The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

If you haven't noticed the trend by now, I plan on highlighting a Fringe play each day through the end of the Festival. Did you happen to see an amazing Fringe play that you think our readers should know more about? Plug it into the comments section below and tell me why you liked it - it could be tomorrow's featured play!


FRINGE FESTIVAL
Shakespeare's Land of The Dead

I'm always a sucker for anything with zombies (or sharks, but that's another story) so this fun Fringe play immediately caught my eye. Described as a "true and accurate account of the Elizabethan zombie plague," Walking Shadow Theater Company takes us on a wild ride set during the opening night of Sheakespeare's Henry V at the Globe Playhouse. Mayhem rages throughout the streets in this well done zombie/Shakespeare mashup set in 1599 London. Walking Shadow manages to balance historic authenticity with zombie horror in a funny and clever manner - and even features some special guest stars such as Queen Elizabeth and Sir Francis Bacon for comedic effect. Written by John Heimbuch and Directed by Amy Rummenie. Runs through August 10th. Click HERE for specific dates and times.

Tonight: 10pm, Rarig Center Thrust Stage, 330 21st Avenue S., Dinkytown, $12 (plus $3 Fringe Button)

READING
St. Paulitics: Harry C. Boyte

Don't think you can make a real difference in the world? Well, Harry Boyte believes you can, so much so he wrote a book about it! An activist, author and a senior fellow at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, Boyte co-founded the Institutes's non-partisan Center for Democracy and Citizenship - so he definitely knows what he's talkin' 'bout. Tonight, hear excerpts from his new book, Citizen Solution: How You Can Make a Difference which discusses techniques for individuals to raise public consciousness and effectively motivate community groups, with inspiring true stories about activists in Minnesota to prove it. And since you're already in Highland Park, you might as well try out one of my fave Vietnamese joints, Vina, on Cleveland Ave & Ford Parkway, or if you're in the mood for American fare, try the award-winning Highland Grill right across the street. Or, if you really want to be weird, go visit my parents - they live 4 blocks away from the library, but they probably won't feed you.

7pm, Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, Free, Click HERE for your free tickets!


MUSIC
Bitter:Sweet

The Varsity Theater scores two wins in a row with last night's sold out Ting Tings show (which you may or may not have read about in yesterday's Secrets), and tonight's equally hot Bitter:Sweet show. Dirty dance to this sultry boy-girl duo from the glam land of Hollywood, as they seduce the crowd with their jazz-influenced trip-hop that wouldn't be out of place in a James Bond movie. Ginger-haired lovely Shana Halligan sets a sexy mood with her sweet, Christina Amphlett tinged vocals set against Kiran Shahani's beats that almost demand you drink a martini or three. Local Drum & Bass head DJ Hack opens the show with gusto.

8pm, Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Dinkytown, $12