Minnesota has cultivated a diverse arts scene we’re proud to showcase today. With our 75-plus theater companies, 20 dance studios, two professional orchestras, award-winning museums, thought-provoking art galleries, local talent, and more, you’ll understand exactly why the arts are part of who we are.
Photo courtesy the Ames Center
Ames Center
Who We Are
Since 2009, the Ames Center in Burnsville has been a “South of the River” entertainment destination. Home to the Dakota Valley Symphony and Chorus, the Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota, and the 2019-2020 season of The Looney Lutherans and The Church Basement Ladies, the Ames Center hosts cultural events, dramas, comedies, dance, and music from local and national touring artists.
Photo courtesy the Ames Center
2019-20 Season Highlights
The Ames Center welcomes music, dance, comedy, and more to its 2019-2020 season. The Dakota Valley Symphony and Chorus starts its season with Symphony at the Cinema featuring Colleen Raye (October 13), and one week later, six Philadelphia-based veteran musicians will bring the music of Led Zeppelin to the stage at Get The Led Out (October 18).
Holiday performances begin with The Church Basement Ladies’ new musical comedy Hark! The Basement Ladies Sing (November 1-January 10), Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (November 26-27), and Emmy Award-winning a cappella quartet Tonic Sol-fa (December 17).
The holiday season also shuttles in incredible dance performances. Enjoy Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota’s A Minnesota Nutcracker (December 13-15) or switch up the pace with the four hoofers of Rhythmic Circus’ world-renowned act. Holiday Shuffle (December 21) promises a wildly imaginative, “not-so-silent” night of tap dance—perfect for the family. Purchase tickets onsite, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-982-2787.
Photo by Karli Cadel
Minnesota Opera
Who We Are
Whether it’s your first time at the opera or your 50th, Minnesota Opera offers an unparalleled evening of music and theater by telling stories and taking risks. The opera invites everyone to join in to experience its can’t-miss performances of the 2019-2020 season—the biggest and boldest yet, filled with hilarious comedy, passionate romance, and heart-wrenching drama.
Photo by Cory Weaver
2019-20 Season Highlights
• Elektra (October 5–13): On the brink of madness, Elektra fights for justice after her mother has her father murdered. In this intense, reimagined Greek tragedy, one can expect a thrilling vocal and orchestral performance packed with power. Perfect for fans of Psycho and Salome.
• The Barber of Seville (November 9–17): For those who fell in love with The Marriage of Figaro, Friends, and The Princess Bride, The Barber of Seville is an irresistible rom-com that follows a quick-witted barber and his journey in helping a young woman find true love.
• Flight (January 25-February 2): Stranded overnight at an airport, eight strangers come together to show what it means to make a real connection. Inspired by a true story, this Jonathan Dove production is a safe bet for The Breakfast Club, The Terminal, and Lost fans.
• Edward Tulane (March 21-29): Based on the bestseller by Kate DiCamillo, a Minnesota kids’ literature author, this world premiere features toy rabbit Edward Tulane’s journey to finding home again. Perfect for those who like Because of Winn-Dixie, Hansel and Gretel, and Toy Story.
• Don Giovanni (May 2-16): For those who like Mad Men, Rigoletto, and Hamlet, check out Don Giovanni—featuring dark comedy, biting social commentary, and Mozart.
Photo by Courtney Perry
Minnesota Orchestra
Who We Are
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra 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.
Photo by Courtney Perry
2019-20 Season Highlights
The Minnesota Orchestra’s 2019-2020 season, which runs from September 2019 through June 2020, opens with Music Director Osmo Vänskä conducting Elgar’s Enigma Variations and piano virtuoso André Watts performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto (September 19-21). More than one dozen guest conductors will also lead the Orchestra throughout the classical season, including four women: Nathalie Stutzmann (November 7-9), Simone Young (January 17-18), Karina Canellakis (February 13-15), and Akiko Fujimoto (March 27-28).
