota? Where did you go?

A. I left after I graduated from Saint Paul Academy to attend the Boston Conservatory pursuing a BFA in musical theater.

Q. What are your favorite things to do when you return to the Twin Cities?

A. I love walking around and browsing the shops and restaurants on Grand Avenue. I ALWAYS eat at Café Latte and get a piece of cheesecake at a two person table overlooking the street. I also love walking around the lakes in Minneapolis, such as Lake of the Isles or Lake Calhoun. I always visit the Children’s Theater Company and MacPhail when I’m in town to say hello to old teachers. I also love going to 50th and France in Edina for shopping, food, and to attend the independent movie theater there. Another favorite area is Uptown and downtown Saint Paul especially in the winter when all the beautiful Christmas lights are up.

Q. Do members of your family still live here?

A. Yes. My Mom, Dad, brother, sister, and brother in law still live in and around the Twin Cities.

Elizabeth and the rest of the Mary Poppins cast will be returning to spread more joy to Minnesota at our Orpheum Theatre, April 23-28 – visit our site for more information and tickets. We also invite you and your children to join us in building your own kite and flying it at Hennepin Avenue’s first ever “Mary Poppins Pop-up Park,” where David Herzig of the Minnesota Kite Society will guide children in building their own kite.

 Check out the Magic of Mary with this Behind-the-Scenes video!

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Flashdance 30 Years Later: The three most memorable aspects of Flashdance like you’ve never experienced before

Posted on March 29, 2013 by | Leave a comment

A lot has changed since the ‘80s. Styles have come and gone, come back again and fallen out of favor for a second time. In the 1980s we saw people wear legwarmers, cut up sweatshirts and bangs that were two stories high. While today we may look back at some of these crazy trends and ask “What was I thinking?,” a little piece of us yearns for what the ‘80s meant—loud colors and loud music that were all part of a spirit and desire so loud you’d think the dial was turned up to 11. That is what Flashdance the Musical, making its Minnesota debut at our Orpheum Theatre April 2-7, is all about—a young woman’s desire to achieve her dream of becoming a professional dancer. You probably remember the 1983 movie starring Jennifer Beals, but now that Flashdance is back as a live stage production it made us wonder: how has it changed over the past 30 years? Here are the three most memorable aspects of Flashdance and how they have been updated for the stage:

1. Music and Dancing: Perhaps the most memorable part of the movie Flashdance is the music. With hits that captured the ‘80s like “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “I Love Rock and Roll,” and the Academy Award-winning “Flashdance… What a Feeling,” music was the backbone of the story and translates beautifully to the stage. While you will see many of the classics from the movie performed, you will also enjoy 16 new musical numbers written for the stage production. Music and DancingDirector Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis) said Robbie Roth (music and lyrics) found a way to “meld the [new] songs and the familiar songs into a cohesive score.” The music and costumes work together to immerse you in the energy of the ‘80s, but the dance choreography makes the audience acknowledge that what they are seeing is happening right now, right in front of their eyes. With styles like modern dance and break dancing, you will see Flashdance in a whole new light. The style, fashion, hair, music and dance all work together to keep the stage version authentic.

Emily Padgett

Emily Padgett as Alex Owens

2. Jennifer Beals as Alex Owens: Finding a new actress to play Alex Owens must have been no easy challenge—Jennifer Beals was so identified with the role that, to use a cliché, every guy wanted her and every girl wanted to be her. Flashdance the Musical features Alex being played by Emily Padgett, whose Broadway credits include Rock of Ages, Legally Blonde and Grease. Padgett has also appeared on TV shows including “Louie,” “America’s Got Talent” and “Shall We Dance on Ice.” She says, “I never in a million years thought I would be playing this role in Flashdance.” Padgett has her work cut out for her, performing 14 musical numbers with different styles of dance and she’s also the main focus of the story between songs. Luckily for Flashdance fans she is an experienced actress and “thrilled to bring this iconic character to the stage.” Matthew Hydzik, who plays Alex’s love interest Nick, said of Padgett, “she does eight back-breaking shows while singing her face off,” and continued to say, “it’s an amazing thing to watch these extremely talented people work at such a high level.” Padgett will give old and new fans a chance to fall in love with Alex all over again.

