Reviews

Our dedicated reviewers offer insight on the latest in theater, music, visual arts and more.

We explore the breadth of creativity and innovation found throughout Minnesota, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the works and artists shaping our cultural landscape.

Join us as we celebrate the diversity of expression and the powerful stories told through art in our communities, brought to you by the passionate voices of the MPR News Arts Team.

Piece of red art

Critical DMs: Keith Haring at the Walker Art Center

April 27, 2024 8:00 AM

By Alex Cipolle and Max Sparber

Alex V. Cipolle and Max Sparber discuss “Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody” at the Walker Art Center, highlighting Haring’s unique blend of graffiti and high culture, iconic collaborations and his enduring influence.

a man with glasses sits at a table

New Minnesota music roundup: Abstract tango from the Charles Gorczynski Tango Quartet

April 19, 2024 12:44 PM

Abstract tango from the Charles Gorczynski Tango Quartet. Plus: The punchy Americana of Humbird and wild improvisation from three local music vets.

three still images taken from a play

Kings of chaos: A review of a marathon of Shakespeare at the Guthrie

April 18, 2024 4:00 AM

The Guthrie Theater stages a compelling series of Shakespeare’s historical plays, using a turntable set to dynamically explore the turbulent reigns of three English kings across generations.

A person poses for a photo.

New Minnesota music roundup: Immigrant songs by Red Thread

April 5, 2024 3:02 PM

Three new albums: “Immigrantke” by Red Thread, “Shadowland” by Claude de Lune and “Live from a Dive” by Michael Gay & His Dang Band

actors perform on stage

Last chance review: ‘Miz Martha Washington’ and the ghosts of slavery

March 29, 2024 4:00 AM

The spectacularly long named, yet short play is told through hip-hop, jazz and unsettling visuals. It’s about much more than America’s first first lady.

blue art pieces on a wall

Critical DMs: McKnight Printmaking Fellowship Exhibition explores a paper version of domestic secrets

March 26, 2024 4:00 AM

By Alex Cipolle and Max Sparber

Critical DMs are lightly edited Slack conversations between members of the MPR News arts team. This week, Arts Editor Max Sparber and Senior Arts Reporter and Critic Alex V. Cipolle discuss the current show at the Highpoint Center for Printmaking.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical."

Review: Powerful casting elevates Carole King musical at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

March 22, 2024 4:57 PM

“Beautiful” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres honors Carole King with powerful performances and original staging.

Charlie Maguire and Pop Wagner visit Radio Heartland

New Minnesota music round-up: Rattling folk from Pop Wagner

March 22, 2024 2:46 PM

This week’s reviews include a spirited collection of minimalistic yet powerful live and studio folk tracks, plus dense electronic soundscapes with beautiful melodies and a raw and unmelodic industrial noise experience.

A colorful piece of art

Review: A Ukrainian-born artist's ‘Portal to the Surreal’ at the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis

March 19, 2024 4:00 AM

By Alex Cipolle

At the Museum of Russian Art in south Minneapolis, Ukrainian-born artist Vladimir Dikarev presents “Portal to the Surreal,” an exhibition celebrating 100 years of surrealism with his dream-inspired, candy-colored landscapes.

Tina Schlieske at The Current.

New Minnesota music round-up: Jazz from Tina Schlieske, plus Lone Rock Bride and Verdin Brothers

March 8, 2024 3:01 PM

Three new Minnesota music releases: “The Good Life” by Tina Schlieske, “Lone Rock Bride” by Lone Rock Bride and “Arcana” by Verdin Brothers.