1. Our Executive Artistic Director, Jason Richards says. “I’m sure by now you have heard about Girl Scout Troop 6000. If not, below is a link to check out. In short, it is the Girl Scout troupe for the NYC Shelter System. From this link you can learn more about the program and buy cookies from them! I hope you will “tagalong” with me and “do-si-do” over to their website to buy some cookies.
 
https://www.girlscoutsnyc.org/en/whatgirlsdo/gs-troop-6000.html

2. Actor Jessica Vanek (The Marvelous Wonderettes, Fools) says, “Smart Food White Cheddar Popcorn. That’s it, that’s the favorite. It is just so good. I’ve loved it for many years and my love has not died. We’re planning an elopement within the year, so if that doesn’t demonstrate my love for this product, then I don’t know what does.
 
3. Actor Faith Klick (The Marvelous Wonderettes, Fools, Crimes of the Heart) says, “This month my favorite has been (surprise,surprise) baking bread! I just started this new form of baking and I love it! There is nothing like the smell of fresh bread and using it to make a grilled cheese. My newest favorite loaf is focaccia bread. This loaf has rosemary, garlic, olives, and cherry tomatoes on it. It was heavenly. Baking bread is a great way to desires and think about something else. Highly recommend!!!”

4. Director Traci Ledford (Crimes of the Heart, Silent Sky, and the upcoming Brighton Beach Memoirs) says, “As many of you know, I am based near Dallas, Texas. And, as most of you are aware, we are still emerging from an infrastructure failure triggered by a severe winter storm, unusually sustained cold temperatures (for our region), and a lack of oversight from the powers-that-be. Living through this event made me categorize my favorite modern conveniences. This may be a little unorthodox for Festival Faves, but what follows are the inventions/conveniences that I learned to appreciate during those ten days. First, the most important necessity for my family was clean, drinkable water. We were fortunate in that we never had to shut off our water, and we never had to boil our water. Others were not so lucky, and millions either had no water or a boil order in place. Had we lost this; it would have meant an immediate relocation for the safety of my elderly parents. Second, for me, was a working fireplace and stove. Our fireplace and stove are powered by natural gas, and it was a luxury to be able to curl up next to a warm fire and cook a hot meal on a stove when there was no electricity. There was discussion that supply was limited for both gas and water, so we conserved as much as we could without jeopardizing the health of our family. Coming in third would be phone service. The power outages knocked out our home phone, cable television, and internet service. Cell service was in and out: a victim of rolling blackouts as well. It was rather scary knowing I could not contact anyone via text, data, or phone call in the event of an emergency nor keep up with the local news/weather forecast. When this stabilized, I was so very relieved. The fourth most important thing for us was a well-stocked pantry and well-managed grocery stores. We were fortunate that we heeded the weather warnings and purchased enough food and medicine to sustain us, if needed, for two weeks. My sister and her family, in a different city, failed to do this, and they were scraping together ragamuffin meals as their grocery store was bare. Finally, the last thing was electricity. I was surprised by how well we did without it: candles, flashlights, firelight, books, conversation, and warm blankets served us well. In Texas, our homes are built to keep us cool--for we are well known for our long summer streaks of 100*+ days. And, while snow is magical and beautiful, it was anxiety-inducing to have the mercury dip below zero without a way to protect our homes and families. Of course, as I write this, we've already reached 81* just a week after we hit -2*. And that, my friends, is Texas in a nutshell.”

​5. Our Arts Ed Director, Brooke Smith says, “My Festival Fave for March 2021 is the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso! Starring Jason Sudeikis and based on a character he first portrayed during NBC's 2013 coverage of the English Premier League, Ted Lasso follows a Division 2 American football coach (the eponymous Lasso) who is hired by a vindictive divorcee to coach one of the most prominent soccer teams in the UK: the fictional AFC Richmond. Despite being hired to fail, Ted rises to the occasion, gaining the love of his team as well as the audience. 
 
Despite having played several high school sports, I would not consider myself a ‘sports person.’ But I couldn't help but fall in love with Ted and his team of misfits. I laughed, I cried, I reconsidered all of my life decisions, I could not recommend it more. It may be difficult to get a hold of since it's only streaming on Apple TV+, a less-purchased streaming service, but if you know a friend who will let you use their passcode or if you're willing to start your 7-day free trial, it's well worth it!"
 