Emily Padgett as Alex Owens, Photo by Kyle Froman

Emily Padgett as Alex Owens, Photo by Kyle Froman

3. The Water Scene: Trujillo’s goal for Flashdance the Musical was to keep the same story without doing a re-telling of the movie. However, he felt there were scenes that were “iconic” and had to be included such as the famous water scene. Fans of the movie can expect to see this scene re-created in a more elaborate way than they might have imagined. We all remember Alex pulling a chain and having a bucket of water poured on her, but on stage there is no bucket at all. In fact, when Alex pulls the chain on stage it is just for show, the water is triggered by a special effects team off stage who controls the water that is poured along with water that comes out of stage as a part of a larger, more intricate musical number that has to be seen to be believed.

Flashdance the Musical will debut in Minnesota at our Orpheum Theatre April 2-7 as a part of a national tour before going on Broadway. For a chance to relive the ‘80s or to experience them for the first time, visit our website for ticket information.

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A Love Letter to Hennepin Theatre Trust

Posted on February 14, 2013 by | 2 Comments

Three Generations of Theatre Love

From the Big Apple to the Mini-Apple, Hennepin Theatre Trust donor Denine Taylor shares her love affair with live theatre. She tells the story of how her relationship with the theatre blossomed and how she is sharing her passion as a theatre enthusiast with her son.

The January 1, 2011 performance of Billy Elliot at the Orpheum Theatre signified more than just an opportunity to see a great performance at the start of a new year. It was a fresh start and a hopeful wave goodbye to the breast cancer I had fought in 2010 and a way to welcome in a new life that would once again include great theatre. And just as I was making my own reconnection with theatre as a new Trust donor, I was passing along a generations old love of the performing arts to my son, Sam, by bringing him along for the ride.

My love of theatre began in 1963. My parents drove my older brother and me to New York City to see Oliver! on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre. Even at eight years old, I had come to love everything about New York City: the people, the energy, the cost of lunch that made my Dad wince and especially the way he and my Mom seemed to stand up straighter as we entered the theatre. Even though I was just a kid, I knew: this was a big deal.

I remember going inside the beautifully ornate theatre and nestling into the velour-covered seat. The combination of my red velvet dress on the velour seat made it impossible to move, but I didn’t want to. I was transfixed. The pure energy of live theatre came at me as if I was the only one in the audience. I wanted to scream this funny word I heard people saying: “Bravo!”

Many, many years later, my career in the newspaper business landed me in Times Square- just steps away from Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway. As a young professional working in the city and living on a budget, I made the most of my opportunities to see Broadway shows as often as I could. As many times as I attended Broadway plays during my almost twenty years in photoNew York, there was something wonderful about knowing that whether you went to a show or not, it was still happening. Right down the street and ready to welcome you in the afternoon or evening for the experience of a lifetime.

By 1996, I was married, living in Minneapolis and the mother of an energetic six-year-old who had been diagnosed with autism. During this time, the call of motherly duty was too intense for me to reserve any live theatre. Sam went through a rough patch after our move that lasted several years. I rarely took a curtain call during this period and longed for things to settle down so I could arrange some me time for the thriving Minneapolis theatre district I had heard so much about.

These memories came flooding back to me during that New Year’s Day performance of Billy Elliot, Sam’s first live theatre performance at the Orpheum Theatre. Sitting next to him, hoping that my newly grown-in buzz cut after the last round of chemo looked chic, I was so proud that I had recommitted myself to theatre by becoming a Hennepin Theatre Trust donor. Even at my level of support, I get terrific seats and lots of invitations to backstage events. When I call or email for tickets, Helen, the Donor Relations Coordinator, treats me like I donate thousands of dollars a year. I get such a great feeling knowing that I am supporting the arts and making a difference in the quality of theatre here in Minneapolis.

