photo by alexander.yakovlev-fotolia
Here in Minnesota, the arts aren’t just for captivating audiences; they are part of our DNA. Our rich history of performers, from vaudeville troupes in the late 1800s to theater giant Sir Tyrone Guthrie and music icons Prince and Bob Dylan, has cultivated the diverse arts scene Minnesota is proud to showcase today.
More than 75 theater companies, 20 dance studios, and two professional orchestras make up only some of the entertainment possibilities. We have operas, a thriving theater district, and national tours and local talent in all of the performing arts. On top of that are award-winning museums, thought-provoking art galleries, comedy clubs, cultural exhibits, and a plethora of music and art festivals. If you want a show to knock your socks off, you’re in the right place.
Disney’s Newsies
photo courtesy chanhassen dinner theatres
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
50 Years
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is thrilled to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2018. Since opening its doors in October 1968, CDT has entertained nearly 12.5 million guests and self-produced 246 theatrical productions on its multiple stages. Whether it’s just a fun night out or if you’re marking your own special occasion, CDT is considered a favorite one-stop dining and entertainment destination for audiences of all ages.
Concert Series
photo courtesy chanhassen dinner theatres
2018-2019 Season Highlights
Now playing through September 29, don’t miss Disney’s Newsies. Inspired by the real-life 1899 Newsboys’ Strike in New York City, this thrilling musical is jam-packed with astounding choreography and triumphant music. The kids selling the newspapers on the streets of New York take on the publishing giants in a fight for justice that will have you on your feet, rooting for the underdog.
Later this fall, visit CDT for the regional premiere of Holiday Inn (October 5-February 23)—the new Irving Berlin musical. Holiday Inn celebrates seven different holidays, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. Jim leaves the bright lights of show business and joins Linda, a spunky school teacher. The two combine talents and turn a farmhouse into a fabulous seasonal inn with spectacular musical performances to celebrate each holiday.
Cot Main Stage
photo courtesy chanhassen dinner theatres
Opening March 2019 will be the Broadway musical blockbuster, Mamma Mia!
Aside from the stage musicals, enjoy CDT’s Concert Series, Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret, or Brindisi’s Pub. CDT also offers distinctive, elegant wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 300 guests in recently updated banquet spaces.
Upcoming Dates
Through Sept. 29; Oct. 5-Feb. 23
Silent Night
photo by michal daniel
Minnesota Opera
Opera That Unites
Opera has the unique power to celebrate our common humanity and create an unwavering bond between artists, audience, and community. Every piece and part harmoniously combine to create an opera season full of joy, vulnerability, love, laughter, and hope. We invite you to join us—the season won’t be the same without you!
2018-2019 Season Highlights
La Rondine (October 6-14): This romantic and nostalgic opera tells the story of an unlikely relationship between Magda, a high-society woman and a naïve, handsome poet. Puccini’s achingly beautiful music charmingly conveys the bliss and irrational desires of unexpected lovers, reveling in the gaiety of Paris, the stinging sorrow of regret, and the sensual richness of love.
Silent Night
photo by michal daniel
Silent Night (November 10-18): Minnesota Opera’s international sensation makes its homecoming, honoring the centennial of World War I’s conclusion. Recounting a miraculous moment of peace during one of the bloodiest wars in human history, Scottish, French, and German officers defy their superiors and negotiate a Christmas Eve truce. The Pulitzer-Prize winning music underscores the yearning, despair, and hope of the soldiers living in the trenches.
Additional shows include, The Italian Straw Hat, an uproarious comedy (January 26-February 3); The Fix, based on the notorious World Series scandal of 1919 (March 16-24); and La Traviata, the romantic story that inspired Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge (May 4-19).
English translations are projected above the stage for every performance.
Upcoming Dates
Oct. 6-14; Nov. 10-18; Jan. 26-Feb. 3
Minnesota Orchestra
photo by courtney perry
Minnesota Orchestra
Who We Are
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century and led by Music Director Osmo Vänskä, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles. The Minnesota Orchestra is known for its distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, radio broadcasts, and educational engagement programs; and visionary commitment to building the orchestral repertoire of tomorrow.
