The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

THEATER
Grey Gardens

The fascinating true story of Jackie Kennedy Onassis' eccentric relatives comes to life in the form of a musical! Part comedy, part tragedy, this play, based on the famed documentary, Grey Gardens tells the tale of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter "Little Edie," who made headlines in the 1970s for their reclusive behavior. The first half of the play revisits the glory days of the family, when their 28-room estate in the Hamptons was the crown jewel of the social scene. The second half fast-forwards to 1973, and finds the mother-daughter duo (Wendy Lehr and Christina Baldwin in this Act II) living in squalor as the once pristine manse crumbles around them -- bringing their mental health down with it. This production is a whirlwind of catchy musical numbers, smart (and sometimes crazy) fashion, humor, hardship, love, and desperate emotion. Wendy Lehr shines as the elderly "Big Edie" Bouvier Beale, flipping believably between selfish, hard-nosed antagonist and senstive, overbearing mother.  This beautifully produced theatrical endeavor runs through May 17th.

And this just in: Wendy Lehr was awarded the prestigious Sally Award last night (named for Sally Orway Irvine) for her commitment to performance and the arts.  Lehr's fans - from her time with the Children's Theater to her turns with the Guthie and Jungle and other local theaters - applaud her many personal contributions within her public roles.

The Ordway, McKnight Theater, 345 Washington Street N, St. Paul, $40-$45

LECTURE
Insights: Ellen Lupton

The Walker Art Center welcomes a lecture from contemporary design guru and AIGA Gold Medal winner, Ellen Lupton, as part of their 2009 Insights design lecture series. Emerged in the realms of creative design, Lupton's career encompasses all aspects including practice, criticism, education and curating. She serves as the director for both the Center for Design Thinking and the Graphic Design MFA program at Maryland's Institute College of Art; has organized numerous exhibits as curator for National Design Museum, Cooper-Hewitt; and is a regular columnist for Readymade magazine. With editorial illustrations published in The New York Times and a collection of best-selling DIY design books, Lupton juxtaposes the profession world of design with an easily digestible, everyday appeal. Don't miss this unique "insight" into the ever-progressing field of design. -Juleana Enright

7 p.m., Walker Art Center Cinema, 1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, $20 ($15 AIGA/Walker Members, $ 10 Students)

MUSIC
Convergence

Jon Hester's popular DJ night, Convergence, finds a new home at upscale Loring Park eatery, Nick and Eddie. Well-known for his repertoire of ambiance-enhancing underground dance music and live saxaphone performances, Hester is quite prepared to take on this unlikely venue. Sit at the bar and enjoy Nick & Eddie's collection of fantastic art; listen to great music on over 300 speakers (yes, really); and nosh on some of the tastiest food in town. With a very reasonably priced bar menu featuring such fare as the spicy steak sandwich, smoked chicken tacos, baked gnocchi and much more. Drinks will flow as well, with $3 draft beers and 1/2 off rails all night.

10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Nick & Eddie, 1612 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, Free