As I saw Sam’s face light up during that first performance and heard him yell, “Bravo” just like a seasoned theatre-veteran, I felt this great rush of parental satisfaction. I knew I was bequeathing a great love to him. Something that will be with him forever!

If you want to be a part of inspiring lives through the arts right here in the Twin Cities, please visit our site  at or contact Helen to access the many benefits of being a donor at Helen.Kouba@HennepinTheatreTrust.org or 612.455.9513.

Denine Severino Taylor is a business development writer at a large health care photo-01 (2)company in Minneapolis. In her spare time, she shares her many random thoughts in her blog, talkinginelevators.com. She and Sam look forward to many more years of great theatre in Minneapolis as Hennepin Theatre Trust donors. 

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Exclusive Q&A with Jared Oxborough and Ben Bakken, Radames and Zoser in Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida

Posted on January 25, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Based on the Giuseppe Verdi opera of the same name, Theater Latté Da and Hennepin Theatre Trust’s production of Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida will have its final performance this Sunday, January 27, at the Pantages Theatre. Aida has been a beautiful way to launch our new collaborative series, Broadway Re-Imagined, which intends to breath fresh life and a new perspective into local productions of Broadway shows. Local actors Jared Oxborough and Ben Bakken play the father-son team of Radames and Zoser and share with us during an exclusive Q&A why they were attracted to the show, how hard they rock to the killer Elton John score and the contemporary flavor in this production of Aida.

Jared Oxborough (Radames) and Austene Van (Aida)

Jared Oxborough (Radames) and Austene Van (Aida)

Q. A lot of people are familiar with the Disney production of Aida (the National Broadway tour kicked off at the Orpheum Theatre once upon a time). What are the differences between the original Broadway production and this Broadway Re-Imagined production?

Ben: With this one we’re trying to put a contemporary spin on it. We’re bring more modern day elements into it. There is a rock concert vibe which is really cool with the fog effects and several songs where actors are using mics on stands to give it that rocker feel. There is also modern influence in the costumes. The original Broadway production took place in Egypt. They still used the museum in the beginning and the end, but it was all in ancient Egypt.

Q. Tell us about Aida and your characters in the show.

Jared: Aida is a grand love story. I play the role of Captain Radames.

Ben: I play his father, the evil chief minister of their country’s arm, and I’m poisoning the Pharaoh to make way for Radames to take over as the leader of Egypt.

Q. You both have resumes with very extensive work in the Twin Cities. What attracted you to Aida?

Ben Bakken (Zoser)

Ben Bakken (Zoser)

Jared: Theater Latté Da speaks for itself – Peter Rothstein, Michael Ferrell, the whole team and the work that they’ve done. I was part of [Theater Latté Da’s] Evita which was an amazing experience and saw them do Spring Awakening, which was critically acclaimed.

Ben: I’ve always loved Aida and I choreographed it at a local high school once. Also being a director now at Hill-Murray High School, I wanted to work with Peter and see how he does things so I can learn – seeing what other directors and choreographers and designers are doing because someday I’d love to have my own theater company. I love performing, I love the music and I love the story, but I also want to learn.

Q. What drew you to the roles of Radames and Zoser?

Ben: The rock songs. I don’t have the prettiest voice – it has an edgier sound to it that wouldn’t fit with a show like The Sound of Music. No one would ever hire me to play Curly in Oklahoma but both of Zoser’s songs fit my voice well. I did not expect to get the job at all because I play an old man and I haven’t played an old man or a ‘character’ role in my career yet. When they called and offered me the job I actually laughed at them and asked if they were sure that they wanted to hire me.

