Posts Tagged ‘minnesota theatre’

Mid-week Live Theatre in Lanesboro, Minnesota

Friday, July 30th, 2010

The Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minnesota announces a mid-week theatre series from August through October 2010.  Treat yourself to the theatrical tour-de-force of one-person shows! Commonweal’s 2010 summer series features performers from across the world taking to the Commonweal stage in solo performances that’ll bring you to tears, to laughter, and everywhere in between!

Tickets:
General Admission – $15
Season Ticket Holders & Students – $10

To reserve tickets e-mail the Box Office or call (800) 657-7025.

Curtain time for Commonweal Presents is 7:30 PM

Blue Collar Diaries – August 10 & 11
Written and performed by Michelle Myers Berg

Minnesota Live Theatre

Michelle Myers offers a glimpse of some of the memorable characters that drifted through her St. Paul blue collar neighborhood in the 60′s and 70′s. Their personal stories go far beyond the names stitched above their left breast pockets. Exploring both the larger world of the neighborhood around her and the epic silence of her Korean War vet father with humor and poignancy, Myers celebrates the individual inside the uniform in this original one-woman show. Named one of the top ten performances of 2009 by the St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Dominic P. Papatola.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 10+

Min mor (“Mother”)
Dramatised and directed by Anne-karen Hytten
Performed by Bente Børsum
Wednesday September 15 – one night only!

Minnesota Performing ArtsBente Børsum, actress with the National Theatre in Oslo, Norway, presents Min Mor (translated “Mother”), a collection of monologues based on the books, articles, and letters of Lise Børsum, the upper-class-wife, war-prisoner and fighter for human rights, who, in 1943, was arrested and sent to Ravensbrück, a concentration-camp in Germany. The Commonweal is proud to welcome one of Norway’s most prolific actresses in a piece that has received international recognition. “An incredibly forceful show about a past that repeats itself every single day in every scene of war in our own time.” Arendals Tidende

www.minmor.no/omabout/about-the-show/

Passion of the Hausfrau
Adapted from the novel by Bess Welden, Annette Jolles & Nicole Chaison
Performed by Bess Welden
October 5 & 6

A one-women show about the hilarious misadventures of a mom who discovers that the roller coaster ride of raising young kids is actually the path to creating her own masterpiece. “Bess Welden made it impossible not to laugh, as she dramatized the trials and hysterical tribulations of motherhood . . . Kids or no kids, this energetic woman’s portrayal of the crazy life and conflicting demands of a young mother . . . is comic genius.” The Portland Phoenix

www.thehausfrauplay.com

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 16+

Lessons from Cancer College
Written by Nancy K. Barry; Directed by Eva Barr
Performed by Kristin Underwood
October 19 & 20

Lanesboro Minnesota One Man ShowWhat happens when a middle-aged college professor finds herself enrolled in a nine-month course of treatment for breast cancer? This one-woman show explores the anxiety and questions that emerge when the teacher becomes the student–of a disease, of a battery of treatments, and of her own changing body. Assuming it will be a manageable task to continue teaching through cancer, she’s is surprised–and ultimately healed–by the revelation that somehow cancer is teaching through her. Kristen Underwood performs this original adaptation that resonates with power and humor.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 13+

Need a place to stay in  Lanesboro?  The Hillcrest Hide-Away Bed and Breakfast offers midweek specials for guests staying 2 nights Monday through Thursday. Visit our web site for more details.

Lanesboro, Minnesota Live Theatre Season in Full Swing

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

The Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, MN is in the midst of their summer theatre season.  Each summer the Commonweal Theatre hosts two plays  in repertory.  This year’s live theatre offerings are: Enchanted April by Matthew Barber and Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin.

Enchanted April Play Character

Enchanted April: This 1920s romantic comedy breathes new life into the most stifled of souls.  On the most basic level, Enchanted April is a success as a romantic comedy because it’s both comic and romantic. In telling the story of four English women who break free of their rain-drenched sorrows and oppression for a month in a rented Italian castle, there’s plenty of opportunity for surprises and redemption, hopes that Barber never squelches.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile: Steve Martin’s comedy is sure to have you roaring with laughter from start to finish!  Two guys walk into a bar, order up one part Einstein, one part Picasso, and add a splash of the zaniest characters to ever hit our stage “all shook up.”  We promise a rollicking good time.

