Gutherie Theater's "Twelfth Night"
Directed by Tom Quaintance
Choreography by Carl Flink
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 22, 2020 | Wurtele Thrust Stage - Guthrie Theater
Directed by Tom Quaintance | Choreographed by Carl Flink
PLOT: When a shipwrecked Viola washes up on Illyria’s shores without her twin brother, she must adapt to her strange new surroundings on her own. For safety, she disguises herself as a boy and quickly finds favor and employment with the lovesick Orsino, who pines for Olivia’s devotion. After a series of mishaps and plenty of mayhem, their love triangle becomes so entangled it brings all of Illyria along for the ride. When at last the truth is revealed, the Bard’s starry-eyed tale proves that the revelry of love is something worth fighting for.
Black Label Movement & Sod House Theater's "Swede Hollow Ghost Sonata"
Directed by Luverne Siefert, Darcy Engen & Carl Flink
Choreography by Carl Flink
SEPTEMBER 14 - 29, 2019 | Swede Hollow Park - St. Paul, MN
Directed by Luverne Siefert, Darcy Engen & Carl Flink | Choreographed by Carl Flink
SWEDE HOLLOW GHOST SONATA
An outdoor, immersive performance experience using theater, dance, movement, and original music to explore the continuing histories of immigration to St. Paul’s Swede Hollow neighborhood.
Audiences set off on an outdoor, guided, theatrical promenade through Swede Hollow Park in St. Paul, stopping along the way to experience moving vignettes within a recreated world that evoked the early history of Swedish immigration to the area in the 1850s. Using Swedish playwright August Strindberg’s play The Ghost Sonata as a starting point of inspiration, this stellar cast of local, multidisciplinary performers brought to life the community that once lived in the park, sharing tales that resonate with the ongoing, current day stories and experiences within St. Paul’s East Side. Working closely with local businesses and organizations, this project also included additional community events designed to spark conversations about the rich history of this incredible neighborhood.
AUXILIARY COMMUNITY EVENTS
FREE EVENT - RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Monday, August 26th 7:00-9:00pm
Co-presented by and at the East Side Freedom Library 1105 Greenbrier St, St Paul, MN 55106
Join members of the cast, artistic team, and the local community as East Side Freedom Library creates and leads a gathering space for residents, artists, and attendees to share stories about their lives and experiences around early and contemporary communities of immigrants.
FREE EVENT - RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Sunday, September 15th
4:00-5:00pm (pre-show)
Indigenous Roots Cultural Center 788 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55106
Panelists will discuss the area now known as Swede Hollow; its histories, the cultural communities connected to the land, and its continuing significance in the life of the city.. After the panel, attendees can explore shops and restaurants in the area before making their way to that evening’s performance only a few blocks away.
TICKETED EVENT - RESERVATIONS REQUIRE
Saturday, September 21st
3:30-5:00 pm (pre-show)
Begins at East Side Freedom Library
1105 Greenbrier St, St Paul, MN 55106
Led by the East Side Freedom Library's co-executive director Peter Rachleff, tours start at ESFL and use Payne Avenue as a spine along which to follow the experiences of such 19th century immigrants as Swedes, Irish, Germans, and Italians, to those of our contemporary neighbors, such as Hmong, Somali, Mexican, and Karen. After the tour, attendees can explore the area before making their way to that evening’s performance in the park.
FREE EVENT - RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Sunday, September 22nd
4:00-5:00 pm (pre-show)
Co-presented by and at the East Side Freedom Library
1105 Greenbrier St, St Paul, MN 55106
Panelists will share personal, historical, and contemporary stories of immigration to St. Paul’s East Side. Following the event, attendees can explore shops and restaurants in the area before making their way to that evening’s performance only a few blocks away.
FREE EVENT - RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Saturday, September 28th
8:00-9:00 pm (post-show)
St. Paul Brewing
688 Minnehaha Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106
After the performance, patrons and guests are invited join us at St. Paul Brewing for our panelist conversation exploring contemporary issues surrounding immigration to the state and the country. How do the histories of immigration to Swede Hollow speak to the challenges that current migrants face as they move across borders and boundaries? Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, and all are welcome.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
This activity is made possible in part by the Knight Foundation, the David and Leni Moore Family Foundation, the City of Saint Paul Cultural Sales Tax Revitalization, and by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
BLM and Sod House Theater, under Luverne Seifert & Darcey Engen, received a 2018 Knight Foundation challenge grant to create a site specific set in St. Paul’s Swede Hollow Park - examining the park’s history as a cite for Swedish immigration to Minnesota. This collaboration conducted an initial performance workshop on the grounds of the American Swedish Institute in May 2018 and will culminate with three consecutive weekend performances at Swede Hollow Park in September 2019.