For live movie and musical performances, the Movies and Music series will feature the Orchestra playing recognizable, family-favorite scores as the corresponding film plays for the audience. Live at Orchestra Hall guests can experience Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (October 2-6), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (October 25-27), Up (November 29-December 1), and It’s a Wonderful Life (December 21-22).
The Live at Orchestra Hall series features Orchestra performances with Tony DeSare and Capathia Jenkins (February 8), Cloud Cult (March 20-21), and Troupe Vertigo—a circus-, dance-, and theater-based ensemble that combines aerial artistry and symphonic excitement (May 8-9).
Photo by Mat Hayward
Northrop at the University of Minnesota
Who We Are
Northrop, located at the heart of the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus, is a premier performing arts and academic center known for its world-class performances in music and dance. The establishment features rentable spaces and gallery exhibits and welcomes a variety of comedians, speakers, authors, and leaders to its two stages—the Carlson Family Stage and the Best Buy Theater.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
2019-20 Season Highlights
Northrop’s upcoming season features 10 renowned dance companies, concerts, special events, and exhibitions. From the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s The Great Gatsby (September 28) to Ballet West’s Jewels (February 22-23), visitors can enjoy spectacular ballet as well as contemporary performances by famous choreographers Mark Morris (January 25), Paul Taylor (March 21), and Martha Graham (April 4); tap dance from Dorrance Dance (October 19); hip hop-influenced pieces from A.I.M by Kyle Abraham (February 29); and international flavors from Black Grace (November 7) and The State Ballet of Georgia (April 29).
To experience Northrop’s beautiful restored pipe organ, concerts by Branford Marsalis with organist Jean-Willy Kunz (October 1), The Chenault Duo (December 3), and the Minnesota Orchestra featuring revolutionary organist Cameron Carpenter (March 27-28) should be on anyone’s list of must-sees.
This season, enjoy Northrop’s annual Film Series, which features 10 award-winning films that complement the Dance Series. In addition, visitors can walk through Takeover: Morrill Hall, 1969 through December, an exhibition on display in Northrop’s fourth-floor gallery.
Photo courtesy Ordway
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Who We Are
As one of the leading nonprofit performing arts centers in the country, the Ordway hosts a variety of fine performances each year, from American musical theater and world music to dance and vocal arts. With a mission to be a community magnet that attracts both audiences and artists, the center works to create unforgettable shared experiences in the Ordway’s Music Theater and Concert Hall.
Photo courtesy Ordway
2019 Season Highlights
• Smokey Joe’s Café: This production of the Grammy Award-winning and Tony-nominated smash from Leiber and Stoller features 40 of the best songs of the past century, including “Hound Dog” and “Stand By Me.” (September 10-22)
• Brian McKnight – Solo: This legendary R&B singer-songwriter and musician is known for his incredible vocal range and strong falsetto. McKnight captivates audiences with chart-topping hits like “Anytime.” (October 4)
• John Cusack with a Screening of Say Anything: Join actor John Cusack for a screening of Say Anything followed by a live chat regarding his career and the making of the film. (October 15)
• Mike Birbiglia’s The New One: He’s made audiences laugh in Sleepwalk with Me and Thank God for Jokes. He was also really funny in Orange Is the New Black and Broad City. Now, he’s telling his story about parenting in a new way. It’s the same heart and humor fans have come to expect with a hilarious new twist. (October 17–19)
• Maria Bamford: Back at the Ordway after last year’s sold-out performance, comedian and Duluth native Maria Bamford starred in the semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, one of 2016’s must-see shows by Variety and Rolling Stone. (November 17)
Photo courtesy Shooting Star Casino
Shooting Star Casino
Who We Are
Shooting Star Casino, Hotel, and Event Center 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’s second location in Bagley is complete with 170 slot machines and the Little Dipper Bar & Grill.
Photo courtesy Shooting Star Casino
2019-20 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 2019-2020 season, concertgoers can expect a diverse, star-studded lineup that includes rock group Foreigner, the popular rock act with 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits (September 6); Bill Engvall, the Grammy-nominated recording artist and well-known comedian (September 27); Wynonna & The Big Noise, the iconic performer with more than 60 industry awards (October 11); and many more acts that are sure to bring the house down, including Three Dog Night (November 15).
