Homegrown actress, Sally Wingert, has become the Meryl Streep of the Twin Cities theater scene. Whether carrying a one-woman show or giving a show-stopping performance in a supporting role, Sally has achieved “above the title” status; a recognition more commonly given to playwrights and directors than actors. Her devoted audience refers to “Sally’s plays” as in, “Have you seen Sally’s new play?” rather than inquiring if you have seen a specific play at a particular theater.
 
Theater-goers are perhaps most familiar with Sally’s work at the Guthrie where she has performed in more than 80 productions since 1985. From a side-splitting comic turn in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to a complex and heart-wrenching performance in Brian Friel’s “Faith Healer,” Sally’s talent and well-honed craft always shine.
 
Although frequently at the Guthrie, Sally is equally at home on virtually every stage in Minneapolis and St. Paul. From giving an unforgettable performance in Joe Orton’s “Entertaining Mr. Sloane” at the Jungle Theater, to embodying the character, and soul, of Peggy Guggenheim in “Woman Before a Glass” at the Minnesota Jewish Theater, Sally’s appearance in a production puts butts in seats.
 
Occasionally, the rest of the country gets to see our local treasure on a distant stage. This winter, Sally has been appearing at A.R.T., Boston’s Tony-award winning American Repertory Theater, in a challenging and imaginative staging of the seldom produced Clifford Odets’ play, “Paradise Lost.” Massachusetts audiences responded to Sally with the same enthusiasm and appreciation as Minnesota audiences do.
 
The Twin Cities are often lauded for our vibrant arts scene. That arts scene exists because of the talented artists, like Sally Wingert, who live and work in this community. It exists because of funders and audiences who understand that the arts make valuable contributions to the vitality and livability of our cities.
 
Sally has become the face of our local arts community and an ambassador to other theaters around the country. We’re happy to share her with cities like Boston, as long as she returns home.

 

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