Sunday news and reviews
Editor's note: I have to say I was thrilled to see Graydon Royce's piece on "The Fixers" (filed under "people"). Always great to see female arts leaders recognized for their work. And, imho, Jay Gabler wins the award for best headline of the day with "Sexy Librarian is stacked."
Arts
CSA: Homegrown art, bought by the bushel A twist on the community food movement delivers fresh, locally grown art.
-CHRISTY DeSMITH , Star Tribune
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Books
Duluthian's debut novel is grand ode to a great lake
The waves of Lake Superior are backdrop and soundtrack in the alternating stories of three strong but severely tested northern women.
- PAMELA MILLER , Star Tribune
A saga from Iowa, punctuated with humor
Thompson's novel -- linked short stories, really, told from various points of view -- is an exploration of the lure of freedom and the tug of home.
- LAURIE HERTZEL, Star Tribune
An account of the brutal World War I, and the social forces that shaped the first anti-war movement of the 20th century.
- DAVID SHAFFER , Star Tribune
Blood lust in the name of science
A gripping narrative about the rough beginnings of blood transfusions.
- JACK EL-HAI , Star Tribune
Brooks' latest is beautifully steeped in history
Based on the life of a 17th-century American Indian, the first to graduate from Harvard.
- ELLEN AKINS , Star Tribune
Doyle gets back to his storytelling roots
A new collection of poignant, humorous tales by Irish writer and Booker Prize-winner Roddy Doyle.
- ROBERT CREMINS, Star Tribune
Movies
Article by: COLIN COVERT , Star Tribune Updated: May 1, 2011 - 12:14 AM
The prolific and inquisitive Werner Herzog talks about his latest -- a truly underground film.
Music
The Minnesota Orchestra was directed by the first woman to serve as director of a major U.S. orchestra.
- LARRY FUCHSBERG , Star Tribune
Sheryl Crow has relocated to Music City and, of course, she's hatching a country album, too.
- JON BREAM , Star Tribune
People
These four women -- part of the new arts generation -- have revitalized institutions that provide the fuel for artists to flourish, and in the process they have shown that leadership can make a difference.
-GRAYDON ROYCE , Star Tribune
Stage
Commentary: In search of the new
The Guthrie Theater's slate of plays for 2011-12 seems to reflect doubt and conflict about its vision of itself.
- ROHAN PRESTON and GRAYDON ROYCE, Star Tribune
Sexy Librarian: File Under Rock Musical by Joking Envelope at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage
The play stars Anna Sundberg, and that's all you really need to know.
- John Olive, HowWasTheShow.com
Joking Envelope's "Sexy Librarian" is stacked
Writer/director/drummer Scrimshaw's genre-busting plotting and often clever jokes--presented, per Scrimshaw usual, with infallible regularity--keep Sexy Librarian moving, but it's sometimes an uphill battle.
- Jay Gabler, TC Daily Planet
'Year of Magical Thinking' is 90 minutes of dispassion
The idea of losing your entire family, including the sudden death of your spouse of many years and your children, would evoke deep pain and grief for most. But somehow, in "The Year of Magical Thinking" at Nimbus Theatre, that emotion is lacking.
- Renee Valois, Special to the Pioneer Press
"The Year of Magical Thinking": Nimbus's wand fails to produce sparks
Presenting the play is a most welcome programming choice by Nimbus, and Theatre de la Jeune Leune co-founder Barbara Berlovitz would seem to make for a dream (one-woman) cast. Unfortunately, this production, directed by Liz Neerland, disappoints--not greatly, but still, disappoints--in many respects.
- Jay Gabler, TC Daily Planet