Last January, Maria Asp, a local actress and theater educator attended a conference sponsored by United Way that was all about school reform, touting the successes of school districts in Miami and

The Orpheum Theatre, and downtown for that matter, were buzzing with anticipation for the opening night of War Horse on Wednesday, June 12. I had a hunch that Steven Spielberg’s 2011 movie adaptation played a part in the giddy turnout. While that may have been the case for some, myself included, it was clear from overheard conversations that the play is a big deal in and of itself. Whatever the case, War Horse is worthy of the hype.

I'll make this simple: go and see Theatre Pro Rata's production of Emilie as quickly as you can. The script is fantastic. Shanan Custer, as the title character, is astonishing. Matt Sciple, as the larger-than-life Voltaire, is both charismatic and exasperating (in a good way). The story was none of the things I feared it would be, and all kinds of things I never expected.  It's great fun, and unexpectedly moving. And it all takes place in a science lecture hall on the St. Paul campus of St. Catherine University. Theater is a strange beast.

On June 6, the McKnight Foundation announced that the revered actress, director and teacher Wendy Lehr will receive the 2013 McKnight Distinguished Artist Award. The award, now in its 16th year, includes a $50,000 cash award and is meant to “recognize individual Minnesota artists who have made significant contributions to the quality of the state’s cultural life,” according to a press release.