Arts tour: South Pacific, Madison County and Winona
Your special island
It wouldn't be right to say there's no suspense left in a production of "South Pacific." For one thing, we'll get to see what Joseph Haj can do when directing a Guthrie show from scratch. And how will the cast navigate the treacherous reefs of racist stereotypes? But the plot of this well-worn musical is an open book. The songs are thoroughly familiar, and a few of them — let's be honest — are a little annoying. How will Haj and company turn this old betel nut into something fresh and relevant? At the Guthrie in Minneapolis, now through Aug. 28.
Reason to go: for the spectacle.
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Meanwhile, closer to home ...
"South Pacific" will keep running until State Fair time, but there's a much smaller window to see another musical with a geographical title: "The Bridges of Madsion County" is showing only through Sunday, June 26. Presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust, it's a national touring production with a lot going for it. The music, for one thing. At the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis, through Sunday.
Reason to go: the tear-jerking.
Culture shocks and body slams
Also closing on Sunday is "tot: THE UNTOLD, YET SPECTACULAR STORY OF (a filipino) HULK HOGAN," the 50th world premiere staged by Mu Performing Arts. A Filipino boy is left behind while his parents seek work in the United States. Years later the family is reunited, and the boy — played by director Randy Reyes — has to deal with a distance in both culture and kin. On stage at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul through Sunday, June 26.
Reason to go: Reyes' dead-on portrayal of a young boy.
A romantic comedy for a new era
Art Hound and playwright Daniel Pinkerton recommends "Le Switch" at the Jungle Theater. It's a comedy that addresses the change in gay culture wrought by the U.S. courts when they started striking down same-sex marriage bans. Through July 31 at Jungle Theater in Minneapolis.
Reason to go: The cast. Also, it's Pride Week.
You lived through the story; now see the movie
Speaking of Pride Week, there's a lot going on in celebration of all things LGBT. Among the events listed on the Pride calendar are repeated showings of the documentary, "How Love Won: The Fight For Marriage Equality in Minnesota." Recent though it is, it's history worth learning.
Reason to go: Your neighbors are in it.
Two festivals of Winona
Are you laboring under the misconception that the Mississippi River town of Winona, Minn., is a cultural backwater? William Shakespeare and Ludwig van Beethoven beg to differ with you. Two big festivals open this weekend: The Great River Shakespeare Festival, with "As You Like It" on Friday night and "Julius Caesar" on Saturday, and the Minnesota Beethoven Festival, with a performance by the New York-based Orpheus Chamber Orchestra on Saturday. Classical MPR will broadcast the Saturday concert live, starting at 7:30 p.m., and will also broadcast live from the festival on July 5, 9 and 12.
Reason to go: While you're there, you can go to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. (OK, Winona, now you're just showing off.)