Minneapolis Musical Theatre’s “Head Over Heels” brings purple pumps, mistaken identities, and the music of The Go-Go’s to Northeast Minneapolis’ Lush Lounge and Theater.
Artistic Director Andrew Newman and actors Bridget Benson and Erin Grams sat down with Jim Pounds to discuss the show which opens September 18 and runs through October 10. Article continues below.
Watch our conversation
Welcomed without judgement
MMT Artistic Director Andrew Newman said “Head Over Heels” is “such a joyful celebration of love in all of its forms.”
The goal for producers and the cast is to create a space where queer folks can come without judgement.
“The queer community is facing a lot of stress,” Newman said. “What we want is for you to come to Lush, which is a great place for the queer community to gather and have an amazing time forgetting your troubles and listening to some amazing music and seeing some amazing performers.”
They have the beat
“Head Over Heels” features the best music of The Go-Go’s, including their hits “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “We Got the Beat,” “Automatic Rainy Day,” and “Vacation.”
The story centers on a royal family who live in pastoral Arcadia and it explores queer relationships through mistaken identities, cross-dressing, and romantic confusion.
Bridget Benson plays Pamela, the royal family’s eldest daughter. According to Benson, while Pamela is seeking suitors in marriage, she realizes she does not want to be married to a man.
“The more men she meets, she realizes that that is not her path in life, and it’s a big problem. It’s a big problem, but she doesn’t understand why,” Benson said.
Erin Grams plays Mapsa, who is Pamela’s friend and a lady in waiting. She too is also trying to find herself in Arcadia’s restrictive society.
“It’s like, ‘How can I be myself while fulfilling what is expected of me?'” Grams said.
Part of the problem for the characters is that they lack the vocabulary to describe their lived experiences.
“Something I love about this story, and the characters that are in it, is that they do not have words for their queerness, for who they find themselves to be in totality,” Grams said. “Exploring that in a empowering and loving way is something I find so touching and loving.”
1980s Pop Meets Classical Text
Switching from 1980s pop music to Shakespearean-classical-style dialogue brings challenges and opportunities.
“Jumping from prose into repetitive pop music can be a challenge,” Grams said. “But the beauty in that challenge is that you have that restriction to play in, and you have to embody your motivation. That is empowering in its own way.”
Benson added that Director Kari Steinbach asked the cast not to deliver their lines like Shakespearean actors. Instead the actors speak regularly.
“The way we’re delivering them feels very 2026,” Benson said. “[And] every single song as you watch the show, it really hits the moment of the character and it really takes you on a wonderful ride.”
Newman said that he’s been delighted getting to know the characters as he’s watched the show’s run-throughs.
“You’ve seen these types of characters before,” he said. “Like a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ type of character […] and it’s so touching watching these characters find each other and be able to celebrate finding each other. I feel like a lot of times we see these kind of love stories end in tragedy and that’s not what the show is about.”
Benson advises audiences to pay special attention to Michael Terrell Brown’s 1980s themed choreography.
“There are also a lot of dance Easter eggs inside the choreography, so you’ll have to check it out if you can spot it,” she said.
Lush’s Intimate Club Atmosphere
Mary Cay Stone leads the production’s five-piece band at the queer-owned, two-room venue in Northeast Minneapolis. According to Newman, the theater features a small stage but long runway through the audience which allows cast members to interact with the audience.
“We’re trying to make this show as much of a night out at a club as it possibly can be because that’s what it feels like,” Newman said. “And to do it at Lush is the perfect place to do it because everyone has a good time there.”
Lush will offer bar service and its full kitchen for each show.
“Head Over Heels” runs September 18 through October 10. For tickets and more information visit https://www.aboutmmt.org.
