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.

Kings of chaos: A review of a marathon of Shakespeare at the Guthrie
The Guthrie Theater stages a compelling series of Shakespeare’s historical plays, using a turntable set to dynamically explore the turbulent reigns of three English kings across generations.
Critical DMs: McKnight Printmaking Fellowship Exhibition explores a paper version of domestic secrets
Critical DMs are lightly edited Slack conversations between members of the MPR News arts team. This week, Arts Editor Max Sparber and Senior Arts Reporter and Critic Alex V. Cipolle discuss the current show at the Highpoint Center for Printmaking.
New Minnesota music round-up: Rattling folk from Pop Wagner
This week’s reviews include a spirited collection of minimalistic yet powerful live and studio folk tracks, plus dense electronic soundscapes with beautiful melodies and a raw and unmelodic industrial noise experience.
Review: A Ukrainian-born artist's ‘Portal to the Surreal’ at the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis
At the Museum of Russian Art in south Minneapolis, Ukrainian-born artist Vladimir Dikarev presents “Portal to the Surreal,” an exhibition celebrating 100 years of surrealism with his dream-inspired, candy-colored landscapes.
New Minnesota music round-up: Jazz from Tina Schlieske, plus Lone Rock Bride and Verdin Brothers
Three new Minnesota music releases: “The Good Life” by Tina Schlieske, “Lone Rock Bride” by Lone Rock Bride and “Arcana” by Verdin Brothers.
Review: ‘Hells Canyon’ at Theater Mu
“Hells Canyon,” premiered by Theater Mu in Minneapolis, looks at a historical crime as a horror story set in a remote Oregon cabin, echoing the vibe of classics like “Evil Dead.”
Review: ‘On Beckett’ at the Guthrie
Bill Irwin, an acclaimed American actor with a deep history of engaging with Samuel Beckett’s works, both on and off Broadway, is currently presenting “On Beckett” at the Guthrie Theater.