The Ladies Culture Club

The Ladies Culture Club logo - by Marcia Norstebon Davis

A few years ago a was wishing I had friends to go with me to cultural events.  I had studied Shakespeare and English Literature in college and loved going to an occasional play.  Then I thought, "I have a whole pool of female friends in my sisters, in-laws, daughter, etc."  So, I called it the "Ladies Culture Club" and started recruiting for events.

Year One, several of us went to an afternoon showing of Hamlet, the last show at the old Guthrie in Minneapolis, MN.   We always laugh and will never forget, as Hamlet's mother Gertrude picks up the glass of poisoned wine toward the end, a lady in front of us shrieked, "Don't Drink It!"  (Alas, she had no impact and Gertrude died an agonizing death, as did most everyone else). Afterwards we went to dinner at (Rock Bottom Brewery?), then drove back to my place (3.5+ hrs), exhausted but happy.  Sandy, Mary, Marcia, (who all went?)

Year Two:  I believe that was the year The Wedding Singer came to the Orpheum.  I was so excited because I loved Adam Sandler in the movie version.  Well, suffice it to say, it was worse than any "Beach Blanket Bingo" or bad '60's teen movie.  Still, we had fun just being together.  We had dinner at the same restaurant as year one, Rock Bottom Brewery.  (Yes, downtown Minneapolis...we certainly had more choices!).  Nevertheless, it was a fun time...back on the road that night to my house. Marcia, Mary and ....

Year Three:  CATS! with grandson Ian & daughter Brenda.  Enjoyed it.  Brenda said Seattle version was better. Went to Mall of America and had lunch at Tiger Sushi.

Year Four:  Jesus Christ Superstar with the original actor, Ted Neely on his final tour.  Attendees: Mary, Becky, Karen, Kim and Sara I think; Marcia and Brenda,  That was the year we ate at Hells Kitchen.

Year Five:  The Phantom of the Opera (who went and where did we eat?)

WAIT!  Somewhere in here we had SPA DAY at Sorrelas in Perham, MN.  Wine, snacks and ladies drew their SPA treat out of a hat.   Mary, Becky, Karen, Sara, Kim, Brenda and Darcy. MAybe it's NINE YEARS.  ?

Year Six:  Firefly Ballet in Duluth - Minnesota Ballet. I had never gone to a ballet before.  The main show "Firefly" was enjoyable, the lead in events were, alas, very amateurish. Tour of the Glensheen mansion was absolutely fabulous!   Shopping was fun.  Dinner was rather forgettable ( I made a bad choice, my dinner was pancake syrup, pecans, (figs?) and some kind of meat-they did NOT go together),  the company was great, breakfast was absolutely fabulous at Duluth's (cannot recall the name).  Becky and Ryan recommended it: 2-thumbs up.  Becky was a great chauffeur.  Loved walking around & shopping. Attendees: Brenda, Trista, Sammie, Mary, Becky,

Marcia tries out for the Firefly Ballet...

Year Seven:  "The Gangster Tour" in St. Paul with a Limousine Service.  What a HOOT! Marcia, Carol, Judy and Brenda attended.  The hotel we stayed at was fabulous (one day I will remember the name) and we had a great dinner downtown Minneapolis at McCormick & Schmicks.

Year Eight (or Nine): "Mary Poppins" at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, Chanhassen MN with Mary, Becky, Brenda and Kim.  A wonderful show, great dinner and a good time shopping the next day.

Chanhassen Dinner Theater art

In the interim I have gone with Bailey & daughter Allie and my friend Lori to Romeo and Juliet at the Detroit Lakes, MN Shakespeare in the Park.  Brenda and I went to Pride and Prejudice at the Guthrie in 2013.  Next time I want to go to some boutiques shopping so we find something unique.

Years 9-12?:  Pride and Prejudice at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis with Brenda; Camelot at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater with Brenda; David, Sue and I went to the Chanhassen for the musical Grease and the same weekend they took me to the Renaissance Festival for my first time! I Hate Hamlet with cousin Judy at the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater & The Shining with Brenda, same place. I still want to go to an OPERA.

Now that I write this down, I am so thankful for the ladies in my family and our friends.  It's always a good time!