Performance: Tim Minchin, 'Ex-Gays' and 'Celebrity Autobiography'

August 17, 2012 at 8:39PM
Tim Minchin
Tim Minchin (Margaret Andrews/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

'Ex-Gays'

Former homeschoolers and recovering Christians alike might enjoy this church satire from Savage Umbrella. Set in the fictional Camp Str8-N-Arrow, the play follows Pastor Brian and the rest of the camp staff as they help guide campers to turn off their homosexual feelings and turn on their love for Jesus. Not as biting as the 2004 comedy film "Saved!" nor as serious in tone as the 2006 documentary "Jesus Camp," the production will take a humorous, thoughtful and yes, campy look at the relationship between sexuality and religion in contemporary American society. A free community panel discussion follows the July 22 performance. More event details.

  • Jahna Peloquin

    'Celebrity Autobiography'

    "Celebrity Autobiography," a hit in New York, London and Los Angeles, is coming to the Twin Cities. Celebs read selections from memoirs of other celebs. Subtitled "We couldn't make this stuff up!," the show is culled from more than 200 books from the likes of Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson. In other cities, Kristin Wiig shared "the early poems" of Suzanne Sommers. In the Twin Cities, Illeana Douglas, best known for roles in "Entourage" and "Happy, Texas," joins Michael Urie ("Ugly Betty") and Tim Bagley ("@#!* My Dad Says") for a night of celebrity skewering. More event details.

    • Rohan Preston

      Tim Minchin

      Aussie comic Minchin began his career as a serious pianist in the late '90s. After finding little success, he segued into comedy with satirical songs that hit on religion, politics and social taboos. Minchin's onstage persona smacks of Russell Brand; both comics sport faux-rocker hairdos, eyeliner, etc. Stylistically, he's more akin to a Tom Lehrer -- a brainy, playful act anchored by legitimate musicianship. Minchin's already a hit in Australia and the U.K.; U.S. audiences got their first real tastes via "Conan" and "Late Late Show" spots earlier this year. More event details.

      • Jay Boller
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