Movement, movies and more
Written by Mike Mullen
It’s been a long year, and as always, it’s going to end with short, cold days. Don’t despair. Instead, think about using this time to gather with family, friends and community to celebrate the season and end the year on a high note. And there’s no better place to find that much-needed joy than at the Capri.
Events this month start with First Thursday Films and Sing Sing, a critically acclaimed 2023 project about a wrongly incarcerated man in New York’s infamous prison. Aside from lead actor Colman Domingo, numerous supporting roles are portrayed by actors who served time in real-life. The film, a testament to the power of the arts, screens at 7 p.m. on December 5, and will be followed by a conversation led by Attorney General Keith Ellison and MSP Film’s Craig Laurence Rice.
And at 7 p.m. on January 2, the Capri will screen Luther: Never Too Much, a documentary exploration of the life of legendary singer Luther Vandross.
Entrance to First Thursday Films is free for Northside residents; others can obtain $5 tickets at mspfilm.org.
In an important bit of housekeeping news, the Capri is now operating with reduced parking due to construction next door. Before you come, we encourage you to visit thecapri.org/parking-capri/ to learn about regular parking options and any updates on changes in parking availability as construction progresses.
The PCYC Annual Children’s Gift Sale returns to the Capri on December 14. Thousands of donations and hundreds of volunteers have made this event a success over its 60-year history. This year, about 600 Northside youth will shop for gifts for family members in the pop-up gift store in the Paradise at the Capri. Learn how you can contribute — donate gifts, time or money — at pcyc-mpls.org/support/gift-sale-2024/.
Youth in grades 5-8 are invited to attend Camp Capri Third Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, where talented teaching artists guide middle school scholars through the wonderful world of the arts, sparking all sorts of creative interests along the way. Camp Capri S3 is free, with lunch served. Registration required at thecapri.org.
Upcoming Capri rentals include “Black Friday on Broadway,” hosted by the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition. Shop local Black-owned businesses and enjoy food and family friendly entertainment from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 29-30.
CoMingL returns to the Capri stage this month with “Black Co-MingL Nativity,” a festive re-imagining of the story of Christmas, featuring actor Nubia Monks. Don’t miss a show Co-MingL manager Otis Nelson describes as “about the connections we share, the power of music, and the beauty of community.” Showtime is 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, and 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. Tickets are $30, and can be found through the capri.org site.
Then, for something completely different, VaVa Vashti presents “Cabaret of Lights: A Hanukkah Burlesque Show.” This adults-only event features Jewish performers skilled in the arts of drag, burlesque, cirque and cabaret. Showtime is 7 p.m. on Saturday December 21; find tickets through the capri.org website.
At 5 p.m. the following day, December 22, Les Jolies Petite School of Dance puts on a “Christmas Dance Showcase” that welcomes all ages. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 11, and are available at ljpschoolofdance.org.
The Capri is located at 2027 W. Broadway. For details and ticket info visit thecapri.org.