Art Hounds: Musketeers, marriage rights and indie rock

"LeSwitch"
In "Le Switch," commitment-shy David is wary of "wedding fever" in the wake of New York legalizing gay marriage. On stage at the Jungle Theater through July 31.
Dan Norman

This week on Art Hounds: commitments, The Counterfactuals and an evil Cardinal.

Playwright Daniel Pinkerton wishes he had written The Jungle Theater's latest production, "Le Switch." Pinkerton says too many romantic comedies are heavy on romance but short on laughs; "Le Switch," he says, is a welcome exception. The story revolves around a 35-year-old librarian, David, who is wary of committing to a relationship. Meanwhile, all around him, gay couples are jumping into marriage, as it's just been legalized in New York. Pinkerton says it's a play with a lot of heart, in which we learn not just about these characters but about humanity. Performances run through July 31.

Radio DJ Jessica Paxton is thrilled to see two of her favorite bands playing together at Icehouse MPLS. The Counterfactuals is a band of what Paxton calls "prof rockers" — the members are all professors working in Northfield (home to Carleton and St. Olaf). They're celebrating the release of their self-titled indie pop record. Joey Ryan and the Inks join them with their own classic pop sound. The music starts at 10:30 p.m. this Saturday.

Lanesboro Arts' Adam Wiltgen got a sneak peek of Commonweal Theatre's new production, "The Three Musketeers," and he says the company has outdone itself. The cast has been practicing fencing and sword-fighting since January, and the show is filled with combat scenes. Wiltgen says the staging features trap doors and musketeers swinging from the rafters. On stage through October 24.