Art Hounds: Myron Johnson, Joan of Arc, and an exquisite French jazz pianist

The hounds show their enthusiasm for the final solo performance of the founder of "Ballet of the Dolls," a virtuoso piano improviser from France and an intimate musical theater piece featuring one of the Twin Cities' finest vocalists.

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Dancer, actor and scenic artist Kathleen Sullivan calls Myron Johnson the "godfather of Minneapolis dance." The "Ballet of the Dolls" founder, former Childrens Theatre Company performer and veteran choreographer will dance solo for a final time for the next two weekends at the Ritz Theater in Minneapolis (Oct. 27 - Nov. 6). The concert is called "Songs for a Swan." Among other things, Johnson will be exploring his 50-plus years on stage as well as the challenges of staying relevant as an aging performer.

As board chair for the Minneapolis theater group "The Moving Company," Randy Nordquist has a refined appreciation for good musical theater. Randy says in "Joan of Arc," Nautilus Music Theatre in St. Paul has reduced a full length production down to its most intimate elements, which allows lead vocalist and stunning soprano Jennifer Baldwin Peden to shine. On stage Oct. 27 - Nov. 6.

Arts-based psychotherapist Nancy Ruppenthanl has good news for fans of the now defunct Franco/Minnesota jazz festival Minnesota Sur Seine. Avant pianist Benoit Delbecq, who made an impression on local jazz enthusiasts in previous festivals, is making a stop at the Black Dog Café in St. Paul on Friday, Oct. 28.

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