I didn't realize it until I went again last night, but I've actually been to this theater a couple of times before... it just wasn't under the auspices of Illusion Theater at the time. The Illusion Theater is housed on the 8th floor of the Hennepin Center for the Arts, which is also home to Zenon Dance Company, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, and many other performing art companies. The building itself was constructed in 1888 and originally housed a Masonic Temple; it now appears on the National Register of Historic Places and is a beautiful example of preserving architectural gems for functional use. The stage at the Illusion is an "end-on" or proscenium space with audience members facing the performance straight on. Seats are ample and comfortable; the area for those using a wheelchair is convenient and easy to access. There's plenty of parking around the theater, but if there's an event going on in the area, look for parking east of Hennepin--you'll save a bundle. On our recent visit, the surface parking lots around the theater were charging $14; just a block away we scored enclosed parking at the 50 South Sixth Street ramp for only five bucks. read more

I've been here twice to see Miss Richfield perform. Based on the interview with the production manager, I'm intrigued to catch other shows here, as well. Unassuming location on the 8th floor of the Hennepin Center for the Arts/Cowles Dance building. The space is perfect - small enough to feel intimate and personal, but large enough to be able to score tickets. The interior is quite understated (read: a bit outdated) but charmingly quaint. A couple of cons: Audiovisual work is quite sub-par. The projection for the show was blurry and dark. Also the drinks are over priced for the service size. All in all, it's a cute hometown theater that deserves patronage for their commitment to local talent. I'll be back. read more

I have been here twice and both times, I thought the same thing when attending. I really like the venue space but I do not like the slow elevator, nor the parking situation. The lighting and sound is above average for this size of Theater. I absolutely love the waiting space. Nicely decorated bistro tables allow you to get cozy while enjoying a view of Minneapolis and sipping a glass of wine or concession of your choice. ( I had a diet coke and hot Cheetos) On that note, on my last visit, I got scolded for going into the house early but the sign on the door said "Now seating rows x-xx, seats 1-10 which I was". The girl was pleasant enough when she came to remove me but they did open the house about ten minutes late. The show was due to start at 7:30 and the doors did not open until 7:40. The staff seems a little snooty and unwelcoming. The ladies that gave us our programs were not friendly at all. Maybe I am just not used to DWTN Minneapolis attitude. Like others say, get the hell out of there when the play is ending. Be the first group on the elevator or else you could be waiting forever unless you want to hoof it down 8 flights of stairs. The elevator is crazy slow!!!!! Although I appreciate the beauty of this Theater and both productions I have seen were excellent, its not my first choice and it will take a very enticing production for me to come here again. read more

Last night, we saw the holiday redux of Always and Forever. Really great fun in a small, intimate setting. The lighting and set design were open and bright, and the performers were funny and engaging; they had the whole crowd clapping and singing along! The location was no problem for us, and it was right next to the bus line for easy access. Leg room was a bit of a premium, particularly for someone tall like myself, but it was a small issue. Check out a show! I also know that they are actively involved with theater education in local schools, and they work hard to help make the arts accessible to children. That's enough to earn it a big thumbs up in my book! read more

Love it! Great location, cute lobby area, and the view from the lobby is truly amazing. The productions are wonderful; they are well acted, well directed, and well produced. I never regret seeing a show here! Dinner and a show make for a perfect evening in downtown Minneapolis. read more

Illusion Theater advertises itself with the succinct slogan "small stage. giant impact". I attended the world premiere of "Only One Sophie" and was absolutely mesmerized for 2 hours as I became enmeshed in the lives of an immigrant Jewish family maneuvering the delicate balance of maintaining historical cultural traditions from Poland while discovering and incorporating the cultural traditions in America. The venue is conveniently located in downtown Minneapolis on the 8th floor of the Hennepin Center for the Arts; street parking can be limited however there are ample parking ramps within a few blocks of the venue. read more

This theater produces original works with great range. Great value in a nice setting, and a worthwhile cause, helping artists bring ideas to life. read more

A nice, small, intimate venue. Good sight lines and acoustics. The only downside to the theater's location on the top floor of HCA is the wait for an elevator at the end of a show. If you don't mind the walk, take the stairs down instead. read more

An intimate setting to enjoy a great performance of Red Resurrected. No props, no costume changes, just animated performances that didn't require them. My first visit, thoroughly enjoyed! read more

