Open Eye Theatre presents OPEN EYE @ HOME, April - August
Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 1:12PMVia an April 10 e-announcement
Open Eye announces the release of five full-length shows from the company’s archives filled with music, puppetry, live performance and storytelling. One show will be featured for free viewing each month, April-August! Visit openeyetheatre.org for more info and to register.
In times like these, we all need a laugh, a fun song, an experience to share with friends and family that will lift our spirits. Performances that spark our imaginations, bring a smile to our faces, and remind us that we’re all in this together. So, let’s stay connected! Open Eye is coming to your home!
Like other arts organizations, Open Eye has postponed or canceled public programming for spring and summer, including the company’s popular Driveway Tour, which brings high-quality original puppet shows to parks, backyards, and communities throughout the Twin Cities. The Driveway Tour would have entertained its 100,000th audience member this summer, since the program launched in 2003.
By selecting productions from the Open Eye archive that were created especially for kids, youth, and families, Open Eye is able to continue serving its mission of opening eyes, hearts, and minds through the power of the performing arts, even in these challenging circumstances.
"This is an unprecedented situation for everyone—and like everyone else, Open Eye is innovating how we can be of service to the community and stay connected with our patrons. So we're kicking off a 5-month online series of award-winning, all-ages, family-friendly storytelling, puppetry, music, and original theatre. In this period of increasing social isolation, we hope Open Eye @ Home can offer everyone a chance to gather the kids, share a laugh, and get creatively inspired by some of the region's best artists." — Joel Sass, Producing Artistic Director
APRIL: MILLY AND TILLIE
Winner of 2013 IVEY Award, featuring Elise Langer & Liz “Howls” Schachterle
Directed by Jason Ballweber - Recommended for all ages!
Meet the delightful Silly sisters — Milly and Tillie! Expect the unexpected as their imaginations turn the smallest game into a playful, silly adventure. Join Milly and Tillie as they create their perfect picnic — filled with tea parties, surprise visitors, science experiments, and talking bears. The giggles don’t stop in this charming show for families.
“Like the silliest public television show for kids brought to full and vivid life, sisters Milly and Tillie Silly will delight their guests, the audience, for just under an hour, at which point you will be sad to say good-bye to them.” — Cherry and Spoon
MAY: THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE
Designed and Directed by Michael Sommers
Original Score composed by Michael Koerner
Recommended for ages 8 and up!
If you had access to a sorcerer’s magic, what would you do? With impeccable design, an original score, and ingenious puppetry, this masterful marionette show is a look at youth and aging, the allure of power, and the beauty of a life well lived. Beloved by both children and adults, this is one of Open Eye’s most popular shows!
“Employing some of the oldest techniques in theater—there is even a short shadow-puppet sequence—Michael Sommers and a team of talented puppeteers make magic happen.” — City Pages
“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice bears Sommers’ signature old-European patina: intense craftsmanship, a sense of mystery and comprehensive artistry. His eye for detail is unerring, and one always gets the idea he has tumbled the whole show around in his soul many times before giving life to it on stage. His sweat and joy are evident.” — Star Tribune
JUNE: THE LEARNING FAIRY
Featuring Zoe Jethro Sommers Haas, with Julian McFaul, Michael Sommers, Noah Sommers, Matt Speckor, Carly Wicks
Recommended for ages 5 and up!
The Learning Fairy blends child’s play with rock-and-roll and is sprinkled with puppetry, old school theatre magic and modern day fun. Arriving through a magical portal, the Learning Fairy and her friends—her rock band, the clever Mr. Make-It, the ever present Questioning Girl, a flying pig, the tiny little Minnie Tinies, and a giant giggle ball—share the joy of playing outside, being good to yourself and your community, and celebrating what makes us different.
“If you and/or your kids enjoy watching people go completely cuckoo in an up-close-and-personal theatrical context, The Learning Fairy is for you.” — Twin Cities Daily Planet
“Zoe Sommers Haas is simply stunning in the title role. The woman has so much energy, it’s amazing. She’s funny, she’s charismatic, and she looks great in her space-age hoop skirt, designed by Liseli Polivka.” — Twin Cities Daily Planet
JULY: NOTHING IS SOMETHING
Winner of 2016 IVEY Award, created & performed by Liz “Howls” Schachterle & Noah Sommers Haas
Directed & Designed by Joel Sass - Recommended for all ages!
Adventure awaits when a lonely tramp explores a mysterious workshop filled with holes that lead to unexpected places. What will happen when he accidentally creates his own twin? Combining physical comedy, object theater, and delightful puppetry, this ‘metaphysical vaudeville’ show is part Charlie Chaplin, part Samuel Beckett, and completely magical.
“It’s sort of like watching a pair of Harpo Marxes set loose in an M.C. Escher print.” — Minnesota Playlist
“Sommers Haas and Schachterle are such engaging performers, using their loose-limbed bodies like musical instruments…Allow the physical and absurd humor to take over in a piece that's equal parts Charlie Chaplin and Looney Tunes.” — City Pages
AUGUST: KEVIN KLING’S GREATEST HITS & JUICY BITS
Recommended for ages 14 and up!
Beloved Minnesota storyteller Kevin Kling headlines an evening of heartwarming tales, songs, and music featuring longtime collaborators Simone Perrin, Michelle Kinney, Jacqueline Ultan, and Eric Jensen. Folktales, poetry, humorous stories, gorgeous songs and duelling cellos make for a perfect summer outing that carries you into a whole new world—a world rich in sounds, patterns, momentum and music.
“Greatest Hits is transcendent. Kling has been working with this group of artistic partners (Simone Perrin, with her accordion and belt-y vocals; cellists Michelle Kinney and Jacqueline Ultan; keyboardist Eric Jensen) for a while. When they all hit the groove at the same time, the walls and roof of the theater seem to dissolve, leaving a constellation that’s gorgeous and warm and a little-heartbreaking.” — Pioneer Press
Donations are requested to support the artists featured in OPEN EYE @ HOME. The artists featured in our OPEN EYE @ HOME programming have generously allowed us to make these shows available for free. Donations received will be shared among the artists.
About Open Eye Theatre
Open Eye Theatre is nationally recognized as a vibrant home for artists who create imaginative and profound experiences that open eyes, hearts, and minds through the power of amazing stories and unforgettable performances. Experience a thrilling array of original theatre, inventive puppetry, live music, and world-class storytelling from local, national, and international artists year-round in our cozy 90-seat theater in South Minneapolis, or find us in neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities with our summer Driveway Tour! More information is available at openeyetheatre.org.