6. Isaac Bont, our Marketing Director says, “Feel good movies can get a bad rap these days. Chef by Jon Favreau is absolutely an easy breezy movie that I caught on Netflix that I'd heard good things about previously. It follows a professional chef as he reworks his personal and artistic life over a food truck road trip from Miami to New Orleans to Texas. The most interesting thing to me about this film was the story structure. Following the first twenty minutes, there is no conflict. It's just a feel good journey with likeable characters and a lot of great food and music following the climax of conflict that happens within the first ten minutes. Very strange story structure which pays off because it was still enjoyable to watch, and a testament that we don't always need the old tried and true story structure of a normal narrative journey! Also, it's a love letter to Cuban sandwiches... more on those in my April Festival Fave coming up!

​1. Actor and Costume Designer Ellie Larson (Actor: Fools, Crimes of the Heart; Costume Designer: The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood) says, “My February Festival Fave is Burt’s Bees lip balm. It is super moisturizing and long-lasting, so it's nice for wintery chapped lips, and there are lots of different flavors. I personally like the mango and pomegranate flavors. It also makes me very nostalgic for summer 2019 in St. Croix Falls. 
 
One of the first days I was in town, I went into Tangen Drug across the street from the theatre because Jess Vanek, another intern, got a really cool sticker there, and I wanted one, too. When I got up to the register, there was a minimum purchase to use my card, and so I grabbed the closest thing, and it happened to be a Burt’s Bees lip balm, and that is when it all began. Never looked back.
 
Really anything from Burt’s Bees is a home run in my book. I also use the cuticle oil, face wash, night-time moisturizer, and the under-eye brightening gel and they are all great. PLUS’ Burt’s Bees is cruelty-free and uses lots of natural ingredients. It makes self-care feel very indulgent.”
 
2. Actor and Director Jackie Johnson (Actor: 1776, Rumors, Leading Ladies, Elephant’s Graveyard, Crimes of the Heart; Director: Death of a Salesman, Fools, The Diary of Anne Frank) says, “After a smart and talented friend recommended Blown Away on Netflix about a year ago, I went home and queued up the first episode. That night I had to force myself to pause after watching two episodes because I didn't want to burn through this artistic journey too quickly. I become an instant fan. Season two was released recently, and I've been similarly trying to pace myself. It's a vibrant and exciting introduction to a world of artistry that I had previously known very little about; glass blowing. Ten industry champs (with the support of several talented assistants) compete for an Artist Residency at the Corning Museum of Glass and $60,000 to support their career. Not only is it exciting to watch artists excelling in their craft, the fragility of their work mirrors the fragility of our lives, our systems, our emotions. I am reminded that we all shatter glass from time to time, and it's what we do with those broken shards that matters most. Thanks to that friend (spoiler alert it was Jason Richards) who made the initial recommendation, I am now passing it on to you all! We hope you'll enjoy it as much as we have.
 
By now you've probably already heard or read Amanda Gorman's Inaugural Poem, "The Hill we Climb." But if you haven't, do yourself a favor and take it in. This is an incredible young poet, and in sharing her gift with the nation, she strikes an inspirational chord while honoring the often painful history that brought us to this moment in time. Gorman captures so much about our shared national identity and provides a beautiful and inspirational look at how we can return to compassion as a foundation of our government. It gives me great hope for our future, ‘if only we are brave enough to see it, if only we are brave enough to be it.’ You can read a transcript of her poem, "The Hill we Climb" here, or watch her recitation here.”

​3. Isaac Bont, our Marketing Director says, “I've been re-watching a lot of David Lynch material lately. He's one of my favorite film/tv directors and minds. Some of my favorite stuff by him include Mulholland Dr., Eraserhead, and all things Twin Peaks. Lynch is a surrealist filmmaker who grew up in the 1950's. Much of his material tends to seem very confusing on first watch, but you notice that it's very atmospheric, provocative, and fun to experience. Lynch had a great reply in an interview when asked ‘What do you say to people who say your films make no sense?’ Lynch responded that ‘I like a story that has concrete structure but also holds abstractions. Life is filled with abstractions. The way we make heads or tails of it is with intuition. People get used to a film that explains itself 100% and they can turn off that beautiful thing in their head that allows them to respond to abstractions. Some people on the other hand, love abstractions, and it gives them room to dream.’ Regardless of whether you respond well to abstractions, Lynch is masterful at creating a mood, delighting with the joys of humanity and goodness, and also delving into our disturbing potential for violence and evil.”
 
