Yes, the end of summer is a bummer.

But autumn brings other joys: leaves, baseball playoffs (go Twins!) and a full-tilt, high energy theater, dance and performing arts calendar.

Here are a few highlights:

• The Northrup Dance season features American Ballet Theatre (Oct. 9), Paul Taylor Dance Company (Nov. 30) and the Voronezh State Ballet Theatre of Russia performing "Swan Lake" (Feb. 3).

• The Guthrie Theater season includes the Hitchcock-inspired "The 39 Steps" (beginning Oct. 30), "Romeo and Juliet" (opening Jan. 8) and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" (opening Feb. 10). Written by August Wilson, one of America's great playwrights, "Ma Rainey" will be directed by Lou Bellamy of the Penumbra Theatre.

The Guthrie is also presenting a three-part play on the history of Afghanistan. Titled "The Great Game: Afghanistan," the play explores the volatile name's history from 1842 to present in 12 half-hour segments. A review from London's Guardian newspaper is here.

• Known for presenting an eclectic, modern mix of dance, music and theater, the Walker Art Center has produced a video showcasing its 2010-11 season.

• Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul opens its season with the regional premiere of "Sleep Deprivation Chamber," a story about "a college student who is brutally beaten by police." The full Penumbra schedule is here.

• The best known play in Mixed Blood's 2010-11 season is "Avenue Q," which the theater promises "will take on a whole new vantage" in its converted fire station.

• Jungle Theatre is one of the few venues that schedules its seasons on the calendar year, not the school year. I'm not sure why, but in a sense it doesn't really matter. The Jungle continually stages great work at its Lyndale Avenue digs. "The Glass Menagerie" is playing now and although I haven't seen it yet, I'm sure it's better than the train wreck I saw on Broadway a few years ago starring Jessica Lange and Christian Slater.

• The Southern Theater has a super full lineup for its new season. Unlike most local theater houses, the Southern is home to a mix of dance, music and theater. Most play for only a weekend. Definitely worth a look here.

That's what's on my radar. Time to pull out the iPhone calendar and a credit card.

posted by: Joel
October 4, 2010 - 02:04 pm
comments: 0