Jared: I was drawn first and foremost to the music. Elton John’s music for the show won a Grammy. I got to learn the show from the script and understand the transformation that Radames goes through from the beginning to the end of the show and its pretty incredible. I’ve liked tackling that challenge and finding new places to go with the character.

Q. The show is technically top-notch (costumes, set, lighting, etc.) When those elements were added during tech how did that change, enhance or alter your performance?

Jared: I think the tech process can always be challenging – especially since this show is very technical and there is a lot of stuff going on backstage. For tech week, stuff kind of slowed down because it has to…you have to make sure everything is in place.  As soon as it comes together, it adds this element that creates the world of the play.

Ben: As an actor, you always know during tech that you get more attention on helping develop your character and running the show from beginning to end so you can get a feel for the character through the whole show. We totally understand what it takes to make it look ‘pretty’ but sometimes you wish you could snap your fingers and make it done. My costume – wearing the kilt, the tie, the little Russian beret and the whip – totally helped me play a mean old man. It helped me ‘go there’ and realize that I’m in a completely different world.

Q. Is there a moment in the show where you rock the hardest?

Jared Oxborough (Radames) and Nathan Barlow (Mereb)

Jared Oxborough (Radames) and Nathan Barlow (Mereb)

Jared: Our duet, man! “Like Father, Like Son” is a moment in the show where I stand up to him for the first time and say, ‘Listen, this is how it’s gonna be.’ The music really helps that feeling. And Ben gets to rock out in that song too.

Ben: Having Radames make this transformation where he stands up to his dad helps me bring my character to another level where he’s almost losing it. I LOVE singing the last note of that song! That is what every singer longs for- to have the freedom to have everything stop and really go for it.

Q. You also have the most stand-out dance moment in the show. Did Michael Matthew Ferrell’s choreography impact the physicality of your character?

Ben: I think the choreography is awesome. I love doing it, but at first it totally felt out of character. The more I worked on it and realized that’s the moment where Zoser is losing it – he would amp it up. It harkens a little bit to Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation.

Q. Radames is the lover of our story. What personal experiences did you draw upon to breathe life into the desire and love that you’re portraying on stage?

Jared: I’ve been in love before…a couple times. I’ve had my heart broken. I don’t want to get too specific because the world doesn’t need to know my drama, but I think anyone who has ever been in love knows what that feeling is and what it does to you – mind and soul. I’ve tried to incorporate those things.

Want to see our ‘story of love in a time of hate’? Performances run through this Sunday, January 27, at the Pantages Theatre. Visit our site for performance times and ticket information.

Student Rush Policy for Aida: Rush tickets are $20 cash only, limit 1 ticket per valid student/educator ID and will go on-sale two hours prior to each performance. Rush tickets are subject to availability and re-sale is strictly prohibited.

Behind-the-Scenes Video:



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Behind-the-scenes at the Orpheum: The secret of sparkle

Posted on January 22, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Cleaning the Orpheum chandelier is a delicate and lengthy process. Over eight days in November, the extremely skilled and experienced Orpheum operations staff, led by third generation stagehand and Orpheum Operations Coordinator Dave Marietta, conducted the labor intensive process of lowering and hand cleaning the Orpheum chandelier.

Weighing two tons and measuring 15 feet high, this sculpted brass behemoth has 187 light bulbs, 84 main candles and 12 candelabras with seven candlesticks on each one. It has greeted theatre patrons since the Orpheum Theatre re-opened in December 1993 following a $10 million renovation. The chandelier, manufactured in Chicago and designed from similar fixtures in Austria, cost approximately $250,000 at the time. It is not, however, original to the building because a chandelier before the renovation would have gotten in the way of the projector when the nearly century old theatre was used as a movie house. The cleaning process, done every five years, requires five staff members to individually clean the 88 glass beads on each of the approximately 180 strands with a mixture of glass cleaner and regular soap and water.

