The651.com

Somewhere in a shipping yard in the middle of the night, workers are playing with brooms. Well, maybe not.

It’s a ridiculous if not wildly entertaining concept, but that rhythmic Hercules of a show, Stomp, is in its 20th year for good reason. As has become our tradition, having seen the show twice before together, I brought my mom as my date to the show’s current run at the Ordway.

This isn’t your grandfather’s tap. You know, the Fred Astaire/Gene Kelly era in which gentlemen in suits soft-shoed their way up and down stairs and tap-danced while singing in the rain. No – this particular offshoot of tap is muscular, and it wears a wife beater (or tank top, to be more politically correct). In fact, this form of tap is closer to the origins of tap dance, rooted in African tribal dance that encompassed all forms of rhythm, from drums to hand claps to foot-stomping.

The thrill of seeing eight percussionists onstage is unparalleled. Watching a group of people creating intricate rhythms together with their feet, hands, and any number of objects not typically known for their rhythmic qualities is similar to the thrill of watching a band play with four drummers (a recent trend in music, in fact). Brooms, folding chairs, rubber tubes, basketballs, tin cans, trash cans and plastic bins all became instruments in the Stomp dancers’ symphony.

The most unusual instrument of the night: sinks. They came out strapped to the necks of four performers, and offered a surprisingly multi-dimensional soundscape.

The most visually compelling moment: when the troupe dimmed the lights and enlisted lighters.

You’d think that seeing people banging on things for an hour and a half would get boring after awhile, but this production managed to keep things dynamic, mixing unpretentious humor with vacillating energy levels and audience participation. The performers themselves were wonderfully dynamic, varying from a ringleader-type character who looked like a cyberpunk version of Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers; an extremely flexible, energetic black woman who incorporated elements of traditional African dance; a tall, beefy black dude with dreads, suspenders, and a goofy sense of humor; and a tall, thin bearded dude with long hair who looked more like a literary type than an effusive Stomp performer.

The irony of a bunch of “hoitie toities” (as my mom put it) paying money to be entertained by a show that has its roots in street performance was not lost on me. The show was clearly inspired by the relatively recent phenomenon of the more-than-likely homeless performers you see on the street corner or the subway, banging on plastic buckets. In an apparent nod to the street performer’s rich history, the Ordway had a feed of drum sounds piped outside the space as ticketholders left the premises.

STOMP runs now through April 3 at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul, 651-224-4222, www.ordway.org, $36-61

Oh, Heathcliff! We’re are all a-flutter at the idea of this dark, heartwrenching romance brought to life on the stage of the Ordway–in opera format, no less!

A tale of love, obsession and revenge, young Heathcliff falls in love, only to have it ripped away by circumstance and a young man of a higher social class. Heathcliff leaves, becomes mysteriously wealthy, and eventually returns to his homestead to punish those who sought to separate him from his now-deceased love, Catherine. His plot to destroy multiple generations of his adoptive family and extended family drives Heathcliff to madness and delusion.

The Minnesota Opera’s production of  Wuthering Heights is based off the Emily Brontë classic as reimagined by contemporary composer Bernard Herrmann. A Hollywood legend, Herrmann famously composed the scores to numerous films, including Hitchcock’s Psycho, Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, and Scorsese’s  Taxi Driver.  Wuthering Heights was his only opera, and coincidentally, was penned in Minneapolis in 1951.

This is the first major production of Herrmann’s Wuthering Heights; it will be staged by the Minnesota Opera April 16th-23rd at the Ordway. Sung in English with English captions projected above the stage. Estimated run time, including intermission is 3 hours and 35 minutes. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.mnopera.org.

Looking for a fantastic, last minute arts-related gift to give a friend or perhaps even yourself? Look no further than a membership to the Minnesota Opera’s young patron’s group, Tempo. The hip 21-40 group has made a lot of waves this year with some of the most entertaining and inventive programming; from after parties with the cast to salon-style, sample-sized performances at area venues to cool workshops and intimate discussions with visiting and resident opera stars. The gift of a Tempo membership not only will ensure your friend gets turned on to a beautiful, classic art form, but odds are you’ll be invited along!  With a solid lineup of operas still on the roster for the 2010-11 season, you’ll be sitting pretty at the Ordway!

Put your best friend in Heathcliff’s embrace in Wuthering Heights. Treat yourself to a night of enchantment with the Parisian courtesan Violetta in La traviata. Get close to the action as two queens battle for the English throne in Mary Stuart. Spread the joy of opera this holiday season, or give yourself a treat for the new year!

