Why should I see your show? 'Tesla' vs. 'Sylvia'

It’s great to have a lot of options, but the sheer volume of local theater can be overwhelming to even the most avid art lover. Every week we give representatives from two local productions a chance to tell us why their show should be at the top of your list. It’s only the second week of this feature and already we have an indoor lightning storm versus a foul-mouthed dog. Director Josh Cragun makes the case for nimbus theatre’s production of Tesla while Yellow Tree Theatre founder Jessica Lind Peterson speaks up for the company’s new staging of Sylvia. JOSH CRAGUN FOR TESLA Out of all the shows going on this weekend, why should I see yours? Nikola Tesla was one of history's most interesting figures. He invented much of the world we live in, was a mad scientist-type genius, was friends with some of history's most interesting people, and yet died almost forgotten. We tell the compelling story of his life. Six of the Twin Cities most talented actors bring life to dozens of characters in just two hours and cover an entire lifetime. Mark Twain, Sarah Bernhardt, Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse are but a few of the characters in the play. Watching these rock stars move at a brisk pace between convincing and individual character portrayals is a joy in and of itself. We have lightning on stage. For real, not a visual effect, lightning. Come on. Will I laugh? Absolutely. The play is a drama, but there are some very funny moments. Will I cry? The play has many touching moments. Tesla's story is a tragedy, in the traditional sense. A great man who rises to power and because of a few fatal flaws, falls to the lowest depths. But it is an uplifting tragedy, because his legacy lives on in our daily lives. You will be touched but not left empty. A drama of the best sort. Will I feel weird if I bring my grandma? No. She'll love it. Other than women playing men, a lot of our story telling is traditional: puppets, shadow play, and such. It's about history, and a good story to boot. Who shouldn’t come see this show? I think the show may be hard to follow, and quite frankly, a little dense, for kids under the age of 8 or so. We've had some teens who have just loved the show, so the older ones will be fine. Also, Neo-Luddites and radical pro-Edison partisans. JESSICA LIND PETERSON FOR SYLVIA Out of all the shows going on this weekend, why should I see yours? You should see Sylvia because you have never seen an anyone chase their tail and cuss out a kitty cat like Mary Fox. She is one of the most talented and hilarious actors we have come across in the Twin Cities and she kills it in her role as the mischievous, foul-mouthed stray dog. We brought Sylvia back after doing it in our inaugural season four years ago because people keep calling us demanding we produce it again. We have an incredible cast, including returning cast members Mary Fox and Sean Byrd, as well as the talented Katie Wodele and Tristan Tifft. And the show is just pure fun. I mean, who doesn't want to see a dog hurling an f-bomb at a passing kitty cat? It's hilarious. Will I laugh? Yes. You will probably piddle in your pants. Don't be embarrassed. We will have mops ready. Will I cry? Yes. You will remember Sparky - your trusty old family Springer Spaniel - who saw you through your misunderstood tween years, was your best friend during your zit phase even though he sometimes humped your stuffed giraffe. You will remember he was the only living creature who understood you and how sad you were when he died after all the hair on his neck mysteriously fell off. You will cry for Sparky and really really hope with all your might that the "Rainbow Bridge" actually exists. Will I feel weird if I bring my grandma? No. In fact, you will feel weird if you don't bring your grandma. She will be devastated you went without her, call you from her rotary phone and leave you eight seething messages demanding that you go again and take her with you. Then you will have to meet her at Perkins before the matinee for their Butterball Turkey Dinner. Which you will split. Who shouldn’t come see this show? Toddlers, dog-haters or anyone who is offended by the word "hump."