By: Play off the Page on June 22, 2012 - 1:23pm - Add new comment

"Anytown" is a dance performance by the Shapiro & Smith Dance Company using the music of Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band members Patti Scialfa and Soozie Tyrell, playing now at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. It tells stories of American life, the working class, the hardships, the relationships, the emotions of a lifetime.

By: Play off the Page on November 16, 2012 - 10:51am - Add new comment

Finding your voice in your art builds self-confidence. An artist who has a well defined voice stands out in the crowd. Have you ever started reading an article, or exerpt from a book, and thought, "I know this author." You might have even identified her before looking at the by-line. The same thing happens when you look at art. The masters can be identified by most people. You can tell a VanGough, for instance, from a Rembrant or Monet. Can you pick up a family photograph and determine who took that shot? Do you know the voice, style, of your best friend's paintings?

By: Play off the Page on November 23, 2011 - 12:21pm - Add new comment

"A Christmas Carol" has been produced at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis for more than 35 years. This is their big show with all the bells and whistles, dancing, drama, and theatrics, of course. The story, written by Charles Dickens in 1843, describes London on the eve of Christmas. Carolers walk the streets. Women come to the door with requests to help the poor. The rich, like Scrooge, hoard their wealth. The poor are sent out into the streets with no one to help them and nowhere to go. Dickens brought to light the darkness of society.

By: Play off the Page on November 12, 2012 - 7:57am - Add new comment

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is marvelous, filled with tenderness and giggles, wisdom and wit. It's colorful, musical and fun. Go, if you can! It's a Christmas present the whole family can enjoy. I attended this show with children ages 5 through 13, and they all loved. The grown-ups also thought it was a hoot. To read more of my review and see photos from the production, go to my writer's blog, Play off the Page, www.maryaalgaard.blogspot.com.