OPENS OCTOBER 18GARDEN OF METAMORPHOSIS
This month, the Walker Art Center will exhibit the work of the late Japanese artist Tetsumi Kudo, a postwar visual artist who tended to focus on themes of pollution in the human body and society (see Votre Portrait, above, a cast of a face and hands looking over an aquarium of deformed and unusual fish and plant life). For the exhibit, Kudo’s widow has released some 70 works, including sculptures, drawings, and paintings. Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-375-7600
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OCTOBER 9 TO 11
HUNGER
You know those strange-yet-brilliant dance pieces the Walker is famous for commissioning? This is one of them. Hunger, a world premiere this month by the duo Eiko and Koma, is an exploration of yearning—for food, love, acceptance, anything we crave. It’s a vast concept that the troupe communicates through both graceful and violent movement, and by painting their feelings onto oversized canvases onstage. Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-375-7600
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OCTOBER 11
AH NAGASAKI: ASHES INTO LIGHT
Did you know that Nagasaki, Japan, is one of nine sister cities to St. Paul? The relationship began in 1955 and has led to the creation of such tranquil spots as the Ordway Japanese Garden and the Global Harmony Labyrinth, both in Como Park. This concert pays tribute to that bond, and also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki. Featuring the world premiere of a cantata by Robert Kyr, the concert includes more than 80 voices from local choirs, taiko drums, and the Gaia Philharmonic Choir from Japan. Ordway Performing Center for the Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul, 651-224-4222, ordway.org
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OCTOBER 17
MUSIQUE DE FRANCE
VocalEssence teams up with the St. Olaf Choir for a grande fête: French composer Hector Berlioz’s 50-minute choral symphony Te Deum. Among the instruments required for this original “architectural” work: 12 harps. Yes, 12. Of course, the highlight of this performance will be hearing the combined ensembles of 200 voices. Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul; tickets at 612-371-5656 or vocalessence.orgGet More Info / Get Tickets
OCTOBER 17
KHALED HOSSEINI
It may be a stretch to call Khaled Hosseini a legend, but his popularity certainly contributed to his place in the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Literary Legends series. As a Goodwill Envoy, the California doctor and author has traveled the world to raise awareness about refugees (his own family fled his native Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion in the 1970s). Hosseini will speak about his experiences in the Middle East and read from his New York Times’s best-selling books, The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-673-0404
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OCTOBER 17 AND 18
UPSHAW AND PRUTSMAN
It doesn’t take a genius to know that an evening with MacArthur grant-winner Dawn Upshaw and former St. Paul Chamber Orchestra artistic partner and pianist Stephen Prutsman hits the right note. This concert features music inspired by folk traditions around the world, including rarely performed Hungarian, American, and Polish folk songs. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul, 651-291-1144
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OPENS OCTOBER 17
A PLAGUE OF ANGELS
This play, staged by Theatre in the Round, is based on the true story of Mary Mallon, an Irish immigrant and carrier of typhoid fever who came to New York in the early 20th century and spread the deadly disease throughout the city. Upon announcing the show, the theater received interest from the University of Minnesota’s bioethics department, which plans to organize post-show discussion groups that’ll talk about the reality of outbreaks. Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis, 612-339-2919
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OCTOBER 23 TO 26
DANCIN’ WITH ETHEL
Award-winning choreographer Mathew Janczewski and his ARENA Dances troupe kicks off its 2008–09 season with Dancin’ with Ethel at the Truckstop, featuring music by the popular string quartet Ethel. Arranged by Janczewski and local composer Michael Croswell, the program includes two world premieres with an original score. Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave., Minneapolis, 612-340-1725Get More Info / Get Tickets
OCTOBER 24
THE TINY JUMBO JOLLY GRIM
Most people know satirist and puppeteer Paul Zaloom as the wacky character on Beakman’s World, the children’s TV show about science. This is not that Paul Zaloom. The show is his adults-only shtick, political satire by puppets he’ll manipulate with partner Lynn Jeffries. Note: The show is not recommended for viewers under 18. In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, 1500 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, 612-721-2535
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OPENS OCTOBER 25
CHAIM’S LOVE SONG
Since its founding in 1994, the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company has worked with nationally recognized playwrights and produced shows that are usually neglected by main stages. This season starts with Chaim’s Love Song, a sort of Jewish version of the Bill Murray film Lost in Translation—a young woman waits at home while her husband works, passing the time through her conversations with an older gentleman named Chaim Shotsky, who quickly becomes her dearest friend. Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-647-4315Get More Info / Get Tickets
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DATEBOOK
Mark your calendars for these other great events in the Twin Cities this month
Ani DiFranco, October 3, State TheatreGet More Info / Get Tickets
“Hmong at Heart,” opens October 4, Minnesota Children’s MuseumGet More Info / Get Tickets
“CSI: The Experience,” opens October 15, Science Museum of MinnesotaGet More Info / Get Tickets
Rufus Wainwright, October 16, State TheatreGet More Info / Get Tickets
Mason Jennings, October 18, Orpheum TheatreGet More Info / Get Tickets
David Sedaris, October 19, State TheatreGet More Info / Get Tickets
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, October 23, Orpheum Theatre
Second show added on October 22.Get More Info / Get Tickets
Ola Onabule, October 23 to 25, The Dakota Jazz Club & RestaurantGet More Info / Get Tickets
James Sewell Ballet, October 23 to 26, The O’Shaughnessy Get More Info / Get Tickets
25th Annual Antiques Show and Sale, October 24 to 26, Minneapolis Institute of ArtsGet More Info / Get Tickets
“India: Public Places, Private Spaces,” opens October 26, Minneapolis Institute of ArtsGet More Info / Get Tickets
