The holidays are coming early to Cedar Rapids. Get into the holiday spirit this weekend, and enjoy hot chocolate, shopping, Christmas trees and even a chance to tell Santa Claus all about your wish list (if you’re on the nice list, that is).
Cedar Rapids events
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Wonderfully acted ‘Matilda’ a TCR holiday joy
Theater Cedar Rapids opened Matilda the Musical, based on Roald Dahl’s book Matilda, on Nov. 15 with a high energy number that sets the tone for the whole show. The song, “Miracle,” poses the question: Who is special, and who decides? The choreography (Erin Helm) is outstanding in this number, and that carries throughout the show.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Heaviness in Mirrorbox Theatre’s ‘Orange Julius’ lightened by absurdity and human connection
‘Orange Julius’ is not a traditional family drama. It’s not a traditional play, for that matter. Many shows are fairly linear and logical in their progression — the story and action build up to a climax and then have a denouement clarifying the resolution and final thoughts. But this one feels pretty cemented in “dream logic.”
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Theatre Cedar Rapids sinks its teeth into ‘Dracula’
Though the recent resurgence of zombie hordes both on- and off-screen may be giving vampires (in general) a run for their money, no one character has been immortalized as often as Dracula. And if TCR’s ticket sales are any indication, this lone monster and his violent delights still have a powerful hold on our collective imaginations.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Exploring social contracts in RHCR’s ‘God of Carnage’
Taboos and our oft-unspoken understanding of, and adherence to, them are fascinating. In general, one learns the key points from their parents: not to undress in public, for example. Over time, we start to intuit other social rules that are less clear cut, like not to tell other people how to parent their kids. But life’s best drama comes in the silent, tense moments just before, or after, someone breaks those rules.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
SPT Theatre settles into a new space for season 12: If You Build It
If you have never been to an SPT show, you must rectify this immediately. You can get a drink downstairs, move up to the new space and know that you are in for a good night.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘The 24th Day’ is tense, dark, dangerous and lovely
“What reality?” you may by now be wondering. “What the heck happens in this play?” But I am not going to tell you. I would not dare spoil one single plot point of this story for you. I wouldn’t dare. I will, however, provide you with a few tantalizing tidbits and a carefully worded warning.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Every moment is meaningful in Mirrorbox Theatre’s production of ‘Sender’
Mirrorbox Theater is ready to ask some tough questions with its Iowa premier of ‘Sender’ this weekend. Questions like, “What really matters?” and “How do we define ourselves and our relationships?”
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Get ready to laugh with ‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]’ at the CRPL
The Cedar Rapids Public Library will put on a PG-13-rated play, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised], on July 20 and 21. The performance — full of local and mature humor — represents both the billowing theater community in Cedar Rapids and the need for programming for library-goers in between
Posted inCommunity/News
Monarch Fest lands again at Indian Creek Nature Center
Fortunately, any person can take small steps to aid monarchs and other native butterflies. “By planting native wildflowers and milkweed plants you will be helping not only the monarch but all local pollinators,” said Cossolotto. “Dandelions and clover are just a couple of plants that are great for pollinators.”
Posted inCommunity/News
Celebrate the longest day of the year with an evening pool party at the Cherry Hill Aquatic Center
The impending June Solstice will bring more daylight, and with it, more pool time. On Friday, June 21, the Cherry Hill Aquatic Center will host the annual Longest Day of Summer Swim from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Five questions with: Heather Mae
The Singing Out Tour, a Pride-centric passion project by musicians Heather Mae and Crys Matthews, stemmed from an impactful, longtime friendship. Then it turned into an outpouring of love, from the two artists on stage to everybody in their audience.
