Illusion Theater

https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2Final 3 performances! "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man" written and performed by Patrick Scully, directed by Michael Robins.
"The show can be seen–and by 'can be seen,' I mean “should be seen–at Illusion Theater" - Arthur Dorman, Talkin' Broadway.
"Scully is an engaging and humorous story telling, whose honesty and willingness to share his weaknesses as well as his moments of pride make his story relatable to those with their own coming out stories and those without alike." - Rob Dunkelberger, The Stags of MN

A special ILLUSION THEATER 50th Anniversary event tonight Monday, September 30 at 6:30pm. "Live and Deal with Others Better: The Gift of Shakespeare’s Romances" authored by Toni A.H. McNaron. The evening features readings by University of Minnesota MFA students under the direction of Steve Cardamone. This is a free event but please RSVP at https://bit.ly/4dJ5wkc

Tickets available for today(09/29)'s 2pm American Sign Language interpreted matinee. "The show can be seen–and by 'can be seen,' I mean 'should be seen'–at Illusion Theater, kicking off Illusion's celebratory 50th season." - Arthur Dorman, Talkin' Broadway. https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2

Illusion Theater 50th Anniversary
I first heard of ILLUSION THEATER when I got hold of an old book called “We are Strong“ which was “a guide to the work of popular theaters across the Americas.” I had been thinking about moving to Minneapolis and under the heading of “the dream of a people’s theater.“ I saw ILLUSION. I put a star by the name to check them out should I move to town.
I did move to town and have had the great fortune to work on several Fresh Ink series and several shows. Particular memories include feeling the freedom to truly play in all these projects. It is exciting to be a part of getting a play on its feet in front of an audience. The play “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” [by Stephen Bergman and Jane Surrey] was meaningful to me on many levels, but in particular witnessing the recovery community coming out to see the play involving these two beloved and well-known figures. To be part of a collaborative process is near and dear to my heart. I got to be a part of Michael Egan’s “Five Minutes of Heaven”. That was thrilling because I could witness his vision coming to fruition. Same with Carlyle Brown’s piece “A Play by Barb and Carl”. It was an honor to be let in to this particular relationship the characters had with each other and with the health care system. Moving and personal, that’s what comes to mind when I think of working with ILLUSION..and the personal relationship you develop with Michael and Bonnie. The audience connection is very strong at ILLUSION. They have a loyal following. People know they will see themselves and be challenged and engaged.
-- Laura Esping -- Actor

Listen to interviews with Michael Robins and Patrick Scully on KFAI's Fresh Fruit https://kfai.org/player/?episode_id=95624
(Interview with Michael starts timestamp 6:30 and with Patrick at 27:30) The episode originally aired on 09/19/2024.

https://www.facebook.com/stories/1715625861847167/UzpfSVNDOjM4ODQyMTE1NTE4NTA4MzU=/?view_single=1

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Thank you to everyone who attended this past weekend's opening of "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man" at ILLUSION THEATER. The show runs through October 6. Name Your Price tickets available at https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2

"I encourage everyone to see this show but particularly families with young people who have maybe just recently come out. There is a lot of power in seeing you are not alone and there is a lot to be gained from realizing how fortunate you are to be coming out now, rather than the 1970’s in midwestern America, or in the late 1930’s in Germany." - The Stages of MN
https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2

"I encourage everyone to see this show but particularly families with young people who have maybe just recently come out. There is a lot of power in seeing you are not alone..." - The Stages of MN

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man From Illusion Theater at Center for Performing Arts Patrick Scully Photo by Lauren B Photography Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man launches Illusion Theater’s 50th year with a personal story that spans even more years. The first in Cre…

Opening tonight! Tickets still available. https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2

Be sure to catch the interviews with Michael Robins and Patrick Scully on KFAI 90.3 tonight, September 19, from 7-8pm

