picks

A lot of the most exciting art in the Twin Cities is created by and with undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota—and dance is no exception. From April 20-22, student chorographers will be presenting their work in an intimate space at the Barbara Barker Center. General admission is just $10, with $5 student tickets—a steal for what's sure to be a diverse and entertaining program.

Minneapolis has been pretty lucky with the national talent that's passed through the city's theaters, especially lately it seems. Kathleen Turner further perpetuates the trend as the lead role in Matthew Lombardo's show High playing at the Pantages Theatre. The three-person show "explores the universal themes of truth, forgiveness, redemption and human fallibility." This is a fleeting one though, only staying in Minneapolis for a week (opening April 18 and closing April 22).

When the Guthrie Theater staged Henry David Hwang's M. Butterfly in 2010, they circulated a handy guide for people confused at the difference between that 1988 play and Puccini's 1904 opera Madame Butterfly. The guide clarified that there's not nudity in the latter (sorry), but it is a classic opera that's brought generations to tears. The Minnesota Opera is staging Madame Butterfly from April 14 to 22 in what's certain to be one of the spring's most sumptuous local productions. Indulge your senses and take this opportunity to see one of the touchstones of 20th century music. Update: Read my full review.

The last time Spring Awakening was in Minneapolis was in 2010 at the Orpheum. This time the production is more local (since the rights to the musical became available) as part of Theater Latté Da's current season, in partnership with the University of Minnesota's Department of Theatre Arts and Dance. The rock-musical with music by Duncan Sheik revolves around a group of angsty late-19th century German students who face many issues teens do today dealing with school, family, raging hormones. And if the disclaimer on the show is any indication ("Contains nudity, strong language and adult situations"), this Broadway, Tony-Award-winning musical is unlike its counterparts. Spring Awakening runs through May 6 at the Stoll Trust Theatre in the Rarig Center of the U of M's campus.