Mixed Precipitation celebrates 15 years of outdoor summer fun, performing one of the most beloved and famous tragedies in the theatre tradition, Romeo and Juliet, adapted from Vincenzo Bellini’s 1830 opera, I Capuleti e i Montecchi (The Capulets and the Montagues).
Juliet and Romeo are online strivers in a time of global strife. She’s lifting up others through her social media career – teaching survival skills, sharing recipes, and DIY crafts. Romeo is documenting his van-life travels, inspiring millions to live life to the fullest, even in the darkest times. These two social media sensations are tired of depending on clicks and likes to survive. So they’re teaming up for a cross-country elopement and honeymoon. But larger forces plan to disrupt their destiny.
This adaptation of the beloved tragedy promises laughter, gorgeous bel canto melodies, and calamitous romance. This timeless tale of star-crossed lovers careening toward doom is tragically hopeful and hopefully tragic. Continuing Mixed Preciptiation’s tradition of musical ingenuity, this production also features the music of Fleetwood Mac, The Fugees, and the Pixies – star-crossed bands whose passionate romance and feuds play out in their music.
For this 15th summer production, Mixed Precipitation welcomes new artists to our team: staging director Tara Moses and multi-hyphenated theater artist and playwright Denzel Belin. Music director Gary Ruschman and artistic director Scotty Reynolds and movement director JacobMiller contribute to this modern adaptation.
Sopranos Corissa Bussian and Jennifer LeDoux lead the cast, sharing the role of Juliet (Guilietta) on alternating weekends. Mezzo-Sopranos KrisAnne Weiss and Kara Morgan share the role of Romeo. Tenor Paul Coate plays the role of Tabaldo, Romeo’s rival. Mark Billy and Joshua Eidem share the role of Lorenzo. Baritone Nick Miller returns for his 4th Mixed Precipitation production as Capellio, Juliet’s father. Multi-instrumentalists Ruschman, Miller and Uchenna Chidozie accompany the drama. Watch our website for information about the rotated cast.
This touring spectacle features the work of set designer Alex Hathaway, costume designer Rhiannon Fiskradatz, props designer Woody Timberheart, and stage manager Brian Hirt
OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES
Their 2023 summer tour includes performances in sprawling parks, nature centers, and farms all over Minnesota. Audiences are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and beverages for comfort and hydration. The performance lasts approximately 75-90 minutes. All shows are outdoors. Watch their website and social media for weather delays (http://mixedprecipitation.org/summer-2021-dates/).
Mixed Precipitation began this mobile format in 2020, using a blue 2011 Ford Ranger Pickup Truck and a trailer as the container and platform for the opera’s action. The Pickup Truck will bring pop-up performances to audiences on neighborhood streets, public squares, libraries, and care facilities.
Local 2023 Summer Tour
Thursday, August 24th at 6:00 pm
Schaap Community Center (GTVFD Hall #1)
7401 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604.
one mile north of the Clearwater Rd. turnoff
Friday, August 25th at 6:00 pm
Hovland Town Hall
4957 East Highway 61, Hovland, MN 55606
Presented by the North Shore Music Association and Opp-Hvidston Foundation
Saturday, August 26th at 3:00 pm
Sweethearts Bluff in the Grand Marais Recreation Area, 114 South 8th Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Presented by the North Shore Music Association and Opp-Hvidston Foundation
Sunday, August 27th at 2:00 pm
Finland Heritage Site
5653 Little Marais Rd, Finland, MN 55603
About Mixed Precipitation
Mixed Precipitation’s mission is to create festive theatrical events that inspire social engagement. Since 2009 they have presented their signature events, A Picnic Operetta and Pickup Truck Opera, at community gardens, urban farms, parks, orchards, and vineyards throughout Minnesota. The company showcases musicians and theater artists with fun adaptations of operas by Mozart, Handel, Beethoven, Purcell, and many others. Their work has been presented by St. Mary’s University, Carleton College, The Sheldon Theatre of Red Wing, Historic Holmes Theater of Detroit Lakes, and community groups all over Minnesota. Their site-responsive outdoor performances have become a Minnesota summer tradition. Previous projects include the Mpls Pinter Studies, and the Winter Olympic Quadrennial salon and opera, Tonya and Nancy (2010, 2014, 2018).
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board and
the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
