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The Anderson Center presents Crocus Hill Ghost Story, a collaborative live performance by new music ensemble Zeitgeist, writer Cheri Johnson, and narrator KrisAnne Weiss in the Tower View Barn at the Anderson Center in Red Wing, MN on Thursday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. A macabre tale of a house possessed that is accompanied by a wildly evocative and colorful score, Crocus Hill Ghost Story explores the complex relationship between two longtime friends and the evolution of their relationship as they experience a haunting. Suitable for teenagers through adults.
In order to help ensure the health and safety of patrons and artists, seating is physically distanced and limited to 25% of venue capacity as per state guidance. Face coverings are required. A pedestrian traffic flow route helps ensure physical distancing. Commercial self-cleaning, bi-polar air ionizers have been installed in all ductwork servicing the Tower View Barn and common areas of the Anderson Center’s Main Building complex. Lastly, the film component has been eliminated for this performance and the music has been rearranged to remove the flute parts.
Always eager to explore new artistic frontiers, Zeitgeist regularly collaborates with poets, choreographers, directors, visual artists and sound artists of all types to create imaginative new work that challenges the boundaries of traditional chamber music. “We’re all about creating and performing brand new things, ” shares Zeitgeist Co-Director Heather Barringer.
Telling the story of a Summit Avenue mansion with a disreputable past and unwelcome spirits, Crocus Hill Ghost Story was inspired by award-winning writer/teacher Cheri Johnson’s experiences living in a Saint Paul mansion during the 1980s.
The score, described as “wildly evocative and colorful,” is performed by Zeitgeist – Barringer and Patti Cudd on percussion, Pat O’Keefe on woodwinds and Nicola Melville on piano.
Merging with the music is the story, as narrated by Krisanne Weiss, a Twin Cities singer/actor. “We’ve worked with her a number of times before,” Barringer adds.
Putting those two elements together, she said, and “It’s pretty spooky.” At the same time, the show leaves room for people to reach their own conclusions about what happened on Crocus Hill.
“We’re really excited to be back at the Anderson Center” for the third time, Barringer notes. Previously Zeitgeist and Kevin Kling performed here, and last year they collaborated with Nirmala Rajasekar.
“Crocus Hill Ghost Story” is suitable for teenagers through adults. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for students and seniors, $5 for Anderson Center members. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.