The O'Shaughnessy 2023–24 Season

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Greetings from The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University!

We are so pleased to share with you what’s in store for our 2023–24 season. You’ll find a renewed commitment to offer world-class artistic experiences that represent St. Kate’s mission and values — with a focus on women’s voices and an exploration of what social justice action could look like for each of us in the year ahead. We’ve re-branded our long-standing Women of Substance series to Women Who Influence in an effort to capture not just the essence of the incredible women on our stage, but also their effect on us. Be sure to check out our NEW flexible subscription options that allow you to save 50% off our single ticket pricing and see six performances for the price of three. In addition, we invite you to engage with The O’Shaughnessy Dance Cohort. We are energized to partner with the local professional dance companies in the cohort and pilot a new way of programming and thinking about our relationships to each other, both on and off stage.

One of the things I love most about great art is its ability to hold complex ideas simply and open us up to new ways of thinking. At St. Kate’s we have great art not just at The O’Shaughnessy but also at the Catherine G. Murphy Visual Art Gallery, which is free, open to the public, and just steps from The O’Shaughnessy’s front doors (gallery.stkate.edu). I hope you will pair a trip to a show with a walk through the gallery. No matter what you see on campus, we hope you find our art compelling, thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny ... perhaps all in the same performance.

Irene Green, Executive Director The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University

Cover images left to right, top to bottom: Ananya Dance Theatre, Classical Uprising, Second City, Jen Kober, Junauda Petrus, Moipei, TAKE3

THE O’SHAUGHNESSY PRESENTS

Our premiere series of professional artistic offerings is carefully curated — bringing timely and evocative performances of the highest caliber to our campus and region.

WOMEN WHO INFLUENCE

Comedy with Jen Kober

Saturday, Sept. 9 | 7:30 p.m.

oshag.stkate.edu/kober

Jen Kober is originally from Lake Charles, LA, and has energetically bounded onto the national stage bringing crowds to their feet with her original blend of stand-up, story telling, and improvised rock-n-roll comedy. Her hard-hitting show is phenomenally funny as Kober commands the stage and dares you not to laugh. Jen was the 2017 Winner of NPR’s Snap Judgement Comedic Performance of the Year for her Girl Scout Cookie Caper story which went viral upon its release earlier that year. Kober received the 2018 Comedic Performance of the Year for her story titled Nana Vs. OJ.

THE O’SHAUGHNESSY PRESENTS

Classical Uprising The [uncertain] Four Seasons

Saturday, Sept. 30 | 7:30 p.m.

oshag.stkate.edu/uprising

What will our future sound like if we don’t act now on climate change? The [uncertain] Four Seasons is an algorithmic re-composition of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons that uses geospatial climate modeling from 2050 to depict the impact of climate change. Wanting an experience that would galvanize audience members rather than scold them, conductor Emily Isaacson created a composite arrangement of Vivaldi’s original music with The [uncertain] Four Seasons and new poetry written and performed by St. Catherine University students working with Kristen Lillvis, PhD, Professor of English. Part performance, part community event, The [uncertain] Four Seasons is designed to disturb but inspire, disquiet but motivate. Like an orchestra, the action of one person can make a difference, but together, we can make a movement. This project is produced in partnership with Minnesota Opera. Members of the MN Opera Orchestra will join Classical Uprising’s soloist, GRAMMYnominated violinist Jesse Irons, to perform this piece under Emily Isaacson’s musical direction.

Richard Leider The Power of Purpose

Tuesday, Oct. 10 | 6 p.m.

oshag.stkate.edu/purpose

What is a purposeful life? It’s a fulfilling life with a clear answer to the question: “Why do you get up in the morning?” Purpose is not just for a special few, but something each one of us is born with and can unlock at any age. Fundamental to happiness, health, and longevity, naming your purpose can give you the will to not just live, but to live long and well. Join us for this exciting purpose-filled journey with Richard Leider. This event is produced in partnership with the Edina Innovation Lab.

Kevin Kling and Friends Tales from the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log

Saturday, Dec. 9 | 7:30 p.m.

oshag.stkate.edu/yulelog

Kevin Kling, Dan Chouinard and Simone Perrin perform their celebrated holiday show, Tales From the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log at The O’Shaughnessy this year. Joined again by the everpopular Brass Messengers, the show has been performed every year since 1995 and has become a holiday tradition for many.