The Tempo Sampler includes:

* a Tempo membership for the current season

* a pair of Opening Night tickets for Mary Stuart, La traviata or
Wuthering Heights

This package, valued up to $240, is only $99.

Click here and select Tempo Sampler from the menu on the left or call the Minnesota Opera Ticket Office M-F, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 612-333-6669.

Since 1992, the Ordway has been bestowing honors on local arts instigators via the prestigious Sally Award. The annual awards are presented to “individuals and institutions that strengthen and enrich our entire state with their commitment to the arts and arts education.” Inspired by the “First Trust Award” presented in 1986 to Sally Ordway Irvine, whose vision inspired the conception of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. The original award is permanently installed in the Ordway’s Marzitelli Foyer.

Only five awards will be dealt out to five inspiring Minnesota arts activists in the realms of vision, initiative, commitment, education and Arts Access. Who do you think is most influential individual or organization? How have they pushed local art and artists to flourish and excel or appreciators to engage in the local scene? The five categories are listed below:

Vision recognizes exemplary creative thinking and strategic leadership in support of a particular project or development of a body of work that will have long-term impact on the community. Examples include creation of new artistic/cultural opportunities, expanding access to the arts, or leading the community in new directions.

Initiative recognizes bold new steps taken by an established or emerging artistic or cultural individual/organization that has had a significant impact on strengthening Minnesota’s artistic/cultural community.

Commitment recognizes lifetime achievement, contribution and leadership in the arts and culture.

Education recognizes an individual/organization or particular project that has had a significant impact on education or mentoring in the arts and has contributed to increasing knowledge about the arts throughout the community.

Arts Access recognizes an individual/organization in their extraordinary efforts to increase the depth and breadth of citizen participation in the arts.

To read more about the Sally Awards visit the Ordway HERE. To nominate someone click HERE. Nominations are due by November 15th!

The Ordway’s new season is upon us! Our city’s most vital performing arts center is about to be back in full swing, and we couldn’t be happier. With a winning lineup of  music, theater and opera slated, there’s bound to be something that appeals to you. Check out our short overview of what’s to come over the next couple months!

SAINT PAUL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran of classical orchestra music, one thing’s for sure: the SPCO knows how to do it up right. Kicking off the 2010-11 season is Mozart’s famed opera, Don Giovanni, conducted by SPCO artistic partner Roberto Abbado. Don Giovanni is the tale of an unscrupulous womanizer who, after refusing to change his ways, receives a one-way ticket to hell. The performance runs 9/10-9/12. Next up is Gil Shaham Plays Mendelssohn, a violin concert featuring renowned player, Gil Shaham. The New York Times is quoted as calling Shaham “infectious” and has praised him for his “powerful, luscious tone.”  The concert will include selections from Haydn, Beethoven and of course, Mendelssohn. See Gil Shaham 9/16-9/19.  And coming up in October we have Bicket Does Baroque and Beyond, a lively performance featuring violin and cello, conducted by Harry Bicket and featuring Purcell, Pärt, MacMillan/Karkoff, and Rameau. Bicket Does Baroque runs 10/8-10/10. A lot of these words don’t make sense to ya? Understandable. But honestly, the best way to learn to appreciate classical music for those unfamiliar, is to dive right in and experience it – background information or not. For more info on the SPCO, click HERE.

THE MINNESOTA OPERA

Yes! Opera season kicks off in just a couple weeks. And if you consider opera an inaccessible art form or “just for old people” – think again. The Minnesota Opera, while staying true to their roots, goes out of the way to create inviting (and dare we say sexy?) productions that appeal to performing arts lovers across the board. With an epic lineup of operas on the docket this season including Orpheus and Eurydice, Cinderella, Mary Stuart, La traviata, and Wuthering Heights, you’re bound to discover something that personally speaks to you. Opening night, featuring Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Orpheus & Eurydice, happens on Saturday, September 25th. The stylized new production weaves the legendary myth of magical musician Orpheus, who loses his love, Eurydice after she dies from a poisonous snake bite. He journeys into the underworld to save her and, well, dramatic shenanigans ensue. This Greek tragedy is heartbreaking, romantic and beautiful – and a great production to bring a date to, if you ask us. And clocking in at just two hours, it’s a short, digestible opera for newcomers or those with theater A.D.D.. Orpheus and Eurydice runs September 25, 28, 30, October 2 and 3. What’s more? For those under 40, the Minnesota Opera has a young patrons group cleverly coined Tempo. Tempo is an fantastic way for the younger set to score amazing deals on opera tix, experience hip VIP parties and special events with the cast, and to socialize with other like-minded people in a similar age group (Note: Dudes, the single lady ratio is about 3 to 1!). After each opening night performance, you can join Tempo at cool, nearby locations for stellar after parties that include DJs, drinks, dancing and mingling. For more info on the MN Opera’s season click HERE.

