Shows
The Stages of MNEpisode 26: The Stages of MN Learns About the Songbirds and the BeesWelcome to Episode 26 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
On this episode:
Eric Morris and Laura Rudolph Morris welcome me into their Hive in part one of a two part entry in our series Theater Couples. Be sure to check out the Hive Collaborative Website for all the upcoming events https://www.thehivecollaborativemn.com/ .
Eric will be directing Once Upon a Mattress at Lakeshore Players from 4/24/26 - 5/17/26 https://www.lakeshoreplayers.org/mattress-season-73 and appearing in Come From Away at the Guthrie Theater this summer from...
2026-02-1447 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 24: The Stages of MN Signs Off on 2025 With 5 Holiday ReviewsToday is our final episode of 2025! And to see you through the holiday season we have reviews of 5 seasonal shows!
Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical at History Theatre thru 12/21 https://www.historytheatre.com/2025-2026/rollicking-winter-carnival-musical
A Christmas in ochopee from New Native Theatre runs from 12/3 thru 12/21 https://www.newnativetheatre.org/a-ch...
A Christmas Carol...More or Less runs from 11/28 thru 12/28 at Yellow Tree Theatre https://yellowtreetheatre.com/christm...
A Nice Family Christmas at Lyric Arts Through 12/21 https://www.lyricarts.org/nice-family-christmas
A Double Feature of Free Pirate Musicals celebrating...
2025-12-1618 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 23: Ahoy There! The Stages of MN Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Fortune's Fool TheatreWelcome to Episode 23 of The Stages of MN, a weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
Today’s episode finds our hero on a desert island poking around with a stick looking for buried treasure in celebration of Fortune's Fool Theatre's 20th Anniversary! We have an interview with Father and Daughter Co-Artistic Directors Daniel and Ariel Pinkerton to discuss their festival of free musicals. You can get all the details as well as reserve your seats here https://fortunesfooltheatre.org/what-...
We also have a review of Mistletoe & Mayhew from Just Us Theater which runs th...
2025-12-1034 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 22: Beware the Phantom of the Stages of MNWelcome to Episode 22 of The Stages of MN, a weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
Today’s Phantastic episode is dedicated to my Stepmom Karen Dunkelberger March 16, 1943 — November 22, 2025 RIP.
We start the episode off with The Green Screen Game, don't know what that is? take a look!
I'm joined by my son Alex Dunkelberger where we discuss the trip through his childhood that was our double feature Theater day of Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium which runs through December 14th at Park Square in St. Paul https://bit.ly/ParkSquareGoosebumps and The Phant...
2025-12-0328 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 21: The stages of MN Holiday PreviewWelcome to Episode 21 of The Stages of MN, a weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
Today’s episode is our Sponsored Holiday Preview episode! Thanks to our Sponsors History Theatre, Yellow Tree Theatre, New Native Theatre, and Just Us Theater. Go to their websites to purchase tickets to their Holiday shows previewed on this episode.
Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical at History Theatre thru 12/21 https://www.historytheatre.com/2025-2026/rollicking-winter-carnival-musical
A Christmas in ochopee from New Native Theatre runs from 12/3 thru 12/21 https://www.newnativetheatre.org/a-christmas-in-ochopee
A Christmas Carol...More or...
2025-11-2434 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 20 in Which The stages of MN Says Give to the Max, Then Talks Accents With Anna HashizumeWelcome to Episode 20 of The Stages of MN, a weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
On today’s episode we remind you that 11/20 is MN Give to the Max Day. Go to https://www.givemn.org/ to donate to your favorite theater or theaters and after you do send me an email at robdunkelberger@thestagesofmn.com. If you don't have a favorite , why not donate to one of the companies who have sponsored The Stages of MN this year: Yellow Tree Theatre, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Unlabeled Theatre, Fortune's Fool Theatre, Lakeshore Players, Ten Thousand Things, Minneapolis Mus...
2025-11-1804 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 19: The Stages of MN Takes a Walk in the Purple RainWelcome to Episode 19 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
Today's Episode Features three new reviews for you including the highly anticipated Purple Rain which runs through 11/23 at The State Theatre get tickets here https://hennepinarts.org/events/purple-rain-2025
We also have Reviews of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 which runs through 11/22 at Theatre Elision, they have added one show otherwise it is currently sold out. go here to see if you can score this hot ticket https://www.theatreelision.com/comet
Also highly recommended...
2025-11-1222 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 18: The Stages of MN Takes a Final Look at the Twin Cities Horror FestivalWelcome to Episode 18 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
Today's Episode is a final look at the TCHF, we have Six reviews of shows. Check out the festival here https://www.tchorrorfestival.com/ it runs through 10/30.