Normandale Theater Dept.'s "Spring Awakening"
Directed by Amanda White
Co-Choreographed by Joe Crook (BLM Alum Mover)
APRIL 2018 | Premanand Fine Arts Theatre
Directed by Amanda White | Co-Choreographed by Joe Cooke
In a 19th-century German village, a group of students ask too many questions, make huge mistakes, and force the adults in their lives to reexamine the things they teach. Exploring morality while embracing sexuality proves to be a balancing act for the town's young people, as they embark on the same timeless journey from adolescence to adulthood as those who came before them. Based on the 1891 novel by Frank Wedekind, Spring Awakening is a rock musical that uses a driving and unforgettable score to celebrate discovery, rebellion, and finding one's own way.
Cantus' "Romeo & Juliet"
Directed by Bill McCallum
Choreography by Carl Flink
2015/16 | Orchestra Hall
Directed by Bill McCallum | Choreographed by Carl Flink
Theatre Latte Da's "Peter & The Starcatcher"
Directed by Joel Sass
Choreography by Carl Flink
FEBRUARY 2017 | The Ritz Theater | Minneapolis, MN
Directed by Joel Sass | Choreographed by Carl Flink
The Guthrie Theater's "The Parchment Hour: Song & Stories of the '61 Freedom Riders" by Mike Wiley
Directed by Patricia McGregor
Choreography by Carl Flink
The McGuire Proscenium Theater, Mpls, MN
October 2016
Directed by Patricia McGregor
Movement Director/Choreographer: Carl Flink
Named to 2016 Twin Cities Arts Reader Top 10 Theater Productions
The History Theatre's "Complicated Fun: The Minneapolis Music Scene" by Alan Berks
Directed by Dominic Taylor
Choreography by Carl Flink
APRIL 30 - MAY 29, 2016 | History Theatre - St. Paul, MN
Directed by Dominic Taylor | Choreographed by Carl Flink
An alternative theater experience.
198x. Ronald Reagan, Rubik's cubes, and the underground music scene of Minneapolis. Get swirled up with two young misfits who discover themselves in the musical madness pouring out of First Avenue. Everybody's dressin' in this mixtape love letter to the counterculture sounds that made the city famous. Relive the legendary '80s scene with a band that stirs up the sounds of the Replacements, the Suicide Commandos, Hüsker Dü, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the Suburbs, and many more.
Edina High School's "Peter & The Starcatcher" by Rick Elice
Directed by Anthony Matthes
Choreography by Carl Flink
JANUARY 21-23, 2016 | City of Edina Performing Arts Center - Edina, MN
Directed by Anthony Matthes | Choreographed by Carl Flink
*Selected for the 2016 International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska*
Edina High School was one of three high schools across the country selected to run pilot productions of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” That’s a prequel to “Peter Pan.” He starts off as an orphan boy who thinks absolutely nothing of himself. Through the journey realizes his potential, he’s given a name and he’s given a family. Disney, and publishing house Music Theater International, gave the students creative freedom to figure out how the show works as a high school production. Originally a 12 person cast, here twenty students reimagine the play adapted from the book written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Along the way you meet Wendy’s mother Molly, and Stashe, who later becomes Captain Hook. Each of their ideas, and tweaks, approved by Disney, are integrated into the production.
The Playwrights' Center's "Halftime With Don" by Ken Weitzman
Directed by Jeremy Cohen
Movement Coached by Carl Flink
OCTOBER 13 & 17, 2015 | The Playwrights’ Center Studio - Minneapolis, MN
Directed by Jeremy Cohen | Choreographed by Carl Flink
Retired NFL player Don Devers has had over 30 surgeries, experiences violent outbursts, and relies on a blizzard of yellow Post-It notes to offset his ravaged memory. When a longtime fan appears at his doorstep, Don seeks to salvage his life with a single act of heroic self-sacrifice.
Theatre Latte Da's "Sweeney Todd"
Directed by Peter Rothstein
Choreography by Carl Flink
SEPTEMBER 23 - NOVEMBER 1, 2015 | The Ritz Theater - Minneapolis, MN
Directed by Peter Rothstein | Choreographed by Carl Flink
*2015 Twin Cities Star Tribune Top Ten Theatrical Productions*
Music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim • Book by Hugh Wheeler • From an adaptation by Christopher Bond • Music Direction by Denise Prosek
Featuring Sally Wingert as Mrs. Lovett, Tyler Michaels as Tobias Ragg and Mark Benninghofen as Sweeney Todd
"He shaved the faces of gentlemen, who never thereafter were heard of again."
Stephen Sondheim’s bloody, worldwide success, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, is the story of an unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking vengeance. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop. Together they plot a delicious plan with deadly consequences. Don’t miss this tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat that has simultaneously shocked and delighted audiences across the world. Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, SweeneyTodd is Sondheim at his very best.
