The stage, like the larger world, may be at a critical, even existential juncture, what with a business model that has never been sustainable and audiences availing themselves of the plethora of entertainment options.
But, powered by creativity and dreams, artists continue to show their resilience, indefatigability and their genius onstage in winsome song, arresting drama and enveloping dance. Here’s a list of some of the year’s most winning shows.
1. ‘Cabaret’
An electric, lightning rod of a production by Joseph Haj at the Guthrie Theater, this John Kander and Fred Ebb classic simmered and soared on the wings of fabulous performances by a cast led by Jason Forbach, Mary Kate Moore and Jo Lampert as the Emcee and Mark Hartman’s sizzling orchestra.
2. ‘Frozen’
Tiffany Nichole Greene improved on the Broadway version with a production of this Disney classic that set a new theatrical standard for Children’s Theatre Company. Hats off to Gillian Jackson Han (as Elsa) and Julia Ennen (as Anna), who soared in the year’s most gorgeous-looking show.
In a time of cynicism and despair, Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama at the Guthrie offered a modest counter proposal — a play about trust and innocence centered on a bookstore worker who loses his job. Bryce Michael Wood was stellar in the lead role, and Will Sturdivant offered grace and joy as his imaginary support friend.
4. ‘Fun Home’
The Bechdel kids were in great hands in Addie Gorlin-Han’s entertainingly affecting production of Jeanine Tesori’s and Lisa Kron’s lesbian coming-of-age musical at Theater Latté Da. The show had fab performances, including by Eve Scharback, Monty Hays and Sara Masterson, plus a surprising but strong dramatic turn by Shad Hanley as the troubled father.
Mikell Sapp achieved a career milestone as a Miles Davis-esque jazzman haunted by demons in Dominique Morisseau’s stirring drama at Penumbra Theatre. Lou Bellamy coaxed lyrical performances from a cast that included Nubia Monks, Darrick Mosley and Penumbra veteran Lester Purry.
6. ‘Grease’
The musical at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres had a particularly emotional pitch because director Michael Brindisi died two days before his revival opened. But he left his heart and his signature on the stage, signing his name in electric song and dance.