ORDWAY THEATER SEASON

The Ordway plays host to a slew of fantastic musical theater productions throughout the year. Kicking off the season from September 30th-October 31st we have Theater Latté Da’s rendition of Evita. The famed telling of Argentinian first lady Eva Perón’s life, Evita follows the triumphant rise of one of the most powerful and inspiring Latin American women of our time. With lyrics by Tim Rice and the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Theater Latté Da will take you on a fascinating journey into  history. Also on the musical theater schedule this season is the vibrant tale of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, another Rice/Webber-penned phantasm. And American Idol fans take note: finalist Anthony Fedorov is on task to play the role of Joseph. Runs December 7th-January 2nd. Next up is STOMP, the beloved musical production that incorporates unusual objects into music, and yes, lots of of stomping. STOMP runs March 29th-April 3rd. Also slated for spring/summer 2011 are productions of Next to Normal, Guys and Dolls, and (omg!) 9 to 5: The Musical. For more info on the Ordway’s theater season click HERE.

TARGET WORLD MUSIC & DANCE SERIES

Probably the most stunning lineup of culturally significant music and dance to grace the landscape of the Twin Cities, this ongoing Target-sponsored series pulls you into a colorful world of movement and sound. The typically one-off performances feature globally-renowned artists and offer a chance for you to immerse yourself in culture the world over (literally). Opening the dance season on Friday, November 19th is Contra-Tiempo, a social activist dance company that incorporates Salsa, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop and contemporary dance-theater into sizzling physical performance.  And hot on the heels of Contra-Tiempo’s Friday performance, comes Saturday’s music series kick off with Tiempo Libre, a three-time Grammy Award nominated timba music ensemble. Infusing Latin jazz and traditional Cuban beats, this lively concert will take you through an exotic, exuberant whirlwind of sound.  The season continues through June of 2011 with performances from such notables as Angélique Kidjo, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, BeijingDance/LDTX, TU Dance, and Mu Diako: Soul of the Drum. For more info on the Target World Music & Dance series click HERE.

The Ordway will offer even more fantastic events throughout the season as well. To keep up on what’s going on, to read more about specific productions and to purchase tickets, visit www.ordway.org.

This week, St. Paul shops gear up for Valentine’s Day with new sales, shopping events, and other stylish happenings. Take it all in, or pick and choose – there’s something here for everyone.

[Tees by Tilton]

Saturday & Sunday: Dream of Spring Event at Bonne Chance
Local artisans coalesce at St. Paul gift boutique Bonne Chance. Find hand-crafted jewelry, scarves and accessories. That includes Carole Hallman’s up-cycled slip dresses, hand dyed in bright colors, and trench coats; hand-bound journals by Robyn Priestley; and knit tees by Katherine Tilton. Sadly, with this event comes the announcement that Bonne Chance will be closing for now, with hopes to reopen at another location eventually. (Noon-5 p.m. Bonne Chance, 713 E. Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul. 651-771-1791.)

Friday: Artist Mercantile’s Art of Romance Soiree
Artisan co-op Artist Mercantile starts the romance early at their annual Valentine’s themed “Art of Romance Soiree.” Listen to live poetry by the St. Paul Poetry Slam team and live music from Sam Hall, enjoy chocolates and wine, and shop for handmade goods from the Mercantile’s 65 artists. Valentine’s gift ideas include locally-made candles and bath products, stained and fused glassware, jewelry, and painted chairs. You can also try your hand at poetry and bring in a love-related quote on a postcard-sized card stock and you might get it displayed in the storefront window. (6-9 p.m. Artist Mercantile, 24 7th Pl., St. Paul. 651-222-0053.)

Saturday & Sunday: Grand Hand Local Jewelry Trunk Show
Minnesota jewelry artists Laura Stamper and Mitra Vahhaji’s latest creations will be in display at this jewelry trunk show, just in time for Valentine’s Day. New to the gallery is Laura Stamper, whose collection is composed of mixed materials, while Mitra Vahhaji’s designs are composed of silver, pearls and stones. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., Noon-5 p.m. Sun. The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-312-1122.)

