MN Shortlist, April 10–16: Works in progress, traditions reopened



This week’s lineup leans toward proximity, with several events designed to bring audiences closer to the work itself. From studio-based festivals and in-development musicals to open artist spaces and interactive cultural programming, the emphasis is on direct engagement rather than distance.

International Festival of Minnesota at St. Paul RiverCentre in St. Paul — April 10–11

The relaunch of the former Festival of Nations brings more than 70 communities together for food, performance and hands-on activities. Returning after a multi-year hiatus, IFest-MN offers a large-scale, all-ages way to experience global cultures in one place.

‘The Full Monty’ at Frey Theatre in St. Paul — April 10–19

Theatre 55 stages “The Full Monty” with a cast of performers over 55, shifting the emphasis toward aging, resilience and humor. Set in Buffalo, the production follows a group of unemployed men who turn to an unlikely solution, balancing comedy with questions of dignity and vulnerability.

Puppet Lab Festival at Open Eye Theatre in Minneapolis — April 10–19

Open Eye’s Puppet Lab Festival showcases new work developed over a six-month residency. The resulting pieces range from experimental to interactive, offering a look at how contemporary puppetry is created and performed in the Twin Cities.

‘The Postman’s Daughter’ at Illusion Theater in Minneapolis — April 11–25

A new musical in development from Minnesota-connected composer Justin D. Cook, “The Postman’s Daughter” centers on the relationship between a new mother and her mail carrier. The production continues Illusion Theater’s focus on developing locally rooted work.

‘Once Upon a River 2026’ at The Historic Auditorium in St. Croix Falls — April 12

Created by Dan Chouinard, “Once Upon a River” combines music and storytelling in a program tied to Earth Day themes. The event brings together performers and audiences for an evening focused on the St. Croix River and its surrounding landscape.

‘Mississippi Valley Orchestra: Fantasy’ at The O’Shaughnessy in St. Paul — April 12

Mississippi Valley Orchestra’s “Fantasy” program features works by Debussy and Bartók alongside Germaine Tailleferre’s “Ballade.” The concert highlights a mix of familiar and less frequently performed repertoire.

‘St. Paul Spring Art Crawl’ across St. Paul — Through April 12 (and April 17–19, April 24–26)

The Spring Art Crawl opens studios and exhibition spaces across multiple neighborhoods, including Cathedral Hill and Hamline Midway. Visitors can explore artist studios, pop-ups and galleries throughout three weekends.

Taken together, these events offer a range of ways to engage, whether you’re moving through a large festival, settling into a performance or stepping inside a working studio.



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A Republican lawmaker charged in an alcohol-related driving offense won’t have to appear in court again until after the Legislature adjourns for the year.

A June 10 arraignment hearing is set for Rep. Elliott Engen, a Lino Lakes Republican who faces three misdemeanor charges following an arrest early Friday. He was stopped for speeding and other infractions in White Bear Lake; officers detected alcohol and he later tested well above the legal limit for driving, according to a citation.

Engen has apologized for a lapse in judgment; he promised to learn from his actions and “do better.” Aside from being a second-term legislator, he is also a candidate for state auditor.

A second lawmaker, GOP Rep. Walter Hudson, was in Engen’s truck at the time of the stop and an open bottle of alcohol was found in a rear seat. Hudson, a second-term legislator from Albertville, was in possession of a permitted handgun, which could cause him legal problems if he is determined to have been intoxicated.

Police officers wrote in their report that Hudson disclosed he had the gun as the truck was being searched. The report said police took the firearm for safekeeping and said he could pick it up at a later time, which Hudson agreed to.

“I regret the poor decisions that were made during this incident, and commend the White Bear Police Department for their professional response,” Hudson said in a written statement. “I’m grateful that no harm was done to ourselves and others.”

Two lawmakers stand and look around
Rep. Walter Hudson, R-Albertville, (center) and Rep. Bidal Duran, R-Bemidji, (right) join other Republican lawmakers gather in the House chambers Jan. 27, 2025.
Tim Evans for MPR News file

A third, unidentified passenger was in the truck as well, according to police. Hudson and that person were transferred to the police department until they could arrange rides.

The Minnesota lawmakers had been at the Capitol late into the evening Thursday as the House debated procedural motions on gun, immigration and social media legislation. The motions failed on 67-67 votes.

There is no indication yet that either Hudson nor Engen had been drinking on Capitol grounds, which would be a violation of a House rule against consumption of alcohol or drugs in spaces under that chamber’s control.

According to a White Bear Lake Police report, Engen initially said he had not been drinking when asked by the police officer who pulled him over — “nothing at all,” he is quoted as saying. He performed a field sobriety test, which the report says showed signs of impairment.

Engen gave a preliminary breath sample there, the report says, which estimated a 0.142 blood alcohol level. After he was taken by squad car to the police department “Engen spontaneously stated, ‘Sir, I had a drink three hours ago,’” the report says.

He told the Minnesota Star Tribune in an interview Monday that he had also consumed alcohol in the afternoon on Thursday as well.

Engen is charged with two impaired driving offenses and speeding. White Bear Lake police also said he was driving a vehicle with expired registration and an inoperable headlight.

Engen has not returned calls from MPR News. A court docket lists a “notice of appearance” on Tuesday.

He is being represented in the criminal case by Chris Madel, an Excelsior attorney who waged a brief Republican campaign for governor.



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