4. Actor Faith Klick (The Marvelous Wonderettes, Fools, Crimes of the Heart) says, “My favorite for this month is the Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook. I have been missing humanity and traveling recently. I was lucky enough to receive this cookbook from one of my best friends, Tyra, this Christmas as a reminder of the trip we took three years ago. The book is filled with treats that we loved and wanted to try. The recipes were actually pretty accurate! If you’re having a little bit of wanderlust, I highly recommend picking up a cookbook and experiencing travel through food. Those flavors will make it feel like you’re there!”

​5. Actor Scott Murdock (Fools, The Diary of Anne Frank, A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play, God of Carnage, The War of the Worlds) recommends Rishi Tea. “Nothing feels, or smells, quite like a fresh hot tea during Midwinter. The warmth of the mug to your hand is magical. I've found my tea fix this winter right here in St Croix Falls, at 3 Arrows Coffee Shop. Yes, I also happen to work there ;) 3 Arrows carries tea from the Rishi Tea and Botanical Company, located in Milwaukee. It is great stuff. Weighed to perfection and steeped at the exact temperature and time needed to achieve the perfect brew, 3 Arrows ensures that the quality of Rishi Tea is never compromised in its preparation. My personal favorites are Peppermint Sage (wow) and Earl Grey (classic). I know Jason would endorse the Masala Chai, himself. :) Stop on by to get yo tea on!”
 
6. Actor Laila Sahir (1776, The Children’s Hour, The Fantasticks, Elephant’s Graveyard) says "I just finished playing the game What Remains of Edith Finch, and I LOVED it. It's a first-person adventure game available on several different platforms (I played on my laptop). While the game is technically an adventure game, I was more taken with the aspects of the story that center around family and loss. The content can get a bit dark at times, but the storytelling and the artwork are absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to play through it again!"

​ 
7. Our Board President Meg Luhrs says, “Since last spring, I have been walking on various segments, in Chisago County MN, of the Swedish Immigrant Recreational Trail. It's paved for bikes but walkers are welcomed. In the winter, some segments are cleared and others are packed snow or even fresh powder, suitable for snowshoeing. The newest segment terminus is in Taylors Falls at their City Hall campus just west of downtown on County Road 37 and is a nice facility with parking, picnic tables under a shelter, and portable toilets. Walking west from there, with the Interstate Park on your left, you cross two beautifully engineered bridges spanning deep ravines, and eventually come to Herberg Ave., where you can turn around or cross the road and continue to the Tern Ave. parking area or proceed all the way to Shafer, MN. The trail ends, for now, a few miles west of Shafer parking area.
 
The trail surface is wide and even, the terrain is flat to gently rolling, and it passes through varied surroundings, from woods to meadows, farmlands to wetlands, villages and campgrounds, always providing an atmospheric journey suggestive of that taken by early settlers as they ventured west from the steamboat landings of the Lower St. Croix.”
 
8. Actor Madison Fairbanks (The Marvelous Wonderettes, Fools, The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood) says, “My February Festival Fave is embroidery! I’ve only been embroidering for a few years but self-isolation has had me working on a ton of different projects. Traditional hoops as well as ball caps, jeans, and sleeping masks have been a saving grace as a creative outlet. I prefer it to other fiber crafts such as knitting or cross stitching because embroidery lends itself to so much freedom. If I mess up, fixing it is no sweat. When I say it’s a great beginner craft, I mean it! Start off with something simple; the shape of Wisconsin, a quote that inspires you, the Festival Theatre logo (maybe that’s more advanced, your call), whatever you want! My current, specific, fascination is “Day of the Week” tea towels featuring critters doing chores around the house. The best advice I can give is not to take it too seriously! It’s a fun, entirely customizable, simple craft. A needle, an embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, and some fabric is all it takes. Put on a podcast, some music, a favorite tv series, sit in silence, whatever you want, and stitch away!”

​1. Our Executive Artistic Director, Jason Richards, says, “Check out Pitchfork.com’s 50 best albums of 2020. It’s an eclectic mix of bands from multiple genres. I am sure you will find something that you like. Keen lovers of the Fave lists will remember that I listed two bands as Faves back in July, Phoebe Bridgers and Waxahatchee. Both bands make the list! Check it out here.”
 
https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-albums-2020/
 
2.  Actor Jessica Vanek (The Marvelous Wonderettes and Fools) says, “I just spent two days watching all of The Queen’s Gambit and I LOVED IT. It’s a limited series on Netflix about chess and I really enjoyed it! If you’re looking for a binge show, this is the one for you.”