Thursday: Details Salon Spa Color Offer
Details Salon Spa is letting you reap the benefits of cancellations in their books. This Thursday only, receive 50 percent off any new color service that you book and receive. Call or go on-line to book at 651-251-8700 or www.detailsmn.com. (Details Salon, 346 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700.)

Monday-Wednesday: Hot Mama Denim Sale
Stylish moms-to-be, head to Hot Mama’s Annual Denim Sale. Get 25 percent off all premium jeans, including new arrivals. (Hot Mama, Rosedale Center, 612-633-9400; 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-209-0222.)

Tuesday: Minnesota Opera’s Girl’s Night Out
Get your culture fix at the Minnesota Opera’s Girl’s Night Out event, centered around the Opera’s current production of Roberto Devereux. Enjoy free appetizers and drink specials at the St. Paul Grill, where 107.1’s Lori and Julia will broadcast their show live. Then head over to the Ordway, hear FM107.1’s Ian Punnett and MN Opera’s Artistic Director Dale Johnson talk about Roberto Devereux, and enjoy the show. (3 p.m. $30 including price of show. St. Paul Grill, 345 Market St., St. Paul. 612-333-6699. Click here to purchase tickets.)

Friday: “How Secretaries Changed the 20th Century Office: Design, Image and Culture”
Find out how woman’s secretarial role in the office over the years has transformed the style of the workplace as we know it in this new exhibition at Goldstein Museum of Design. Enjoy refreshments at the opening reception, and bring gently-used women’s business wear for Woemn Achieving New Directions during the exhibit’s run. (Opening reception 6-8 p.m. Fri. Ongoing through May 23. Goldstein Museum of Design, 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul. 612-624-7434.)

Ongoing:

[A look from Details Style Lab]

Details Sweater Sale
Fellas need gifts for Valentine’s Day, too. Buy one sweater from lines like Skunkfunk, Bertigo, and Ben Sherman and receive 20 percent off; buy two and take 30 percent off; and buy three to receive 40 percent off. (Ongoing through Feb. 14. Details Style Lab, 346 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700.)

[Sale items at Picky Girl]

Picky Girl Winter Sale
St. Paul boutique Picky Girl is kicking off its winter sale with 25 to 60 percent off all regular-priced clothing, shoes and accessories, with offerings from national lines like Kenzie Girl and Covet, and local darlings Calpurnia Peach. (Ongoing while supplies last. Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-4107.)

Winter Sale at Stephanie’s
Highland Park boutique Stephanie’s is taking 50 to 70 percent off all its fall and winter merchandise, including lines like Nicole Miller, Tracy Reese, and LuLuLame. (Ongoing while supplies last. Highland Park: 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802.)

[F-Troupe at BlackBlue]

BlackBlue Shoe Sale
UK brand F-Troupe, represented out of the Opening Ceremony showroom in NYC, is now on sale at St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. Take 25 percent off any pair of F-Troupes in both men’s and women’s styles, while supplies last, as well as men’s Generic Surplus footwear. (While you’re there, check out new men’s denim line, A.P.C. from France.) (Ongoing while supplies last. BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul.)

Sing Renaissance Music with the Rose Ensemble and Voces8!

Warm up your vocal chords and head on over to the Landmark Center this Tuesday to join in on a special performance/workshop with the Rose Ensemble and Voces8! Attendees are invited to sing along with the musical luminaries, who will be performing classic, old-timey tunes. Don’t worry, experience is NOT necessary, but we would recommend downloading and printing the scheduled tunes HERE before hand.  Fun for the whole fam, or for those who want to experiment with new sounds alongside some of the best musicians in town.

Tuesday, Feb 2nd, 7-9pm, Landmark Center, 75 W. 7th Street, St. Paul, Free

History of Hip: Yesterday’s Tomorrow

The MN Historical Society futurizes 2010 with its cool and educational series, “History of Hip,” at the Turf Club’s Clown Lounge. Focused on the oddball predictions of days gone by, this event will have you laughing along with Historian Brian Horrigan and blogger Matt Novak, who will highlight trends in science fiction and share their thoughts on the subject. Personally, we were hoping there would be flying cars by now!

