Size is in the eye of the beholder. While not the largest theater in the Twin Cities, the Jungle is easily one of the most ambitious, providing a steady stream of well-staged and -imagined productions. Last year was a particularly banner one for the Jungle—including two of the year's best productions, The Syringa Tree (back for another run in July) and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The Jungle's success isn't just about the acting onstage, it's found in every piece of the theater's production. From the always-gorgeous sets to innovative sound and lighting design to a willingness to use more experimental techniques, Jungle shows are feasts for the senses. Even when the elements don't come together as a coherent whole, the pieces always provide a reason to head to Lyn-Lake for an evening. Though theater founder Bain Boelhke is spending 2009 away from the Jungle, Joel Sass—responsible for both of the shows mentioned above—is a more than able steward.