Author: Rachel Engstrom

The opening night performance on Nov. 11 of “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) was nothing short of spectacular – instantly securing its place as a personal favorite within the opening moments. From the enchanting costumes and flawless choreography to the stellar cast, mesmerizing music, and meticulously designed set, every element blended seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience. Having attended numerous Broadway shows, including the renowned “Chicago” in New York City, I can confidently say that this rendition stands out in my memory. Since its premiere in 1994, CTC has staged this production…

In “The Enigma of Iris Murphy,” author Maureen Millea Smith, a Hennepin County librarian and creative writing teacher, delves into the life of Iris Murphy, an elderly public defender in Omaha County. By the second chapter, readers discover Iris’s discomfort with the prison system, despite her professional ties to it. Smith’s motivation for creating this character can be traced back to her cousin, a trial attorney. On the inside book jacket, she reveals, “I look at the world novelistically … it is the accretion of details that helps me to understand characters and to make them real …” This detail-driven…

Smith Coffee & Cafe opened on May 1, 2018, and has been offering Eden Prairie a historic locale with modern tastes ever since. The historic Smith Douglas More House on Eden Prairie Road was previously a Dunn Bros. coffee shop between 2001 and 2004, but it has now become the local favorite it was meant to be. Originally built in 1877, the house served as a boarding house for passengers using the nearby Minneapolis-St. Louis Railroad Eden Prairie Station or as an affordable boarding home for local teachers. A small sign at the front of the home provides historical information…