The Agenda

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

JUNE 11 TO 15

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

It’s like being on the set of Jurassic Park—but with a British twist. Based on the popular BBC program, the stage show places the audience within steps of life-size robotic T-Rexes, Stegosauruses, and the largest of the beasts, the Brachiosaurus, which measures 36 feet in height and 56 feet from nose to tail (don’t worry: It was a vegetarian). See them as they walk, ROAR, and interact on stage.  Xcel Energy Center, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, 651-989-5151
Get More Info / Get Tickets

JUNE 5 TO 7

SMALL METAL OBJECTS

Australian-based Back to Back Theatre thinks outside the box—of the stage, that is—with their play Small Metal Objects. The two lead characters, business executives Gary and Steve, weave their way throughout the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden’s crowds, discussing work and an upcoming transaction, while audience members listen through individual headsets from their seats on risers placed at the edge of the garden. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-375-7600
Get More Info / Get Tickets

JUNE 7

SYMPHONY BALL

The Minnesota Orchestra reprises its popular ABBA concert (with vocals by the Finnish group Rajaton) for its annual fundraiser, which benefits the orchestra’s education programs. Patrons can choose to attend the reception and concert at Orchestra Hall or the ball and dinner at the Hilton. Here’s hoping Osmo brings back that great white ABBA suit.    Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-371-5656
Get Tickets

JUNE 9

TRUE COLORS TOUR

The True Colors Tour may incite you to just wanna have fun, but its message is to promote political activism in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. This night of music and comedy is hosted by Carson Kressley of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and includes performances by Cyndi Lauper, the B-52s, Tegan & Sara, and Rosie O’Donnell.    Target Center, 600 First Ave. N., Minneapolis, 651-989-5151
Get Tickets

JUNE 9 TO 14

SUMMER SONG FESTIVAL

Presented by the Schubert Club, this year’s festival features five ticketed evening concerts at various venues throughout St. Paul. Hear jazz singer Judi Donaghy, soprano Karen Clift, pianist Timothy Lovelace, and more perform the works of Minnesota composers, swing-music masters, and composer Dominick Argento, in honor of his 80th birthday. The festival also includes free noontime concerts by Maria Jette & Friends.  Various venues.
Get More Info / Get Tickets

CLOSES JUNE 11

THE SECRET FALL OF CONSTANCE WILDE

Playwright Thomas Kilroy sheds light onto the private life of Constance Wilde, the wife of flamboyant writer Oscar Wilde. In 1884, Oscar married her in an attempt to “cure” his homosexuality—which meant a lonely existence for Constance as she tried to understand the truth of her marriage—and find peace in her relationship. Note: This production contains nudity.  Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Minneapolis, 612-377-2224
Get Tickets

JUNE 11

JANE FONDA

As part of the Star Tribune’s ongoing Smart Talk Women’s Lecture Series, Jane Fonda reflects on her work and relationships as a mother, author, actress, philanthropist, and well-known activist. Patrons can e-mail questions to Smart Talk in advance to be answered by Fonda during the Q&A portion of the show.  . Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-371-5656
Get More Info / Get Tickets

OPENS JUNE 13

STAR WARS: WHERE SCIENCE MEETS IMAGINATION

This exhibit, on loan from the Museum of Science in Boston, isn’t just for Star Wars obsessives. The show features more than 80 props, costumes, and models from all six Star Wars movies. Working in collaboration with Lucasfilm, the traveling show also includes sets and interactive stations where guests can experience the films’ special effects. .  Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, 651-221-9444
Get Tickets

JUNE 19 TO 29

TC JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Twin Jazz Festival has become a summer staple over the years, last year attracting roughly 75,000 patrons during its 10-day run. This year, look for Jon Weber, Moore by Four, Return to Forever, the Ravi Coltrane Quartet, and more local and national bands. Check out the popular “twin” events that host two concerts on both Minneapolis and St. Paul stages. Peavey Plaza, Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, and Mears Park, Lowertown, St. Paul, plus other various venues. See hotsummerjazz.com for more information.

JUNE 21

ROCK THE GARDEN

The always-popular outdoor concert celebrates two notable events: the first day of summer and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden’s 20th anniversary. Sponsored and co-organized by MPR’s the Current, the celebration includes such musical guests as singer-songwriter Andrew Bird, Canadian rockers the New Pornographers, and the Twin Cities group Cloud Cult. Opening the show is Wisconsin folk singer Bon Iver, who was a hit at this year’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.    Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-375-7600
Get Tickets

JUNE 24

LYNNE ROSSETTO KASPER

The MPR talk show host and author reads from her new book, The Splendid Table’s How to Eat Supper, and discusses her work with host Tom Crann and Sally Swift from Minnesota Public Radio. Book sales and signings will follow Kasper’s presentation. .  Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-630-6174
Get More Info

JUNE 30

KERI NOBLE

The singer-songwriter has moved around a lot (she was originally born in Texas and raised in Detroit), but she’s found a home—and a large fan base—in Minneapolis. Her expressive and soulful voice is a favorite on public-radio, where she’s played songs from her previous releases Fearless, Lullaby, and Look How Far You’ve Come. After the success of a recent Japanese tour, the singer-songwriter-pianist marks the release of her new album, Leave Me in the Dark, with her new label Telarc Records at the McGuire Proscenium Stage. .  Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Minneapolis, 612-377-2224
Get More Info / Get Tickets

Send event information to agenda@mnmo.com.