Originally Directed On Broadway by Harold Prince
Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
Originally Produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richardsin Association with Dean and Judy Manos
The Georgia Theatre Alliance's "Antigone" by Sophocles
Directed by Elisa Carlson
Choreography by Carl Flink
FEBRUARY 13 - 21, 2015 | Ed Cabell Theater - Gainesville, GA
Directed by Elisa Carlson | Choreographed by Carl Flink
The curse placed on Oedipus lingers and haunts in this new and brilliant translation of Sophocles’ classic drama. The daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, Antigone is an unconventional heroine who pits her beliefs against the King of Thebes in a bloody test of wills that leaves few unharmed. Emotions fly as she challenges the king for the right to bury her own brother. Determined but doomed, Antigone must show her inner strength to preserve her family’s honor. Based on the writings of Sophocles; translation by Nicholas Rudall.
Sponsored by Wells Fargo & Lanier Center Holiday Inn Catering by ACE Catering
The Guthrie Theater's "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller
Directed by Joe Dowling
Choreography by Carl Flink
APRIL - MAY, 2014 | Guthrie Theater (Wurtele Thrust Stage) - Minneapolis, MN
Directed by Joe Dowling | Choreographed by Carl Flink
*2014 Twin Cities Star Tribune Top Ten Theatrical Productions*
Arthur Miller's 1953 play The Crucible is a classic of the American theater, and dramatizes one of the greatest failings of the American, or rather pre-American, judicial system. During the infamous Salem witch trials of the late 17th Century, twenty people were put to death for the crime of witchcraft, following a long history of the execution of "witches" in Europe. Arthur Miller explores the larger themes of this horrible incident through a very personal story of one affected family, making the play at once intimate and epic. Despite being over 60 years old, the themes of religious fanaticism, mob mentality, and persecution of people who are different are sadly as current as they were during the McCarthy era when the play was written. The Guthrie's grand production of this classic with a cast chock-full of talent is truly something to behold. It's long and intense, but somehow the nearly three hours didn't feel long to me; I was engaged every minute by this compelling story and these beautifully flawed and human characters.
The story begins when the Reverend Parris discovers several young women, including his daughter Betty and niece Abigail, dancing in the woods. Yes, dancing! Betty is afflicted by a strange illness that is blamed on the family's Barbadian slave who is accused of conjuring spirits. In what amounts to a harmless prank gone horribly wrong (never underestimate the power of teenage girls), the girls continue to accuse more and more people of witchcraft, who are given the option of confessing or hanging. The whole thing spirals out of control and Abigail soon accuses her former employer/lover John Proctor's wife, an honest and well-respected woman. John attempts to defend his wife but is powerless against the mass hysteria that has overtaken the community. But somehow in the midst this devastating event, he's able to face the truth and become the best version of himself.
This is a huge play with many characters but just four long scenes, each of which is like a mini play in itself with several different segments and lots of people entering and exiting. All of it is beautifully orchestrated by the Guthrie's departing Artistic Director Joe Dowling. Joe has directed several Arthur Miller* plays at the Guthrie in his 20-year tenure, but this is his first time doing The Crucible here, and it's a beautiful swan song. The 20+ person cast truly is an embarrassment of riches. There are so many wonderful, experienced, beloved actors who pass through the story for just a moment or two. I'm wondering if some of them took the role just to be part of one of Joe Dowling's last productions at the Guthrie.**
Cape Fear Regional Theatre's "The Little Prince" by Saint-Expery
Directed by Tom Quaintance
Choreography by Carl Flink
SEPTEMBER 19 - OCTOBER 6, 2013 | Cape Fear Regional Theatre - Fayetteville, NC
Directed by Tom Quaintance | Choreographed by Carl Flink
The Little Prince speaks to the innocent in all of us: challenging our perspective, opening our eyes and bringing us back to the heart of what truly matters. Written for adults in the form of a children’s fable, this beautiful new production uses theatrical storytelling, original music, puppetry and masks to bring to life the heart-warming story that is a true tale for all ages. A multi-layered visual feast, The Little Prince is one of the most beloved books of all time. In his dedication, Author Saint-Exupéry wrote: “All grown-ups were once children—although few of them remember it.” Written in 1943 in French, The Little Prince has sold over 80 million copies in almost 200 languages.
The Little Prince is well known as a favorite of children worldwide. But Cape Fear Regional Theatre Artistic Director Tom Quaintance said its appeal is not limited to the young set. The theater is presenting a stage version of the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry book as the opening play of its 2013-14 season.
“While I hope parents and grandparents bring their kids to this show, I also hope people just come,” Quaintance said. “It is not just for kids at all.”
Seven actors play 20 different characters in the play.
