This article was written by Anne Ulseth
North Minneapolis’ beloved Capri has a full slate of events ready to inspire and entertain the community, including the first three First Thursday Films, programs by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, an award-winning musical revue, Legends 13, and Camp Capri Third Saturdays.
First up on September 1 at 7 p.m. is the First Thursday Film, With Drawn Arms, presented in partnership with the MSP Film Society and the Minnesota Historical Society. The iconic image of Tommie Smith and John Carlos standing on the podium of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City with their fists raised and their heads bowed has worldwide recognition. In this 2020 documentary, filmmakers Glenn Kaino and Afshin Shahidi partner with Olympic Gold medalist Tommie Smith as he looks back 50 years to the moment that helped define a movement and changed the course of his life forever. Director Shahidi will be at the Capri for a post-show conversation. All First Thursday Film tickets are $5 in advance at mspfil.org, or at the door, and free for Northside residents.
Next up is Ain’t Misbehavin’, opening September 16 at 7 p.m. Stage North presents this three-time Tony award-winning musical revue featuring the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller through Sunday, October 9. One of the most popular, well-crafted revues of all time – sometimes sassy, sometimes sultry – this play has moments of devastating beauty that are simply unforgettable. Tickets are on sale at stagenorthmpls.org.
Camp Capri Third Saturdays launches on September 17 with guest teaching artist Briauna Williams. CCS3 is a fun way for middle school scholars (grades 5-8) to get their hands into the arts. The free program, including lunch, is held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Advance registration is requested at thecapri.org.
On October 6 at 7 p.m., First Thursday Films presents The Tragedy of Macbeth. Based on the play by William Shakespeare, from writer/director Joel Coen, this film stars Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. Actor/Director Harry Waters, Jr. will lead the post-show conversation.
Capri Artistic Director Dennis Spears has crafted another all-star season ofLegends 13,starting with Broadway En Noir, on Saturday, October 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 16 at 3 p.m. This opening program features music from historically Black Broadway musicals – from Cabin in the Sky to Dreamgirls and beyond. Single tickets ($25 each) and season passes ($80) are available now at capri.simpletix.com.
The next First Thursday Film is Love and Basketball, on November 3 at 7 p.m. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and produced by Spike Lee, it’s a story of the passion it takes to keep your dreams alive. John Wright, Professor of African American & African Studies and English at the University of Minnesota, will lead the post-show discussion.
The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) is back with the first concert of its Northside Series on Thursday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m., Express Concert: Baroque Marvels with flutist Julia Bogorad-Kogan. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for Northsiders with reservations required at thespco.org.
The Capri will also host the SPCO’s xplOrchestra! Family Concert on Saturday, December 3 with performances at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Geared toward children ages 5-9 and their families, All About That Bass will feature music that showcases the double bass. Tickets are free with advance registration at thespco.org.
All programs are at the Capri, located at 2027 W. Broadway. For more details and ticket info visit thecapri.org.