Sample Night Live: Twin Cities performance platter, April edition

By Quinton Skinner Mon., Apr. 5 2010 at 8:00 AM

Categories: Theater

Next month, the lauded Broadway production of South Pacific arrives at the Ordway. For those who can't wait, a preview segment tops the list of attractions at this week's Sample Night Live, the ongoing monthly variety show that draws from all walks of Twin Cities performing life.

The shows take place the first Wednesday of every month, and include a dozen short performances by local theater groups, musicians, dancers, and spoken word artists. Act One is billed as "G-Rated" (bring the kids), while Act Two is "unrated," implying the possibility of naughtiness.

The April slate looks like this:

Act One (G-Rated), 7:00 p.m.:

Sophia Shorai (jazz)

Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific (directed by Bartlett Sher, a massive award winner on Broadway)

Minnesota State Arts Board's "Poetry Out Loud" winner

"Step Up to the Mic!" winner

Shaka Shaka Shaka from the Festival of Nations.

Act Two (Unrated), 8:15 p.m.:

Cooker John (music)

Table Salt Productions (theater)

Greg Herriges (world music)

Ruth Kohtz (spoken word)

Joking Envelope (theater, currently performing Safe as Houses, reviewed in the April 7 CP).

Tickets for Sample Night Live are $20 ($10 students and seniors, $5 children age 5-12, free under 5). This month's performance is at the History Theatre. For information call 651.788.5992.