The events venue also serves as the location of the ever-popular Wedding Extravaganza (March 2020) each spring—where soon-to-be brides can win door prizes, feel inspired by the latest bridal styles during a runway show, and shop more than 30 vendors, including event planners, hotels, beauty professionals, caterers, and wedding venues.
Tickets are available to purchase by phone at 1-800-313-SHOW (7469), or can be purchased online at starcasino.com/tickets, or via the “Buy Tickets” tab on Shooting Star Casino’s Facebook page: facebook.com/ShootingStarCasino.
Photo courtesy Ballet Minnesota
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.
2019 Season Highlights
Every winter, more than 10,000 audience members see Ballet Minnesota’s performance of The Classic Nutcracker (December 13-15) 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.
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.
Photo by Erik Saulitis
The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts
Who We Are
The Cowles Center is like no other arts center in the Midwest. With nine rehearsal studios, three theaters, and dedicated administrative office space for more than 20 leading cultural organizations, this nationally recognized arts hub has cultivated a flourishing, creative community of not only dance artists, but dance lovers and supporters.
2019 Season Highlights
The Cowles Center prides itself on forging synergistic partnerships within the Twin Cities dance community. The 2019-20 performance season continues to build on a mission to create, present, and celebrate dance with a remarkable lineup including James Sewell Ballet’s Opera Moves (October 25-27), Crash Dance Production’s Proxy (November 22-24), and a new Minneapolis holiday treasure, Who Brought the Humbug? (December 5-15). Highly physical and driving dance to new heights, these works by Minnesota artists tell bold and captivating stories reflecting our diverse and ever-changing community. Save up to 30 percent when purchasing tickets to three or more performances in The Cowles Center’s 2019-20 performance season. Choose from a fixed or custom package to enjoy dance all year long!
Photo by Gage Skidmore
History Theatre
Who We Are
History Theatre entertains, educates, and engages by creating, developing, and producing new and existing works that explore Minnesota’s past and the diverse American experience. Its work provides a unique lens that links the past to the present, explores our common heritage, and illuminates our understanding of what it means to be American.
2019-20 Season Highlights
Don’t miss the regional premiere of Gloria: A Life (September 28–October 22). This new work by Tony Award-winning playwright Emily Mann celebrates the life of one of the most important figures of the nation’s feminist movement. This “thrilling and powerful” (The New York Times) work continues the fight for gender equality with an all-female cast led by Charity Jones as Gloria Steinem.
See the stirring musical tribute Beyond the Rainbow: Garland at Carnegie Hall (November 16–December 22) for an inside look at Judy Garland’s story—from her childhood in Grand Rapids to Hollywood and even “beyond the rainbow.” In this production, IVEY Award-winner Jody Briskey returns as Garland.
Buy a season pass or join the Storyteller’s Circle to support History Theatre as it explores new work, reaches more students, and keeps ticket prices affordable.
Photo by Seth Casteel
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Who We Are
Showcasing some of the most exceptional and significant marine artwork, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum explores the ongoing human relationship with water through art—featuring artists like Monet, Van Gogh, O’Keeffe, and contemporary artists in its collections. Its programming and community engagement aims to connect people of all ages to the beauty of water-inspired art.
2019 Season Highlights
Diving and swimming are typical activities for humans, but when dogs attempt the same, the result is can’t-miss. New York Times best seller Seth Casteel’s first museum exhibition, Underwater Dogs (August 23, 2019-January 5, 2020), will steal the spotlight with viral photographs of man’s best friend diving and swimming underwater. H2Oh! Art Quilts (September 5, 2019-January 19, 2020), organized by Studio Art Quilt Associates, features quilt artists’ interpretations of water. By manipulating fabric and other fabric-like materials, the worldwide artists create works of art inspired by the most vital, desired, powerful, sacred, and enjoyed resource: water.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, general admission costs $7 for adults, $3 for students, and is free for children ages 4 and under. All students get in for free on Tuesdays, and households are always capped at $20. For more information on exhibitions, programs, or to book a tour, visit mmam.org.