2018–2019 Season Highlights
The Minnesota Orchestra’s 2018-2019 season runs from September 2018 through June 2019. Season highlights include a three-week January festival spotlighting American music and performances by more than three dozen guest soloists and conductors, including pianists Emanuel Ax (September 21-22) and Stephen Hough (April 4-6), and violinist Gil Shaham (October 18-19).
Music director Osmo Vanska
photo by travis anderson photo
The Movies and Music series features the Orchestra playing the award-winning scores live on stage for Star Wars: A New Hope (January 3-6), Jurassic Park (November 24-25), Star Trek Into Darkness (March 29-30), and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert (October 26-28).
The Live at Orchestra Hall series features Orchestra performances with Dessa (October 5-6), Kristin Chenoweth (January 19), Indigo Girls (February 15), Igudesman & Joo (May 11), and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club (November 10).
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 21-22; Oct. 18-19; Oct. 26-28
David Rousseve/Reality
photo by rose eichenbaum
Northrop
Who We Are
Located in the heart of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, Northrop is a center of discovery and transformation through world-class dance and music performances, speakers, films, exhibits, and more.
2018-2019 Season Highlights
Northrop’s 2018-2019 season features nine remarkable dance companies, a new music series, and a special ice-dancing season finale. The dance season includes the return of audience favorites The Joffrey Ballet (March 2-3), Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (March 12), and American Ballet Theatre (April 2). The season’s three ballet presentations will all feature live music, including a special partnership with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. The music series highlights Northrop’s newly restored Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ with concerts by the Minnesota Orchestra (October 12-13) and organist Nathan Laube (December 4), as well as a commemorative Veterans Day concert, Lest We Forget (November 11).
Ballet Hispanico
photo by paula lobo
Special Discounts
For the best seats at the best prices, affordable installment billing, easy parking reservations, and more, become a series subscriber. Northrop offers a variety of packages, including options ranging from all nine dance season events to smaller seasonal packages that offer new ways to fit dance into your calendar. Northrop also offers $30 Under 30 tickets for younger patrons and includes a free drink, 50% off for children 17 and younger, and 15-25% savings for groups of 10 or more.
Upcoming Dates
Oct. 4; Oct. 12-13; Nov. 3
Matt Kopec (Buddy) and the cast of Elf the Musical
photo by joan marcus
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Who We Are
One of the leading nonprofit performing arts centers in the country, the Ordway hosts a variety of performances each year. With a mission to be a community magnet that attracts audiences and artists and creates unforgettable shared experiences, the Ordway’s Music Theater and Concert Hall showcase the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance, and vocal artists.
2018 Fall Season Highlights
• Don’t miss nine-time Grammy winner and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band (September 23)
• Rock out with Jake Shimabukuro as he redefines ukulele music—performing everything from traditional Hawaiian tunes to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (September 27)
• Laugh along with comedian Maria Bamford, star of the Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, lauded as one of 2016’s must-see shows by Variety and Rolling Stone (October 20)
• Back by popular demand, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, featuring guest MC Kurtis Blow, is a contemporary reimagining of the holiday classic (November 20-21)
• Get in the holiday spirit with the hilarious tale of Buddy the elf in Elf the Musical (December 5-30)
Ringo Starr
photo by rob shanahan
Show Your Support
Attend a performance, purchase a gift card, or make a tax-deductible gift. Contact 651-224-4222 or visit ordway.org for tickets.
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 23; Sept. 27; Oct. 20
Lee Brice
photo courtesy shooting star casino
Shooting Star Casino
Who We Are
Shooting Star Casino, Hotel, and Event Center in Mahnomen, Minnesota is home to a 73,000-square-foot, Las Vegas-style casino floor; a 15,000-square-foot concert venue; nearly 30,000 square feet of event space; a 386-room luxury hotel and spa; and award-winning dining establishments. Shooting Star Casino opened its second location in Bagley, Minnesota in August 2016, complete with 170 slot machines and the Little Dipper Bar & Grill.
2018-2019 Season Highlights
Some of the biggest names in entertainment from countless genres perform at Shooting Star Casino’s state-of-the-art events venue. For the 2018-2019 season, concertgoers can expect a diverse, star-studded lineup that includes the country star Lee Brice (September 21), Gary Allen (November 9), the Grammy Award-nominated REO Speedwagon (December 7), and many more acts that are sure to bring the house down. The events venue also serves as the location of the ever-popular paranormal convention, ParaCon (October 11-13), each fall and the Wedding Extravaganza (March 2019) each spring.
photo courtesy shooting star casino
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased by phone at 1-800-313-SHOW (7469), online at starcasino.com/tickets, or via the “Buy Tickets” tab on Shooting Star Casino’s Facebook page: facebook.com/ShootingStarCasino.
