T. Mychael Rambo returns to LIVE at Lyndale Gardens. T. Mychael is an award-winning actor, vocalist, arts educator, and community organizer. He is a beloved member of our Twin Cities arts community. T. Mychael has performed on every professional theater stage in the Twin Cities.
A high-energy, fast-paced improv comedy show where everything is made up on the spot and no two performances are ever the same. Think Fast. Laugh Hard. Fast. Funny.
Fully Improvised. Your ideas ➡️ Our Comedy.
For the second year in a row, the Minnesota State Fair rejects Richfield’s own Doris Rubenstein’s traditional kosher dill pickles. Doris realizes there’s more than pickles fermenting, there’s hell to raise. A Pickle is based on a true story. Cathy Fuller is familiar to Twin Cities audiences from her frequent work on stage, television, and radio.
Written by Kevin Kling. Directed by Michael Robins with Kevin Kling*, Dan Chouinard, Simone Perrin, and Stephen Yoakam*, with music from the House of Mercy Band (Chris Larson, Angela Talle, Jeremy Szopinski, and Doug Trail-Johnson), and Michelle Kinney.
*member Actors’ Equity Association
Conceived and directed by Isabel Nelson with Creative Team: Jack Bechard, Mark Benzel, Amber Bjork, Peyton McCandless, Derek Lee Miller, Adelin Phelps*, and Allison Vincent.
*member Actors’ Equity Association
CW // sexual violence
Written by Carlyle Brown. Directed by Victor Malana Maog and featuring: Peyton Dixon, Terry Hempleman*, Norah Long*, John Middleton*, Ashawnti Sakina Ford, Mikell Sapp*, and Stephen Yoakam*.
*member Actors’ Equity Association
Written by Jeffrey Hatcher. Creative Consultant Evan Hatcher. Directed by Michael Robins and stars Jim Cunningham as Groucho and John Middleton as T. S. Eliot.
This year Miss R will explain, as only she can, Artificial Intelligence in Phony Baloney, Keeping it Real in an Artificial World. According to Miss Richfield 1981, “Don’t let my show’s title fool you, I am staying as genuine as my Sanka! But many things around us are not real! So, in my new show, I explore all things artificial, like flowers, toupees, and mayonnaise.” Once again, the red carpet is out for Miss Richfield 1981‘s Holiday Show -- her 26th year with ILLUSION! Russ King, the man behind Miss Richfield 1981, came up with this brazen and beloved character while he worked at the Minnesota Aids Project (MAP) in the 90’s. Michael Robins was on the MAP Board and offered Russ a spot in ILLUSION’s Fresh Ink Series to try this character out. Miss R has gone on from our stage to become a national treasure. Phony Baloney is written by Russ King and performed by Miss Richfield 1981 herself!
In This Moment Now: Count It All Joy hosted by T. Mychael Rambo, Aimee K. Bryant, and Ryan Bynum at the Theater at Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists in St. Paul.
Ryan Bynum’s original song, “I’m so proud and blessed to be…In This Moment…Now” kickstarts the show as T. Mychael and Aimee lead an ensemble of African American performers in poetry, spoken word, dance, and song. This is the third edition of In This Moment having been presented originally in 2020 as a response to the murder of George Floyd.
In This Moment Now: Count It All Joy is a powerful, joyful performance of the full range of feelings of what it means to be African American in these times, in this community, now. T. Mychael Rambo and Aimee K. Bryant are much loved performers who have appeared on ILLUSION stages for many years, in many shows, and in many events.
It is a tradition to invite Kevin Kling, his favorite chanteuse Simone Perrin, and fellow storyteller Dan Chouinard to Lyndale Gardens with stories and music to lighten our hearts and souls.
Twin Cities vocalist Prudence Johnson proudly joins pianist/singer/songwriter Yazmin and her powerhouse Latin-jazz trio Beat Zero to kick off our 2024 Lyndale Garden Series with a mix of poignant songwriting and infectious Latin American rhythms.
Yazmin - singer-songwriter-artist-dancer-music & dance instructor-travel guide
“Good advice is always annoying,” says Miss Richfield 1981. “But bad advice never is!” So, join Miss R as she unpacks a healthy heap of holiday advice that promises to leave you entertained & maybe just a little annoyed!
Miss Richfield 1981 brings her annual, always irreverent, always different every night, Holiday Pro’grum back to Illusion. Todd Price joins Miss R to accompany her on the piano. Miss Richfield 1981 never disappoints - she appears in fabulous outfits, her hair is never out of place, and she is always totally inappropriate.