Plays are performed Thursday through Saturday and Monday evenings with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday.  Visit the Commonweal Theatre Lanesboro, Minnesota web site for schedule details.

Theatre is just a part of what makes Lanesboro a great destination.  The Root River State Trail, winds 60 miles through bluffs, forests, and rolling fields. The trail traverses Southeast Minnesota’s Bluff Country offering a variety of attractions for all ages and interests with welcoming trail towns often along the trail.

Lanesboro is near one of the largest Old Order Amish settlements in America. The rolling countryside offers an ideal location for their life style. Educational tours are available to see the Amish as they really live, and the items they produce and sell (baskets, quilts, furniture and crafts). The tours offer an appreciation for the Amish way of life.

Lanesboro’s historic downtown has been revitalized; the arts flourish, gift shops intrigue, and restaurants satisfy a variety of tastes. Horse drawn buggy rides offer a perfect ending for the day.  Come and see for yourself why people return time and time again to renew themselves in Lanesboro’s riches and immerse themselves in the “ Art of Living Well”!

As the Bed and Breakfast Capital of MinnesotaLanesboro offers lodging to suit all tastes: country inns, restored Victorian Homes, and a restored mill.  The Hillcrest Hide-Away B&B offers large comfortable rooms, hearty breakfasts, and welcoming gardens.   When you stay with us, you are eligible for a $5 discount voucher for attending plays at the Commonweal Theater.

Go Red Spring Girls Getaway

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

webHeartHeart disease is the number 1 killer of women in our country today.  We are thankful for Carol’s return to the kitchen after successful open heart surgery on February 1.

To celebrate, we invite you to a spring girl’s getaway weekend at the Hillcrest Hide-Away Bed and Breakfast in Lanesboro, Minnesota.  Mention this blog entry when making your reservation and we will donate $10 for 1 night stays and $25 for 2 night stays between now and Mother’s Day to the Go Red campaign sponsored by the American Heart Association.

Lanesboro offers plenty of things to do the next 6 weeks:

March 26 and 27 Commonweal Theatre presents: Death and the Ploughman
April 10:
Ladies Day in Lanesboro including a Fashion Show sponsored by Cheryl’s Apparel
April 16, 17:
Commonweal Theatre Ibsen Festival Weekend
April 23, 24: Bluff Country Studio Art tour and Earth Day in Lanesboro
April 30 – May 1
: Commonweal Theatre presents: John Gabriel Borkman

First Crocus of Spring

First Crocus of Spring

Let us  pamper you for a weekend away.  Awaken each morning to the aroma of just-baked home made bread delivered to your room followed by a hearty breakfast in our dining room.

Schedule a massage or a manicure.  Take an Amish tour.  Visit the unique shops of downtown Lanesboro.

The crocuses are stretching their little heads to catch the warm sun.  Other bulbs are sure to follow.  Kiss winter goodbye and welcome spring in Lanesboro the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota.

Celebrate Ibsen Festival in Lanesboro, MN

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Goodbye Winter, Hello Ibsen!
It’s that time again! It’s Commonweal Theater’s 13th Annual Ibsen Festival – a celebration of Scandinavian art and culture, April 16 – 18 in Lanesboro, MN.   Spend the day taking in concerts, films, lectures, and artisan displays, then stay at night for the theatre opening weekend of John Gabriel Borkman. This rarely-produced Ibsen classic about an unscrupulous banker will be a brand-new adaptation from Minnesota’s premiere theater playwright, Jeffrey Hatcher. It is directed by Risa Brainin (Mixed Blood, Guthrie Theatre). Visit ibsenfest.org to see a summary of Commonweal Theatre’s commitment to Ibsen and download a pdf file for the Ibsen Festival schedule of events.

Hillcrest Hide-Away Bed and Breakfast will have the welcome mat ready for you to enjoy the full weekend of events.  Awaken each morning to the aroma of just-baked home made bread delivered to your room followed by a hearty breakfast in our dining room.  Kari’s, a new Scandinavian restaurant in Lanesboro, will be serving special treats for Ibsen Festival weekend.

Experience Lanesboro, the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota.

Minnesota Theatre November Opening

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

The Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minnesota announces the opening and production of their 100th show: “A Midnight Dreary” by Scott Dixon, October 31st – November 15th, with previews on October 29th and 30th.

