"Talentless" law students take on Shakespeare

More than 100 “talentless” University of Minnesota Law School Students will perform a Shakespeare inspired musical, “A Midsemester Night’s Dream,” this weekend at Pantages Theatre in Downtown Minneapolis.
The eighth annual musical is a product of the Theatre of the Relatively Talentless (TORT) student organization, put on by Minneapolis-based law firm, Leonard, Street and Deinard.
It is written, directed and produced by current University law students who are also encouraged to sing, act and dance, regardless of performing ability.
T.O.R.T. made their debut in 2003 because the law students wanted a “creative release and a chance to do something other than law,” co-producer Michael Pangborn said.
Past performances have included “It’s a Wonderful Law School,” “Robin Hood, Esq.,” and “Frankenlaw,” which have featured influential figures from former Vice President Walter Mondale to Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Continuing this T.O.R.T. tradition, this year’s musical will feature another cameo by Mondale at Friday night’s performance, appearing along with U.S. District Court Judge John R. Tunheim, and the Law School Dean, David Wippman.
The drama-filled and comedic performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and will include “love tangles” and riffs between first and third-year law students.
“[We’re] able to make fun of the law school,” Pangborn said. “This is our one weekend to have fun.”