February Arts Preview
There aren't enough hours in the day to check out every noteworthy art event in the Twin Cities. Here's a quick guide to our can't-miss arts picks for February.
Frank Gaard: Poison and Candy
Through May 6, 2012
The Walker Art Center surveys Minneapolis-based artist Frank Gaard's colorful, vibrant work in this exhibition of some 40 works features portraits of friends, family, and fellow artists from the mid-'80s to the present. On display are new pony-themed paintings and illustrations from Gaard's underground art zine Art Police, published from 1974 to 1994, and other large-scale works.
The Sports Show
February 19 – May 13, 2012
The Art Institute gives tribute to sports as a media spectacle with a must-see exhibition featuring more than 100 photos, videos, television clips and installations. In this century-spanning show, visitors will see how media has impacted the rise of sports figures such as
Muhammad Ali and Joe Namath to pop icon status, and explore early images of legends such as Babe Ruth and Kareen Abdul-Jabbar. A companion exhibition The Sports Show: Minnesota will focus on sports in the state.
Zorongo Flamenco: Zorro in the Land of the Golden Breasted Woodpecker (Moningwunakauning)
February 24 – 26, 2012
Susana di Palma choreographs this full-length dance/theatre piece, which premieres at the Cowles Center. Seven dancers will perform the story of Zorro, who joins the Ojibwe people to rescue children from the white boarding schools where Native children were consigned in an effort to wipe out their own cultures. Flamenco and Native musicians will perform the live music with singers, and Native drummers.
Ragtime: The Musical
Through February 19, 2012
The sweeping musical that brings together a musical melting pot of characters, and features cameos from both historical and fictional figures, comes to the Park Square Theater with the largest cast ever seen on its stage. Intimate human stories and social challenges are woven together in this classic show about life in America in the beginning of the 20th century. Directed by Gary Gisselman.
Harold and the Purple Crayon
Through February 26, 2012
Take the kids to experience this imaginative musical, based on the much-beloved books by Crockett Johnson and featuring colorful animation, lively puppetry and a bob-your-head indie music score. They'll love the story of Harold, who, with his trusty crayon, creates and discovers a magical purple-hued world. Directed by Rita Giomi.
End of the Rainbow
Through March 11, 2012
Olivier Award-winner Tracie Bennett portrays Minnesota's own Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow, Peter Quilter's production about Garland's later years, and the weeks leading up to the legendary star's death (Read CBSMinnesota.com's feature on Tracie Bennett). The musical, which features some of Garland's most memorable songs, makes its American premiere at the Guthrie before heading to Broadway in March.
