OPENING
Elton John & Tim Rice's 'Aida'
Theatre Latté Da and the Hennepin Theatre Trust are christening a new endeavor called Broadway Re-Imagined. Director Peter Rothstein takes a fresh look at this blockbuster, Tony-winning musical with Austene Van and Jared Oxborough in the leads. Based on the Verdi opera, "Aida" focuses on a Nubian slave who falls in love with an Egyptian general. Latté Da and the Trust have plans to do this at least once a year -- betting that this production works out. Rothstein hopes to mix modern and ancient motifs -- putting the band on stage for the feel of a rock concert, for example. Frequent collaborator Michael Matthew Ferrell choreographs, with Jason Hansen driving the music. (Previews 7:30 p.m. Thu., 8 p.m. Fri. Opens 8 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., 7:30 p.m. Wed. $24-$59. Ends Jan. 27. Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 1-800-982-2787, www.hennepintheatretrust.org or the State Theatre Box Office at 805 Hennepin Av. S.) GRAYDON ROYCE
Raucous Caucus III
From gay marriage to women's rights, 2012 was as politically charged a year as ever, brimming with talking points and heated punditry. Box Wine Theatre's third annual Raucous Caucus -- a showcase of seven 10-minute, politically geared plays from local and national playwrights -- offers a satire-heavy review of the year, from its biggest stories to its biggest players on both sides of the spectrum. Though 10 minutes will only scratch the surface, the character-driven works should offer plenty of witty and thought-provoking moments. (7 p.m. Thu. Continues 7 p.m. Jan. 10, 17 & 24; 10 p.m. Jan. 11 & 26. $10-$12. Bryant-Lake Bowl Theater, 810 W. Lake St., Mpls. 612-825-8949 or www.bryantlakebowl.com.) JAHNA PELOQUIN
