September 2007

September 26, 2007

The Iveys, Big in Japan, the Horror

There's nothing like returning from Japan--where everyone calmly and fluidly crams onto trains then quietly texts or reads manga on their phones (never talking; if they do talk on their cells in public, they cover their mouths so as not to disturb)--to attend the Ivey Awards on Monday, where the Twin Cities' theatrical community celebrates itself with all the outrageousness, energy, and air-kisses you'd expect. It was like reverse culture shock. In fact, that may be the only way drag queens can still shock. Welcome back.

Not that actors typically need any help celebrating themselves, but what's nice about this soiree is that theaters of every stripe are recognized, regardless of whether they're trying to create the latest avant-garde production or, well, entertain baby boomers... Read more »

Posted on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 in Front & Center | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 9, 2007

Kabuki anyone?

So I'm off to Japan tomorrow for 10 days. Never been. Never really wanted to go--too expensive, too modern, too crowded--until I realized I had more than enough NWA miles to go for free. September, according to Lonely Planet is the rainiest month there. Will I find soaked and dour salarymen there, pushing onto the subways and squeegeeing each other's trenchcoats, essentially, being so packed together? Will the pompadoured rockabilly punks still hang outside in the showers? September is also one of the few times of the year for sumo matches. Will I find my way to the fat men? Stay tuned. Read more »

Posted on Sunday, September 9, 2007 in Front & Center | Permalink | Comments (0)