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Weekend Arts Roundup: a great weekend for theater

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by Marianne Combs

February 05, 2015

fob fresh off the boat
Randy Reyes, Michael Sung-Ho and Meghan Kreidler in Mu Performing Arts' production of 'FOB'.
Michal Daniel

MPR News Arts Reporter Marianne Combs joins Steve Seel and Jill Riley to talk about three theatrical productions happening in the Twin Cities.

Gertrude Stein and a Companion — The most popular show in the history of the Jungle Theater in Minneapolis, this play looks at the life of Gertrude Stein and her partner, Alice B. Toklas, during their influential years in Paris when they hosted artists, authors and poets in their esteemed writer's salon. "It's a really fun show," Marianne says. "Witty, smart, and with great actresses, Claudia Wilkens and Barbara Kingsley." This play runs until March 8 at the Jungle Theater.

By The Way, Meet Vera Stark — Vera Stark was a beautiful, talented actor in 1930s Hollywood, but like many uncredited African American actors of the day, Stark was relegated to playing the maid to white socialites. This play follows Stark over the course of her lifetime career, at the end of which she receives the plaudits she deserves. This play stages at the Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul until March 1.

F.O.B. (Fresh Off The Boat) — Mu Performing Arts brings this production back to the Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis for a three-week run. This play, written by David Hwang, explores relationships and conflicts between established ABC (American-Born Chinese) and FOB (Fresh Off The Boat) newcomers. Audience members can even pre-order a single-serving box of Chinese food to eat during the performance. This show runs until Sunday, Feb. 15.

Marianne Combs joins The Current's Morning Show for the Weekend Arts Roundup every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Read all the latest arts news from MPR News.