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Reviews

Our dedicated reviewers offer insight on the latest in theater, music, visual arts and more.

We explore the breadth of creativity and innovation found throughout Minnesota, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the works and artists shaping our cultural landscape.

Join us as we celebrate the diversity of expression and the powerful stories told through art in our communities, brought to you by the passionate voices of the MPR News Arts Team.

Review: 'Purple Rain' musical shines in moments, but its lead struggles under Prince’s shadow

Review: 'Purple Rain' musical shines in moments, but its lead struggles under Prince’s shadow

A new stage adaptation of “Purple Rain” delivers strong ensemble work and flair, but its first-time leading actor can’t always carry the emotional weight of a role defined by Prince.
by Jacob Aloi

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Review: The Guthrie’s ‘Cabaret’ is a chilling look at how fascism happens

Review: The Guthrie’s ‘Cabaret’ is a chilling look at how fascism happens

The Guthrie Theater’s production of “Cabaret” uses its familiar songs and story to show how escaping into entertainment can dull resistance to rising fascism, drawing clear parallels to today’s authoritarian threats.
by Jacob Aloi

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Review: 'The Snowy Day' at Minnesota Opera

Review: 'The Snowy Day' at Minnesota Opera

Minnesota Opera’s adaptation of “The Snowy Day” stays true to author Ezra Jack Keats’ simple yet groundbreaking children’s book, preserving its vivid textures and colors while adding playful music and small expansions to the story, resulting in a brief but warmhearted production.
by Max Sparber

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Review: ’Boney Manilli’ at the Walker Art Center

Review: ’Boney Manilli’ at the Walker Art Center

The Walker Art Center’s Out There series balances seriousness and silliness, exemplified by Edgar Arceneaux’s “Boney Manilli,” a chaotic yet poignant play blending puppetry, pop nostalgia and family tragedy into a unified exploration of voice identity and loss.
by Max Sparber

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Critical DMs: Staging hockey at Theater in the Round

Critical DMs: Staging hockey at Theater in the Round

Critical DMs are lightly edited Slack conversations by members of the MPR News arts team about Minnesota art and culture. This week, arts editor Max Sparber and arts reporter Jacob Aloi discuss a play about Canadian women’s hockey.
by Jacob Aloi and Max Sparber

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Minnesota’s holiday stages offer a mix of joy, history and soul

Minnesota’s holiday stages offer a mix of joy, history and soul

Minnesota’s holiday theater offerings this year range from the soulful traditions of “Black Nativity” and the whimsical charm of “The Nutcracker Fantasy” to a comedic take on Scrooge at the Guthrie, a kid-approved Grinch at the Children's Theatre Company and the feminist and historical journey of “I Am Betty” at History Theatre.
by Jacob Aloi

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Horror and mystery are center stage with two Twin Cities productions

Horror and mystery are center stage with two Twin Cities productions

MPR News arts reporter Jacob Aloi reviews two Twin Cities shows for Halloween, with “Scotland, PA” offering a comedic, fast-food-themed take on “Macbeth,” and “The Reunion” providing a clever, meta whodunnit.
by Jacob Aloi

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Review: ‘Back to the Future’ is a fun, slick ride  

Review: ‘Back to the Future’ is a fun, slick ride  

“Back to the Future: The Musical” faithfully adapts the 1985 film with energetic performances, impressive practical effects and technical wizardry like the flying DeLorean — though its new songs are largely forgettable and the show leans heavily on fan service.
by Jacob Aloi

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