Streaming- kfai.org ; Archived for 2 weeks after airing- kfai.org/freshfruit ;
Mobile app – www.radiorethink.com/tuner/?stationCode=kfai
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Illusion Theater 50th Anniversary
I got a call from Michael Robins.
I was a newly minted core member (the first African-American female core member in its 25+ year history, at that point) at the Playwrights’ Center. Illusion Theater had gotten an Arts over AIDS Grant and they were looking for a playwright to write a play for them.
I politely declined Michael's proposal for me to write a play about a person with HIV; struggling or dying with AIDS. That was pretty much the lay of the land back then; you were either newly diagnosed, or just beginning to struggle with symptoms, or you were dying with AIDS. It was 1990.
I didn't hear from Michael again for about a week and he called asking me again to write a play for them. Again, I politely said no.
I know that Michael did not call me 5011 times, however, it felt like it. He wouldn't hear the word, “No.” Finally, he asked me why I didn't want to write the play, and I told him that I had just lost a wonderful close friend to AIDS. I had helped to take care of him.
I could barely explain to Michael why I wouldn't write the play; I was trying to hide the catch in my voice, trying not to give in to the fresh feelings of loss. Michael got real quiet, and I remember this like it was just yesterday…he said, “Kim, you should write this play as an homage to your friend. And you just might find it to be cathartic….I think you might be surprised.”
DO NOT PASS GO, was the play that I wrote.
And it was the first play that I ever wrote for Illusion Theater. It both educated and entertained audiences…but also affirmed the experiences of gay men of color, especially those on the downlow.
Michael was right. Writing the play proved to be very cathartic.
Kim Hines – Actor, Director, Playwright, Coach Mentor, Author, and Publisher

Opening this Friday, September 20, "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man" ILLUSION - 50 Years!
Bonnie and Michael were active during the transformative late '60s and early '70s, participating in social and political movements such as the Civil Rights Movement, anti-Vietnam War protests, Women’s Rights Movement, Sexual Experimentation, and Gay Rights. They witnessed revolutionary theater across the United States, France, England, and Germany. Inspired by this, they founded ILLUSION THEATER, aiming to create plays that bring to light illusions, myths, and realities, fostering personal and social change. Their work invites audiences to question long-held beliefs and imagine new realities.
https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2

Update on ILLUSION Happenings -

Update on ILLUSION Happenings As you could see from the September Newsletter, things are getting busy. ILLUSION’s 50th Anniversary (yes, 50 years!) really gets started this Friday, September 20, with the opening of Patrick Scully’s auto-biographical piece, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man. For those people of a “c...

"Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man" September 20 - October 6. https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2
Playwright and Actor. Patrick Scully has been associated with ILLUSION THEATER since nearly the beginning when Patrick choreographed the original production of "Orlando, Orlando" in 1977. ILLUSION has produced Patrick’s "Q***r Thinking," "Forever Hold Your Piece," "Leaves of Grass – Illuminated" (began as a large-scale work for two actors and 18 male dancers), and "The 3rd Act."

Patrick is well known for work ranging from large scale group works, to solo work. His largest works include: a Ballet for Boats, for fifty boats, done to great critical acclaim in both Minneapolis (2015) and Potsdam, Germany (2010). His solo works, more intimate and often biographical, and highly acclaimed, have included works ranging from Too Soon Lost (1990) to Thrive! (2010).

Patrick began dancing in 1972 as a college freshman. In 1976 he co-founded Contactworks, a Minneapolis based dance collective focused on contact improvisation. In 1980 he left Contactworks to explore broader horizons. That led him to dance with Remy Charlip, beginning with Remy’s Ten Men show in the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Next Wave Festival in 1984. Dancing for Remy Charlip, Patrick toured to Boston, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, New York, and Berkeley, California. Eventually he returned to Minneapolis focusing on the creation of his own work touring internationally and nationally, as well as across all of Minnesota. In addition to his performing work, Patrick was the founder and longtime director of Patrick’s Cabaret, in Minneapolis. More complete information is available at http://www.patrickscully.org

"Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man" September 20 - October 6. https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2
Costumer. Abby Vaughan is an interdisciplinary artist and costumer. Forever interested in collaboration and community Abby’s work reflects our collective imagination and storytelling practices. She has had the privilege of working as a Costume Designer and Maker with performance artists and theaters in Minnesota and throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is thrilled to be collaborating with Patrick Scully and ILLUSION THEATER.
https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2

Illusion Theater 50th Anniversary
"It is a rare gift to be given voice as a playwright. And to give 50 years of collective voices an opportunity to share our stories is an even greater treasure. When I brought Michael and Bonnie the idea to adapt the award-winning screen play FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN to the stage, they believed in the project and in me. And they stuck with it through the pandemic and brought it to light in their new home. The play went on to have an exceptional run in Minneapolis and also a staged reading at the Irish Repertory Theater in New York. The opportunity to share this story meant so much to so many. Not only here at home, but all the way to Northern Ireland and the UK. My heartfelt gratitude to Michael, Bonnie and everyone at Illusion theater. Thank you for keeping the torch lit for 50 years!" - Kind Regards, Michael Egan

"Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man" September 20 - October 6. https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2
Directographer & Movement Coach. Blake Nellis is a published fine art photographer, educator, choreographer, and performing artist. His work is deeply rooted in human connection, physical touch, and nature. He graduated from Luther College with a degree in Theater/Dance. Blake is a 2021 MN State Arts Board Individual Support Grant recipient as well 2019 & 2015 recipient of the MN State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant (Photography & Dance respectively). Blake received the Artist Initiative Grant in 2019 to create and publish a 200 page fine art book titled Skin.Rock.Bone. This series explores the visual and somatic experience of being naked and human among the natural world. He has also received funding from the Jerome Foundation, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, thanks to voters like you! His photographic work has been seen in SHOTS magazine, The Soap Factory, Homewood Studios, Squirrel Haus Arts Gallery, The Tek Box Theater, and The Great Minnesota Get Together. He has performed at the Walker Art Center, The Cowles Center for Dance & Performing Arts, Patrick's Cabaret, The Artbox, Red Eye Theater, Ritz Theatre, TEK Box, Bryant Lake Bowl Theater, Luther College, and more. His teaching pedagogy is driven by humor, honesty, empathy, and open-mindedness. He enjoys interdisciplinary work, especially that which combines dance, nature, and photography. He is also accepting new commissions and wedding bookings for the coming year! Check it out: www.blakenellis.org. https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2

"Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man" September 20 - October 6. https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2
Meet the artists. Garvin Jellison is a Minneapolis-based lighting designer working in theater and dance. Graduating from The Theatre School at DePaul University, he started his career in Chicago working with Joffrey Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, among other dance and theater companies. Garvin spent time on tour with William Shatner, Anthony Bourdain, Bill Nye, and other celebrity personalities while working for promoter IAE in Chicago. Garvin has worked extensively in the Twin Cities dance community as a lighting designer and stage manager with: Minnesota Dance Theater, James Sewell Ballet, Rhythm Street Movement, Ballet Minnesota, TU Dance, AMP, Ballet Co.Laboratory, Katha Dance Theater, Black Label Movement, as well as directly with many artists through Walker's Choreographers’ Evening, Minnesota Dance Festival, or programming at The Cowles Center for Dance. He is currently the Company Manager for Ragamala Dance Company and Production Manager for Wild Kratts Live! Garvin has been involved with ILLUSION THEATER in various capacities since 2006 including Lighting Designs for These Old Shoes (2023), We Take Care of Our Own (2023), Five Minutes of Heaven (2022), History or Religion (2022), and What is Emily Drawing (2022). https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2

"Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man" September 20 - October 6. https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2
Meet the artists. Michael Robins, Director and Executive Producing Director.
Michael founded ILLUSION THEATER in 1974. Michael has served as Artistic Producer for ILLUSION since its inception and has been a Project Director for the vast majority of ILLUSION THEATER’s programs, leading and overseeing all elements of planning, implementation, finance, evaluation, and reporting. These include all Education programs, productions, and a host of new program initiative grants and contracts supported by foundations, corporations, federal, state, county, and city sources.

Michael has guided the production of more 400 world premieres, bringing to the stage the work of a diverse and eminent group of artists. He has directed over 100 ILLUSION THEATER productions including the American premiere of Edward Bond's RESTORATION and the highly acclaimed 1991 production of MISS EVERS' BOYS. He directed Kim Hines' I BELIEVE I'LL RUN ON...AND SEE WHAT THE END'S GONNA BE for the Kennedy Center's 1996 prestigious New Visions/New Voices Festival, ILLUSION’s searing production of THE LARAMIE PROJECT, and the Midwest premiere of the Kirsten Childs’ groundbreaking musical THE BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER CHAMELEON SKIN. He conceived and directed the Twin Cities IVEY Award-winning, ILLUSION-commissioned adaptation by Allison Moore of Willa Cather’s MY ANTONIA. In 2012, he co-created (with composer Roberta Carlson) and directed ILLUSION’s original and highly popular music r***e LOVE & MARRIAGE, which was slightly revised and presented as LOVE & MARRIAGE: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES, in the wake of Minnesota’s passage of gay marriage and the defeat of DOMA.

Tree O'Halloran, Associate Producer, is going the extra mile to get ready for Patrick Scully's "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Gay Man" which opens our 50th Anniversary season on September 20. Purchase a Name Your Price Ticket to see this autobiographical show which "promises an engaging history lesson that no school has yet taught." https://bit.ly/4dvaqB2

Dear Illusion and Richfield Friends. Please join us on September 27th for our Bingo Benefit! We can’t wait to kick off our 50th Anniversary celebrations with you, Miss Richfield 1981, special guests, and bingo fun. All the Best, Bonnie & Michael
Follow this link to request an invitation: https://bit.ly/3TgAecn