Tuesday, February 2nd, 7:30-9pm, Turf Club (Clown Lounge), 1601 University Ave, St. Paul, $6

Minnesota Opera presents Roberto Devereux

The first installment in the Minnesota Opera’s Tudor Trilogy, this Bel Canto tradgedy retells the treacherous tale of Queen Elizabeth and the object of her affection, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex. While his heart belongs to another, Elizabeth stops at nothing to keep him for herself, going so far as to force his lover to marry another. Dramatic shenanigans ensue, and the rest…well, you’ll just have to find out for yourself at the Ordway! A free prologue beginning one hour prior to each opera performance offers an entertaining and informative half-hour with Artistic Director Dale Johnson or other artistic staffers in Ordway Center’s mezzanine lobby.

Feb 2, 4, 6, and 7, 7:30pm (2pm Sun), Ordway, 345 Washington Street, St.Paul, Tickets from $20. For more info or to purchase tickets visit www.mnopera.org.

Juried Student Exhibition

Head to the College of Visual Arts this Thursday to take in the work of the art school’s best and brightest! In a blind review process, the best works have been selected by an outside panel of jurors and exhibited in the CVA Gallery. While the official opening reception was last week, this week you’ll be privy to a panel discussion about the work with the students themselves. A great opportunity to seek out fresh, up and coming artists. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new favorite!

Thursday February 4th, 6-8pm, CVA Gallery, 173 Western Avenue North, St. Paul, Free

The Schubert Club Courtroom Concert

This week, the Landmark Center offers a lunchtime respite with the next event in their Courtroom Concert Series. Hosted by the Schubert Club and locally-based composer, Randall Davidson, you’ll experience sweet sounds of the classical variety from top local performing artists. Guests are encouraged to bring lunch, or to purchase a sandwich at Anita’s Cafe located on the ground level of the Landmark. Quite a spectacular way to break up the day, if you as us!

Thursday, Feb 4th, Noon, Landmark Center, Courtroom 317, St. Paul, Free

While most Holidays are family-oriented by nature, New Years is kind of a problem for us. When I think of New Years Eve I mostly think of 3 things: formal attire, champagne toasts and a kiss at midnight. All of which more-or-less eliminate participation by children. And it’s further complicated by the fact that the grown-ups really, really want to go do those things by themselves anyway.

So we’ve always been at a loss for how to make New Years Eve at all relevant to our kids. Turns out 3 of our favorite St. Paul family institutions have their own solutions.

At the Ordway is Belle’s New Years Eve Ball – an event that piggybacks on the final weekend of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the theater. After the 2:00 matinee, families can join the cast of the show for a New Years-themed afterparty that includes music by Radio Disney, activities, food and an apple cider toast to the New Year at 6:00 PM (It’s midnight somewhere, right?). A few reasons why this seems like a good idea: First, its the last weekend of the show so if you haven’t seen it, now is the time. Second, It’s only $5 per person above the cost of the ticket. Call the Ordway Box Office at 651.224.4222 for  info.

Down the street, the Minnesota Children’s Museum hosts Sparkle-Rama, where kids are encouraged to get in the spirit by wearing their sparkliest clothes. Our kids aren’t really the sparkly-clothes type, but the event sounds awesome no matter what you wear. As with the Ordway event, there are hands-on craft activities and such, but one major difference is live music from children’s band Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade. The New Years countdown at this one is at 8PM, still early enough for the parents to celebrate on their own later. Call 651.225.6035 for more info.

If either of those are too late for you, Como Park Zoo has the cleverly named Noon Years Eve which takes place from 10AM to 1PM, with a “beach ball drop” to celebrate the New Year at noon. Kids can make hats and horns, take part in a scavenger hunt and dance to tunes provided by the Radio Disney Party Patrol (who presumably dash over to the Ordway afterwards for their party?). More info on the Como Park website.

Theatre of Fools: A Life of Serious Nonsense

@ The Jewel Theatre, 250 E. 7th Street, 2nd Floor, Downtown St.Paul, Call 651-797-7591 for tickets

Fridays & Saturdays through December 19th / $15

Downtown St. Paul’s Jewel Theatre is a whimsical little “gem” of a playhouse, located above Twin Cities Costume and Magic Shop. The 144-seat theater is, charmingly, the only magic-specific theater in town, featuring regular performances by local magicians. The latest production, A Life of Serious Nonsense, put on by local company, Theatre of Fools, is described as “the delight of cirque du Soleil mixed with the charm of Laurel and Hardy.” And we certainly can’t argue with that. Not to mention, who doesn’t want a little magic in their lives around the holidays?