THE O’SHAUGHNESSY PRESENTS

WOMEN WHO INFLUENCE The Second City She the People

Saturday, Feb. 3 | 7:30 p.m. oshag.stkate.edu/shethepeople

After rave reviews and extended engagements in Chicago, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. this award-winning production is coming directly to you! Created and performed by the fearlessly funny women of The Second City, this high-octane show satirizes the complexities of identifying as female in this wild world while roasting the patriarchy with scorching sketch comedy, hilarious original songs, and whipsmart improv. Don’t miss your last chance to witness the show the Chicago Tribune calls “empowering entertainment” and the Chicago Sun-Times calls “One of the funniest revues Second City has produced in the past 20 Years”.

Kevin Kling and Friends

The Love Show – Sweethearts of the Rodeo

Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 7:30 p.m.

oshag.stkate.edu/loveshow

Country western artists have given us some of the most tender love ballads, heartbreaking anthems and rafter-kicking, floor-stomping, two-stepping hits in American music. And that doesn’t even include the horse, dog or pick-up. This year, The Love Show is devoted to lonesome pines, denim and gingham, and the rough and rowdy love stories that sprouted from these parched plains. A visit to the softer side of hard times, hard people and hard drinkin’. Come join us. Adventure waits behind every bend.

WOMEN WHO INFLUENCE Moipei

Saturday, Feb. 17 | 7:30 p.m. oshag.stkate.edu/moipei

Mary, Maggy and Marta Moipei are identical triplets from Kenya. They present a program that is as unique as their talents. They interpret some well-known selections from the American Songbook and dazzle with their illuminating take on Broadway. Throw in a dash of Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman to swing, a Spiritual or two and some well known pop songs. They create their own vocal arrangements. Moipei recently performed at the Kennedy Center and have been recognized by the President of Kenya for their contribution to the music industry and the nation of Kenya.

Letters Aloud Thanks, But No Thanks, The Greatest Rejection Letters Ever

Saturday, Feb. 24 | 7:30 p.m. oshag.stkate.edu/letters

The road to success is paved with rejection and, boy oh boy, have we got the letters to prove it. Among the dozens of gems in this program; Andy Warhol is asked to pick up his painting at the front desk before it is hauled away and a young Sidney Poitier tries to borrow $100 from President Franklin Roosevelt (he said no).

THE O’SHAUGHNESSY PRESENTS

WOMEN WHO INFLUENCE

Sarah Hagen

Friday, March 1 | 7:30 p.m.

oshag.stkate.edu/perkup

Often referred to as the next Victor Borge, Sarah Hagen has transformed her award-winning role as “concert pianist” into a stand-up, or rather, sit-down comedy. Pairing anecdotes from the road with some of her favorite pieces by Chopin, Debussy, and Liszt, Sarah takes audiences deep inside the world of a classical musician as she shares her earnest efforts to keep her spirits up in the midst of troublesome times. Part storytelling and part recital, “Perk up pianist!” has been described as “one of the best hours I’ve ever spent at the Fringe” [The Coast (Halifax)].

WOMEN WHO INFLUENCE TAKE3

Where ROCK meets BACH

Saturday, April 6 | 7:30 p.m.

oshag.stkate.edu/take3

Pack your bags, we’re going to take you on a musical journey like no other with TAKE3: Where ROCK meets BACH. This unique trio of violin, cello, and piano brings together the power and energy of rock music with the sophistication and beauty of classical Bach. Experience a fusion of styles that will leave you breathless and wanting more. With their virtuosic performances and electrifying stage presence, TAKE3 is a must-see show that will thrill audiences of all ages.

“Perk up, pianist!”

WOMEN WHO INFLUENCE

The Aunties

Saturday, April 20 | 7:30 p.m. oshag.stkate.edu/aunties

The Aunties is a contemporary storytelling series featuring Native American matriarchs, women in Tribal communities who are leaders, culture bearers and who foster the development of young people and community. Follow the journey of three Indigenous matriarchs of our region who will share their wisdom, humor, challenges and reasons for celebration. Join us for an evening of stories that talk about what it means to be Indigenous today.

