Friday, May 10
Homer Gets Real
WHAT: An Illiad
WHERE: Dowling Studio, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Stephen Yoakam portrays the venerable Greek poet Homer as an aged contemporary, telling his tale of heroism and violence—the Greek siege of Troy—for what he hopes is the last time. It’s an intimate solo show that opens an epic window on war in the shadow of conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Learn more at guthrietheater.org
Friday, May 10
Get Your Kicks
WHAT: Anything Goes
WHERE: Ordway Center, St. Paul
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Cole Porter’s delightful, de-lovely classic introduced some of the strongest standards of 20th-century musical theater, from “I Get a Kick Out of You” to “You’re The Top” to “Anything Goes.” Full of singing sailors, a loose blackmail plot, and a lot of leggy tap-dancing, it’s retro saucy fun at sea. Learn more at ordway.org
Saturday, May 11
Man With a Voice
WHAT: Mark Andrew
WHERE: Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis
WHEN: 10:15 p.m.
He’s got an incredible set of vocal cords. Which explains why Eden Prairie native Mark Andrew (not to be confused with Minneapolis mayoral candidate Mark Andrew) was praised by Shakira and Adam Levine on NBC’s The Voice. Here, the soulful pop-rocker will perform with fellow Voice contestant Dustin Hatzenbuhler and American Scarecrows. Learn more at finelinemusic.com
Saturday, May 11
Good Folk
WHAT: The Pines
WHERE: Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, Minneapolis
WHEN: 8 p.m.
The local folk duo earned a prime weekend performance slot at the Dakota on the strength of their consistently rich Americana music. Avoiding the old-timey trend, they’ve managed a kind of darkly shaded indie-folk sound that’s as timeless as it is contemporary. Learn more at dakotacooks.com
Sunday, May 12
Dance Genius
WHAT: Zenon Dance Company
WHERE: Cowles Center, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7 p.m.
If you only see one dance show this spring—heck, this year—it might need to be this one. Zenon commissioned new works from freshly minted Guggenheim fellows Faye Driscoll and Luciana Achugar (whose work was performed last weekend). Driscoll’s premiere is packaged with three other works, including “Wine Dark Sea” by the terrifically physical local choreographer Wynn Fricke. Learn more at thecowlescenter.org
Sunday, May 12
Secret Masterpieces
WHAT: Our Treasures: Highlights from the Minnesota Museum of American Art
WHERE: Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This is the last day to get a look at 30 of the most important works in the traveling tour of the MMAA’s collection, which is still looking for a permanent home. It’s an inspiring, accessible, and very pleasing show of paintings and sculpture, largely from the early 20th century. Learn more at weisman.umn.edu