Photo by Dan Norman
Theater Latté Da
Who We Are
Founded in 1998, Theater Latté Da enters Season 22 presenting original and re-imagined musical theater. Fostering innovation and diversity, the theater is the only nonprofit professional theater in the Twin Cities that exclusively produces musical theater—striving to present bold, collaborative, and memorable works with integrity and gratitude.
At home in the Ritz Theater in northeast Minneapolis, Theater Latté Da’s mission is to create new connections between story, music, artist, and audience by exploring and expanding the art of musical theater.
2019-20 Season Highlights
Highlights include Broadway’s longest-running American musical Chicago (September 18-November 3), the area premiere of a musical adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca’s Bernarda Alba (January 15-February 16), Peter Rothstein’s innovative staging of the beloved opera La Bohème (March 11-April 26), and the world-premiere musical adaptation of the American courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men (May 27-June 28). All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 (November 27-December 22) celebrates a homecoming after a successful off-Broadway run and subsequent Drama Desk Award win for Best Theatrical Experience. Season ticket packages for Season 22 are on sale now. Visit latteda.org or call our box office at 612-339-3003 for tickets and information.
Photo by Molly Weibel
Lakeshore Players
Who We Are
Founded in 1953 and in its 67th season, Lakeshore Players Theatre in White Bear Lake is one of the oldest continually operating community theaters in Minnesota. In April 2018, Lakeshore began a new era, operating year-round in the new Hanifl Performing Arts Center.
2019-20 Season Highlights
This season offers classical musicals, thrilling dramas, and hilarious comedies in the 250-seat OSilas Lakeshore Theatre, as well as a Kids & Families series in the intimate 75-seat Black Box Theatre. See Gypsy (September 6-October 6), Miracle on 34th Street (November 22-December 15), Around the World in 80 Days (January 31-February 16), Wait Until Dark (March 6-22), The Producers (April 17-May 17), and the 16th Annual 10-Minute Play Festival (May 29-June 7), while the Kids & Families Series includes Seussical, Jr! (January 3-12), Snow Queen (January 24-February 2), and Pinocchio (March 27-April 5).
Photo by Twin Cities Headshots
Lyric Arts Main Street Stage
Who We Are
From comedies and classics to dramas and musicals, Lyric Arts Main Street Stage presents productions sure to entertain, inspire, and engage audiences of all ages. Located in downtown Anoka, the theater presents a welcoming and intimate environment to enjoy this season’s lineup of award-winning productions, premieres, and concerts.
2019 Season Highlights
Theatrical offerings include the Pulitzer Prize-winning family drama Proof (October 18–November 3); the area premiere of Bright Star, a folk and bluegrass musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell (September 6–29); and A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol, a nostalgic and side-splitting musical comedy (November 22–December 22). The Music in the ’Burbs Concert Series includes Chris Kroeze from NBC’s The Voice (November 9), A Kat Perkins Christmas (December 18) and Tonic Sol-fa (December 28).
Photo by Gwen Westerman
Minnesota Historical Society
Who We Are
The Minnesota Historical Society, a nonprofit educational and cultural institution established in 1849, collects, preserves, and tells the story of our state’s past. Through museum exhibits, historic sites, educational programs, and more, MNHS uses the power of history to transform lives and preserve the past.
2019-20 Season Highlights
Experience dynamic new exhibits this fall, including Prince: Before the Rain. Opening September 21, this exhibit showcases captivating images of Prince from the late 1970s into the early 1980s—all taken by Allen Beaulieu, his personal photographer—that chart the musician’s journey from rising star to super stardom. Opening December 7, Our Home: Native Minnesota shares stories of Ojibwe and Dakota communities through artifacts, photographs, and more. Through May 2020, get an all-access pass to the legendary club that put Minnesota music on the map with First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota’s Mainroom.
Facebook Comments