​3. Designer Rachel Armour (Set Designer: Fools, Props Designer: The Marvelous Wonderettes and Crimes of the Heart) says, “My favorite tradition is playing board games with my family :) We just got Stratego, which is kinda like chess but more fun.”
 
4. Marketing Director Isaac Bont recommends, “Snowshoeing! If you've never been snowshoeing, the time to try it out is coming up! Winter in the Midwest is beautiful (if a little chilly) and even if the idea of an oversized ping pong paddle strapped to your shoes doesn't seem particularly thrilling, you'd be surprised! It's mostly an excuse to go out into a beautiful outdoor area (there are many local state parks and forests beautiful for this) and not sink into a deep bed of snow while you explore! Pair it up with some hot cocoa (with a little Baileys for the 21+ crowd) and a wintery movie afterwards!”

5. Actor Faith Klick (The Marvelous Wonderettes, Fools, Crimes of the Heart) says, “A favorite of mine has been Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!. It’s a Greek mythology podcast. It’s a great way to learn all about Greek mythology and the host adds a lot to it. 
 
6. Director Traci Ledford (Crimes of the Heart, Silent Sky, and the upcoming Brighton Beach Memoirs) says, “Tiger Leap Productions is a podcast production team founded in part by Dan Buck, a dear colleague of mine from graduate school. He, along with others, have created three original podcasts with the intention of bringing fun and wonder back into the lives of ordinary humans. I've listened to every episode of the limited series, Project SSA, as well as their new offering, Curio. Both are similarly appealing in their childlike wonder of adventure and mystery. The final one is called The Punnery, which is self-explanatory and often filled with odd true stories. The production quality is solid, and all of the adventures either awaken curiosity or have you shaking your head in laughter. Each podcast is available on multiple platforms. An overview of each podcast is available at their website: https://tigerleapproductions.com/
​

​1. Actor Faith Klick (The Marvelous Wonderettes, Fools, Crimes of the Heart) loves the holiday season so much she sent in several faves. Here is her list.
 
#1. “Christmas! Christmas is my favorite time of the year and now that Thanksgiving is over, I can’t wait to blast Christmas music. It’s a time of joy and togetherness, even if that looks a little different this year.”
 
#2. “Making my own Christmas ornaments! This is a great way to show your love, without breaking the bank. Plus, easy to ship during these social distancing times!”
 
#3. “Gingerbread cookies. A yummy dessert is always a favorite in my book.”
 
#4. “Chai Tea Lattes: The colder the weather gets the more I crave these. All I do is heat some almond milk, steep the chai tea of my choice, and add a little honey. It’s a great fall flavor that I think fits in every season.”
 
 
2. Director and Board member Mark Baer says, “I’d like to recommend the Netflix series Dash & Lily, a romantic comedy 8-episode series created by Joe Tracz based on the young adult series Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn. As I huddled in quarantine preparing for a very difficult season away from friends and family, I stumbled on this quirky Christmas-themed show featuring a fresh storyline and many memorable moments of holiday fun. Set in New York (in the tradition of many holiday classics) and featuring the earnest and charming performances of Midori Francis as Lily and Austin Abrams as Dash, this series strikes the difficult balance between innocent wonder and plausible plot construction that I look for in an escapist holiday narrative. It was lovely to find a new show that almost-eight-year-old Samantha, my wife, and I could all agree was not only enjoyable but worthy of a re-watch.  Happy holidays from a distance!

3. Here is a fave from actor Jess Vanek (The Marvelous Wonderettes, Fools). “I have always been a fan of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” It’s always been an iconic movie and it really puts me in the sentimental holiday spirit. 
 
I also love watching the Festival Theatre Christmas Special ;)”
 
 
4. Here is an entry from our Technical Director, Peter Weber. He writes, “Return of the Obra Dinn, self-described on its website as "An insurance adventure with minimal colour." This puzzle game harkens back to vintage games with a modern feel. This is topped off with an amazing story that you (as the player) must unravel. Winning six accolades in gaming including two BAFTA awards for game design and artistic achievement. I knew before starting this game that it appealed to me but was not ready for how much I would come to love it. The mystery, narrative and stunning visual style quickly put this game into my top five video games of all time. The simple controls make it great even if you are not a hardcore gamer and just want some casual fun. The game was created by Lucas Pope as an independent game. This labor of love took him about four years to develop and he put a breathtaking amount of detail into the game. It is well worth the short playtime; I finished in just under six hours. I completed it this Sunday last and am still thinking of the intriguing and full narrative.”