Theatre Latte Da's "Spring Awakening" by Sater & Sheik
Directed by Peter Rothstein
Choreography by Carl Flink
APRIL 12 - MAY 6, 2012 | Rarig Center’s Still Thrust Theater - Minneapolis, MN
Directed by Peter Rothstein | Choreographed by Carl Flink
*2012 Minnesota Ivery Award for Outstanding Production*
Spring Awakening is a co-production between Theater Latté Da and the University of Minnesota Department of Theatre Arts and Dance. The talented and energetic U students have the privilege of working with a first rate director (the marvelous Peter Rothstein) and a hyper-gifted music director (Denise Prosek), on a sexy and deservedly popular theatrical tour-de-force. Latté Da, for its part, gets to work in a pretty-good playing space (Rarig’s Stoll Thrust) with excellent tech support. In addition, the theater can cast students in supernumerary roles, thus freeing the theater from the curse of small-cast “chamber-theater.” This show has theater-filling presence and satisfying size. Win-win.
Spring Awakening is a musical adaptation of the bleak and nasty play of the same title, written in 1891 by Franz Wedekind. Wedekind’s play still packs a punch. Adolescents, faced with shrill and unmovable social rigidity and clueless and remote adults, act out horrifically. They masturbate, rape, slash at each other with switches (desperate to feel something, anything), commit suicide. Desperate alliances form: Wendla and Melchior, Hanschen and Ernst.
Playwright/lyricist Steven Sater softens this story somewhat. A rape becomes, in Sater’s musical, lovemaking. Sater’s ending (which, needless to say, I’m not going to reveal) is more hopeful. Still, to his great credit, Sater honors Wedekind original and this gives the play edge and makes it compulsively watchable.
There is another crucial difference: these young people sing. This transforms the story. Musically empowered, these characters fight back. They transcend meek victimhood. They have energy, spirit – and this is why this piece has become so popular among young audiences. That composer Duncan Sheik has created a luscious contemporary rock score helps enormously: “The Bitch Of Living,” “Totally Fucked,” “The Word Of Your Body,” et al, all brilliant. The 21st century music marries perfectly with the arch 19th century script.
Peter Rothstein is one of the premiere directors of musical theater in the country and I live in terror that an evil Broadway producer will swoop down and snatch him away from us. His work on Spring Awakening is perfect: angular and over-the-top when it needs to be (his staging of “Totally Fucked” is gorgeous); sweet and simple when the play requires it. He uses the Stoll Thrust with gymnastic abandon. He has also had the good sense to hire the always wonderful musician Denise Prosek and the excellent choreographer Carl Flink.
As to the cast, wow. I lack the space here to wax enthusiastic about everyone, but I have to mention Cat Brindisi who effectively combines the ineffably unformed sweetness of youth with solid technical choppage. She gives a terrific performance, and so does the wiry and passionate David Darrow as Melchior. I greatly enjoyed the edgy work of Grant Sorenson and Larissa Gritti. The two adults, Michelle Barber and James Detmar, perform their multiple roles with cartoonish perfection. I have to stop. Everyone is wonderful.
Black Label Movement & Luverne Seifert's "The Woyzeck Project"
Directed by Carl Flink & Luverne Siefert
Choreography by Carl Flink
OCTOBER 22 - NOVEMBER 6, 2010 | Southern Theater - Minneapolis, MN
Co-Directed by Luverne Siefert & Carl Flink | Choreographed by Carl Flink
A full collaboration with Twin Cities theater artist Luverne Seifert, ‘The Woyzeck Project’ brings to life the interior of playwright Georg Bűchner’s mind. Audience members enter the tortured confines of the brain that created the seminole German play Woyzeck, a poetic meditation on war, violence, unethical scientific experimentation, murder and the fragile encounter between passion and love.
This production’s first stages were developed in 2008 at the University of Minnesota in the Old Norris Gym with Carl Flink, Luverne Siefert and Michael Sommers as a ‘University Theater Creative Collaboration’.
The Jungle Theater's "Mary's Wedding" by Stephen Massicotte
Directed by Joel Sass
Choreography by Carl Flink
SEPTEMBER 18 - OCTOBER 25, 2009 | Jungle Theater - Minneapolis, MN
Directed by Joel Sass | Choreographed by Carl Flink
*2010 Minnesota Ivey Award for Outstanding Production*
The Jungle Theater presents Stephen Massicotte's touching love story Mary's Wedding. Set against the backdrop of the Canadian Cavalry in WWI, Mary and Charlie must surrender their love and their fate to the uncertainties of tumultuous times. Memories of young love weave together through the letters of their long-distance courtship between The Farmlands of Canada and the battlefields of France.
University Of Minnesota / Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program's "The Children Of Oedipus"
Directed by Elisa Carlson
Choreography by Carl Flink
MARCH 2009 | Kilburn Theater - Minneapolis, MN
Directed by Elisa Carlson | Choreographed by Carl Flink
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