edy and reached number two on the iTunes comedy charts for his album “Having the Time of My Life” in 2018. He describes his act as “absurdist and clever masked behind an endearing, innocent demeanor.” Through observational comedy and satire, Ryman finds something to laugh about in just about everything. pipestoneperformingartscenter.com
New Ulm Trade Fair and Living History Event March 14-15, 2020, Turner Hall, New Ulm Step back in time for a longstanding New Ulm tradition, featuring more than 70 vendors and a hundred table displays of oldfashioned arts and crafts (such as authentic fur clothing, handmade knives, décor, food, etc.). Enjoy demonstrations of fur trade-era skills by costumed performers, some of whom are full-time reenactors who keep history alive year-round. Learn how fur traders and frontier settlers survived back in the day — it’ll be educational for you and your family, and it’ll also help you appreciate the modern conveniences like plumbing and central heating that make our winters more bearable.
Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” March 11-15, 18-20 Les Fields Hall, Rochester It’s the winter of 1934, and the Orient Express is on its way through Europe when a man is found dead on the train. Detective Hercule Poirot, en route to London, must investigate the murder. Each of Poriot’s fellow travelers, however, is suspicious, and he must find the killer before they strike again. Agatha Christie’s classic 1934 novel, one of the most famous and beloved murder mysteries of all time, has been adapted for radio, film, television and more since its release. Now, watch it come to life onstage in southern Minnesota in this community performance, directed by Suzie Hansen. absolutetheatre.org/seasonfour
Seven 7:30 p.m. March 13 Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing This groundbreaking documentary play, performed in the style of a classic radio drama, brings the true stories of seven women to life. The allwomen group of playwrights conducted personal interviews with women who overcame resistance, death threats, violence and social norms to bring change around the world: in Pakistan, Nigeria, Ireland, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Russia and Cambodia. Since its premiere in 2008, the play has been performed worldwide, translated into 27 languages and connecting with people everywhere. Each moving drama leaves the audiences thinking long after the show ends, making the statement that a single voice can change the lives of thousands, even in difficult times. sheldontheatre.org/event/seven
troupe’s history. For those familiar with the Merlin Players, it’s a trip down memory lane; for those new to the area or those who haven’t yet seen a show, it’s an introduction to southern Minnesota theater and a sampling of the talent and dedication community theater has to offer. paradisecenterforthearts.org/paradisecommunity-theater
newulmtradefair.com
Mankato Area St. Patrick’s Day March 17, Mankato and Saint Peter Get your green out and enjoy the luck o’ the Irish around Mankato and Saint Peter. Come to just one or two events, or make a whole day out of events around town. Local restaurants Flask, Pub 500, Dino’s, the Wow! Zone and Tav on the Ave will start serving Irish food, beer and other goodies starting right away in the morning, with a few spots open until late at night. Bring the kids just a few miles north to neighboring Saint Peter for the parade; expect lively entertainment, music and of course, plenty of green. In the evening, restaurants and bars will host live music by David and the Clan O’Connell, Warren Streets and others. Honor your Irish heritage, or just pretend to be Irish for a day to join in on the fun.
Rochester Thaw Music Festival 11 a.m.-10 p.m. March 21 The Castle, Rochester Rochester’s Thaw Music Festival is back for its second year, bringing warmth and excitement to melt what’s left of the snow and ice. This year’s lineup boasts 11 bands on two stages all day long for a variety of all-ages performances (kids 12 and under get in free). Get ready for local and regional bands spanning a range of genres, including Minneapolis rock ‘n’ rollers The Band Man, indie-folk singer Humbird, “nerd funk” group Porky’s Groove Machine and “tavern, renaissance and fantasy music” performers Loreweavers. Experience Rochester’s thriving arts, music and social community in the Castle, located in the historic downtown Armory building. castlecommunity.org/thaw
visitgreatermankato.com
Songs & Scenes: Celebrating 25 Years of the Merlin Players in Faribault 7:30 p.m. March 21 Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault Join the Merlin Players, the Faribault area’s community theater group, as they celebrate a quarter century of entertaining and delighting audiences in southern Minnesota. You’ll see a few of the group’s founding members, as well as newcomers, re-create a few of the best songs, scenes and other stories from throughout the theater
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South Central Minnesota Pride Gayla 6-10 p.m. March 21 The Capitol Room, Saint Peter
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