Central Lakes College Expands Winter Arts Events with New Lineup

The Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center is set to host an exciting array of six performing arts and cultural engagement events throughout January and February 2024. These events will include theatre productions, live family music, global dance performances, and community initiatives, all aimed at fostering cultural appreciation and community involvement.

On January 23 at 7 p.m., the centre will present a staged reading of Martin McDonagh’s acclaimed play, The Pillowman, at the Dryden Theatre on the Brainerd campus. Directed by Rebecca Timmins, the production features local talent including actors Joey Yow, Patrick Spradlin, and Jesse Brutscher. This performance promises to deliver sharp dialogue and dark humor, with free admission encouraged through prior registration on the CLCPAC website. Due to its mature content, the event is recommended for audiences aged 18 and older.

The following weekend, from January 26-28, the centre will host ConnectEffect, an innovative community conversation experience led by two-time Emmy-nominated director and producer Riaz Patel. Scheduled for noon and 5 p.m. each day, this program aims to foster intergenerational connections and empathy among participants, teaching new ways to engage with local communities in under an hour.

On January 31 at 3 p.m., the Grammy-winning duo, The Okee Dokee Brothers, will take the stage at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts. Renowned for their Americana folk music, celebrated by NPR and PBS KIDS, they offer a lively sing-along experience that resonates with both children and adults, emphasizing themes of friendship and adventure.

Continuing the cultural exploration, Cultural Thursday: Portugal: Exploring the World with New Eyes will take place on February 5 at 12 p.m. in the Chalberg Theatre. The event features speaker Jan Kurtz, who will share insights from her recent travels in Portugal, covering topics such as history, cuisine, and language. This initiative is part of CLC’s monthly cultural literacy speaker series and is free to the public.

From February 12-15, audiences can enjoy Sandy Rustin’s fast-paced comedy, The Cottage, also at the Chalberg Theatre. Directed by Amy Borash, this modern reimagining of a classic British farce stars community actors Travis Chaput, Rachael Kline, and Brian Rhett. The production promises an engaging mix of humor and intrigue, showcasing a series of ridiculous secrets and romantic entanglements.

Wrapping up the winter lineup, the Ragamala Dance Company will perform on February 19 at 7 p.m. in the Chalberg Theatre. This mother-daughter-led Bharatanatyam company, founded by Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy, is celebrated for its imaginative and rhythmic storytelling that has captivated audiences on international stages.

Tickets for all events can be purchased at the CLCPAC Box Office, which operates from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. They are also available by phone at 218-855-8199 or online at www.clcperformingarts.com. The Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center is dedicated to enriching the community through diverse cultural experiences and welcomes all to participate in this vibrant winter season.