Friday, November 28
Fun with Folklore
WHAT: The Juniper Tree
WHERE: Open Eye Figure Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
The Juniper Tree is one classic from a long list of fairytales that the Brothers Grimm immortalized. Composer Michael Koerner and Open Eye Figure Theatre founder Michael Sommers have collaborated to capture the dark yet playful beauty (singing birds, dancing skeletons, and barking tree trunks) in this theatrical re-telling. For tickets, visit openeyetheatre.org.
Poignant Premieres
WHAT: Zenon Dance Company: Coming Home
WHERE: The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts, Mpls.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
Zenon Dance Company and Cuban choreographer Osnel Delgado take the spotlight as 2014 Northrop McKnight International Artist Program choices. Dance doesn’t get more involved than the team effort that produced “Coming Home,” which has taken inspiration from baseball, capoeira, and more to produce this acrobatic premiere. For more information, go to thecowlescenter.org.
Saturday, November 29
Running with Sweaters
WHAT: The Ugly Sweater Run
WHERE: Harriet Island, St. Paul
WHEN: 11 a.m.
They call it the merriest 5K-run on the planet. Here’s how it works: A couple thousand people gather on Harriet Island wearing the most hideous sweater they could get hands on, and have a good time to benefit Save the Children foundation. If you enter the contest, an especially ugly sweater will get you a custom knit hat, a nice winter-style beer, or some hot chocolate, and maybe even a better reputation. To register, go to uglysweaterrun.com.
I’m Dreaming…
WHAT: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
WHERE: Orpheum Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
Thanksgiving’s here and Christmas is on its way. What better way to appreciate the snow on the ground and the holiday season than to welcome them with an evening of song and dance? For one weekend only, Orpheum Theatre delivers just about the most uplifting post-World War II classic of all time, and one of the most sentimental collections of Christmas carols on stage. Get tickets at hennepintheatretrust.org.
Sunday November 30
Double-DOG-dare ya!
WHAT: A Christmas Story: A Musical
WHERE: The Ordway, St. Paul
WHEN: 2 p.m.
The movie’s so iconi that some channels dedicate a full 24 hours on Christmas Day to airing Ralphie Parker’s quest for a Red Ryder B.B. gun. A Christmas Story: the Musical does the film just as much justice to start the holiday season off right. For tickets, go to Ordway.org.
‘Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone’
WHAT: Lucinda Williams
WHERE: First Avenue
WHEN: 7 p.m.
Lucinda Williams has crafted a timeless alt-country sound that stands alone and unmatched in quality. Born the daughter of celebrated poet Miller Williams in small-town Louisiana, Lucinda is known among the best songwriters that America has to offer (TIME crowned her as such in 2002). She’s in town for two nights, so go sing the blues with Lucinda. For tickets, go to first-avenue.com.