Storytelling in Native communities is important to maintain connection to the past and also understand the present as a living artform. We pay tribute to our Aunties for all they do for our communities and as the custodians of stories. This evening is an installment in a documentary series, one of many, meant to preserve our Aunties words for future generations as a lasting cultural resource.

THE O’SHAUGHNESSY DANCE COHORT

The O’Shaughnessy has more than a 50-year legacy of support and partnership with local and regional professional arts organizations. Leaning into this legacy, we are introducing The O’Shaughnessy Dance Cohort. With an eye towards the future, this cohort aims to build partnerships to help accelerate audience development, enhance artistic experiences, and foster mutually beneficial partnerships amongst cohort member organizations and The O’Shaughnessy.

Ananya Dance Theatre

Michhil Amra | We Are the Procession.

Friday, Sept. 22 | 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 23 | 7:30 p.m.

oshag.stkate.edu/ananya

Can we build a new, more just world? We may chafe at interruptions of normal routine; but when structures of “normality” are built on systemic violence and oppression, disruptions can generate vibrant possibilities. Michhil Amra | We Are the Procession draws on the energetic and experiential interventions of the Uprising provoked by George Floyd’s murder, the pandemic, and nearly 20 years of rigorous choreographic investigation, to embody intersecting energies of interruption: anger, fear, joy, relief, solidarity, and the strength and beauty of mutual liberation.

James Sewell Ballet In the Shadows

Saturday, Oct. 28 | 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

oshag.stkate.edu/jamessewellballet

Frankenstein, zombies, and characters of Edgar Allen Poe come to life in this family friendly performance steeped in spooky delight and tragic majesty. Anchoring the performance is a new choral ballet titled Unfashioned Creature, featuring Twin Cities beloved artists Timothy C. Takach (composer), Penelope Freeh (choreographer), and the MPLS (imPulse) choral ensemble.

Contempo Physical Dance Contempo’s National Choreography Residency

Saturday, March 9 | 7:30 p.m.

oshag.stkate.edu/contempo

Contempo Physical Dance emerged from Artistic Director Marciano Silva dos Santos’ hunger to create work that is artistically exceptional, riveting to watch, highly physical and that speaks to the cultural dynamics of his Afro/Indigenous-Brazilian ancestry. Through extensive research, Contempo has created a Brazilian contemporary dance aesthetic that is constantly evolving. Contempo’s National Choreography Residency welcomes a Latinx choreographer to share exhilarating movement fusions, new movement approaches and a stunning performance with audiences in Minnesota.

TU Dance THREAT

Friday, April 26 | 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 27 | 7:30 p.m.

oshag.stkate.edu/tudance

THREAT is a concert dance theater work that aims to provoke an interrogation of the roles we play as individuals and community in hierarchies. The work posits that hierarchies have the power to control our behavior and infiltrate our thoughts, even when no authority is present to enforce the rules. Using a physical language and soundscape that fuses multicultural traditions and styles of the West and the African Diaspora, this social exploration invites audiences into a modern narrative that speaks to the universal experience of authority, obedience, and rebellion.

Each cohort organization offers their own ticket pricing options. For single ticket pricing information, please visit oshag.stkate.edu/dance.

Photo credit: ERic Politzer

TICKETS AND INFORMATION

New this season, we are excited to offer flexible subscription packages for The O’Shaughnessy Presents and The O’Shaughnessy Dance Cohort to fit your needs.

Subscriptions

The O’Shaughnessy Pick 6 Subscription (see pages 3–11) Select 6 out of the 15 O’Shaughnessy Presents and Dance Cohort performances and save 50% on the single ticket price for a total of $99!*

Subscribe early before the price increases to $125 on September 10, 2023.

The O’Shaughnessy Dance Cohort Pass (see pages 10–11)

Attend all Dance Cohort performances for $60.*

The O’Shaughnessy Presents Single Ticket Pricing

Regular Single Ticket Price: $33

Non-St. Kate’s Students and Children: $15

St. Kate’s Students: $5

St. Kate’s Alumni, Faculty, and Staff: 25% off regular single tickets. Contact our ticket office to use this discount or use the discount code shared via campus channels.

