Central Lakes College Expands Winter Arts Events with Six Unique Offerings

The Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center in Brainerd is set to host an exciting lineup of six performing arts and cultural engagement events throughout January and February. These events will feature a variety of performances, including theatre productions, live music suitable for families, global dance, and community initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue and connection.

One of the highlights of this winter’s offerings is the staged reading of Martin McDonagh’s “The Pillowman” on January 23 at 19:00 in the Dryden Theatre. Directed by Rebecca Timmins, this production showcases local talents such as Joey Yow, Patrick Spradlin, Jesse Brutscher, and others. The award-winning play is known for its sharp dialogue, dark humor, and compelling suspense. Admission is free, though registration via the CLCPAC website is encouraged. Due to mature content, the event is recommended for audiences aged 18 and older.

The following weekend, from January 26 to 28, the Dryden Theatre will host ConnectEffect, a community conversation experience led by two-time Emmy-nominated director/producer Riaz Patel. Scheduled for noon and 17:00 on each day, this program focuses on building intergenerational connections and empathy among participants. Attendees will learn new ways to engage with their neighbors in under an hour.

On January 31 at 15:00, the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts will welcome the Okee Dokee Brothers, a Grammy-winning duo celebrated for their Americana folk music. Their engaging acoustic performances are designed for both children and adults, celebrating themes of friendship and nature through sing-along songs and storytelling.

The cultural offerings continue on February 5 at 12:00 with Cultural Thursday: Portugal: Exploring the World with New Eyes. This event will take place at the Chalberg Theatre, featuring speaker Jan Kurtz, who will share insights from her recent travels in Portugal. Attendees can expect to learn about the country’s history, cuisine, language, and unique travel perspectives. Admission is free and open to the public.

From February 12 to 15, the Chalberg Theatre will host a production of Sandy Rustin’s “The Cottage”. Directed by Amy Borash and featuring community actors such as Travis Chaput and Rachael Kline, this modern British farce promises a blend of clever humor and dramatic twists, reminiscent of Noël Coward’s style. This fast-paced comedy is sure to entertain audiences with its themes of love, betrayal, and absurdity.

Finally, on February 19 at 19:00, the Ragamala Dance Company, a renowned Bharatanatyam troupe led by mother-daughter duo Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy, will perform at the Chalberg Theatre. Known for their rhythmic storytelling and intercultural performances, the company is celebrated on stages worldwide for its imaginative artistry.

Tickets for all events can be purchased at the CLCPAC Box Office, which is open from 11:00 to 14:00, Tuesday through Thursday, by phone at 218-855-8199, or online at www.clcperformingarts.com. This winter season promises to be an enriching experience for the community, encouraging cultural exploration and artistic engagement.