Open Eye Theatre Announces the October Return of THE RED SHOES
Friday, September 10, 2021 at 11:12AMVia a September 10 News Release from Open Eye Theatre:
The critically-acclaimed film noir fairytale returns after a 19-month hiatus in a newly expanded version.
Open Eye announces the return of THE RED SHOES, an expanded remount of the wildly-popular 2017 production that was abruptly put on pause after one preview performance in March 2020. Conceived, designed, and directed by Joel Sass, and featuring an extraordinary tour-de-force performance by Kimberly Richardson, THE RED SHOES takes its title from a classic Hans Christian Anderson story of a young girl and a pair of red shoes, and thrillingly re-imagines it as a retro-urban fairytale. This revised version further explores elements of detective fiction, multiple personality, and psychological mystery. THE RED SHOES runs October 14 - 31 at Open Eye Theatre. Tickets are available at openeyetheatre.org.
“Kimberly and I are incredibly excited to revisit this material and invite new audiences to experience this live-action film-noir adventure!” — Joel Sass, Open Eye’s Producing Artistic Director
Joel Sass created and directed his inventive and visually rich THE BELDENVILLE TROLL in 2019, a companion production to THE RED SHOES. With both THE RED SHOES and BELDENVILLE TROLL, Sass employed a visually- and aurally-focused method of story development, focusing on conceiving characters, physical and sound environments, and myths as opposed to writing a standard script.
THE RED SHOES features performer Kimberly Richardson, a McKnight Theatre Artist Fellow who has been seen at Open Eye in TO THE MOON, THE CLUMSY MAN, and MY LIFE AS A FAIRYTALE. The creative team also includes performers Lizz Windnagel, Kalen rainbow Kier, and Noah Sommers Haas, with designers Sean Healey (sound), Bill Healey (lighting), and Morgan Lee Potter (costumes).
ABOUT THE STORY
Somewhere in the heart of the Big City, our heroine is hiding in a tiny apartment, fearful of venturing out, or of letting anyone (or anything) in. But she’s not alone. A pair of haunted red shoes is delivered to her doorstep, and they propel her into a harrowing film noir adventure through the labyrinths and spiral staircases of her own mind, where she must face down her fears of what lurks in the subway tunnel, and discover what fate has in store for her up on the rooftop!
REVIEWS FROM THE 2017 PRODUCTION
"Richardson has a ball, posing like Dietrich, clowning like Chaplin and dancing like Shearer herself." — Graydon Royce, Star Tribune
"The Red Shoes is something so curious and unique, odd and chilling, inventive and charming, it's thoroughly captivating from start to finish." — Jill Schafer, Cherry and Spoon
"Probably the best adjective to describe 'The Red Shoes' is 'intricate.' It’s a pleasing puzzlement with lots of moving parts, a story that constantly morphs in scale and a staging that keeps you guessing." — Dominic Papatola, Pioneer Press
"The dark, quirky fun of this play is akin to the fun of playing with mechanical toys instead of digital/virtual ones. So visceral!" — Janet Preus, How Was the Show
Producing Artistic Director Joel Sass officially took over the leadership helm at Open Eye in 2020 after Founder and Executive Director Susan Haas announced her departure from the organization. Since then he has successfully led Open Eye through the pandemic, commissioning and directing LOG JAM! A Paul Bunyan Musical Spectacular on the roof of the Bakken Museum, and creating unique opportunities for audiences to engage with artists through outdoor spectacles, virtual performances, global online puppetry workshops, and a wildly successful Driveway Tour this year. In addition to creating new and exciting productions, his leadership focuses on supporting artists, fostering connections with community, and expanding the circle of those who call Open Eye a creative home.
About Open Eye TheatreOpen Eye Theatre is nationally recognized as a vibrant home for artists who create imaginative and profound experiences that open eyes, hearts, and minds through the power of amazing stories and unforgettable performances. Experience a thrilling array of original theatre, inventive puppetry, live music, and world-class storytelling from local, national, and international artists year-round in our cozy 90-seat theater in South Minneapolis, or find us in neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities with our summer Driveway Tour!
Tickets
$26 — General Admission
$24 — Seniors
$18 — Students
A limited number of $10 Economic Accessibility tickets are available online for all performances. If not sold out, a limited number of pay-as-able tickets will be available at the door. Tickets available at openeyetheatre.org.
Performance Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 14, 7:30pm (Opening)
Friday, Oct. 15, 7:30pm
Saturday, Oct. 16, 7:30pm
Sunday, Oct. 17, 4:00pm
Thursday, Oct. 21, 7:30pm
Friday, Oct. 22, 7:30pm
Saturday, Oct. 23, 7:30pm
Sunday, Oct. 24, 4:00pm
Thursday, Oct. 28, 7:30pm
Friday, Oct. 29, 7:30pm
Saturday, Oct. 30, 7:30pm
Sunday, Oct. 31, 4:00pm
Run Time - 85 minutes, no intermission
Age Recommendation - Ages 14 and up.
Accessibility - Contact Open Eye at boxoffice@openeyetheatre.org or 612-874-6338 for accessibility information and requests.
Location and Parking
Open Eye Figure Theatre
506 East 24th St., Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-874-6338
Open Eye is located 2 blocks south of Franklin Ave between Portland Ave and 35W. Park for free in the Lutheran Social Services lot at 24th and Portland.
COVID-19 Policy
For the safety and peace of mind of our audience members, artists, and staff, Open Eye Theatre is requiring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for anyone entering the theatre. For anyone unable to be vaccinated, we will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the performance. As an added precaution, all audience members and staff are required to wear a face mask in the theatre. If you forget your mask, we will have a limited number of masks available. All artists are fully vaccinated and will perform unmasked with a minimum of 10 feet between artists and audience. We greatly appreciate your compliance with this policy and thank you for helping to ensure that the show will go on!
