Mixed Blood Theatre's previously planned 40th anniversary gala at Paisley Park Studios will go on as scheduled on May 14, just weeks after the sudden death of music icon Prince, the theater has announced.
"Prince wanted this event to happen and, after working with the great folks at Paisley Park, we feel good about it being that space," said theater managing director Amanda White Thietje. "We are honored to have been one of the organizations chosen by him and intend to honor his spirit."
Prince was a strong, if often quiet, supporter of the arts community in the Twin Cities. He attended shows at theaters in town. In fact, a month before he was found dead in an elevator at his property on April 21, he popped into Chanhassen Dinner Theatres for a brief impromptu jam session.
Mixed Blood was founded on ideals of equity and inclusion, and has done some of the most diverse shows of any theater in the Twin Cities. Its current production, "Charm," is centered on homeless transgender youth in Chicago. The company also previously produced Stu's "Passing Strange" (photo by Rich Ryan).
"Prince's celebration of artists, especially artists of color, his great artistry and his sense of social justice align our mission, and I think that's why he chose us," said Mixed Blood's Thietje. "We are in no way putting ourselves in his company, in terms of accomplishment. But we're thrilled that he recognized us and we want to celebrate him."
Gala tickets, which start at $175, are available. The evening also includes an after-party held at Paisley Park. Those tickets cost $40. 612-338-7106 or via email, whitney@mixedblood.com.