We also take a peek ahead at a couple of other Monster Month shows coming in November from Theatre in the Round and Park Square Theatre. Get more info and tickets at https://www.theatreintheround.org/ and https://parksquaretheatre.org/
The History Theatre ticket give away contest is still open. Tha...
2025-10-2717 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 17: The Stages of MN Investigates an Unexplained Noise at the Twin Cities Horror FesitvalWelcome to Episode 17 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience. Today Episode is all about TCHF, we have four reviews os shows and a look around the festival including an epic At a Show With segment. check out the festival here https://www.tchorrorfestival.com/ The History Theatre ticket give away contest is still open. Thanks to Erica Skarohlid of Lettered in Theatre for making that happen. You can read her blog here https://letteredintheatre.wordpress.com/ and check out the season lineup at History Theatre here https://www.historytheatre.com/. To enter...
2025-10-2418 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 16: The Stages of MN takes a whack at Lizzie: The Rock Musical with Joel Sass of Open EyeWelcome to Episode 16 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
Today Episode Features an interview with Joel Sass the Producing Artistic Director of Open Eye Theatre about their latest production Lizzie: The Rock Musical which now has an extended run through 11/8 go here for tickets and details https://www.openeyetheatre.org/ We also have a review of that show as well as Chap Snatchers at Bryant Lake Bowl go here to get tickets for this weekends final performances https://www.bryantlakebowl.com/theater
Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon provides a Guest Blogger Review of...
2025-10-2028 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 15: The Stages of MN shares a couple of Quick reviews!Welcome to Episode 15 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
This episode is a quick one with two reviews Once on This Island at Artistry in Bloomington through October 26th Click here for tickets https://artistrymn.org/island
Also Misery at Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo through October 19th https://yellowtreetheatre.com/misery2025
Also on this episode a quick word about Trademark Theater's new Film What you Can't Keep check out their website here https://www.trademarktheater.org/wyck And a reminder that the Twin Cities Horror...
2025-10-2011 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 14: The Stages of MN Dives Once Again Into What The Hell's a Theater BloggerWelcome to Episode 14 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Prime Productions, a theater company devoted to celebrating women in their second act. Check them out here https://www.primeprods.org/
This episode opens with a special announcement from Theater Blogger Jill Schafer about the 15th Anniversary of her blog Cherry and Spoon. Find out how you can help mark the Occassion and win theater tickets in the process! check out the details here http://www.cherryandspoon.com/
We are back wi...
2025-10-0442 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 13: The Stages of MN Announces Some Changes and Shares a Couple of ReviewsWelcome to Episode 13 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
Today’s episode is a short one, we’ve got an announcement about some changes to the show going forward and a couple of quick reviews for you.
MN Honest Reviews of Treasure Island at Children’s Theatre Company you can get tickets on their website https://childrenstheatre.org/
The second review is Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House you can go to their website for tickets https://www.guthrietheater.org/
Special thanks: To Ryan Lee f...
2025-09-2512 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 12: The Stages of MN exclusive look at the Full schedule for Twin Cities Horror Festival 14!Welcome to Episode 12 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
Todays episode is sponsored by Theatre in the Round Players the longest running theatre in Minneapolis! Check out there upcoming season, purchase multi-show flex packages or single tickets on their website https://www.theatreintheround.org/
On this episode: The Stages of MN first exclusive! I talk with Nissa Nordland and Duck Washington the Artistic and Executive Directors of the Twin Cities Horror Festival (TCHF) where we reveal the full schedule for the 14th annual TCHF!!!! You can learn more...
2025-09-1739 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 11: In Which The Stages of MN Gets Star Struck By Sushma Saha!Welcome to Episode 11 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
On this episode I sat down with Sushma Saha to discuss the new play they are in Maybe You Could Love Me which is being Produced by Theater MU and performed at Mixed Blood Theatre 9/11 - 9/28. Go here for more information and to purchase tickets https://www.theatermu.org/maybe
Two MN Honest Reviews this week. The first is Big Fish at Lyric Arts in Anoka now through October 5th. for more information and to purchase tickets go to...
2025-09-1035 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 10: In Which The Stages of MN & Cherry and Spoon ask "What the Hell's a Theater Blogger"?Welcome to Episode 10 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
This weeks episode is sponsored by Exposed Brick Theatre's Through Our Eyes 2 New Play Festival. Which runs from September 19th to October 4th. Here is a link to their website where you can read more about the Festival and purchase tickets https://exposedbricktheatre.com/
On this episode I sit down with m'colleague Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon to grapple with the question that has puzzled scholars for centuries "What the Hell's a Theater Blogger? Visit Cherry and Spoon...
2025-09-0337 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 9: In Which The Stages of MN Looks ahead to the 2025/2026 Theater Season!Welcome to Episode 9 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
This weeks episode is a sponsored episode. The 13 theater companies that appear on this weeks 2025/2026 theater season preview supported The Stages of MN in some way. Either through paid sponsorship Ad swap, or allowing access to their space for the filming of an episode that did not involve their own show or company. This was done to remove barriers that might have restricted some companies from being able to participate. No company who inquired about being part of the show was...
