Courtesy of Children's Theatre Company
Minnesota’s world-class arts and theater scene isn’t just for grownups; it’s important for kids to get to watch—or participate in—live performances, too. Minneapolis’ Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) recently announced its slate of performances for the 2026-2027 theater season. The list includes annual favorites like “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” plus two world premieres and a Broadway smash hit.
“This season at Children’s Theatre Company is about becoming—about the moment when a young person realizes they have agency in shaping who they are and how they move through the world,” CTC artistic director Rick Dildine said in a recent press release. “Across beloved stories, bold new worlds, and music-driven theatrical events, we’re inviting audiences to experience joy, grapple with big emotions, and see themselves reflected onstage.”
One of the brand-new productions having its premiere at CTC this fall is “Twelve Kinds of Ice,” a musical by Ben Steinfeld. The story follows Ellen as she remembers childhood winters with her father—and their ice rink—and copes with themes of grief and friendship. “‘Twelve Kinds of Ice’ trusts young audiences with emotional depth in a way that feels both rare and necessary,” Dildine says.
The second world premiere of the season is “Princess Kay of the Milky Way,” a joyful musical set in 1980 that centers on the Berglunds, a Minnesota family exploring the State Fair—butter heads, 4H competitions, and bottomless milk included. “I’m thrilled to channel my love for all things Minnesota and bring together audiences of all ages to celebrate what unifies us and makes this great state unique,” says director Addie Gorlin-Han.
Courtesy of Children's Theatre Company
Here’s the full lineup for Children’s Theatre Company’s 2026-2027 season:
“Pinocchio”
Sept. 8–Oct. 18, 2026
Best for ages 5–10
“Twelve Kinds of Ice”
Oct. 13–Nov. 22, 2026
Best for ages 10 and up
“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
Nov. 3, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027
Best for ages 5 and up
“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical”
Jan. 12–Feb. 7, 2027
Best for ages 4–7
“Havana Hop”
Part of CTC’s Discovery Series
Jan. 22–31, 2027
Best for ages 2–6
“Princess Kay of the Milky Way”
Feb. 23–April 4, 2027
Best for ages 7 and up
“Mr. Messado’s School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart”
Part of CTC’s Discovery Series
March 12–21, 2027
Best for ages 5–12
“School of Rock The Musical”
May 4–June 27, 2027
Best for ages 10 and up
“Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar”
Part of CTC’s Discovery Series
May 14–23, 2027
Best for ages 7 and up
Tickets and season subscriptions are on sale now. childrenstheatre.org