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 21; Oct. 11-13; Nov. 9
Masquerade Dance Theater
photo courtesy ames center
Ames Center
Who We Are
Since January 2009, the Ames Center in Burnsville has been your “South of the River” entertainment destination. It features a 1,014-seat Masquerade Dance Theater and 150-seat Black Box Theater, a 2,000-square-foot art gallery, and event spaces. The two-story lobby features walls of windows affording views of Nicollet Commons Park, the Minnesota River Valley, and the Minneapolis Skyline.
2018 Fall Season Highlights
• Get the Led Out, dubbed the “American Led Zeppelin,” on September 21
• Legendary English balladeer Engelbert Humperdinck on September 30
• World-renowned saxophonist Kenny G on October 14
• Matt Vee Family & Friends celebrate the iconic Neil Diamond with I Am, He Said on October 27
• Embrace the holiday spirit with Twin Cities Ballet’s A Minnesota Nutcracker December 7-9, Emmy-award winning a cappella quartet Tonic Sol-fa on December 11, wildly-imaginative Rhythmic Circus’ Holiday Shuffle on December 14-15, and piano sensation Jim Brickman on December 27
Tickets
Purchase tickets at the John & Betty Adamich Box Office on the first floor of the Ames Center, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-982-2787.
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 21; Sept. 30; Oct. 14
Elf Jr
photo by twin cities headshots
Ashland Productions
Who We Are
Ashland Productions fosters the development of youth in the Twin Cities through a balanced emphasis on quality theater arts training, personal mentoring, and leadership development both on and off the stage.
2018-2019 Season Highlights
• Featured Shows: Adult performers work alongside children and teens throughout a rehearsal and performance process to create cross-generational mentoring opportunities. Upcoming performances include, We Will Rock You (September 14-16), Annie (November 9-December 2), Newsies (January 18-February 2), Press Start (February 15-17), and more.
• ACT! (Ashland Collaborative Theatre): Impacting more than 4,000 students since 2009, this program introduces elementary school students to theater by providing an immersive rehearsal experience, culminating in a full-scale production on the Ashland Productions stage.
• Workshops and Classes: Students build on their theater skills to help prepare for auditions, improve their dance abilities, and strengthen their vocals.
Support Ashland
Become a donor or sponsor and help keep this community theater going strong. For more information, call Rob Sutherland, Artistic Director at 651-383-8113.
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 14-16; Nov. 9-Dec. 2; Jan. 18-Feb. 2
The Classic Nutcracker
photo by dave trayers
Ballet Minnesota
Who We Are
Ballet Minnesota carries a rich legacy beginning with the dance backgrounds of the two co-founders and husband-wife team, Andrew and Cheryl Rist. Following their own careers as professional dancers, the Rists’ opened the Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota (school for ages 4-18) in 1987, officially adding their professional dance company, Ballet Minnesota, in 1990.
2018-2019 Season Highlights
Every winter, more than 10,000 audience members see Ballet Minnesota’s performance of The Classic Nutcracker (December 14-16) at The O’Shaughnessy. Every detail of this centuries-old Christmas fairytale creates a magical experience for people young and seasoned. The classical ballet story told through Andrew Rist’s choreography delights audiences, leaving them smiling and humming Tchaikovsky’s musical score. For tickets, contact the O’Shaughnessy Box Office at 651-690-6700 or visit balletminnesota.org.
Community Outreach
Ballet Minnesota carries out its mission to bring the art of dance to new audiences throughout the Twin Cities by offering three weekday shows every year to school groups and community groups at a reduced price of $5/per ticket. For special group matinee tickets, contact balletmngrouptickets@gmail.com.
Upcoming Dates
Dec. 14-16
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
photo by kaitlin randolph
Children’s Theatre Company
Who We Are
Serving nearly 275,000 people annually, Children’s Theatre Company creates spectacular theater experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire youth and their community. Critically acclaimed for multigenerational audiences and named the nation’s No. 1 children’s theater by Time magazine, CTC is committed to developing new works—currently more than 200—and producing world-class productions to dramatically change the canon of works for young audiences.
