Open Window Theatre — Attraction in Inver Grove Heights

I've been a CORE patron for four or five years or so and Open Window Theatre doesn't disappoint! It doesn't matter if it's an original play, a classic play, or one about a Saint. I bring either a friend or a sibling along whenever I come see a performance and we both always enjoy it. I have so many good memories with each play, whether it's laughing during "Leaving Iowa" (an original play they did a year or two ago) or being captivated during "Macbeth", which they did earlier this year.

My favorite plays, though, are probably the Saint plays they do. In fact, my two favorite plays are "Lolek," which is about one of my favorite Saints, Pope St. John Paul II, and "Frassati", which is about (soon to be Saint) Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. I admit I didn't know anything about Blessed Frassati until I saw the play Open Window Theatre did a couple years ago. I immediately fell in love with his story and, even though he's quite not canonized yet, he became one of my favorites. This undoubtedly shows how powerful these plays are and how much time and effort the cast and crew put into these stories.

I'm going to be attending the "Tolkien" play soon, which I'm really excited for. Not only do I know it's going to be good, I absolutely love J. R. R. Tolkien and his works (particularly "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings"). When I saw Open Window Theatre was going to do a play on him, I got so excited! I also heard they are going to do one on St. Joan of Arc, which I'm also extremely excited for as she is my Confirmation Saint. All I can say is Open Window Theatre is doing the Lord's work by providing us with powerful, impactful, life-changing stories. Please continue what you...

Last night’s performance of Crime and Punishment brought Dostoevsky’s masterpiece to life with remarkable intensity. I first read the book years ago, under very difficult life circumstances, and this stage adaptation reminded me why that novel's reading stayed with me all these years.

The direction was tight and purposeful — the pacing never dragged despite the heavy subject matter. The young actor portraying Raskolnikov (Raja) was extraordinary, capturing that mix of pride, torment, and moral unraveling that defines the story. His performance made every philosophical struggle feel human and immediate.

When I first encountered this story, I was a teenager living out of my car, trying to find work during the recession. The book’s portrayal of poverty and conscience spoke directly to me then — and seeing it on stage last night brought those feelings rushing back, but from a place of gratitude and perspective.

This adaptation reminds us that Crime and Punishment isn’t just about guilt — it’s about what it means to be human when stripped of comfort and certainty. It’s a play that reaches across time and circumstance, reminding us that redemption is never too far gone.

A special thanks to all of the amazing cast, director and Open Window Theater. What a wonderful venue! Me and my wife hope to be...

I had planned to visit the Open Window Theatre about three years ago but, unfortunately, fell ill right before the show I had tickets for. this Wednesday night, I finally made it to their adaptation of Crime & Punishment - and absolutely loved it! as a person hailing from Russia and carrying that bit of cultural heritage who just happens - coincidentally enough - to be re-reading Fyodor Mikhailovich’s immortal work in the original, I was genuinely impressed by how thoughtful and meticulous the director and the entire troupe were in their interpretation.

the performances of the actors portraying Raskolnikov and Razumikhin were truly outstanding, with the former being absolutely thrilling at times. I only wish Razumikhin’s (and Dounya’s, for that matter) characters had been a tad different and stayed a bit closer to the original - but no grudges here from my end 🙂 I completely understand the need for creative flexibility when adapting such a monumental piece of literature into a three-hour play.

it’s also worth noting that their vestibule was pleasantly decorated, making it wonderfully cozy to sit there both before the show and during intermission whilst enjoying some evening tea they so kindly offer among other concessions, surrounded by props and memorabilia from their past...