Theatre

A holiday tradition: The Nutcracker

December 18th, 2019

Photo by Dan Leeaphon

by Jill Finkelson
jsfinkelson99@gmail.com

The original 1892 version of the Nutcracker panned after Tchaikovsky begrudgingly set the score as a favor. It passed without fanfare, overshadowed by Sleeping Beauty and the like.

However, the show went through a renaissance and now can be seen all over North America during the holiday season. The score is universal and even those who shun classical music would be hard pressed to say they don’t recognize the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy or…

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​‘Live music sounds so much better.’

November 13th, 2019

Photograph by Samantha Svendsen

By Michael Str!ke
michaelstrike.solo@gmail.com

Comedy, dance, live music, and that classic wordplay and wit only Mel Brooks can deliver. This Friday, November 14th, Concordia College Theater premieres their production of Mel Brooks’ musical “Young Frankenstein.” Directed by New York’s acclaimed director and choreographer, Donna Kaz, and musically led by musical director Andrew Steinberg; the musical features a cast and crew entirely comprised of students.

As someone with a history…

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​Razor Sharp Theatre

October 23rd, 2019

By Scott Ecker
notharrisonford@gmail.com

Theatre is something that takes a lot of work from a lot of people. This is something that is easy to forget while watching a good play. Great theatre is immersive. The script, acting and technical work is all in the service of communicating a story. It transports the audience into a world that is completely different from theatre seats.

I had the privilege of getting to see some of the process of FMCT’s latest production, “Sweeney Todd: The…

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The power of yes: Carrie Wintersteen

October 2nd, 2019

Carrie Winterstein - photograph by Thuen Studios

By Michael Str!ke
michaelstrike.solo@gmail.com

“No one moves to Fargo to become a professional actor,” she said, but after starting Theatre B with her husband and a core ensemble of performers almost 18 years ago; Carrie Wintersteen has found a home, a calling, and her own vocation here in the Fargo/Moorehead area.

Carrie’s interest in performance started at the very young age of five or six; when her parents would ask her to sing and entertain family and friends during their bridge…

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No Big Disgrace

September 11th, 2019

No big disgrace - photograph provided by Queen Theatrical Productions Ltd

By Scott Ecker
notharrisonford@gmail.com

On Wednesday, September 11th the tour of We Will Rock You is coming to BlueStem in Moorhead. We Will Rock You is a jukebox musical based on the music of Queen that originated in West End in 2002. This tour is coming out of Canada and will be the first performance in the US.

I had the privilege of speaking over the phone with Krystle Chance right before the show’s performance in Winnipeg. Krystle is a performer out of Toronto who has performed…

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Trollwood production examines life in someone else’s shoes

July 10th, 2019

Photograph by Joy Photography

The annual mainstage summer musical, produced by Trollwood Performing Arts School and sponsored by Bell Bank, opens Thursday, July 11. This year’s performance is Disney’s “Freaky Friday.” Trollwood Performing Arts School’s website describes the musical as a, “classic story of a mother and daughter magically swapping bodies and, as a result, learning what life is like by spending a day in each other’s shoes.”

“‘Freaky Friday’ is a new musical and Trollwood Performing…

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​‘Weather the Storm’ blows into Bonanzaville

June 19th, 2019

Weather the Storm - photograph provided by Tracy Frank

The Cass Act Players will take the stage this weekend to bring “Weather the Storm” to Bonanzaville’s Dawson Hall in West Fargo.

“Weather the Storm” is a musical based on the infamous tornado that hit Fargo’s Golden Ridge neighborhood, killing 12 and destroying over 300 homes, in 1957. Local residents Tracy Frank and Topher Williams collaborated on the project.

“‘Weather the Storm’ is a story of community and, ultimately, it’s a story of a fractured community –…

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​MSUM’s regionally acclaimed Straw Hat Players opens 56th season

June 12th, 2019

Straw Hat Players - photograph  by Dave Arntson, MSUM Photographer

By Amber Westereng

Minnesota State University Moorhead’s (MSUM) Straw Hat Players has performed more than 300 shows during their 56 years and has groomed more than 2,000 actors, technicians, and crew for careers in the theatre industry. The Straw Hat Players kicked off their season in June with “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” but many may wonder, who are they?

MSUM’s summer theatre company is a dedicated 50-person crew comprised of actors and off-set staff who work 10-hour days,…

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​FM Opera’s 50th Season Capped Off with Carmen

April 10th, 2019

Carmen - photograph provided by John Showalter

Countless examples can be found throughout the history of great art that was only recognized as such after the life of the artist that created it. Such is true of Georges Bizet’s opera "Carmen."  While its reception during his lifetime could be arguably be referred to as ‘lukewarm’, it went on to become of the most widely performed and recognized works in the opera repertoire. One would think that a story of love, jealousy, revenge, and a fiery femme fatale would have perennial…

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​Macbeth opens at Fargo South

April 10th, 2019

Joey and Elizabeth Wilhelmi practice at Fargo South - photograph provided by Ryan Janke

Macbeth is set to open at Fargo South High School Theatre Thursday, April 11 and will run through Sunday. The show will be filled with betrayal, thirst for power, sorrow, and revenge for an action-packed two hours. It will also bring one real-life family full-circle as they all contribute to the production of the play.

Macbeth (played by Blaze Remmen), was written by William Shakespeare and is the story of a Scottish general who is told by three witches that he will one day rule…

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