The Agenda

Theater, art, concerts & more—your best bets for May

MAY 2 TO 4

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

If you haven’t seen it at some point during the last few decades (where have you been?), here’s your chance. The Broadway megahit comes to town for a three-day run. The lead role is played by Ted Neeley, while Judas is played by Corey Glover from the ’80s hard-rock band, Living Colour. Talk about coming to Jesus. Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-673-0404

OPENS MAY 3

PETER HENRY EMERSON

Innovations in digital photography would have Peter Henry Emerson rolling over in his grave. The physician-turned-photographer championed naturalistic photography—he documented agrarian life in New England in the early 1900s. This show exhibits photos from his work, plus pieces by the artists he influenced, such as Edward Curtis, William Dassonville, and Alfred Stieglitz. Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls., 612-870-3131

APRIL 27 TO MAY 4

HOMEGROWN MUSIC FESTIVAL

Nothing quite says spring like banjos, bluegrass, and hippies jammin’ by Lake Superior. The annual highlight of the Homegrown Music Festival is Dulcimer Day on May 3, when musicians perform and teach patrons to play the tabletop-style stringed instrument. During the week, catch well-known bluegrass acts like Charlie Parr and Trampled by Turtles, or go see folk rockers Ol’ Yeller. Various venues, Duluth. Information: duluthhomegrown.com

CLOSES MAY 18

GEM OF THE OCEAN

Penumbra Theatre Company stages the second installment of August Wilson’s 20th-century cycle with Gem of the Ocean. Set in Pittsburgh in the 1900s, the story centers on the advice of a family’s 287-year-old matriarch (yes, that old). Through a joint partnership with the Guthrie, artistic director Lou Bellamy directs Penumbra regulars James Craven, Marvette Knight, and Cedric Mays in the lead roles. Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Minneapolis, 612-377-2224

CLOSES MAY 11

MCAD SENIOR WORK

More than a few students in Minneapolis College of Arts and Design have gone on to do big things. Here’s your chance to see their work before they become stars. Graduating Master of Fine Arts students will show work at the Soap Factory and Soo Visual Arts Center in Uptown. Attend May 9 for the reception and free shuttles to the galleries. MCAD, 2501 Stevens Ave., Minneapolis; Soap Factory, 518 Second St. SE, Minneapolis; Soo Visual Arts Center, 2640 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis. Information: 612-874-3667

MAY 7

DOLLY PARTON

Ticket-holders for Miss Dolly’s cancelled February 28 show get their chance to see the Country Queen on stage at Northrop. It’s not quite like riding the rollercoaster at her theme park, Dollywood, but it’s equally exhilarating. Northrop Auditorium, 84 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, 612-624-2345

MAY 8

ANNIE GRIFFITHS BELT

Closing the National Geographic Live series at the State Theatre, Minneapolis native Annie Griffiths Belt discusses her experience photographing cultures around the world for the past 25 years. As one of the first female photographers to shoot for National Geographic, she has captured everything from the Badlands of South Dakota to the ancient ruins in Jordan, often with her two kids by her side. State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 651-989-5151

OPENS MAY 15

REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES

True enough, but even with such a feminist-empowering title, this play has a broader context. Josephina Lopez’s play examines the Latina immigration experience and the conflicts that young women face when entering a new culture with different ideals of beauty. Wellstone Memorial Center, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul, 651-225-8106

MAY 22 TO JUNE 6

CRASH! BANG! BOOM!

Osmo Vänskä conducts the Minnesota Orchestra in a three-part percussion festival featuring work from Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and Bizet. The real stars of the evening are the members of the orchestra’s percussion ensemble, who rarely gets this kind of attention. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-371-5656

OPENS MAY 22

Q&A

Mu Performing Arts group, known for its Japanese drumming and elaborate costumes, presents a dramedy about race and cultural biases, with three Asian men answering questions in a speed-dating event. The results reveal startling differences about how we define our identities in a changing society. Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. Fourth St., Minneapolis, 612-338-6131


TOP 5 PICKS FOR MN 150 EVENTS:

THROUGHOUT MAY

MN 150 AT THE HISTORY CENTER

Curator Kate Roberts and her Historical Society team culled through thousands of votes by Minnesotans to nominate the top 150 people, places, and things that influenced the state of our state, now on exhibit. Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, 651-259-3000

OPENS MAY 1

MINNESOTA INNOVATION

The exhibit showcases our state’s innovators and inventions, such as Rollerblades, Scotch tape, and the pop-up toaster. Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-630-6247

MAY 3

ANN REED

The singer-songwriter was commissioned to create a song for Minnesota, in honor of its sesquicentennial year. Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul, 651-290-1221

MAY 10

HAIL, MINNESOTA!

Choral Arts Ensemble presents songs from composers who have influenced our state’s choral tradition. Popular conductor Dale Warland will answer questions following the concert. Lourdes Chapel, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, 507-252-8427

MAY 11

SESQUICENTENNIAL KICKOFF

A sort of pep rally before the big game. Meet government officials and have questions answered by costumed characters from the Historical Society. State Capitol grounds, St. Paul. Information: 651-296-1870

Send event information to agenda@mnmo.com.