5. Director Traci Ledford (Crimes of the Heart, Silent Sky) has two holiday faves to share.
 
“Oddly enough, one of my favorite things during the holidays are the Boot Barn commercials. You read that right: Boot Barn. Their commercials are cinematic in every aspect from the score underneath to their top-notch cinematography and editing. I love them because they defy stereotypes associated with Western wear. And to be honest, I don’t own a thing from Boot Barn nor have I ever shopped there (even though I am a born and bred Texan). Yet every time the Boot Barn holiday commercial comes on, I stop whatever I’m doing and watch.
 
And… “About fifteen years ago, my Mom and I were Christmas shopping in a small, local store. They were playing a CD of holiday music that we inquired about and ended up purchasing. Christmas Chillout by Crystal Theory has become one of our family favorites. The group takes traditional carols and songs, arranging them into a very chill jazz remix. I don’t know how else to describe it. Jazz fusion? Synth jazz? I’m not that musically literate, but I do really like their unique covers of some very famous holiday tunes. They have two volumes of Christmas music, and both are still available to purchase or stream.”
 
 
6. Actor Madison Fairbanks (The Marvelous Wonderettes, Fools, The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, Stuart Little) says, “My Festival fave this month is the infamous Don Hansen Sugar Shack Maple Syrup! I missed having this delicacy in my coffee each morning; a trick I learned from local celebrity Sydney Paredes, so I snagged some during my last visit to the St. Croix Valley. The moment I was able to pour the sweetest nectar you've ever tasted into my not-so-special brew, it felt as if I was having a luxury drink. Don's Sugar Shack offers a variety of maple products from syrup, to candy, to cream! These make wonderful gifts for the holiday season while supporting a small local business. Or you can have some all for yourself. There's really no wrong way. Pick up a bottle and enjoy a true taste of the Twin Falls! 

​7. Actor Erika Kuhn (1776, Rumors, Death of a Salesman, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, Lone Star Spirits, Boy Gets Girl) says, “My Festival Fave is a Kuhn Family Tradition: Swedish Pancakes. Am I Swedish? Who knows! But my great grandmother Ruth got us absolutely hooked on these thin, crepe-like delicious stacks and they've quickly become a staple for holidays and birthdays. We firmly enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and I hope you do too!
 
While you can prepare them from scratch, we typically opt for the ease of the classic Lund's Swedish Pancake mix that you can pick up from most grocery stores. My mom likes to amp them up a bit with some vanilla and cinnamon, so feel free to make them your own! We've recently experimented with taking the batter from the griddle to a waffle maker and have thoroughly enjoyed the results!
 
Try them with butter and some local maple syrup, or done up with berries and whipped cream (my sister's favorite). 
 
Enjoy!”
 
8. Actor/Director Emily Aherns (Actor: The Fantasticks, Elephant’s Graveyard; Director: The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood) says, “I am not usually a TV person, but in this off season, I have finally started watching shows that I’ve said I would watch for YEARS now. So, my December Festival Fave is the Netflix series The Crown. Y’all. I am literally obsessed with this show. For those who may not know, The Crown is a drama following the life of Queen Elizabeth II in England (yes, the one that’s still ruling). The acting is simply unparalleled (Claire Foy... I mean COME ON) and as someone was a history nerd all her life with a special love for Princess Diana (you get to her a few seasons in!) this show hits all the marks. Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a new watch during the holidays!”

​1. Director Traci Ledford (Crimes of the Heart, Silent Sky) says, “For years I have been a fan of the composer Max Richter who is probably best known for his work scoring several contemporary television shows and movies. Recently, however, I discovered his reworking of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, which apparently has been available since 2014. Essentially, Richter has re-composed these famous concerti adding his trademark depth and the slightest hint of a modern twist. I've always thought Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was something of a Baroque rock star, and have routinely appreciated the complexities of Baroque music. But hearing Richter's version made me appreciate the original all the more. Vivaldi's work is in no way hidden nor unrecognizable in Richter's homage. Rather, it is a study in appreciation: highlighting moments you may have missed in the original by using the merest alteration or emphasis in rhythm, harmony, or counter melody. It's been a nice addition to my (wildly varied) walking playlist as the temperatures cool off and nature changes colors. "Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi's The Four Seasons" is available everywhere you can stream or buy music.”
 
