The Pickup Truck Opera at Dodge Nature Center

Mixed Precipitation celebrates 15 years of outdoor summer fun, performing one of the most beloved and famous tragedies in the theatre tradition, Romeo and Juliet, adapted from Vincenzo Bellini’s 1830 opera, I Capuleti e i Montecchi (The Capulets and the Montagues).

This adaptation of the beloved tragedy promises laughter, gorgeous bel canto melodies, and calamitous romance. Mixed Precipitation’s performances are fun for ALL AGES. ALL ARE WELCOME and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SITE

This performance is at the Dodge Nature Center. Use the Farm Education Entrance at 1701 Charleton Street in West St. Paul.

PARKING is available in the gravel lot off Charleton.

Follow the posted signage to the outdoor performance venue.

There are accessible bathrooms in the farm education building.

Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a folding chair, or a blanket for seating on the grass.

Dogs are NOT allowed at Dodge Nature Center.

MORE INFO ABOUT THE SHOW

In this modern version of Bellini’s opera, Juliet and Romeo are online strivers in a time of global strife. She’s lifting up others through her social media career – teaching survival skills, sharing recipes, and DIY crafts. Romeo is documenting his van-life travels, inspiring millions to live life to the fullest, even in the darkest times. These two social media sensations are tired of depending on clicks and likes to survive. So they’re teaming up for a cross-country elopement and honeymoon. But larger forces plan to disrupt their destiny.

This timeless tale of star-crossed lovers careening toward doom is tragically hopeful and hopefully tragic. Continuing Mixed Preciptiation’s tradition of musical ingenuity, this production also features the music of Fleetwood Mac, The Fugees, and the Pixies – star-crossed bands whose passionate romance and feuds play out in their music.

For this 15th summer production, Mixed Precipitation welcomes new artists to our team: staging director Tara Moses and multi-hyphenated theater artist and playwright Denzel Belin. Music director Gary Ruschman and artistic director Scotty Reynolds and movement director Jacob Miller contribute to this modern adaptation.

Sopranos Corissa Bussian and Jennifer LeDoux lead the cast, sharing the role of Juliet (Guilietta ) on alternating weekends. Mezzo-Sopranos KrisAnne Weiss and Kara Morgan share the role of Romeo. Tenor Paul Coate plays the role of Tabaldo, Romeo’s rival.

Mark Billy and Joshua Eidem share the role of Lorenzo. Baritone Nick Miller returns for his 4th Mixed Precipitation production as Capellio, Juliet’s father. He will share this role with Baritone Robert Riordan. Multi-instrumentalists Ruschman, Nick Miller, Uchenna Chidozie and Galina Dordevic accompany the drama. Watch our website for information about the rotating cast.

This touring spectacle features the work of set designer Alex Hathaway, costume designer Rhiannon Fiskradatz, props designer Woody Timberheart, and stage manager Brian Hirt.