Miss Richfield 1981
We Take Care of Our Own peeks into the lives of three individuals facing the difficulties of ageing in the diaspora. Having interrupted familial traditions of intergenerational care by their choices to migrate, they attempt to find a sense of community as a medley of memories and apprehensions flood their conversations. — Zainabu Jallo (playwright)
Warren C. Bowles, Richard Ooms, and Stan Egi [photo credit: Lauren B Photography]
We Take Care of Our Own peeks into the lives of three individuals facing the difficulties of ageing in the diaspora. Having interrupted familial traditions of intergenerational care by their choices to migrate, they attempt to find a sense of community as a medley of memories and apprehensions flood their conversations. — Zainabu Jallo (playwright)
Warren C. Bowles, Richard Ooms, and Stan Egi [photo credit: Lauren B Photography]
We Take Care of Our Own peeks into the lives of three individuals facing the difficulties of ageing in the diaspora. Having interrupted familial traditions of intergenerational care by their choices to migrate, they attempt to find a sense of community as a medley of memories and apprehensions flood their conversations. — Zainabu Jallo (playwright)
Warren C. Bowles, Richard Ooms, and Stan Egi [photo credit: Lauren B Photography]
We Take Care of Our Own peeks into the lives of three individuals facing the difficulties of ageing in the diaspora. Having interrupted familial traditions of intergenerational care by their choices to migrate, they attempt to find a sense of community as a medley of memories and apprehensions flood their conversations. — Zainabu Jallo (playwright)
Warren C. Bowles, Richard Ooms, and Stan Egi [photo credit: Lauren B Photography]
We Take Care of Our Own peeks into the lives of three individuals facing the difficulties of ageing in the diaspora. Having interrupted familial traditions of intergenerational care by their choices to migrate, they attempt to find a sense of community as a medley of memories and apprehensions flood their conversations. — Zainabu Jallo (playwright)
Warren C. Bowles, Richard Ooms, and Stan Egi [photo credit: Lauren B Photography]
We Take Care of Our Own peeks into the lives of three individuals facing the difficulties of ageing in the diaspora. Having interrupted familial traditions of intergenerational care by their choices to migrate, they attempt to find a sense of community as a medley of memories and apprehensions flood their conversations. — Zainabu Jallo (playwright)
Warren C. Bowles, Richard Ooms, and Stan Egi [photo credit: Lauren B Photography]
We Take Care of Our Own peeks into the lives of three individuals facing the difficulties of ageing in the diaspora. Having interrupted familial traditions of intergenerational care by their choices to migrate, they attempt to find a sense of community as a medley of memories and apprehensions flood their conversations. — Zainabu Jallo (playwright)
Warren C. Bowles, Richard Ooms, and Stan Egi [photo credit: Lauren B Photography]
We Take Care of Our Own peeks into the lives of three individuals facing the difficulties of ageing in the diaspora. Having interrupted familial traditions of intergenerational care by their choices to migrate, they attempt to find a sense of community as a medley of memories and apprehensions flood their conversations. — Zainabu Jallo (playwright)
Warren C. Bowles, Richard Ooms, and Stan Egi [photo credit: Lauren B Photography]
We Take Care of Our Own peeks into the lives of three individuals facing the difficulties of ageing in the diaspora. Having interrupted familial traditions of intergenerational care by their choices to migrate, they attempt to find a sense of community as a medley of memories and apprehensions flood their conversations. — Zainabu Jallo (playwright)
Warren C. Bowles, Richard Ooms, and Stan Egi [photo credit: Lauren B Photography]
A ship bound for Africa in 1607
A celebration of the same trip in 2024
A gathering in a theatre in London in 2024
Black British actress Prudence Thomas has agreed to perform in a special commemoration of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Sierra Leone. This would be the celebration of the 425th anniversary of the ship Red Dragon’s arrival in Sierra Leone 1607, the earliest known performance of a Shakespearean text outside of the UK. Prudence has never been to Africa before. This is her first time there. Recently she has discovered through genetic testing that her people are from Sierra Leone. Her people – before slavery which brought them to Jamaica, before the Windrush which brought them to England —were all from Sierra Leone. She is thrilled that her work has brought her “home” where she believes her encounter with the locals will be beneficial and welcomed. These ambitions quickly fall apart as an incident on stage causes a series of events that clash the past with the present resulting in an emotional landmine that must be unpicked upon their return to London. Questions must be asked: What is “culture”? Who gets to define it? Are art and subjugation actually interlinked? And how did we come to believe in what we believe in now?
My Soul is Not Rested is part of the Afro-Atlantic Playwright Festival
My Soul is Not Rested is part of the Afro-Atlantic Playwright Festival
The return of our favorite Afro-Caribbean Band,
Music for your Dancing Soul
Note early start time.
Malamanya (2022)
A signature blend of eclectic songs and humor with Twin Cities favorites Dane Stauffer and Dan Chouinard. Dane is known for his work in theater, film, cabaret, improvisation, television, radio, and flatbed trucks. Currently he is in the smash musical Glensheen. Dan joins Dane on piano. Dan is an accordionist and writer of shows for public radio, concert halls, clubs, and the theater. They welcome Kris Stauffer on Bass and Daryl Boudreaux on Percussion and a very special guest - Jen Maren who plays Majorie Caldwell in “Glensheen” currently at the History Theatre.