An evening of theater at Illusion is always an event of transformation and magic. Make certain you check out the upcoming production of Jeffrey Hatcher's "What's the Word For." read more

What's the Word For A new play by Jeffrey Hatcher Speechless, that's what I am, speechless, as I struggle to find the words for Jeffrey Hatcher's newest play, currently running at the Illusion Theater in Minneapolis through April 20, 2012. Tears, tears streaming down my face, tears of heightened emotions, heightened beyond description, beyond words paralyzed me, a person with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as I watched the story unfold before my very eyes last night. Trembling, trembling with fear and sadness, trembling with gratitude and the utmost respect for the playwright, the actors, the theater company and the sponsors who made this performance possible. Speechless, filled with tears, and trembling, I sit among others in a darkened theater, waiting. Waiting for what? I hold my partner's hand, and I wait. We wait together. A day passed before I become empowered, once again. This is not an easy play. At the beginning, it is slow. It is slow and repetitious. It is slow and repetitious, filled with redundant rituals. It is slow and repetitious, filled with redundant rituals, the daily routines that make life possible, when life as you previously knew has been changed forever. Maybe you are a person who has had a life changing injury such as a Brain Injury or maybe you are a person who cares about and for someone else with a life altering injury or illness. And yes, maybe there is a love beyond all words to describe a love that can survive such devastation. Either way, the loving and the caring for and about each other, can and does go both ways, sometimes. This play shows the tremendous power of such love against all odds. Family, what is family? Is family the ancestral clan into which we are born? Is family the nucleus we create once we reach adulthood and create new biological family? Is family the countless medical providers, who often go without recognition, for helping to save our forever changed and altered lives, those who save the ghost of the person we are, who we were, and who we might have been alone with the new person left to survive? Is family the friends and neighbors and strangers on the street who recognize each other, regardless of similarities or differences? Is family a group of strangers, thrown together into a group home after a debilitating injury or illness, who must learn to get along, not by choice, but by necessity? Is family the people who always stick by you no matter what happens? Is family the individuals or groups of individuals, who get too tired and toss you out to the care of someone else? Or is family anyone you choose to make your own and choose to love again and again, each day, for no particular reason, other than for the fact you do? Crisis, what does one do in a time of crisis? What keeps you calm? What automatic calls does one make? Whom do you avoid in a crisis? Upon whom might you depend during a crisis? What happens when a short term crisis turns into a long term plan of care? What if plans A, B, C.... L, M, N, O, P.... XYZ fall apart and fail, when you or someone you love is in crisis or may be in crisis sometime soon. What happens if you are trying to avoid another's crisis, while also preparing for your own? Can one really ever prepare for a crisis beyond all imagination or just go with the flow? What's the word for a fool proof plan, the genesis on which you can depend, no matter what, so the apple of your eye will survive in the end? If your life or the life of anyone you know and love has been completely changed, due to accident or illness, please see this play. Then tell everyone you know whose lives have been changed by accidents or illnesses, to see this play. Life may never go back to the way it was before, and there are probably more questions than answers, but you are not alone. I think that's the final message of the play. No matter what, we are not alone, and we can often handle more than we ever imagined possible, especially with someone else in our life, who loves us as dearly as we love them, even if we can't always express it, or find the perfect words to say. Thank you Jeffry Hatcher for writing this play! Thank you to the Illusion Theater developing this play during the 2011 Fresh Ink Series. Thank you to the actors, sponsors, and audience members who make each night of theater magical even if tearful. For more information, call 612/339-4944. Discounted tickets are available with the code: CAREWTWF for all evening performances. Contact Raina at info@illusiontheater.org if you cannot afford tickets, need comps, or would like to schedule a group gathering. April 6, 2012 Marie G. Cooney read more

What a wonderful theater, and outstanding theater company! We have seen so many plays here, every better than the last! Their attention to the issues of the day is astounding and their professionalism is fantastic! A must, when visiting the great City of Minneapolis! read more

Great little local theater downtown minneapolis. I saw Always and Forever with my theater class. The theater isnt huge, but it is a nice intimate space for shows. Good performances. read more

Jeffrey Hatcher's Hamlet. Engaging, funny, poignant. Loved it! Bravo! Jeffrey Hatcher was brilliant and as a woman who has to write down, read and then can still barely get through speaking the 7 second message on my voice mail his unwavering, spot on delivery was amazing. The added bonus is the wonderful, small theater with great acoustics and visual lines. Go see this play and better yet, support this theater! read more