During the Orpheum renovation, a special lunch was held in the dome for local stakeholders including elected officials and architects. Wall-to-wall scaffolding had been assembled in the theatre which created a small space under the dome to allow guests to see the actual size of the decorative plaster moldings and silver leaf which still covers the dome. Attendees were allowed a once-in-a-lifetime experience to “dine in the dome.

View our time lapse video of the Orpheum chandelier cleaning from local photographer and videographer Bill Hickey. Thanks again to Dave Marietta and his staff for allowing us this rare look to discover the secret of the sparkle. Don’t forget to look up the next time you are at the Orpheum!

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For us, 2013 will be a year of new partnerships

Posted on December 7, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Partnership: an arrangement where parties agree to cooperate to advance their mutual interests.

Simple, huh? Working together for the good of all involved.  Partnerships can be either personal or business in nature, but at their core, the best partnerships involve partners who complement each other’s strengths and strive to make both better off.


Stage Door Extra: Check out director Peter Rothstein’s vision for Aida in this video interview.

Hennepin Theatre Trust has a long history of entering into local partnerships with such prestigious organizations as The Jungle Theater, The Loft Literary Center, Theater Latté Da, Cantus, The History Theatre, Actors Theater of Minnesota, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, The Guthrie Theater, National Geographic and others.  Let me introduce you to two of our newest partnerships: Broadway Re-Imagined with Theater Latté Da and Minneapolis Musical Theatre at the New Century.

 Broadway Re-Imagined is the highly anticipated new collaboration between Theater Latté Da and Hennepin Theatre Trust. Promising a fresh look at Broadway productions, it kicks off the new year  in January 2013 with Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida at the Pantages Theatre, imaginatively directed by Theater Latté Da’s award-winning artistic director Peter Rothstein. Aida will feature an all Minnesota cast including Jared Oxborough as Ramades, Austene Van as Aida and Cat Brindisi as Amneris. We anticipate co-producing at least one show with Theater Latté Da at the Pantages annually so stay tuned!

The New Century Theatre has become the new showhouse for Minneapolis MN_ReeferMadness_CityCenterKioskMusical Theatre, whose inventive 2013 Season will include Reefer Madness (Feb 1-24) and Sunset Boulevard (May 31-June 23).  Acclaimed artistic director Steven Meerdink will continue to build on Minneapolis Musical Theatre’s well-established success in presenting new or rarely-seen musical works, a priority Hennepin Theatre Trust enthusiastically supports.

Both of these new partnerships fully live up to the definition.  Theater Latte’ Da and Minneapolis Musical Theatre will be able to tap into the Trust’s marketing and logistical support, enabling them to reach new and larger audiences, while Hennepin Theatre Trust will greatly benefit from TLD and MMT’s years of artistic success as highly respected local Twin Cities theatre organizations.  Sounds like a couple of “win-win” situations to me.

Join us and “buy local” in 2013 by attending one of these new productions!

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Exclusive Q&A with Beauty and the Beast’s Erin Edelle

Posted on October 17, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated film, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast returned to the Orpheum Theatre last night after originating the national tour in Minneapolis in 1995.  We had the chance to sit down with the charming Erin Edelle, who plays Mrs. Potts in the touring production to learn about some of the magic (and challenges) of playing an enchanted teapot.

Erin Edelle as Mrs. Potts and Gabriel Reis as Chip – photo by Joan Marcus

Q. Playing Mrs. Potts, how did you approach taking on a storybook role? What did you do to make her your own?

A. It’s a role that I’ve always loved. I grew up with the movie- I was ten years old when it first came out – so I think I had this kinship toward it anyway.  I’ve always been someone who’s looked at as very motherly and very maternal so jumping into a role like this was very natural for me (aside from learning the accent and how to hold myself like a teapot). I’ve watched the movie only once, after we were in rehearsal, because I didn’t want to mimic Angela [Lansbury, who voice the character in the film], but I definitely want to pay tribute to her because what she did was so iconic. There are lines that people love and know so well that I want to deliver them as close to what she did as possible, but I still want to be true to myself. I’m a lot younger than her so I’m having a good time finding the balance between being a mother figure to the Beast and finding the truth in the character.

