Bel Canto

Theater buffs will remember the staged reading of Bel Canto at Penumbra Theatre a few years back—and they might also recall that American Theater magazine named Jones as one of its artists to watch in the twenty-first century. As tender coming-of-age stories go (are there any other kind?), this one stands out in its orchestrated clash between the raw reality of city life and the world of operatic music. Set in Massachusetts in 1978, sixteen-year-old Benjamin Turner wears his heart on his sleeve while trying to deal with the impact of wishes coming true in all their terror and beauty. His tale is woven together with music from contralto diva Marian Anderson and Jimi Hendrix. 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-825-0459; www.puc-mn.org/theatre