Allison and Leslie Vincent recount the rollercoaster of their engagement and planning a wedding in the time of COVID through music, storytelling, and comedy. Allison is a theater maker, performer, director, writer, teacher, and devisor. Leslie Is a Twin Cities jazz singer with “an infectious love of music.” Allison is a founding member of Transatlantic Love Affair, a physical theater ensemble which Illusion has presented and championed over the last ten years.
Both appeared this past winter at Illusion Theater in Transatlantic Love Affair’s These Old Shoes.
Allison and Leslie Vincent
CANCELLED History-on-a-Schtick is usually only seen at the State Fair. This delightful, family-friendly musical has satirical and whimsical songs, including a Minnesota state symbols fashion parade, and a quiz show hosted by Betty Crocker with contestants who are Minnesota icons. This imaginative and playful show with an eye toward history has been entertaining Minnesota State Fair-goers since 2015. Written and directed by Beth Gilleland, with musical direction by Kevin Dutcher, the cast includes Bonni Allen, Aimee K. Bryant, Ricky Morisseau and Jim Robinson. This program is presented by the Minnesota Historical Society. You will learn something new about Minnesota, and you’ll head home humming!
History-on-a-Schtick with Bonni Allen, Aimee K. Bryant and Jim Robinson during performances at the Minnesota State Fair. [photo credit Jessica Hackne])
Honeywine is an all-original Americana band with a strong focus on trio vocals. The three singers — Dorian Chalmers, Becky Schlegel, and Dennis Curley — are Minnesota-based artists with decades of performing experience among them.
Honeywine
Direct from Fresh Ink 2023, developed by Roberta Carlson and Michael Robins, and featuring Julia Isabel Diaz, Falicia Nichole, Molly Sue McDonald and Justin D. Cook on keyboards.
We all have soundtracks for moments in our lives and we all have artists whose songs were part of those moments. The music of Judy Collins, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell provided those moments for many of us.
Judy, Joan & Joni with Falicia Nichole, Julia Isabel Diaz, Moly Sue McDonald, Roberta Carlson, and Justin D. Cook.
Come wander the world with stories and songs from these musical friends and travelers. Dan Chouinard is a pianist, accordionist, and writer of shows for public radio, concert halls, clubs, and theater. Bradley Greenwald has performed opera, theater, music-theater, concert, and recital repertoire with several Twin Cities’ arts organizations. Prudence Johnson is a beloved Twin Cities singer, writer, and teacher who has been on jazz, folk, and musical theatre stages, and several stints on A Prairie Home Companion recordings. T. Mychael Rambo is an award-winning actor, vocalist, emcee, arts educator, community organizer, and a beloved member of our Twin Cities arts community who has performed on every professional theater stage in the Twin Cities.
Far Away Places - T. Mychael Rambo, Prudence Johnson, Bradley Greenwald, and Dan Chouinard,
South Side Big Band is a traditional big band. Musical selections are based on the classic big band swing of the '30s and '40s, but also include more modern jazz written for big band. SSBB is based in Edina, but its members are from communities across the Twin Cities. SSBB plays concerts and dances for community and private groups throughout the year.
South Side Big Band
Aimee K. Bryant, Ryan Bynum, and T. Mychael Rambo celebrate works by Black and African-American artists from the Twin Cities and beyond. One more chance to catch this amazing show that appeared on our mainstage this season. T. Mychael Rambo is an beloved member of our Twin Cities Community - an actor, vocalist, emcee, arts educator, and community organizer. Aimee K. Bryant is an actor, singer, and teaching artist who has appeared on many stages throughout the Twin Cities. Ryan Bynum is a full-time pianist, musical director, and composer. Their special guest, Ashley Dubose is a recording artist and performer, most widely known for her song “Intoxicated.”
In This Moment…Now (Aimee K. Bryant, T. Mychael Rambo, Ryan Bynum) [photo credit: Lauren B. Photography]
Ring of Kerry is a bursting-with-energy Irish music group that captures the hearts of listeners. The group takes its name from a beautiful craggy drive in southwestern County Kerry, Ireland. Its Celtic music, however, is played with a heart much closer to its American home.
Ring of Kerry
A signature blend of eclectic songs and humor with Twin Cities favorites Dane Stauffer and Dan Chouinard. Dane is known for his work in theater, film, cabaret, improvisation, television, radio, and flatbed trucks. Currently he is in the smash musical Glensheen. Dan joins Dane on piano. Dan is an accordionist and writer of shows for public radio, concert halls, clubs, and the theater. They welcome Kris Stauffer on Bass and Daryl Boudreaux on Percussion and a very special guest - Jen Maren who plays Majorie Caldwell in “Glensheen” currently at the History Theatre.
