"An Act of God" at Six Points Theater

The 2015 (and 2016) Broadway play An Act of God, written by former The Daily Show head writer David Javerbaum, is delightfully irreverent but still respectful of faith. Think The Book of Mormon (which is referenced), or that scene in Spelling Bee in which a contestant asks Jesus to help them win the spelling bee and Jesus shows up to say, "It's not the kind of thing I care that much about." On Broadway the character of God, who speaks directly to the audience, was played by a man, but Six Points Theater wisely chose beloved #TCTheater veteran Sally Wingert to star in their new production, and I truly cannot think of anyone better to embody God. The play is so smart, so funny, so relevant, and this production, with a talented cast and sharp design in the intimate space in Highland Park Community Center, is really just the best. If you're looking for a hilarious comedy with substance, that'll make you laugh and nod your head in agreement and maybe gasp a time or two, don't miss An Act of God!

"Sickle" by Theatre Novi Most at Mixed Blood Theatre

Sickle is a brutal play that's tough to watch. This is not a play to go to for a fun night out and to forget your troubles. It's a play that shines a light on a little known part of history known as the Holodomor, a genocide by starvation perpetrated by the Soviet Union on the people of Ukraine in the 1930s, with striking parallels to what's happening today. This Minnesota premiere play, written by Chicago-based playwright Abby Fenbert, is beautifully and devastatingly brought to life by Theatre Novi Most and an incredible cast of five women, baring their souls on stage as they pay homage to the strength and resiliency of the Ukranian people, particularly the women. I can't help but be reminded of the story of the Ukranian woman who, in the early days of the current war, gave sunflower seeds to a Russian soldier so that when he died on Ukranian soil, something beautiful would grow. That woman is a descendent of the women represented in this play - fierce, loyal, loving women who will stop at nothing to protect their family, their home, their land. The limited run of Sickle concludes on May 10, click here for tickets and info on special events like live music and a Ukranian food truck. Novi Most is partnering with Stand with Ukraine MN for this production; click here to find out more about them and learn how you can support Ukraine in their current crisis.

"When We Are Found" at Penumbra Theatre Company

After producing his beautifully tragic play Sugar in Our Wounds two years ago, Penumbra Theatre commissioned playwright Donja R. Love for a different sort of play; a fable, a fantasy, "a meditation on enduring love through thee forced parting precipitated by the transatlantic slave trade" (Penumbra's President Sarah Bellamy in a note in the program). Sugar in Our Wounds tells the doomed love story of two enslaved men in the South shortly before the Emancipation Proclamation, and When We Are Found is almost like a prequel to the story, as well as a modern-day coda. Running just over an hour, it's a lyrical, fantastical, fluid celebration of unbreakable love. See it at Penumbra in St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood through May 18.

"The Nacirema Society" at the Guthrie Theater

The Guthrie is returning to playwright Pearl Cleage's repertoire* after producing the beautifully tragic Blues for An Alabama Sky two years ago. Unlike that play, which was set in 1930s Harlem, The Nacirema Society is actually set in Alabama, and there's no tragedy, only comedy, romance, and a whole lot of fun. Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement in 1964 Montgomery (there's a nice article in the program about the events of that "memorable year"), The Nacirema Society is a multigenerational story of a wealthy and powerful Black family preparing for a debutante ball. The playwright summarizes it best (quoted in a program note from Artistic Director Joseph Haj): "Even in the midst of massive social upheaval and revolutionary change, people still found time to fall in and out of love, to keep the family secrets or spill the beans, and to embrace the great human chaos of their very specific lives." That feels very familiar and very human; with all the madness happening in the world right now, we still have to live our day to day lives and find joy wherever we can. And The Nacirema Society, with a fantastic cast of Black women (plus one token guy) and stunning design, is one such source of joy. See it on the Guthrie's thrust stage now through May 24.

"Scarecrow on Fire" by Illusion Theater at Center for Performing Arts

Illusion Theater is closing out their 50th anniversary season with the most delightful show, Minnesota treasure Kevin Kling's Scarecrow on Fire. It's a sequel of sorts to The Wizard of Oz, presented as a radio play and featuring live music and archival footage from the 1925 silent film version of The Wizard of Oz (I know, I didn't know that existed either!). Kevin originally wrote this piece for Minnesota Public Ratio, recorded in front of a live audience and broadcast on the airwaves. They've maintained the radio play style for this production, and reunited the original team - actors Simone Perrin, Stephen Yoakam, and Dan Chouinard (who also plays piano and accordion), and musicians Michelle Kinney (cello) and the House of Mercy Band. The mix of all of these artists, with the source material that is so beloved to so many of us, creates something so unique and special. It's funny and silly and charming, but also really heart-warming and even a little profound. It may just bring tears to your eyes as it highlights the beauty and frailty of life. The bad news is it's a short run, with only six performances remaining, two of which are sold out. So act fast to catch this special event!

