Spring brings "Funny Things"

Tuesday, May 3:

It looks to me as if spring has sprung! And just in time since John Command begins rehearsing his Jungle production of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum tonight—and he is riding high with the Star Tribune’s rave reviews for his production of Kiss Me Kate at Bloomington Civic (see the review here).

We are so excited to have John on board directing his first Jungle show – and what a great show it is: fun, hilarious, good natured and just what the doctor ordered! The show stars Claudia Wilkens and Richard Ooms (a real life husband and wife!) playing the show’s married couple Senex and Domina, Bradley Greenwald as Miles Gloriosus, the self-important centurian, and, introducing to the Jungle stage in the leading role of Pseudolus (the slave who seeks his freedom), the fantastic Christopher Teipner.

Mr. Command is being assisted by Chris Fournier, known locally as Chris Black. She choreographed the first production of a musical at Chanhassen (How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying) and appeared on Broadway in Sweet Charity. We are thrilled to have her on board.

I’m about to run over to Old Arizona to see how the set model (I am designing) fared on its ride over from the Jungle and to hear the first read-through of the script. More to come…

Wednesday, May 4:

And this morning spring is still here! How terrific. The read-through of Forum last night was simply wonderful. The cast that Mr. Command has assembled is stunning all the way down to the smallest part! The voices were marvelous, the leads, hilarious (Chris Teipner is going to be fabulous as Psuedolus and he has a great voice to boot; Bradley will outdo himself as Miles Gloriosus, and Claudia and Richard were hysterical as Domina and Senex).

If you love a big old musical, get your tickets now. I’m betting on a smash hit! Plus, it’s the perfect fun evening for a summer’s night. And have I ever told you about our fabulous group sales guru, Deb? If you’ve got a card club, garden club, book club, theater club, this is a great show for you. Call her at (612) 278-0147 and she will get you set up.

And don’t forget the fabulous restaurants that ring the theater: Heidi’s, It’s Greek to Me (with its charming outdoor patio), Risotto, Fuji Ya, Moto-I (across the street with a lovely roof top terrace) and Bryant Lake Bowl.