Hennepin Arts rolled out the red carpet last night for an unforgettable evening, unveiling its highly anticipated Broadway Across America 2025-2026 season to an audience of sponsors, donors, media, and theater enthusiasts. Hosted by KARE 11’s Alicia Lewis and Jason Hackett, the announcement event was filled with powerhouse musical performances, heartfelt messages, and a shared passion for theater. The season was introduced by Hennepin Arts President & CEO Todd Duesing and Bank of America Minnesota President Lucas Giambelluca, marking the financial institution’s tenth year as the program’s presenting sponsor.
“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” is leading the new season, opening in September 2025. Other major productions include a 50th-anniversary revival of “The Wiz,” which was announced with a soulful live performance by Carrie Compere; “Water for Elephants,” a theatrical adaptation of the best-selling novel; and the timeless classic “Phantom of the Opera.” Rounding out the season is the play adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” which promises to bring its spellbinding stagecraft to Minneapolis.
Photo by Matthew Murphy/Courtesy of Hennepin Arts
A standout moment of the evening was a stirring rendition of “Keep Marching” from the Tony-winning musical “Suffs,” performed by Ally Bonino, fresh from her Broadway run with the show. The audience was further delighted by a special video message from Minnesota native Ryan McCartan, who currently stars as Jay Gatsby on Broadway, sharing his excitement for “The Great Gatsby”’s upcoming tour stop in his home state.
Adding to the local pride, “Shucked” was introduced with a performance by original Broadway cast member Caroline Innerbichler, a Twin Cities native with roots at the Guthrie and Ordway theaters. A past participant in Hennepin Arts’ Spotlight Showcase Awards, Innerbichler’s journey from Minnesota high school performer to Broadway star was an inspiring highlight of the night.
The announcement wrapped up on a high note with a rousing sing-along to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”, led by Broadway cast member Chris Clark. Audience members stood together, singing and swaying to the beloved anthem, leaving the theater buzzing with excitement for the upcoming season.
Photo by Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman/Courtesy of Hennepin Arts
Beyond the main season lineup, Hennepin Arts also announced several return engagements that, while not part of the standard season ticket package, will surely draw eager crowds. Fan favorites “Les Misérables,” “Chicago,” and “Wicked” will all be making their way back to Minneapolis. While already announced earlier in 2024, the upcoming world premiere of “Purple Rain” is set to be a highlight of the season—an electrifying tribute to Minnesota legend Prince, which will make its debut in the city that shaped his legacy.
Shows and dates listed below:
- A Beautiful Noise, Sept. 30-Oct. 5, 2025
- The Phantom of the Opera, Nov. 21-Dec. 7, 2025
- The Wiz, Dec. 16-21, 2025
- Shucked, Jan. 6-11, 2026
- Water for Elephants, March 3-8, 2026
- Suffs, April 7-12, 2026
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, April 25-May 23, 2026
- The Great Gatsby, June 2-7, 2026
- Chicago, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2026
- Les Misérables, Feb. 17-22, 2026
- Wicked, July 8-Aug. 9, 2026