2018–2019 Season Highlights
From new works like Last Stop on Market Street (September 15-October 21), I Come from Arizona (October 9-November 25), and The Hobbit (March 12-April 14) to favorites like Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (November 6-January 6) and The Biggest Little House in the Forest (January 29-March 10), and popular stories like Mr. Popper’s Penguins (January 15-February 24) and Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical (April 28-June 23), CTC’s 2018–2019 season is packed with something for every theater lover.
A Family Experience
Experience the magic of theater at CTC! Enjoy family time and great savings all year long with one of our subscription packages. Purchase season and single tickets online at childrenstheatre.org or call 612-874-0400.
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 15-Oct. 21; Oct. 9-Nov. 25; Nov. 6-Jan. 6
Jonathan Herrera, Querida Presencia (Beloved Presence); installation view, Duluth Art Institute, 2018
photo by genevieve hircock
Duluth Art Institute
Who We Are
The Duluth Art Institute is working to expand the field of contemporary art in the Northland, creating an environment for community engagement in the arts. Three galleries, encompassing over 2,500 square feet of space, act as the site for artists to genuinely experiment with intersecting materials and concepts.
The DAI offers a variety of free art-making activities throughout the year, immersive workshops across all disciplines lead by established artists, and an expansive range of classes for all ages, interests, and abilities. It also provides the Twin Ports with one of a kind studio facilities designed for fiber art, photography, printmaking, and ceramics.
A cultural catalyst that has been operating for more than 100 years, the Duluth Art Institute provides the community a rich array of arts offerings, as well as a forum for the exchange of artistic ideas across a wide mix of audiences.
2018-2019 Exhibitions
• Amanda Breitbach & Aaron Squadroni, September 13-October 28
• DAI Annual Fundraiser Gala at Greysolon Plaza, November 3
• Patrick Luber & Darren Houser, November 8-December 30
• 62nd Arrowhead Regional Biennial, January 11-March 31
Upcoming Dates
DAI Annual Fundraiser Gala, Nov. 3 Greysolon Plaza
The Great Society
photo courtesy history theatre
History Theatre
Who We Are
History Theatre entertains, educates, and engages through creating, developing, and producing new and existing works that explore Minnesota’s past and the diverse American experience.
2018 Fall Season Highlights
Don’t miss the regional premiere of Robert Schenkkan’s The Great Society (October 6-28). “Impressive in its scope, surprisingly energetic, and shines a bright, clear light on a pivotal moment in American history” (The New York Times), LBJ’s larger-than-life fall from grace makes for captivating, epic theater. The Great Society is the sequel to All the Way, the Tony Award-winning drama celebrating Johnson’s 11-month tenure as the “accidental president.”
Get ready for Teen Idol: The Bobby Vee Story (November 17-December 16). The blockbuster musical hit follows Bobby’s musical journey and includes songs “Devil or Angel,” “Come Back When You Grow Up,” and “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes.” Fellow pop stars Little Anthony & The Imperials, Ronnie & The Ronnettes, Dion, and Del Shannon will be featured in this holiday musical treat for the whole family.
Support History Theatre
Buy a season pass or join the Storyteller’s Circle to support History Theatre’s 41 years of making history come alive on the stage.
Upcoming Dates
Oct. 6-28; Nov. 17-Dec. 16
Artistic Director Flordelino Lagundino
photo courtesy park square theatre
Park Square Theatre
New Leadership
Park Square Theatre is excited to introduce its new artistic director, Flordelino Lagundino. He delighted Twin Cities’ audiences last year with the Ivey Award-winning Vietgone (Mixed Blood Theatre). He continues the legacy of Richard Cook, who recently retired after 43 years and 350 productions of live theater that touch the heart, engage the mind, and delight the spirit.
2018-2019 Season Highlights
“Whether the show is classical or contemporary, we are in for a great adventure together,” says incoming Artistic Director Flordelino Lagundino. “The fall season reflects the intelligence and humor of the Twin Cities in Sometimes There’s Wine (September 14-October 14), highlights the theater’s passion for civic engagement with The Agitators (September 21-October 28), and shares the must-see musical story of Marie and Rosetta (November 23-December 30). The new year brings a reimagined Antigone, partnerships with our theatres in residence, a hilarious new musical, and a trio of Agatha Christie mysteries. Come join us!”