2025-08-2848 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 8: In which The Stages of MN puts The MN Fringe to bed.Welcome to Episode 8 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
On this weeks episode I'm joined by Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon and we say good night to The Minnesota Fringe Festival. We share our thoughts on this years Fringe and what some of our favorite shows were. You can access the Full MN Fringe Festival site here https://minnesotafringe.org/ where you can sign up for the newsletter so you'll get info year round about Fringe happenings. Visit Cherry and Spoon here http://www.cherryandspoon.com/
No...
2025-08-2228 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 7: The Stages of MN Get's a Preview of the MN Fringe FestivalWelcome to Episode 7 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
On this weeks episode We get a preview of The MN Fringe Festival from over 20 Artists who tell us about their shows and when and where you can catch them. You can access the Full MN Fringe Festival site here https://minnesotafringe.org/ to start planning your Fringe adventure. The festival opens 7/31/25 and runs through 8/10/25.
You can also get tips to how to Fringe and her picks for the musy=t see shows over at my friend Jill Schafer's blog Cherry and Spoon here...
2025-08-0138 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 6: The Stages of MN "Good Things Edition" With Special Guest Kendra PlantWelcome to Episode 6 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
On this weeks episode we broadcast an urgent cry for help from our friends at Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo. Here's the link to their GoFundMe page where they are trying to raise the $27,000 that has been cut from their State funding https://bit.ly/YellowTreeGoFundMe Please donate if you can. Also a reminder that Yellow Tree is still accepting donations through 7/28/25 for their annual Food and clothing drive. Here's a link to Yellow Tree's website as well. https://yellowtreetheatre.com/
2025-07-2330 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 5: The Stages of MN Hits the Road in Search of the Great River Shakespeare FestivalWelcome to Episode 5 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
This episode is Sponsored by Chanhassen Dinner Theatres go to https://chanhassendt.com/ to see what's playing there and to purchase tickets.
We journey to the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, MN. Visit their website to check out the festival and purchase tickets here https://www.grsf.org/
We Learn about Intimacy coordination with GRSF Artistic Director Doug Scholz-Carlson
MN Honest Reviews: Romeo & Juliet and The Comedy of Errors at GRSF through 7/27/25
“At a Show With…” photos of who I saw out at the Theater...
2025-07-1832 min
The Stages of MNEpisode 4: The Stages of MN Explores Love and Theater With Ryan & TodWelcome to Episode 4 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
On this episode:
Theater Couples: Ryan Lee and Tod Petersen welcome me into their home and we discuss the joys of a sharing a passion with your loved one.
A return visit to Endometriosis: The Musical at Theatre in the Round. With post show responses from audience members. You can still catch this highly entertaining show running through 7/13/25 click here for Tickets https://www.theatreintheround.org/end...
MN Honest Review: Passion at Theater Latté Da t...
2025-07-1037 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 3: The Stages of MN Meets Will Sturdivant and a Game is PlayedWelcome to Episode 3 of The Stages of MN. A weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
On this episode: An interview with Will Sturdivant, Actor and Author performing now at the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, MN. Visit their website to check out the festival and purchase tickets here https://www.grsf.org/ You click to help fund and arrange to receive copies of Will's upcoming books here https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-... To check out Will's other upcoming projects mentioned in the interview you can go to the Guthrie Theater website for info on...
2025-07-0333 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 2: The Stages of MN Contracts Endometriosis: The Musical FeverWelcome to Episode 2 of The Stages of MN a weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
On this episode: An interview with Maria Bartholdi and Kristin Stowell about their new musical Endometriosis: The Musical having its world premiere at Theatre in the Round. To learn more about Endmetriosis the disease you can go to the Mayo Clinic Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c... Maria Bartholdi can be seen onstage with The Bearded Company: https://beardedcompany.org/ and she hosts a podcast on Magic the Gathering called Good Luck High Five ttps://www.goodluckhighfive.com/ She'll aslo be...
2025-06-2640 minThe Stages of MNEpisode 1: The Stages of MN Meets Austene Van and a Wrap is SharedWelcome to Episode 1 of The Stages of MN, a weekly show about the live theatrical experience.
On this episode: “Sharing a Sandwich With…” an interview with Executive Artistic Director of Yellow Tree Theatre Austene Van. Visit the Yellow Tree Theatre website at https://yellowtreetheatre.com/
Putting on your radar:
Movie Fight Club watch the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater website https://www.bryantlakebowl.com/theater for tickets to the next performance on August 14th.
Off Book at Jungle Theater, next performance is July 21st you can purchase tickets here https://www.jungletheater.org/im...
2025-06-1938 min