Rarely has a long-running show been as identified with one venue the way "Triple Espresso" has been linked to the Music Box Theater on Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis.
That's about to change, for the first time.
The musical comedy show, written by Twin Cities playwrights Bill Arnold, Michael Pearce Donley and Bob Stromberg (pictured), originated at the Nicollet Avenue venue and ran there continuously for 12 years until its 2008 closing. In the past few years it has returned to the Music Box (now renamed the Loring Theater and under new management) for holiday runs. This year, "Triple Espresso" will play the holidays at the Southern Theater on the University of Minnesota's West Bank.
The show is booked into the Southern from Nov. 16 until Jan. 8, 2012. It will be performed Thursdays through Sundays, with some added shows around Christmas and New Year's. Casting has not yet been finalized, but Brian Kelly (pictured below) is likely to play one of the show's three characters, a comedy trio trying to get their big break, with repeatedly disastrous results.
The enduringly popular show has gone on to play in cities across the country and around the world, grossing more than $40 million.
The Southern Theater earlier this year was rocked by a financial crisis that resulted in the layoff of most of its staff and the curtailment of most of its edgy, curated programming in music, dance and theater.
"Triple Espresso" tickets ($31-$36) are available now at the Triple Espresso website. Group tickets, at a discount, may be lined up by calling 612-874-9000.