Q. What are the challenges of playing an enchanted object- a teapot?

A. The most challenging thing is figuring out the physicality of it. My left arm is the spout and I just hold it up. There is no support from the costume. There is one scene we refer to as the “second bedroom” when the Beast is yelling at Belle to come to dinner. That is probably a fifteen minute scene and I’m not allowed to drop my arm at all so it really starts to burn after awhile! Other than that, I don’t find anything too restricting, but that’s the biggest challenge for me.

Q. The title song, “Beauty and the Beast,” won an Oscar when the animated film was released. What is it like to perform this iconic song every night?

A. Surprisingly, it’s more nerve-wracking than I thought it would be because if I mess up…everyone knows. Not that any of us mess up, but if we were to I feel like I would get thrown under the bus the most because everyone knows every word to that song. At the same time it’s absolutely thrilling because I’m singing a song that, in my opinion, is perfect. I think it is just a perfectly written, simple song. It’s lovely, it’s beautiful and I love having the privilege of singing it to them every night.

Q. What do you think is the most magical moment in the show?

A. There is so much Disney magic in the show and it’s all technically spectacular, but for me one of the most magical moments of the show is the scene right after Beauty and the Beast where the Beast lets Belle go. There is something about the way the scene is written and particularly our Belle and Beast, Hilary Maiberger and Darick Pead. They just have this lovely truthfulness that’s magical for me. I also love to watch the Gaston number because I could never do that!

Q. If you could be any enchanted object, what would you be and why?

A. Oh man, that’s a hard one. Maybe some sort of kitchen object like a stove. An oven? Or maybe an old gramophone. Probably something either music or kitchen based. Strangely enough, maybe a teapot- a singing teapot. Who knows?

Want to be our guest?

This romantic and enchanting musical closes on Sunday, October 21, but tickets are still available – visit our site.

Student/Educator Rush tickets are also available for the following performances: Wednesday 10/17, Thursday 10/18 and Sunday evening 10/21. Policy: 1 ticket per valid ID; $25 per ticket; cash only; available only at the Orpheum Theatre Box Office beginning 2 hours prior to showtime; rush line forms outside of theatre; resale of rush tickets is strictly prohibited and all tickets are subject to availability.

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Exclusive Q&A with Darren Romeo, Masters of Illusion performer known as “The Voice of Magic”

Posted on September 19, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Darren Romeo

“A hobby that grows into an art.”  For Darren Romeo, floating light bulbs and the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber are all in a day’s work. Romeo, who sings popular Broadway songs while performing incredible illusions, is one of the many talented performers in Masters of Illusion Live! coming to our State Theatre for one night only this Friday, September 21. This theatrical experience, also consisting of daring escape and quick change artists, two tigers, beautiful dancers and comedy magic, is totally live with no camera tricks or computer graphics.

Originally from New York, Darren Romeo was performing all over the U.S. within the magic convention circuit by age 14. In 1999, he won a World Magic Award for Best Up and Coming Magician. That same year, he scored his own show at the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas and led the legendary duo Siegfried and Roy to offer him a contract – something they’d never done before. We had the chance to get his take on all things magic.

Q. In addition to performing magic, you are known as “the voice of magic” and sing while you’re doing illusions. What led you to combine the two?

I was named after the singer Bobby Darin and, after performing a tribute to him as a child, I got the nickname “the voice of magic.” I’ve also had the honor of studying with many great voice teachers over the years.

Q. What can Minneapolis patrons expect to see in the Masters of Illusion Live! show?

You’re in for a true variety show- magic, illusion and comedy from some of the best in the field. It’s currently the nation’s largest touring magic show!