2. Director Ryan Stevens (Stuart Little) says, “As we pass through October's spooky season and get deeper into fall, I'm getting nostalgic for the crunchy leaves and autumn winds of my home in South Carolina. I've been listening to the podcast Old Gods of Appalachia, which tells spooky stories set in the Appalachian south. Ghosts at the bottom of coal mines, witches in the marsh, and all sorts of strange creatures in the deep, dark woods lurk in each short, twenty-minute-ish episode, each one told in a powerful, and familiar, Southern drawl. If you like spooky stories or are perhaps curious about that peculiar part of our strange, old, very spooky country, I recommend it highly! 
 
While the episodes don't have any offensive language, they can be pretty scary, so this may not be ideal for our younger Festival fans. Listener beware!”

3. Actor (The Fantasticks, Elephant’s Graveyard) and director (The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood) Emily Ahrens says, “My festival fave for this month is the podcast “Unlocking Us” by Brené Brown. If you haven’t heard of her, Brené is a professor, researcher, writer, and intellectual who cultivated her studies on themes of courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. On her podcast, she discusses everything from books to television to social issues to mental health and everything in between - But she always relates these topics back to the beauty of vulnerability and empathy. I really love the guests she has on her podcast and I almost always listen to her during my workouts! (I found her after reading the book Wild because one of the guests she features is author Cheryl Strayed, so so good!!)
Definitely would recommend. A good starting episode for anyone during these particular times would be “Loneliness and Connection.” So important to talk about right now!”

4. Our Marketing Director, Isaac Bont recommends, “The Haunting of Hill House Spooooooky! As a fan of the horror genre, I can be a little desensitized to scary movies. But I thought The Haunting of Hill House had both effective scares, and also great characters and emotion to boot! This Netflix series garnered a lot of critical acclaim when it released two years ago, and I'm glad I sat down to watch it through recently. As opposed to a lot of modern horror, this series is more of a slow burn that makes you care about the characters and the awful things that happen to them. It's also a ghost story that's about not only literal hauntings, but the way aspects of life can haunt us through trauma, addiction, mental diseases and more. Definitely got binged by me.”
 
5. Our Arts Ed Director, Brooke Smith says, “During the fall months, I like nothing more than to plop myself down in front of the television and slip away from real life for a few hours. If you know me, you know that I am also a huge fan of animation. Cartoons are my faves, I have never grown out of them and never will! A few weeks ago, I decided to finally watch Disney’s highly acclaimed series Gravity Falls, and I am THRILLED that I did! Gravity Falls chronicles one summer in the lives of twin siblings Dipper and Mabel Pines, who are sent up north to the fictional town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, to stay with their “Grunkle” (great uncle) Stan and help him run his roadside shop of horrors, The Mystery Shack. However, things in Gravity Falls are not what they seem. Dipper and Mabel encounter gnomes, mermaids, and zombies, as well as the sinister Bill Cipher, an interdimensional triangle creature bent on destruction. 

As a twin myself, I love the dynamic between Dipper and Mabel who are each other's greatest supporter (and sometimes biggest annoyance). I also love the combination of fantasy elements with real-world situations, as well as nod to the beautiful outdoors of Oregon. And, though it is set in the Pacific Northwest, the scenery and situations remind me of the great outdoors and rich lore that exist in Northeast Tennessee where I’m from! If you’re looking for something to watch that allows you to veg out a bit while also keeping you interested and excited, Gravity Falls is a perfect choice this fall!”

1. Actor Jessica Vanek (The Marvelous Wonderettes, Fools) recommends, “I listen to a podcast called My Favorite Murder (hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark). I’ve been playing catch up for like ten months, but I’m finally in sync with the new episodes. It’s super interesting, and if you’re even slightly curious about true crime, give this podcast a try.”
 
2. Jason Richards, our Executive Artistic Director says, “Check out Daily Wellness on Spotify. It a mix of mindfulness, meditation, poetry, and music. It’s a great way to wind down your day or get it started in a positive direction. I listen every night. It features material from Niall Breslin, Yoga Girl Daily (Rachel Brathen), and Deepak Chopra. I find it Monday-Friday in the “Made for you” section on my Spotify page.
 