Commonweal Theatre

Commonweal Theatre

From his hospital bed, Edgar Allan Poe – the first Master of the Macabre – wanders through a feverish dream mixing scenes from his life and works. But is he simply lost in a labyrinth of his own making, or being given a last chance to set things right?

 Hal Cropp, the theater company’s artistic director, directs the show. “This telling of Poe’s life,” says Cropp, “centers around the ghosts that ‘haunt’ us, and what it is about our lives that will echo on after we’ve gone. And the questions are raised in a manner that infuses the story with the beauty of Poe’s poetry and the titillation that accompanies his most famous stories.”
 
The Commonweal Theatre will offer preview performances on October 29th and 30th at 7:30 p.m. All preview tickets are $15.  All performances are in the new theater located at 208 Parkway Avenue North in downtown Lanesboro.  Ticket prices are $25.  Tickets are available at 800-657-7025 or 507-467-2525 or by email at tickets@commonwealtheatre.org. For more information and online reservations, visit www.commonwealtheatre.org.

 Make your visit to Lanesboro complete by reserving a stay at the Hillcrest Hide-Away Bed and Breakfast.  Awaken to the aroma of freshly baked bread delivered to your room – followed by a hearty breakfast in our dining room.   Visit Lanesboro, the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota.

Minnesota Fall Color Get Away

Monday, September 7th, 2009

Labor Day has come and gone.  Cool, crisp nights are upon us and the first maples are starting to show their fall colors. 

Root River Valley Fall Colors

Root River Valley Fall Colors

South East Minnesota beckons you with vistas and valleys, hardwood forests, and plentiful wild life.

 

 

 

 

Rolling fields awaiting harvest

Rolling fields awaiting harvest

Farms form a patchwork quilt of crops awaiting harvest on the rolling country side.   The Amish dry their corn the old fashioned way with rows of corn shocks standing tall to catch the fall breezes.

 

 

Root River Bike Trail

Root River Bike Trail

Lanesboro, Minnesota and the Root River Trail offer an excellent venue for enjoying the fall colors.  Freshly fallen leaves crunch under your bike tires as you ride under the fall canopy bordered by bluffs on one side and the Root River on the other.

After an enjoyable day of biking, savor dinner in one of Lanesboro’s fine restaurants and then take in an evening at the Commonweal Theatre.  The theatre features 2 plays this fall season: “The Odd Couple” and “The Rainmaker”.  Shows are performed Thursday through Monday each week.

Lanesboro has lodging options suitable to any taste from  hotels, to inns, and bed and breakfasts.  Your bed and breakfasts hosts are there to help you get the most out of your stay.  Make Lanesboro your destination for your fall color get away.  Visit our web site at www.hillcresthideaway.com for more details.

Lanesboro Minnesota Theatre Summer Season

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

One of the great blessings of owning a B&B in Lanesboro, Minnesota is the variety of things to do both for our guests and for us.   Many people who stay at our bed and breakfast come to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the Root River State Trail. 

In the evening guests can take in high quality live theatre.    Since 1989, the professional artists of the Commonweal Theatre have brought to life soulful stories told with honesty and creativity. Located in the heart of southeast Minnesota’s bluff country, Lanesboro, Minnesota  (pop. 788) is home to the company’s new theatre in its historic downtown.  

The Lanesboro Commonweal Theatre summer season is in full swing featuring two plays: The Odd Couple and The Rainmaker.

The Odd Couple

The Odd Couple

May 15 through October 23, the Odd Couple is on stage in the theatre. Felix Ungar, neurotic fusspot news writer, and Oscar Madison, slovenly sports journalist, attempt to adapt to each other’s idiosyncrasies while trying to rekindle their social lives. In this classic comedy, Neil Simon gives us the story of a friendship that defies all odds.
ASL performance Sunday, June 14, 1:30pm

 

June 19 through October 24th, the Rainmaker by Richard Nash is on the theatre stage. Living on a farm stifled by drought, Lizzie has resigned herself to a solitary life —until a charismatic con-man named Starbuck comes promising rain. This 1950s American fable teaches us how love can overcome cynicism in the most tired of souls, and can bloom in the most barren of landscapes.

Come visit Lanesboro, Minnesota to see all that we have to offer.