Best bets: Theater in person, music and movies at home, and probably no sharks

Apr. 28—Duluth Playhouse returns to live performances

After being closed for more than a year because of the pandemic, the Duluth Playhouse is welcoming back audiences with a performance of ABBA songs. "Dancing Queens: The Music of ABBA's Mamma Mia," isn't the full production enjoyed as the first show on the restored NorShor stage, but for fans who miss live theater, it should be a treat.

And, as News Tribune reviewer Lawrance Bernabo explained in 2018, "The plot of "Mamma Mia!" is spit and baling wire just to justify singing ABBA's songs." So maybe not much will be missed.

Actors Jen Burleigh-Bentz, Vicki Fingalson and Tanya Moore reprise their roles for the hour-long tribute concert. Songs include "Super Trouper," "Dancing Queen," "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "Take a Chance on Me" and more. The playhouse is also promising "a surprise guest."

Seating is limited. Masks are required. When: April 29-May 2. Price: $30-$35. Address: 211 E. Superior St. Phone: 218-733-7555. Website: duluthplayhouse.org/main-stage.

Homegrown, at home

Homegrown Music Festival is May 2-9 this year with a virtual lineup. The fun begins Sunday at 11 a.m. with a scavenger hunt and children's show. As the week goes on, the mayor will make a proclamation, Hoops Brewing will release a special beer, and artists will present poetry and music online. Check the Homegrown website for more details, and be prepared to poke around YouTube to find the acts.

Website: duluthhomegrown.org.

UMD theater presents 'Bare' musical

UMD students tackle a coming-of-age story set in a Catholic boarding school in the rock musical "Bare." Characters struggle with issues of sexuality, personal identity, drug use, bullying and more as they search for answers from the church, their peers and themselves.

When: April 29, 30; May 1, 2. Price: free streaming. Website: z.umn.edu/UMDTheatreEvents.

Oscars, the after-party

The Oscars were awarded Sunday, and in what was a weird year for movies, it's a good guess that many people haven't seen the eight nominees for Best Picture. They're all available to stream from your home right now, so make it an after-party in the spirit of a year spent at home.

On Amazon Prime, available to rent or buy: "The Father," "Judas and the Black Messiah," "Minari," "Nomadland" and "Promising Young Woman." Included free with prime membership: "Sound of Metal." On Netflix: "Mank" and "The Trial of the Chicago 7." Other streaming services such as Google Play, YouTube, Hulu, etc., offer some of them, too.

And if you'd like to skip the award-winners in favor of a night out, mask up and choose a socially-distanced seat. Both Duluth 10 and Premiere Theater in Cloquet are open with limited schedules and an eclectic mix of movies. West Theatre is showing "Mortal Kombat." Zinema 2 can be reserved for private groups. And Lakes 10 in Hermantown will reopen May 7.

Enjoy an evening on Glensheen's grounds

Oh, Glensheen, you kidder, you. Enjoy an evening shark-watching on the shoreline beside Duluth's favorite Jacobean mansion.

Tonight is the last Wednesday in April, which means it's the last night to join the Shark Watching Society. Grounds admission is free.

Bonfires will be lit. Walking tacos, local cocktails and beer will be on the menu to purchase. Masks are required when not eating, and guests are asked to practice social distancing. See their website for more details.

As of yet, no sharks have been sighted at these events. But you could always be the first.

When: Wednesday, April 28 from 5-8:30 p.m. Address: 3300 London Road. Phone: 218-726-8910. Email: info@glensheen.org. Website: glensheen.org.