Candide at the Cowles

What: Candide
When: March 21-24, various showtimes
Where: Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis

It’s Leonard Bernstein’s other musical: a Broadway-bedazzled operetta, goofier than West Side, with less snapping but a good deal more character—featuring the underratedly iconic roles of Cunégonde, a celebutante who feels written for Instagram, and the flirty, worldly “Old Woman.” The Twin Cities’ world-renowned choral group VocalEssence teams up with Theater Latté Da for a midcentury-styled take. Philip Brunelle directs local legend Bradley Greenwald and Minneapolis-native-turned-L.A.-powerhouse Liv Redpath. Learn more.

Don’t Cry for Me, Minnesota

What: Evita
When: March 22-April 14, various showtimes
Where: Lyric Arts, 420 E. Main St., Anoka

The only Broadway musical about Latin American politics (aside: Would Lin-Manuel Miranda be the guy to change that?) follows the rise of Evita Perón, the poor, illegitimate Argentinian kid who became the president’s wife and a feminist leader. Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Tony-winning, “Don’t Cry for Me” classic hit the stage 40 years ago. Lyric Arts, among our region’s many awesome little theaters, puts rising actor Kiko Laureano in the starring role, whom you might recognize as Tina Turner in Old Log Theatre’s Beehive: The ’60s Musical. Learn more.

Quit Waffling

What: Vaffeldagen (Waffle Day)
When: March 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis

This is one of the American Swedish Institute’s most scrumptious Nordic-inspired traditions. Duck into FIKA, the ASI’s café, and deck your heart-shaped waffles in whipped cream, jam, berries—or savory options like gravy and onions. Fun fact: This used to be a religious holiday, but turns out “Feast of Annunciation” sounds an awful lot like “Waffle Day” in Swedish. “Did you just say Waffle Day?!” “No, the good ol’ Feast of Annunciation.” “Well, Waffle Day it is.” Learn more.

Take Creative Control

What: Craft On! with Wing Young Huie
When: March 24, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Third Place Gallery, 3730 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis

Last year, artist Wing Young Huie earned what is maybe Minnesota’s highest recognition: the McKnight Distinguished Artist Award. The photographer and author has built a career snapping photos of strangers, getting to know them, and confronting the biases that society has attached to them. At this public discussion, Huie leads a writing exercise on identity, loss, dreams, goals—for whatever creative project you need a push to finish. Learn more.