State of the Arts Blog

Sunday news and reviews

Books

Can you tell it's Poetry Month? We can.

What do Robert Bly, Mary Oliver, Allen Ginsberg and Conrad Aiken have in common?

- LAURIE HERTZEL, Star Tribune

Movies/Television

'The Kennedys': The wonder boys?

Despite the buzz, "The Kennedys" does nothing to shake the foundation of the Camelot legend.

- NEAL JUSTIN, Star Tribune

Music

Minnesota Orchestra pays a Nordic tribute to resilience

The moving program spanning northern European works was dedicated to the people of Japan.

- LARRY FUCHSBERG, Star Tribune

Stage

Review: Park Square Theatre does right by 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

A half-century after its publication as a novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird" retains its full potency as a simple tale full of complex truths, and the stage version now at Park Square Theatre nicely gives the story its due.

- Dominic P. Papatola, Pioneer Press

Review: Nuanced performances revitalize Gremlin Theatre's Uncle Vanya

Insightfully perceptive and emotionally involving, Gremlin Theatre's production of Uncle Vanya should be required viewing for anyone inclined to shrug off Chekhov as a dramatic chore.

- Brad Richason, Examiner.com