Sneak Peeks and Tours

Plenty of projects that I'll surprise you with later (do you love surprises as much as I do?), but I was a busy bird this week with plenty of things I am happy to share right now.

Except for my out of state readers, we're all familiar with the Shubert Theater in downtown Minneapolis, right? It's that impressive but quiet, boarded up large cream-colored building on Hennepin between 5th and 6th streets. It has a pretty interesting history and, until now, may be most famous for it's delicate, slow move from its original location. Well, it's seeing a lot of action lately (including a name change to the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts) and I was able to get an inside sneak peek. The place is still full of construction equipment and I got to wear a hard hat on the tour. Scaffolding is on the stage and construction dust covers just about every surface. It's easy to see past all of that though. It's going to be a beautiful performing arts center. I can't wait to see dance performances there! I don't see nearly enough dance for how much I enjoy the artform.

Was great to see H.M.S. Pinafore at the Guthrie on opening night this weekend. It was also the Guthrie's 5th birthday in their new building! Everyone got to toast with little cups of champagne after the show. As I tweeted earlier, this production of H.M.S. Pinafore is absolutely insane. It's so naughty! And when it's not naughty, it's just sort of, well, mind blowing.

Headed over to PUNY to find out some fun things for you -- that's going to be a surprise though.

Gregory Green and John Waters

Have you gone to Absentee Landlord yet? It's the latest rage at the Walker curated by John Waters. If anything, see it for artist Gregory Green's piece. Bunny and I were able to chat with him a bit when the exhibition opened and he told us a wild tale about an art gallery that got raided by the police because of one of his creations, which contained diluted liquid opium. He makes fake bombs and whole-room pieces that, when you walk into them, look like you've stumbled into a crazed bomb maker's lair. John Waters has a room in his house devoted to a piece by Gregory Green, if you were wondering about the connection. 

Also, the special gift shop merchandise for this exhibition is really great. Plenty of gags, like fake mustaches and squirting flowers, but also limited edition pieces by John Waters himself. He's given some Barbie Dolls trashy makeovers and put their pictures of plates, of course. Check out Tina here:

The Ordway's production of Guys and Dolls closed this weekend -- I was glad to hang out with the cast before they dispersed onto other projects. After getting drinks with everyone at Meritage and before getting more drinks at Camp in St. Paul, I saw the International Space Station zip by overhead at 17,500 mph. It was fun being able to point that out to everyone! An exhilarating night for sure.

Planning a trip to NYC with my mom. Technically, we are always planning a trip to NYC, from the day we get back until the day we go again. Always so much to do! Thinking about Los Angeles a lot lately, too. I'm hooked!

Also, have you been to the ladies room in the intimate apparel section of Macy's in Minneapolis? It's a glamorous vintage gem. Oh -- and it's free!

Have a great week, Chester.