Central Lakes College Expands Winter Arts Offerings in Brainerd

The Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center in Brainerd, Minnesota, has announced an exciting lineup of six performing arts and cultural engagement events scheduled for January and February 2024. These offerings include theatre performances, family-friendly live music, global dance presentations, and community initiatives aimed at fostering connection and understanding.

The series kicks off on January 23, 2024, at 7 p.m. with a staged reading of Martin McDonagh’s acclaimed play, “The Pillowman,” at the Dryden Theatre on the Central Lakes College-Brainerd campus. Directed by Rebecca Timmins, the performance features local actors such as Joey Yow and Patrick Spradlin. This gripping narrative, known for its sharp dialogue and dark humor, is recommended for audiences aged 18 and older due to its mature themes. Admission is free, but registration through the CLCPAC website is encouraged.

Following this dramatic opening, the community will have the opportunity to engage in a unique conversation experience titled ConnectEffect, hosted by two-time Emmy-nominated director and producer Riaz Patel. Scheduled for January 26-28, 2024, at noon and 5 p.m. each day, this program is designed to foster intergenerational connections and empathy among participants, offering new strategies for building relationships within the community.

On January 31, 2024, at 3 p.m., families can enjoy a performance by the Grammy-winning duo, The Okee Dokee Brothers, at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts. Celebrated for their Americana folk music, the duo’s engaging acoustic sound brings themes of friendship, nature, and adventure to audiences of all ages.

The series also features a cultural literacy event on February 5, 2024, at 12 p.m.. Titled “Cultural Thursday: Portugal: Exploring the World with New Eyes,” this presentation at Chalberg Theatre will be led by speaker Jan Kurtz, who will share insights from her travels in Portugal, focusing on history, cuisine, and cultural perspectives. Admission is free, welcoming both students and the broader community.

Upcoming theatrical productions include Sandy Rustin’s “The Cottage,” which will run from February 12-15, 2024, at the Chalberg Theatre. Directed by Amy Borash, this fast-paced British farce features a talented cast, including Travis Chaput and Rachael Kline. Promising a blend of humor and intrigue, the play explores themes of love, betrayal, and the absurdities of life.

Capping off the winter season, the Ragamala Dance Company will perform on February 19, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Chalberg Theatre. The company, led by mother-daughter duo Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy, is renowned for its innovative Bharatanatyam dance performances, which weave together rhythmic storytelling and intercultural themes.

Tickets for all events can be purchased at the CLCPAC Box Office, which operates from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, or by calling 218-855-8199. Online purchases are also available through the official website, www.clcperformingarts.com. With a diverse array of events planned, the Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center is poised to enrich the cultural landscape of Brainerd this winter season.