Art Hounds: Kingdom Undone, Other Desert Cities, and Six Characters in Search of an Author

Michelle Barber (Silda Grauman) and Kelly McAndrew (Brooke Wyeth) in the Guthrie Theater's production of Other Desert Cities, by Jon Robin Baitz. (Photo by Michael Brosilow; Courtesy of The Guthrie Theater)

A theater saturated segment from the hounds this week, who are following an earthy passion play, a drama about keeping secrets in an upper crust California family, and a play that bends your perception of reality.

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Art Hound stalwart and comedic actor Levi Weinhagen was entertained and challenged by Alan Berks' adaptation of the 1921 Luigi Pirandello play, "Six Characters in Search of an Author." Levi says the absurdist storyline examines relationships between playwrights, actors and their characters and blurs the line between reality and fiction. Berks' adaptation takes place on the set of a reality TV show. At Gremlin Theatre in St. Paul through March 24.

Minneapolis arts writer Laura Westlund has a tip for cabin fever sufferers who are unable to escape Minnesota before spring comes, if it ever does. Laura predicts you will be warmed by the magnificent Southern California set, funny repartee and heated drama of "Other Desert Cities," about a wealthy family turning against itself because of a terrible tragedy. Through March 24 at the Guthrie Theater.

A well-intentioned Judas, a Mother Mary with attitude and a Jesus who keeps it real. Jessica Lind Peterson and her husband Jason Peterson, co-founders of Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo, say that's what you'll get and more if you see "Kingdom Undone" at the Southern Theater through March 30. The Petersons say the production strips the passion play of a lot of its historical baggage and brings it down to a more human level. For more Art Hounds' recommendations, check us out on Facebook and Twitter. Art Hounds is also available as a podcast on iTunes. Art Hounds is powered by the Public Insight Network.

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