3. Actor Ellie Larson (Fools, Crimes of the Heart), says, “My October Festival Fave is Leadership Without Easy Answers by Ronald A. Heifetz.
 
I started reading Leadership Without Easy Answers for my honors research project at school. It was published in 1994; however, I still find it incredibly relevant today, especially in the current political and social climate. Heifetz explores different topics in leadership throughout the book, including the difference between a leader and an authority figure, and "technical" vs "adaptive" problems society faces. More than anything the book has encouraged me to think about how I can be an effective leader, and also examine the leaders I know with a more objective lens. As the title says, there are no easy answers to leadership in this book, but it does give readers a jumping-off point and gets us thinking critically about becoming the best leader we can be.”
 
4. Actor Ashley Graham (Ashley would have been in The Crucible and The Gift of the Magi if we hadn’t had to cancelled them. Hopefully, she will be able to join us in 2021) says, “My favorite albums to listen to in October are Adele’s 25 and Mumford & Sons’ Sigh No More!”
 
5. Actor Madison Fairbanks (The Mavelous Wonderettes, Fools, The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood) says, “My most recent quarantine/self-isolation/roommate binge watch has been Norsemen on Netflix. Do you enjoy learning? Do you enjoy laughing? Then this just might be the show for you! As Jade Budowski said in a Decider article, "What if 'Game of Thrones' employed comedy in the style of 'Monty Python?'" This 8th century Viking story is informative, compelling, and, above all things, quotably hilarious. The characters are painfully human. You hate to love them; you love to hate them. They filmed each scene in Norweigan and then in English, so the viewers could get the same feeling wherever they watched. That's some serious dedication! The series travels chronologically for the first two seasons, then backwards in the latest installment, season three (referred to as Season 0). It's certainly non-traditional, but gives the audience a great perspective on the "Why?" rather than the "What now?" A historical, hysterical fiction match made in heaven (or, rather, Valhalla.) It is rated TV-MA (content rating from Netflix) so if little ears are around, wait until they're fast asleep. Uff da! Shouldn't have to tell you that one!

​6. Director Ryan Stevens (Stuart Little) says, “As we feel that autumn chill in the air and bundle up inside, my Festival Fave for October is Over the Garden Wall, a cartoon mini-series from Cartoon Network that aired in 2014. The show is about two brothers, Greg and Wirt, lost in a strange magical world called The Unknown, as they stumble through misadventures on their way home. The show has very strong fall vibes - orange leaves and pumpkins everywhere. The show is also nice and short -- ten episodes, each clocking in at around eleven minutes, so you can either snack on it at your leisure or watch the whole thing in about the same amount of time as a regular movie. The cartoon is full of great humor and heart, a fun romp through mystery for the whole family!”

7. Actor Erika Kuhn (1776, Rumors, It’s a Wonderful Life, Lone Star Spirits, Boy Gets Girl) says, “My Festival Fave is ice cream! The Twin Cities offers some of the best cream around and I (and my sweet-toothed pals) have dedicated ourselves to trying and ranking as many as possible. So, here goes!
 
#1.) Bogarts Donuts (Minneapolis) Try their ridiculous brown butter and dark chocolate swirl soft serve, you will not regret it. They'll even put it inside of a donut for you if you're up for the challenge. Beware, soft serve isn't available every day. 
#2.) La Michoacana Purépecha (Minneapolis & St. Paul) These folks offer the freshest delights in town, try their fresh fruit filled popsicles!
#3.) Minnesota Nice Cream (Minneapolis & Stillwater) If you want your ice cream loaded up and made Insta worthy, this is your place. Go for the edible glitter and great toppings, stay for the outdoor seating. 
#4.) J Selby's (St. Paul) The best vegan food in St. Paul, plus they offer an awesome non-dairy rotation of fabulous Soy-Clones and shakes!
#5.) Betty's Pies (Two Harbors) If the north shore is calling your name and you're up for a drive, stop by Betty's Pies for a pie shake. Ideal for those days when one dessert simply won't do. 
 
Pictured is Festival Friend Madison experiencing the joy of our #1 spot.”

8. Actor Laila Sahir (1776, The Children’s Hour, The Fantasticks, Elephant’s Graveyard) says, "My fave this month is Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, the first book in her Legacy of Orïsha series. I absolutely love fantasy fiction, but up until recently I hadn't made much time in my life for reading novels. Earlier this month, I decided to replace my before-bed screen time with before-bed reading time, and I'm so glad I chose this novel to start with! The plot centers around a girl named Zélie who is tasked with bringing magic back into the world. It's a beautiful story that balances coming-of-age themes with conflicts centered around race and class. I'm about two-thirds of the way through the book so far, and I can't wait to see how it ends!"
 
