PHOTO CREDIT: Bruce Silcox
By Stephanie Rogers
Make Believe Neighborhood ”“MBN is a celebration of Mr. Rogers and our own Phillips Community by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre -HOBT, directed by Bart Buch, this world-premiere is vignettes of positive impact of community members including Wayne Bugg, Patrick and Luisa Cabello-Hansel, Frank Downwind, Julie Graves, Abdul Mohamedon, Chase Redday, and the youth of Phillips Neighborhood; stories of the creativity of the Phillips Community. Stories from Fred Rogers”' biography and the impact of Mr. Rogers”' Neighborhood his TV show, which inspired generations of children intersperse Phillips stories. Theatrical surprises and puppets of every scale and hue are blended by a soundtrack created and performed live by Martin Dosh.
Best of all, HOBT has funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board for free tickets to Phillips community members who wouldn”'t otherwise afford $10.-$20. Tickets! MBN is for ages 4-104. Bring the whole family to a matinee or a date night! Free tickets: February 2 ”“ 18, evening shows Fri. & Sat. 7:30pm and matinees Sat. & Sun. 2:30pm. Phillips residents: for free tickets call 612-721-2535 (hablemos español) or reserve at make-believe.brownpapertickets.com/discount code “neighbor.”
It”'s no accident Opening is Super Bowl weekend ”“ not because HOBT expects out-of-town crowds, but we want to give our immediate neighbors an artful alternative celebrating where we live and who we are. Whether a life-long Phillips resident or new to Mpls., whether you grew up watching Mr. Rogers or don”'t know who he was, you”'ll find something to connect with in this performance.
In a time of complicated social issues and conflict, HOTB invites you to the simple, essential truths of Fred Rogers ”“ the ideas that many of our community members work to carry forward. Your anger and sadness are valid, and you have the power to express them in a constructive way. One person can make a difference, in a neighborhood and on a larger scale. “I”'m proud of you,” and “I like you just the way you are” are powerful statements.
