Art Hounds: A lesser-known Wilder and outdoor improv

'The Matchmaker'
From left, Dan Hopman as Cornelius Hackl, Lindsay Marcy as Irene Molloy, and Christian Bardin as Minnie Fay in "The Matchmaker."
Richard Fleischman | Courtesy of Girl Friday Productions

This week Art Hounds recommend Thornton Wilder's "The Matchmaker," outdoor improv, and art in Grand Marais, Minn.

Daniel Pinkerton is looking forward to taking in Girl Friday's production of Thornton Wilder's lesser-known play, "The Matchmaker." Less serious than "Our Town" or "The Skin of Our Teeth," "The Matchmaker" is a lighthearted farce about love, money and adventure. It runs through July 26 at Park Square Theatre.

Brady Stevenson is a big fan of improv theater, and he's particularly been enjoying the work of Fresh Air Improv. Every other Wednesday night the company performs a free show at the Loring Park Bandstand. Often taking cues from the audience, the show is always different and Stevenson says it never fails to entertain. Performances run through August 26.

Sheila Smith thinks folks should head to the North Shore this weekend for Grand Marais' 25th annual art festival. Put on by the Grand Marais Art Colony, the event brings together a gorgeous setting, beautiful artwork, and beer, thanks to Grand Marais' Voyageur Brewing Company. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday down by the waterfront.

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