Artcetera: Don Shelby to lead staged reading of 'It Can't Happen Here'

The Minnesota writer whose book became a sensation in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election probably would be delighted to know his book is on its way to the stage — that is, if he hadn't been dead for 67 years. Former broadcaster, necktie trailblazer and occasional actor Don Shelby will lead a reading of an adaptation of "It Can't Happen Here" by Sinclair Lewis, who was born in Sauk Centre. The novel, written during Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany (and Huey Long's in Louisiana), imagines a similar, fascist scenario happening in this country. Originally published in 1935, the book became a bestseller again after Donald Trump was elected president in 2016. Shelby is playing the role of small-town newspaper editor Doremus Jessup, who opposes a president's rise to power. The ex-journalist will lead a cast of actors who will have scripts in hand for the one-night-only event, but producer James Gambone says he has further plans for the play, including a full production or a radio adaptation, as the next presidential election nears. The reading will take place Oct. 30 at Sabes Jewish Community Center Theater, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., Mpls. Tickets cost $10-$15 and are available via pointsofviewinc.com.

The first African-American woman to become a principal dancer for New York's American Ballet Theatre, dance phenom Misty Copeland is coming to the Twin Cities next spring. But she'll only be dancing with words, at least at this special event. Copeland is the main attraction for a March 31 conversation at Northrop auditorium, where she performed "Giselle" in 2014 to mark the venue's grand reopening. "INSPIRED: A Conversation With Misty Copeland" will be hosted by arts consultant and former Twin Cities news anchor Robyne Robinson. Born in Kansas City, Mo., Copeland had a childhood filled with struggle. She found dance at 13 at a Boys and Girls Club and, through discipline and a tireless work ethic, has become not only the face of dance but a cultural icon. "It's important that young girls see that no matter where you come from, all things are possible," Robinson said by phone this week. "Young people need to see that their lives are not short, fleeting things that mean nothing." The Copeland talker will be a benefit for the youth programs at Northrop, where nearly 10,000 students see shows annually. Tickets are $20-$250 and go on sale Tuesday.

ROHAN PRESTON

On second thought, maybe Prince was the greatest thing to happen to popular music in the 1980s. That seems to be the conclusion made by the digital era's most influential music blog, Pitchfork Music, in a newly revised, far less vanilla version of its "Best Albums of the 1980s" list issued Monday. Not only did "Purple Rain" come in at No. 1 on the new tally, but three more of Prince's albums landed in the top 50, including: his actual best record, "Sign o' the Times," at No. 17; "1999" at No. 26, and "Dirty Mind" at No. 33. Two other Twin Cities acts who were already favored in the original Pitchfork '80s tally, the Replacements and Hüsker Dü, also each made the list's top 100. The 'Mats showed up at No. 35 with "Let It Be" and at No. 54 with "Tim." The Huskers' "Zen Arcade" came in at No. 68. Reflecting the new list's due adherence to more R&B and hip-hop acts — "a limited editorial stance" was blamed for Chicago-based Pitchfork's previous list being so white — Janet Jackson's Minnesota-made albums with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis also earned high rankings, "Control" at No. 8 and "Rhythm Nation 1814" at No. 30. No Bob Dylan record made the list, which would not be any great oversight had he not released "Oh Mercy" just four months shy of the decade cutoff. Expanded to 200 albums from the 100 named in 2002, the new list has already generated ample debate on social media.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

Members of the touring cast of "Hamilton" are teaming up with Prince protégée Ashley Támar Davis for a benefit concert to fight AIDS. The rock revue, scheduled for Sept. 24, is titled "We, the Revolution," a reference to Prince's best-known band and the period in which "Hamilton" is set. The shindig will be held at First Avenue, where Prince famously performed many times and where many of the music scenes for the movie "Purple Rain" were shot. "Hamilton" performers will interpret some of their favorite rock songs, backed by a live band. Tickets are available immediately via first-avenue.com.

R.P.