"Anything Goes" at Lakeshore Players Theatre

Get ready to set sail with the classic Cole Porter musical Anything Goes at Lakeshore Players Theatre. In only the second local production I've seen in the 15 years of Cherry and Spoon, director/choreographer Kyle Weiler (whose work was last seen at Lakeshore in the charming She Loves Me last season) leads the team in this fun escapist show full of clever and witty songs, madcap humor, and fabulous dancing. It'll leave you with a smile on your face and a melody stuck in your head. Anything Goes plays Fridays through Sundays until May 18 at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center in White Bear Lake (click here for info and tickets).

"Joyful Noise" by Bucket Brigade at Art House North

The play with music Joyful Noise tells the story of the creation of Handel's Messiah, "one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music." Who knew there was so much scandal and controversy in the creation of this beloved work which, even if you don't think you know it, you will recognize. Affairs, censorship, rivalries, disagreements between the creators, all threatened to derail this project. Playwright Tim Slover has compiled these stories into some funny and entertaining historical fiction, brought to life but a great cast at Bucket Brigade, even if it does feel a bit too long (the free coffee at intermission helps). See it at the charming and intimate Art House North through May 10.

"Waitress" at Artistry

I've been waiting for the #TCTheater premiere of the Tony nominated musical Waitress since I first saw it on tour in 2017. I'm a big fan of the quirky little 2007 movie of the same name upon which it was based (written by and co-starring Adrienne Shelly, who was tragically murdered before its release). When I saw the tour at the Orpheum Theatre, and later the Ordway, I found the musical adaptation to be a successful one, but one with an intimate story that would probably play better on smaller and more intimate stages. The regional premiere is finally here, and I was right! Artistry's production does feel more real and intimate and heart-wrenching, and so beautifully done that I wish I had time to go back and see it again. Go see this all-star cast in Waitress at Bloomington Center for the Arts now through May 11, they'll rip your heart out and make you laugh.

"Frozen" at Children's Theatre Company

When the National Tour of the stage adaptation of the hit 2013 Disney movie Frozen came to Minneapolis in the fall of 2021, it was a true celebration of the return to theater after a global pandemic closed all theaters for nearly a year and a half. Now three and a half years later it feels like the pandemic truly is in the past, although today's world is not without its own unique and scary challenges. But now we have Children's Theatre Company's glorious regional premiere of this sisterhood love story to remind us that we can get through hard times if we work together and have an open heart (and door). The movie is beloved by many (expect to see lots of little Elsas, Annas, and Olafs in the crowd), and the thing CTC does best is make the experience the best it possibly can be for the little ones. They present this story with such care, thoughtfulness, passion, and love that it's also a joy for the grown-ups, and will melt even the most frozen of hearts. As the outdoor world continues its slow melt into spring, the world of Arendelle will continue to freeze and thaw and freeze again on the CTC stage through June 15.

"Sister Act" at Lyric Arts

The 1992 Whoopi Goldberg hit comedy movie Sister Act was adapted into a stage musical in the late aughts, with music composed by frequent Disney composer Alan Menken. Lyric Arts is bringing it to their stage this season, and it's a whole lot of fun, with a wonderful message of sisterhood, faith, friendship, community, and standing up for what's right. What's not to love about that?! Lyric's production features a large and talented cast (many of them newcomers to Lyric's stage) and is a joyful and high energy celebration. It's playing through May 11, but musicals do well at Lyric Arts, especially a known name, so don't wait too long if you want to experience the joy.

"Close to Home" at Pillsbury House + Theatre

The new play Close to Home is a beautiful story about a chosen family. Three people who are estranged from their birth family for various reasons find each other, and despite differences and disagreements, they give each other the love and support that they need. This is a story about immigrants, trans people, gay people - all of the people whose stories and history and existence in the world the current administration is trying to erase. In other words, it's exactly the kind of play that we need right now, and it's beautifully acted, designed, and directed. See it at Pillsbury House + Theatre now through April 27.

"Lettice and Lovage" at Theatre in the Round

The play Lettice and Lovage by British playwright Peter Shaffer was basically written as a showcase for Dame Maggie Smith, and she fittingly won a Tony for it in 1990. It's a very funny and very British play and has two great roles for women over 50, and a real live cat on stage, all great things. The one challenging thing is that it's a three-act two-intermission play, a rarity these days, but as long as you're aware going into it that you'll be sitting in the theater for three and a half hours or more, it's a lot of fun. Theatre in the Round is staging it in their 73rd season, dedicating the production to #TCTheater actor Maggie Bearmon Pistner who starred in their 2001 production and passed away in 2023. They've cast a couple of great actors as this buddy comedy duo, so take a nap or have a coffee before the show, get up to get a snack at intermission, and settle in for an entertaining evening (or afternoon if you're a morning person like me). Lettice and Lovage continues through April 27.