rakemag The jewel in the crown of the long collaboration between W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, The Mikado has been wowing musical-theater audiences for 118 years. Its take on Japanese culture lacks a certain amount of authenticity, perhaps, but pointing out that Nanki-Poo, Ko-Ko, and Yum-Yum aren’t real Japanese names would be missing the point of … Read more
Classical canonical theater is, of course, what the Guthrie does best, even if upstarts like Jeune Leune are giving them a run for their money. Last year, Irish actor Alan Stanford developed this adaptation of one of the English language’s most beloved novels. It’s a natural fit for the stage, and the buzz from the … Read more
Summer does not last long enough around here, as everyone knows, and you should make any excuse to get Uptown and have a walk around Lake Calhoun. Here’s one: This Southern-themed restaurant on the shores of Minneapolis’ primary pond. We’ve had great luck with the carnivore-friendly fare on recent visits, enjoying the crab-cakes appetizer and … Read more
On the first day Pat Awada met with The Rake, she mentioned a behavioral analysis test she had taken in 2001, prior to an Eagan City Council retreat. Our writer was amused to be told about the test, but did not expect much more than that. Then, three days later, she arrived at her weekly … Read more
Late on a Sunday night, Northwest Flight 19—MSP to Tokyo Narita—is nearly empty. Alone in row 37, I sprawl across thousands of dollars’ worth of lost airline revenue while enjoying the latest Harry Potter film, tiny pretzel bag in hand. The mood of the few other passengers seems similarly contented (that is, unless those passengers … Read more
Thank you for Albert Eisele’s awesome perspective on the change in Minnesota politics [“The Minnesota Model—Unglued,” May]. His clear and informed article firmed up the sinking hunch I’ve had about our recent regime change: We’ve been mugged. The national political wizards chose our governor and senator for us, infused them with money and presidential backing, … Read more
Your recent article about Minnesota’s loss of influence in national politics [“The Minnesota Model—Unglued,” May] didn’t really get at the heart of the matter. My grandpa, Fred Dennstedt of Fillmore County, was a lifelong Democrat and DFLer (born in 1883). He loved Hubert Humphrey and all who stood in his shadow, which means the rest … Read more
You seem to think Iraq was “carpet-bombed” in the recent war [Good Intentions, May]. It was not. Those were precision munitions. Granted, “precision” does not mean “100 percent.” Still, “carpet-bombing” has a specific military meaning, which does not apply to this action. You find it suspicious that we have not uncovered any WMDs yet. Prior … Read more
Fabulous piece on Dennis Denning of St. Paul [“Building the Boys of Summer,” May]. I write with a long and positive historical perspective on Coach Denning. I am one of literally thousands of young men who was fortunate to have had Dennis as a coach, way back in 1966, as a 7th grade athlete at … Read more
Dennis Denning is undoubtedly a fine coach, but he might not even be the best one in St. Paul. After guiding St. Paul Academy to its then-record fourth state boys’ soccer championship in 1994, Manuel “Buzz” Lagos said “yes” to the pros by creating, from the proverbial ether, his own professional team. The Minnesota Thunder, … Read more