The Underground

When a down-on-his-luck wannabe actor arrives in New York City at the end of the year, the only employment he can find is at Macy’s department store — working in Santaland for the holiday season, as a reluctant, but relentlessly cheerful, elf.

Newly christened “Crumpet”, our clever anti-hero shares his observations of the mayhem in front of and behind the scenes during one chaotic December, from aggressive parents and drunken Santas to flirtatious actors, poor hygiene, and the hazards of being a “Pointer Elf.”

Will Crumpet find a moment of pure Christmas spirit? Based on his humorous and autobiographical essays, David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries, is a one-man wry and witty look at the combination of retail hell and theatrical spectacle that is the holiday season.

• Tickets: $20

You have a story. Tell it. You have a vision. Show it. You have a talent. Share it. You have FIVE MINUTES OR LESS.

The Duluth Playhouse presents the 15th Annual Short Shorts Film Festival in Duluth, Minnesota on January 18, 2020. It is Northern Minnesota’s only short Film Festival. This Festival is open to professional and amateur filmmakers from all over the world, and in all genres.

A panel of judges will select the top 15 finalists, and a live audience picks the top three winners at the event, who will receive cash prizes. Need not be present to win.

Submissions are now being accepted through January 10, 2020 via FilmFreeway.

• Film viewings begin at 7:00pm
• Tickets: $20
• This event is not included in Underground season memberships.

This dark comedy is a scathing social commentary taking aim at the roots and manifestation of fascism, written in a politically tense setting of 1950s Germany.

A respected member of his community, George Biederman has made his fortune by selling hair follicle replacer. He enjoys wine, his cigars and relishing his success while scoffing at the gullibility of the citizens of his town who let strangers into their homes. And with a string of arson fires around town, he doesn’t understand why anyone would do that?!

But after a knock on his door, he finds with a growing number of guests, oil drums and suspicious activities filling his home. Will Biederman become the very thing he’s been mocking? Will he realize in time?

• Directed by Mike Pederson
• Presenting Sponsor: Lake Superior Art Glass

This festival features a collection of original one-acts, showcasing the work of women playwrights from around the world and directed by women from across the Twin Ports.

In this exciting new immersive concept, audiences will sit face-to-face with the cast of Shakespeare’s most mysterious drama.

A fully delightful onslaught of the senses as the characters eat and drink with patrons all while they battle for the crown, consult with evil spirits, devise and execute murderous plots, dance and sing enchantments, and struggle for the fate of Scotland.

Come and take a seat at the table, if you dare, and dine with us.

• Directed by Robert Lee
• Presenting Sponsor: Minnesota Whitewater Rafting

The time: 1872. The claim: The world can be traveled in 80 days. The wager: 20,000 pounds.

Phileas Fogg sets off with a rigid itinerary and bewildered new valet in tow, but with bandits, a damsel in distress, and transportation problems, the traveling pair may discover the unpredictable just might be the most rewarding of all! But, will they make the deadline?

This epic adventure is filled with daring rescues, brash duels, and unexpected romance all while traveling by boat, train, and elephant!

• Directed by Jonathan Manchester
• Presenting Sponsor: Marsh & McLennan Agency

Booze and flirtations flow freely in this gritty and
sexy musical centered in Manhattan in the roaring twenties.

Spend an evening with Queenie and Burrs, lovers and fellow vaudeville performers. To test the limits of their fierce and hot-blooded relationship, Queenie throws the wildest party New York has ever seen.

What begins as an evening of games and teasing filled with reckless and alluring guests ends in unbridled passion.

• Directed by Jody Kujawa
• Presenting Sponsor: Dan & Christine Stocke

Continuing the tradition of bringing a special story to our stage during the Duluth Superior Pride Festival weekend. Check back for updates!

This adaptation by Steven Dietz restores the suspense, seduction and gothic horror of Bram Stoker’s classic novel to the stage.

As Count Dracula begins to exert his will upon the residents of London, they try to piece together the clues of his appearances in a valiant attempt to save themselves from a hideous fate.

This heart-pounding thriller paints a wickedly theatrical picture of Stoker’s famous vampire.

• Read the Review
• Presenting Sponsor: Audacity HR & HR Learning Lab
• Directed by Justin Peck