"Anything Goes" is a sweet escape on a luxury liner of music, dance, and romance. This classic musical by Cole Porter, is playing at The Ordway in St. Paul, May 7-12, 2013. The pure theatrical delight of "Anything Goes", particularly it's title number, are the talk of the town (state, and every stop along the tour). Imagine, the gorgeous actors singing and tap-dancing to this classic song to a packed house night after night and receiving thunderous applause. They are stunning, the acting superb, every detail glimmers of classic musical theatre. What a treat to see this show.

Four Artists: Four Visions is a visual arts exhibition of wood turning by Bob Carls, wood and metal sculpture by Roy Abbott, and textile art by Amy Sharpe and Carolyn Abbott at the Q Gallery.

The opening reception is from 5 to 7pm on May 3, 2013, $5 for Crossings Arts members and $10 for non-members. The exhibition is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Friday from noon to 4pm, May 7 through 10, and May 14 through May 17, and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, May 4, 11 and 18.

Watching a live theatre production often feels like a reflection of our own lives or people we know. It offers a glimpse of times past, and helps clarify what life is like for us now. "The Glass Menagerie" is playing at the Dryden Theatre at Central Lakes College, and it is an excellent production. Director Gary Hirsch brings out the best of the four actors who perform in this show. I can't imagine anyone else playing these rolls. Laura Busch is Amanda in her voice and mannerisms, and the costume designer gets an A+ for finding such a great dress for her to wear in Act 2.

In Sunday's paper you'll find the first of a two-part series on mental illness in the Brainerd lakes area. The second part will run Monday.

Here's a little about what you'll read:

They are your neighbors. Your coworkers. Your best friends.
But there’s something you may not know about them: they have a mental illness.
Nearly half of U.S. adults will develop at least one mental illness during their lifetime, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Yet many of those people will put off treatment because of the stigma of mental illness, local professionals say.