Q. Have you noticed any differences in audience reactions as you have performed around the world?

It has been mostly the same buzz and excitement everywhere. Although in Singapore and Japan, the audiences were a bit more shy and reserved. However, the autograph line after the show was as least as big!

Q. Since it’s a live magic show, I have to ask about stage mishaps.

Once, while singing and being cut in half, I caught on fire. Let’s just say that was exciting…

Darren Romeo says his favorite thing about magic is breaking the fourth wall with an audience. Savvy theatre patrons will recognize this industry term for when the imaginary “wall” in front of the stage in a traditional proscenium theatre is “broken” by the performers onstage. During the State Theatre show, audience members will become part of the act as they are called on stage to assist in the illusions. Tickets are on sale now (click here) and all tickets are half price for children ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Read a feature from the Maryland Gazette where Darren describes his connection to the famed magician Harry Blackstone, Jr.

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6 Tips for Taking Children to the Theatre

Posted on September 17, 2012 by | 1 Comment

In a time where toddlers are confusing hard copy magazines for non-responsive iPads, and where our five year olds can navigate a cell phone like any other adult, it’s probably fair to say that live theatre can offer an exciting and refreshing experience for today’s little ones.  It’s true! Their favorite stories literally come to life, and it happens on a much grander scale than a 5-inch screen. But the medium of entertainment is not the only changing variable—live theatre happens in public. With other people. Elbow to elbow. The thought of a less-than-desirable reaction from your child can make any good parent hesitant to hit the box office, but have faith, ye moms and dads! We have tips, and a fantastic “practice” event too!

Tip #1 Prepare Your Child for the Trip

Explain to him or her that this is a different type of activity, where they will see real people on a stage to tell a story. Lay out the expectations, like remembering to sit still and no talking during the performance. And most importantly, familiarize him or her with the characters and the plot. If there’s a book or soundtrack about the play, great!

Tip #2 Timing, Timing, Timing

Does your child nap regularly? If so, be mindful of matinee performance times. Be sure he or she is well rested and fed before attending the performance. A cranky, tired, hungry child can lead to audience disruption, and a sleeping child won’t get to enjoy the show! And don’t worry about finishing snacks in the lobby. You can bring them in the theatre. Quiet snacks are best, and can also be purchased at our theatre concessions.

Tip #3 Keep It Comfy

Kids can be easily distracted, and one of the easiest distractions to avoid is uncomfortable clothing. Cute outfits won’t matter once the house lights lower, so bring out the cotton wear! Also, don’t be afraid to inquire about booster seats. The Orpheum, State, and Pantages theatres have them available for our shorter patrons in limited numbers, but if you’re worried about your little one’s sight lines, feel free to bring a cushion.  And if anything, bring THE blankie.

Tip #4 The Early Bird Doesn’t ALWAYS Get the Worm

Arrival time is key. If you get there too early, you might have an antsy kid who has probably lost interest. If you arrive too late, your child may feel rushed, which might not allow for time to settle into the atmosphere. Use about ten minutes before the show starts to use the bathroom, and provide a quiet activity for them to do in their seat while they wait. To the coloring book aisle!

Tip #5 Keep It Going!

Live theatre can be exciting, even during intermission and after the show. Feel free to take your child up to see the orchestra pit during intermission, and certainly engage them in conversations about the show after you leave. It will help to cap what was hopefully a very positive and fun experience for you and your child!

Tip #6 Check with us (or your other favorite theatre)

Always check with the theatre you plan on attending to see if there are any age recommendations, amenities or policies for bringing children to the theatre. For an example you can refer to Hennepin Theatre Trust’s age recommendations for Broadway productions and kids’ shows. The theatre always welcomes any questions you have!