9. Another recommendation from our friend Ed Moersfelder, he says, “Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was published in 1974. I first read parts of it lounged in the front seat of a canoe motoring across one of the motors-allowed lakes of the BWCA in the late 70s. Subtitled “An Inquiry into Values” its relevance to modern times has not changed in the past 45 years. It is a book about one person’s search for Quality that takes us through this man’s journey in search of himself. As described in an article by Matthew R. Crawford in the October issue of Smithsonian magazine, the book “uses the narrator’s road trip with his son and two friends as a journey of inquiry into values.” He and his son are riding his 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle, now in the Smithsonian Museum.
 
 I am often reminded, especially in times like these, when we are facing down a pandemic, racial injustice, forest fires, and civil unrest, of Pirsig’s reference to “gumption”—what happens to someone who connects with Quality. But a “gumption trap” can cause one to lose sight of Quality. A gumption trap may be of two kinds. The first is caused by external circumstances, which he calls “setbacks.” This is the sort of thing when a part is broken on your motorcycle and the part is no longer available. The second gumption trap is caused by conditions primarily within yourself, which he calls “hang-ups” that might include anxiety, impatience, boredom—internal things that strip away the view to Quality.  
 
In October of 2016, the SCF City Council’s decision not to pursue the restoration of the Historic Auditorium caused a serious gumption trap that came close to my losing sight of Quality. It was a severe “setback,” but it also created “hang-ups”—anger, resignation, impatience—that could have stripped Quality from my view of Festival Theatre...and from the theatre itself. Fortunately, it did not.
 
As I ride out this ugly year, and the approach of this contentious and vitriolic election, I plan to once again reread “Zen...” I think for the fourth time. My gumption tank needs a refill.”
 
10. Actor Faith Klick (The Marvelous Wonderetes, Fools, Crimes of the Heart) says, “Some of things that I’ve been loving include:
 
Avatar the Last Airbender: This was a show that I watched as a kid, but it has come to Netflix recently and I’ve watched the series three times since it came back. The show has excellent world building, an intriguing heroic story, humor, and the characters are so well done that I can’t pick a favorite. Watching it now as an older viewer, I can see just how mature this story was for children. It deftly takes on tough political concepts so that children understand. 
 
Macarons: There is a place near me that makes homemade macarons in the safest way possible. They always taste EXACTLY like the flavor they are advertised as without being overly sweet. My favorites were the chai, lemon poppyseed, and salted caramel.”

If you were a fan of Breaking Bad, I definitely recommend Ozark. The writing and acting is phenomenal, and the colorization is very intentional, and stylized in similar ways to Breaking Bad. The stakes are always high, alliances are always changing, and every episode is shocking. There are three seasons, and we’re currently in the middle of season two. I’m sure we’ll be through it soon!” ​

It's such vital work for anyone concerned with the future of our country. You can listen for free on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify." ​

​5. Director, Traci Ledford (last summer’s Crimes of the Heart, and can be seen in an episode of our online series “Festiv@l Home” called Mock Audition) suggests, “One thing I miss during this pandemic is carefree, long-range travel that led me to magical places in the great outdoors. So, I have compiled a list of my favorite trails and hikes that I've experienced in the past five years. These are all easy to moderate hikes found in city, state, and national parks (as well as one international entry). I've included links to help, particularly if there is a fee involved to access the land. In no particular order, they are:

--A similar 'do whatever you want in a peaceful little town' game is Stardew Valley, which swaps animal neighbors for real people and casts you as a city-slicker taking over your grandpa's farm. This game really encourages you to take things at your own pace, growing crops, raising animals, and hanging out with all the other kind and quirky people in your little farm town. It can be a little confusing at the start, but once you take some time to figure out how you want to live on your new farm, the whole game opens up to meet you on your own terms. And the good thing about Stardew Valley is that it's available on pretty much any game system or computer.

--Neko-Atsume is a phone game where you leave food and toys out for cats to come play with. ​ That's it. ​ ​You open the app every few hours, look at the cats that are chilling on your porch, smile, and leave them be. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Click here for previous Festival Faves! And be sure to check back next month for a fresh round of recomendations!