Tickets
Single tickets and season packages are on sale now, including the new SquarePass, the ultimate flex pass. For more information, call 651-291-7005 or visit parksquaretheatre.org.
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 14-Oct. 14; Sept. 21-Oct. 28; Nov. 23-Dec. 30
Zenon Dance Company
photo by william cameron
The Cowles Center
Who We Are
The Cowles Center is a catalyst for the creation, performance, education, and celebration of dance and the performing arts in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. With a wide array of performances each season that range in style from ballet to tap to modern, The Cowles Center is the perfect place to explore some of the best dance our state has to offer.
2018 Fall Season Highlights
The Cowles Center’s 2018 fall performance season features six incredible shows from world-class Minnesota dance artists and companies. SOLO (September 14-15) showcases six solo dances, ranging from Hip Hop to flamenco, performed by the 2016 and 2017 McKnight Dance Fellows. The Twin Cities Tap Festival (October 18-20) brings together national and local dancers to share in the art of tap dance. James Sewell Ballet combines the intricate contemporary ballet Moving Works and Appalachia Waltz set to Texas fiddle music (October 26-28). Zenon Dance Company presents the world premiere of Set Zero (November 2-11). Katha Dance Theatre stages its award-winning drama, The Hungry Stones (November 16-18). And the seasonal favorite, Nutcracker (not so) Suite (December 7-22), returns to spice up the classic tale.
Tickets
Season tickets and multi-show packages for the 2018-2019 season are available now. Purchase ticket packages on thecowlescenter.org or by calling 612-206-3600.
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 14-15; Oct. 18-20; Oct. 26-28
Ben Bakken and Britta Ollman star in Once
photo by allen weeks
Theater Latté Da
Who We Are
Theater Latté Da takes a bold approach to musical theater by re-imagining classics, developing new work, and experimenting with unique forms, musical styles, and compelling stories. For 21 years, Theater Latté Da has sought to create connections between story, music, artist, and audience by exploring and expanding the art of musical theatre.
2018 Fall Season Highlights
Season 21 opens with Once at the Ritz Theater, running from September 12-October 21. On the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. A powerful but complicated love story, underscored by emotionally charged music, Once is the winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all.
In a limited engagement, the Latté Da original All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce Of 1914 will be performed November 1-4 in the intimate Ritz Theater. Created and directed by Founding Artistic Director Peter Rothstein, see the Off-Broadway cast before the production opens at the Sheen Center for Thought & Culture in New York City.
Tickets and Special Offers
Become a Season 21 ticket holder! Season tickets are on sale now. Save up to 20% off single tickets, enjoy priority seating, receive invitations to special events, and more.
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 12-Oct. 21; Nov. 1-4
A Minnesota Nutcracker
photo by brianne bland
Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota
Who We Are
Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota is an innovative ballet company that creates high-quality, professional performances and meaningful educational opportunities for audiences and participants alike, throughout the metro and beyond. TCB’s home and official school is Ballet Royale Minnesota, which is widely recognized as one of the foremost classical ballet academics in the state.
2018-2019 Season Highlights
Enjoy a beloved holiday classic with a Minnesota twist! Retaining all the magic and familiar traditions loved by so many, A Minnesota Nutcracker (December 6-9) adds local flare with Minnesota settings and custom designed Minnesota-centric backdrops. One of the Twin Cities’ most attended holiday events, A Minnesota Nutcracker promises delightful entertainment for the whole family, from ballet novices to loyal patrons alike. Tickets for A Minnesota Nutcracker range from $24-$39. Buy tickets in person at Burnsville’s Ames Center box office, via Ticketmaster at 800-982-2787, or at ticketmaster.com. Discounts and group rates available.
Save the Dates
Also this season: Art in Motion Halloween event (October 26-27), Pink Floyd’s The Wall: A Rock Ballet (January 11-13), Essence (March 1-2), and Narnia: The Ballet (May 10-12).
Upcoming Dates
Oct. 26-27; Dec. 6-9; Jan. 11-13
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