Interested in having your child participate in a Hennepin Theatre Trust event this fall? Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is coming to the Orpheum Theatre in October, and in celebration of this classic fairytale story, we are offering the event, Little Royalty Tea at the IDS Crystal Court on October 13 from 11AM-1PM. Enjoy a lovely afternoon with Hennepin Theatre Trust and your favorite Disney Princes and Princesses! There will be delicious treats, Disney music compliments of the Wayzata High School Orchestra, and a classical Viennese Waltz dance instruction. This is an event fit for a royal family! Learn more.

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SpotLight Program and School of Rock students turn it up!

Posted on August 24, 2012 by | 2 Comments

Some people grab a hairbrush and an air guitar to rock out—but for 15 students this summer, the hairbrush was traded in for a microphone and the volume was turned up to the max.  From August 6-18, students from our SpotLight Musical Theatre Program and the School of Rock combined forces to create their own show culminating in a one-night performance on Monday, August 20 at the New Century Theatre.

The Cabaret Camp students walked away with real life skills in directing, writing, arranging, movement/choreography, technical skills and more knowledge about the business of the arts. The goal of this program is simple:

Empower the students.

We believe that in giving the students 100% creative control they will grow as artists and people.  Following the performance on Monday night, I am proud to say: mission accomplished.

The cabaret, Eras of Love, was born out of several brainstorms of songs and bands and heavy discussion between the students about how ideas connect. What I continue to find most interesting about the young artists I work with, is that when given the choice, they don’t shy away. Death, abuse, addiction, divorce, war, homosexuality—all of the “heavy topics” were exactly what this group wanted to tackle. (One of the many ways I am reminded that the next generation is going to be just fine.)

School of Rock Music Director-St. Paul, Adam Durand, said his favorite part of the experience was watching all of the students elevate their musicianship to a new level.

“This performance was really one of a kind and broke new ground for the education community,” said Durand.

If you weren’t in attendance, here’s what you missed:

The Show: Eras of Love—a series of vignettes exploring relationships, conflict and of course love.

Elizabethan Era: A re-telling of Romeo and Juliet had us see the couple battle
their family feud (quite literally with a nod to the game show featuring the Capulets vs. Montagues)

1940’s: Robby and Janet believe in love and their country—until war takes Robby away and they battle distance and eventually post-traumatic stress disorder upon his return.

Late 80’s/early 90’s:  The ladies took to the stage as we watched a daughter search to find her place after her mother’s death and a young woman in an abusive relationship reflects on making the choice to leave her boyfriend.

Present Day: Two brothers share their story of living life with their parents on the road to divorce. One discovers he is gay and through the challenge finds a new, stronger, relationship with his brother.

The Singers:

Claire Clauson (South St. Paul High School), Corrine Nugent (Shakopee High School), Kayla Peters (Chaska High School), Will Tipping (DeLaSalle High School), John Jamison (Southwest High School), Emily Nies (White Bear Area Lake High School), Caleb Richards (Shakopee High School), Tate Shepard (Eastview High School), Lexi Johnson (Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School), Chaos Bebault (St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists) and Maggie Cramer (Washburn High School).

The Band:

Mat Lentz (Guitar), Ben Pauls (Bass), Sedona LaMarre (Piano) and Zack Adelman (Drums).

The Playlist:

Seasons of Love (Rent), Just Another Day (Next to Normal), Dying Ain’t So Bad (Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical), Love Song (Marilyn Manson), My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion), Gunslinger (Avenged Sevenfold), Letterbomb (American Idiot), Mama Who Bore Me (Spring Awakening), Holding Out for a Hero (Footloose), Family Portrait (P!nk), I Kissed a Girl (Katy Perry), Left Behind (Spring Awakening), Times Like These (Foo Fighters) and A Change is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke).

We’d like to offer special thanks to our partner, the School of Rock, and Adam Durand, Music Director from the School of Rock in St. Paul.

Check out photos from the final performance here.

Looking for more? View the Cabaret performances from last summer: “7 Deadly Sins” and “Croon & Swoon.”

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