Spring is a great time for theater in Minnesota -- and here are three brand new productions, and each will cost you about the same as a movie and a jumbo popcorn.

Michael Sommers continues to work his special magic at the Open Eye Figure Theatre. For the company’s latest work, "Dummy, a Display," Sommers teams up with Robert Rosen -- one of the founders of Theatre de la Jeune Lune -- and Elise Langer for an exploration of the world of early TV kids shows. Considering Open Eye’s dedication to puppetry, you can guess what kind of kids’ show is being explored. No matter the springboard, expect plenty of innovative and thought-provoking work from these talented artists.

"Dummy, a Display" opens Friday and runs through May at the Open Eye Figure Theatre, 506 E. 24th St., Minneapolis. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors. While the show is recommended for those 13 and up, a special matinee, “Dummy for Kids - A Variety Show” runs May 16 and 23 and is for all ages. For information, call 612-874-6338 or visit online.

'Chaplin' at Sabes Center
Jon Ferguson, another innovative Minnesota (by way of England) director, also explores the world of physical comedy with the world premiere of “Chaplin: The Son of Isadore and Hanna Thornstein” at the Sabes Jewish Community Center in Minneapolis.

Deborah Stein’s play takes the rumor that Chaplin was the son of Polish Jews and explores how that could have influenced other artists in the 1920s. The cast includes a number of Guthrie BFA actors and a pair of local teen performers.

"Chaplin: The Son of Isadore and Hanna Thornstein" runs May 2-17 at the Sabes JCC’s Dolly and Edward Fiterman Theatre, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Road, Minneapolis. Tickets are $12 to $20. For information, call 952.381.3499 or visit online.

'How I Learned to Drive'
Workhouse Theatre, a little company that can, continues its season with Paula Vogel’s 1998 Pulitzer Prize winning "How I Learned to Drive." Steven Bucko directs the production. The cast includes Jaime Kleiman as ‘Lil Bit and Michael Jurenek as the ever-present and eerily tender Uncle Peck; as well as a “Greek Chorus” trio (Linda Sue Anderson, Kristen Bucko, Josh Vogen) that assume roles in a variety of scenes that chronicle ‘Lil Bit’s growth to womanhood.

"How I Learned to Drive" runs May 1 to 16 at the Warren, 4400 Osseo Road, Minneapolis. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For information, call 612-386-5763 or visit online.