The History Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a unique institution dedicated to bringing the past to life on stage. Since 1978, it has produced over 100 original plays and musicals focused on Minnesota and American history. The theater’s mission is to explore the people and events of our past while educating and entertaining audiences. The thrust seating venue provides an intimate, immersive experience for all attendees.
The upcoming 2025-2026 season showcases compelling Minnesota stories, featuring a mix of new works and world premieres.
- DON’T MISS DORIS HINES (World Premiere Play with Music): A play with music about unsung Minneapolis Jazz Singer Doris Hines, a talented nightclub singer who moved to Minneapolis after World War II and earned praise from musical legends like Nat King Cole. Witness the powerful legacy of this unsung artist—with a four-octave voice that enchanted audiences across the globe, while her artistry stood as a pioneering force in the fight for equality Sept 18- Oct 12.
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ROLLICKING! A WINTER CARNIVAL MUSICAL (World Premiere Musical): A new musical about the origins of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, following city architect Clarence Wigington and his wife Viola as they get swept into the world of the mythical King Boreas. Discover the strange, wonderful heart of a tradition built on resilience, imagination, and the enduring spirit of our snowy state.
Remaining photos courtesy of Rick Spaulding - WHOOSH!: Uncover the rich history of Minnesota through this lively and deeply moving ghost tale. Solo artist Andrew Erskine Wheeler masterfully brings to life a range of characters, intertwining the rich history of St. Anthony Falls (Owámniyomni/Gakaabikaang) in the post-Civil War era with the story of his Irish heritage. This award-winning show, which debuted at the 2022 MN Fringe Festival, weaves a hauntingly local and unforgettable ghost story through compelling song and storytelling.
- HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF (World Premiere Comedy): This hilarious, fast-paced comedy blends history with heart, centered on Minnesota’s trailblazing Willmar Eight. Uncover their daring 1977 strike, women’s battle for labor rights, and director Lee Grant’s compelling story—all punctuated by ’80s pop culture and a fierce Duran Duran obsession. It’s a vibrant coming-of-age tale that uses humor, a game show, music, and fellowship to explore how we can envision and build a better tomorrow.
- COURTING HARRY: Trace the journey of Minnesota natives Chief Justice Warren Burger and Justice Harry Blackmun, from their roots in the St. Paul neighborhood to the pinnacle of the nation’s highest court. Two lifelong friends, their unbreakable bond now confronted with history-making decisions that will define their future. Dive into the dynamic tensions of the Supreme Court, where Nixon’s appointees grapple with conflicting ideologies in the arena of America’s most contentious legal battles. An insightful exploration of friendship, authority, and justice.
This new season demonstrates the History Theatre’s continued commitment to celebrating the rich and varied histories that make up the diverse American experience, all while remaining firmly rooted in its Minnesota home.
