Access Press, Volume 14, Issue 12, December 10, 2003. Article

Accessible Performances

The following performances will be Audio Described (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, or Interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL)for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Topdog/Underdog, by Suzan-Lori Parks; Runs 11/12-12/14; Captioned 12/12, 8P; Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Minneapolis; 612-338-6131; www.mixedblood.com. Infused with percussive rhythms of three card monte and street poetry, this 2002 Pulitzer Prize-winning comic drama about brotherly love features a sideshow performer and his would-be street hustler sibling in a dizzying and often humorous battle of wits with surprising twists.
The Hobbit, by Edward Mast, from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel; Runs 12/11-21; AD 12/12, 7P; ASL 12/13, 2P; Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo; 701-235-6778, www.fmct.org. Bilbo Baggins is drawn into a dangerous adventure with the legendary wizard Gandalf and his homeless dwarves.
The Outcast Elves Christmas Cabaret; Runs 11/28-12/20; AD 12/12, 730P; ASL 12/13, 730P & 12/20, 3P; Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 212 Third Ave. N., Suite 140, Minneapolis. Prepare to be transported to a timeless place in celebration of the season and in search of gifts unseen—untold tales and joyous
songs of those that have been invisible.
A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, adapted by Barbara Field; Runs 11/18-12/28; AD & ASL 12/13, 1P; Guthrie Theater, 725 Vineland, Minneapolis, 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626; www.guthrietheater.org. This beloved holiday tradition from Victorian London presents the delightful Fezziwigs, frightening ghosts, the charming Crachit family and the melting of Mr. Scrooge's miserly heart.
A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens (different from above listing); Runs 11/29-12/14; ASL 12/13, 7P; Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Center Drive, www.rochcivictheatre.org. RCT's 14th annual silent auction fundraiser will be held in the lobby.
Narnia, from C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Runs 12/5-21; AD & ASL 12/13, 730P; Youth Performance Company at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet, Minneapolis; 612-623-9080; www.youthperformanceco.com. Description: Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter wander from an old wardrobe into the enchanting world of Narnia where they meet unforgettable characters.
A Servants' Christmas: The Musical, by John Fenn; Runs 11/22-12/28; AD 12/14, 2P; ASL 12/17, 10A & 12/21, 2P; Great American History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul; 651-292-4320, www.historytheatre.com. Set at the turn of the 19th century on St. Paul's historic Summit Avenue, this story of religious tolerance, holiday joy
and redemption is about a young girl, who, afraid of losing her job, keeps her Jewish faith a secret from the family.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!, by Barbara Robinson; Runs 12/5-21; ASL 12/14, 2P; AD 12/16, 11A; SteppingStone Theatre at Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul; www.steppingstonetheatre.org. Watch "the worst kids in the history of the world" in this year's Christmas Pageant and the disasters that occur. Hilarious, touching, unforgettable!
A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens (different from above); Runs 11/21-12/21; ASL 12/14, 2P; Commonwealth Theatre, 206 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro; 507-467-2525 or 800-657-7025; www.commonwealtheatre.org. Dickens' classic story of loneliness, greed, and redemption comes alive in Commonweal's imaginative ensemble production.
The Wizard of Oz, from L. Frank Baum's book by John Kane with music/lyrics by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg; Runs 11/18/03-1/10/04; AD & ASL 12/17, 10A & 12/19, 730P; Children's Theatre Co., 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-874-0400; www.childrenstheatre.org. See the glittering hit that broke all CTC box office records last year.
A Little House Christmas, from the book by Laura Ingalls Wilder; Runs 11/28-12/30; ASL 12/18, 123P & 12/21, 2P; AD 12/21, 2P; Stages Theatre Co., Hopkins Center for the Arts Mainstage, 1111 Mainstreet; 952-979-1111, www.stagestheatre.org. When a storm cuts the Ingalls family off from the rest of the town, they learn it is not presents or celebrations but the love of friends and family that make the holidays special.
Oliver!, by Lionel Bart; Runs 12/10-28; AD & ASL 12/20, 2P; Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul; 651-224-4222, TTY 651-282-3100; www.ordway.org. Charles Dickens' famous characters in olde London towne, singing Food, Glorious Food; Consider Yourself; You've Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two and more favorites.
Wild Swans; Runs 12/5-30; ASL12/20, 730P; AD 12/21, 2P; In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre, 1500 E. Lake St., Mpls.; www.hobt.org. Inspired by an ancient folktale, this soulful story is of a young girl and her journey to find her lost brothers and restore them to human form. It's an old-fashioned puppet show that combines
original live music with rod puppets, folk marionettes, masks, giant puppets and a set inspired by children's "pop-up" books.
The 1940s Radio Hour, by Walton Jones; Runs 11/21-12/21; AD 12/21, 2P; Theatre in the Round Players, 245 Cedar, Mpls; 612-333-3010; www.theatreintheround.org. A sentimental musical journey back to 1942 as a radio
station prepares to broadcast the big Christmas variety show, with live sound effects, singing & dancing.
Oklahoma!, by Rodgers & Hammerstein; Runs 1/6-11; ASL 1/11, 1P; Historic Opheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave, Mpls; 612-989-5151; www.hennepintheatredistrict.com. The show that changed the American musical forever arrives in a sparkling new tour, adapted from Cameron Mackintosh's Royal National Theatre production.
Joe, by Jim Stowell; Runs 1/10-2/1; AD 1/18, 2P; ASL 1/22, 1030A & 1/25, 2P; Great American History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul; 651-292-4320; www.historytheatre.com. Jim Stowell celebrates the life of an amazing Minnesotan, Joe Selvaggio, in stories filled with humor, compassion and drama of Joe's determination to help those in need—in civil rights, inner-city neighborhoods and Project for Pride in Living.
Crowns, by Regina Taylor; Runs 1/10-2/8; AD 1/30, 730P & 2/7, 1P; ASL 1/30, 730P; Guthrie Theater, 725 Vineland, Mpls., 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626; www.guthrietheater.org. This joyous celebration of faith and fashion reveals that hats are more than a fashion statement for some African-American women, they're an outward expression of faith, symbols of cultural continuity and badges of honor.
Pacific Overtures, by Stephen Sondheim, from the book by John Weidman; Runs 1/10-2/7; AD & ASL 1/31, 8P; Park Square Theatre, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul; 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org. Presented in association with Theater Mu, this area premiere about the opening of Japan to the west in 1853 sets off a whirlwind of world changing events in a revealing clash of cultures. Directed by Gary Gisselman, musical direction by Anita Ruth.

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