RANSOM NOTES book discussions

I facilitate a mystery reading group at my local Barnes and Noble Bookstore. It meets monthly from 7-8 pm. Last night we talked about Reavis Werthheim's DARK PLACES.A good novel, well written, with interesting characters.
Next month-September 18, we will discuss THE CROOKED STAIRCASE by Dean Koontz
On October 23, we will discuss THE DARK by Jane Archer
On November 27 we will discuss THE CRIMES OF PARIS by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler

The Korean Drama Addict’s Guide to Losing Your Virginity

A fine evening of comedy theatre, staged by Theater Mu on the Boss thrust stage of Park Square Theatre. Through August 19. I am repeatedly astonished at the variety of fine quality live theater available in the Twin Cities.

Director Randy Reyes has taken a farcical comedy by May Lee-Yang and offered a large and varied cast for the pleasure and education of local audiences. Under his able hand the play rockets through scene after scene, telling the twisting tale of a Hmong personality coach, excellently played by Gao Hlee, who takes on the task of softening the image of a wealthy Korean business magnate, well-acted by Brian Kim, when he comes to the Midwest to make some deals and expand his management experience.

Gao Hlee plays Dexieng Yang, the personality coach. She is obsessed with Korean soap operas and a traditional need to be pregnant prior to her thirtieth birthday. In the play she’s twenty-nine plus.

The play bounces between hilarious jokes, stage turns and pointed comment on Asian and Midwestern white culture. Tender moments of development, apparently otherworldly apparitions and a mother from Hell all are expertly interspersed.

Staging would have been improved if more attention had been paid to the special requirements of thrust staging, but the overall experience of a strong comedy 

A most enjoyable evening at the theatre.