For more info visit www.theatreoffools.com

Sinister but Sweet: New work by DC Ice

@ Nicademus Art, 225 Snelling Avenue, Midway St. Paul

Reception: Friday, December 11th / 6-11pm / Free (runs through December)

Local artist DC Ice’s tagline “sinister but sweet” perfectly sums her up. Fine-lined, dainty illustrations are darkened by just the right amount of twisted imagination. Leery-eyed girl hybrids, centaurs serving cupcakes, and antlered, spindly cat-creatures are just a few of the strange characters in DC Ice’s arsenal of oddities. Creating deftly etched figures who wouldn’t be out of place in a Neil Gaiman book, this bewitching artist takes a decadent spin on the mundane and transports you into her delightfully disturbing dream world. Hit up the opening reception for a chance to meet the artist herself, nibble some cupcakes and drink some ‘nog. Also up for grabs will be D.C. Ice’s handmade, vintage-inspired hair clips and brooches. What’s better? Her smaller art works start at just $60, a minimal price to pay to own a piece of this artist’s vast imagination. The opening reception runs from 6pm-11pm and is free and open to the public.  -excerpted from my column at Secrets of the City

For more information go to www.nicademusart.com or visit the D.C. Ice site at www.sinisterbutsweet.com.

Ordway Circle of the Stars Gala

@ Ordway Center, 345 Washington Street, Downtown St. Paul

Sunday, December 13th / 5pm / To purchase tickets call 651.282.3006

An annual Ordway fundraising event, the Circle of the Stars Gala offers a chance for theater patrons to get up close and personal with the minds and talent behind what makes the renowned theater and performance hall tick. Enjoy a reception with gourmet food, a silent auction and a jewelry room by RF Moeller, then at 7pm take in an exclusive dress rehearsal of the upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast (opening December 15th). After the show enjoy dessert with the cast! Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to support the Ordway and its educational programs.

For more information visit www.ordway.org

Beauty and the Beast will run December 15th-January 3rd in the Ordway’s main hall. For tickets and more information on this touching Disney tale click HERE.

FRIDAY OCT 30th: Tortured Cinema: The Great Works of Lon Chaney

@ The Fitzgerald Theater

Head to the Fitz for a spooky evening of silent films and decadent organ music presented by Minnesota Public Radio.  Watch excerpts from Lon Chaney’s classic flicks such as  The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Phantom of the Opera, with MPR movie maven Stephanie Curtis introducing each eerie segment.  Accompanying the films will be Michael Grandchamp on the Fitzgerald’s famed Wurlitzer organ,  infusing hauntingly beautiful sounds into the famed tales. Tonight’s Tortured Cinema also welcomes the first public performance from the Indie Artist Residency Program, showcasing the talents local artists deVon Gray and Alicia Wiley, who will perform new arrangements on the organ between the films. Also on task is actor Peter Moore, who will regale you with his clever storytelling, which is sure to be of the scary variety!

7:30 and ticket prices are $12 adults, $10 for MPR members and $6 for 16 and under.

For more info visit www.fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org

SATURDAY OCT 31st: Hardenberger and Frankenstein!!

@ The Ordway

Classical music and Halloween are synonymous, right? Well, maybe if you’re adding a haunting soundtrack to an installation of bloody, severed doll heads or something along those lines, anyway. The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra has other ideas, however. For those who aren’t into tricks, treats, or severed doll heads for that matter, you’re invited to the Ordway this evening for a mesmerizing concert with a spooky twist. Hear the beautiful sounds of composers Hindemith, Stravinsky, and the talented composer/conductor HK Gruber, who be on-hand to premiere his new trumpet concerto, Busking, complete with banjo and accordion, which will be performed by world-renowned trumpet player Håkan Hardenberger. In keeping with the Halloween spirit, the program will conclude with Gruber’s famous madcap composition Frankenstein!!

8pm, tickets range from $11-$59. Tickets available online, at the Ordway or by calling the box office at 651.291.1144.

For more info visit www.ordway.org

Need a costume? Try Twin Cities Costume & Magic!

Still looking for the perfect costume? Look no further than Twin Cities Costume & Magic shop. A long time local staple, this whimsical shop has been supplying Twin Citizens with the means to scare, delight and entertain for many, many years. Recently relocated to a larger space on E. 7th & Wacouta in downtown St. Paul from it’s original location on West 7th, TCCM offers over 15,000 items for sale including over 4,000 rentals, as well as wigs, masks, accessories, special efects makeup and much, much more. With extended hours for Halloween, you certainly can’t go wrong with a last minute trip to this joint to round out your spook-tacular ensemble.

For more information visit www.twincitiesmagic.com

For awesome Halloween nightlife events this weekend check out our resident party guide, Jahna Peloquin’s weekend events blog HERE!