Purchase Tickets ONLINE

oshag.stkate.edu

PHONE

651-690-6700

AT DOOR

2004 Randolph Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105

Accessibility

Ticket Office Hours

Tuesday through Friday, 12–4 p.m. And on performance days, beginning two hours before showtime.

For most up-to-date ticket office hours, please visit our website at oshag.stkate.edu/contact.

Questions? Give us a call or email us at oshaughnessy@stkate.edu.

The O’Shaughnessy offers accessible seating options for those using walkers, wheelchairs, or canes along with accompanying companion seating. If you have an accessibility request, please contact the ticket office and we will be happy to seat you in a location that accommodates your needs.

Assisted Listening Devices and sensory ear plugs are available upon request. ASL interpretation is available for applicable events. For any requests or questions regarding accessibility, please contact us at 651-690-6700 or oshaughnessy@stkate.edu.

require the use of many stairs. Contact the ticket office before booking if you have any questions about the physical accessibility of your seats.

*Tickets purchased online are subject to a per ticket fee of $2.75 that goes directly to our ticket service provider. With fees, the Pick 6 Subscription is $115.50 and the Dance Cohort Pass is $71.00. If you wish to avoid this ticketing fee, please place your subscription order over the phone or in person with our Ticket Office.

Lower Balcony

Upper Balcony

ST. CATHERINE UNIVERSITY EVENTS

WOMEN WHO INFLUENCE

A Conversation with Junauda Petrus

Thursday, Nov. 16 | 6 p.m. Free, reservations required

Join us for an evening of critical conversation and creative magic as author, Junauda Petrus shares her writing, art, and activism. Petrus is author of The Stars and the Blackness Between Them, a Coretta Scott King Honor book and the 2023 St. Kate’s One Read for Racial Justice book.

IN THE FREY THEATER AT THE O’SHAUGHNESSY

Dew Drop Drama Company

Friday, April 5 | 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 7 | 2 p.m.

Dew Drop Drama Company (3DC) will present a play directed, designed, and performed by St. Kate’s students. Stay tuned for a show title announcement!

Katwalk

Saturday, April 27 | 5 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Please join us as The O’Shaughnessy hosts Katwalk, the annual runway fashion show featuring Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising student creations.

Katie Acts

Friday, May 3 | 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 4 | 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 6 | 2 p.m. All tickets $15, general admission

Announcing the inaugural Katie Acts 2024 – a variety show featuring YOUR talent! We invite all students, staff, and faculty to submit for participation in The O’Shaughnessy’s first annual Katie Acts. Read a poem, do stand up, sing a song, act a scene … the choice is yours! Join us and let’s have some fun and make something amazing together.

Directed by St. Kate’s alum and professional director Ms. Shanan Custer.

Look for an invitation to the campus community in the Fall of 2023 with details about how to submit your act for inclusion in our show.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Join us for one or all of the performances from community arts organizations that call The O’Shaughnessy home. Ticket prices vary by event. For more information, visit oshag.stkate.edu.

CAAM Chinese Dance Theater

Fall Rhythm Production

Oct. 14 | 7 p.m.

Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra

Homelands

Nov. 4 | 7:30 p.m.

St. Paul Ballet – St. Paul Ballet@25:

The Nutcracker Reimagined

Dec. 1 | 7 p.m.

Dec. 2 | 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Ballet Minnesota’s

The Classic Nutcracker

Dec. 15 | 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 | 2 p.m.

Dec. 17 | 2 p.m.

Phoenix Chinese Dance Academy

Jan. 20 | 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 | 2 p.m.

CAAM Chinese Dance Theater

Lunar New Year Production

Jan. 27 | 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 | 2 p.m.

Rince na Chroi Irish Dancers

From the Stage to your Heart

March 2 | 7 p.m.

University of St. Thomas Band Concert

March 10 | 2 p.m.

Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra Pulse

March 16 | 7:30 p.m.

Out On a Limb 2024

Fables, Tales & Morals… Oh My!

March 22 | 7 p.m.

March 23 | 2 p.m.

Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra

Throughlines

May 11 | 7:30 p.m.

University of St. Thomas Band Concert

May 12 | 2 p.m.