Courtesy of Joan Marcus
The arts give life to Minnesota. It’s as simple as that. We offer up some of our most beautiful or most historic buildings to museums and stages. We have months where we can literally see a different theater show in the Twin Cities every day, and our music calendar easily surpasses that feat. World-class dance companies, Broadway shows, and national headliners in comedy, music, and entertainment fill our lineup alongside local favorites and upcoming stars.
As the winter snow comes in, many arts and culture calendars reach their peak. Fill your calendar up with some of the best productions in 2020 with the help of our guide. These events can make for the perfect milestone gift or provide an excuse to see an old friend (or make a new one). Their most essential function, though, is to connect you a little more to the world around you. Are you ready to broaden your horizons?
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 beautiful Music Theater and new Concert Hall, the Ordway sets the stage for unforgettable shared experiences that attracts both audiences and artists.
2020 Winter/Spring Highlights
In February, the capabilities and power of women are on full display: Once On This Island (February 4-9) won the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical and follows the sweeping, universal tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place in the world, and ready to risk it all for love. TaikoArts Midwest HERbeat: Taiko Women ALL-STARS (February 29) puts the best North American and Japanese female taiko artists center stage in a collaborative, unique performance.
Early spring brings to the stage Sphinx Virtuosi (March 1), a chamber ensemble comprised of the nation’s top Black and Latino classical string soloists. For their fourth annual Ordway show, they bring a new program, For Justice and Peace. My Little Pony Live (March 7) is a dazzling all-new stage musical ready to entertain and delight as Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash (with Spike in tow) embrace their true colors and embark on a magical adventure. And, last but not least, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (March 11)—the world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company—draws forth peals of laughter and gasps of awe from the audience as they incoprorate all of the foibles, accidents, and underlying incongruities of serious dance into their performance.
Courtesy of Rich Ryan
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Who We Are
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) has been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years. Over that time, nearly 13 million guests have seen 248 self-produced theatrical productions on CDT’s many stages. Whether it’s simply a fun night out or a special occasion, CDT is considered a favorite one-stop dining and entertainment destination for audiences of all ages.
2020 Winter/Spring Highlights
CDT’s production of Mamma Mia! has been such a smash hit, the show has been extended through February 22. The world’s favorite feel-good musical, which includes 22 of ABBA’s greatest hits, is about a daughter’s dream, a mother’s secret, and an unforgettable wedding.
Just six days after Mamma Mia!’s final show, Meredith Willson’s The Music Man begins, running through September 5. The all-American musical includes songs such as “76 Trombones” and “Gary, Indiana,” and all ages will be delighted by this story about a con man with a heart, a librarian to love, and a plucky boys’ band.
Aside from the stage musicals, enjoy CDT’s acclaimed Concert Series, the weekly Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret, and Brindisi’s Pub. Kickin’ It Irish (March 16), an Irish dance spectacular just in time for St. Patrick’s Day; The Gospel According to St. Mark (April 5, 8), a reading of the Bible; and a concert by JazzMN Orchestra with vocalist Luciana Souza (April 20) are also on the calendar.
Courtesy of Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Who We Are
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) is home to some of the most significant and inspiring artworks in the Midwest. MMAM’s collections explore the ongoing human relationship with water, featuring artists like Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Georgia O’Keeffe. MMAM’s programming and community engagement aims to connect people of all ages to great art inspired by water.
2020 Exhibit Highlights
Each year, MMAM puts on display eight to 10 rotating exhibits, and this year, the selection includes a trio of Minnesotan artists. Gregory Euclide creates unique mixed-media installation pieces exploring the collision of nature and mankind in his exhibition, Observation Infiltration, which opens in January. Mark Herman’s Landmarks, opening in May, will showcase fine art prints of Minnesota’s iconic lakes, parks, and buildings. Greg DeGrace: Driftless opens in October and features abstract paintings referencing the Driftless Region of Minnesota and Wisconsin. All visitors are treated to MMAM’s permanent collection—one of the finest collections of historic American and European artwork in the region.
MMAM is open Tuesday through Sunday, and general admission costs $10 for adults, $3 for students, and is free for children ages 4 and under. All students get in for free every Tuesdays. For more information on exhibitions, programs, or to book a tour, visit mmam.org.
Courtesy of Steve Bartolomeo
Minnesota Opera
Who We Are
Minnesota Opera is for both lifelong opera lovers and first-timers. Either way, it will be an unparalleled evening of risk-taking music, theater, and storytelling.
Hilarious comedy, passionate romance, and heart-wrenching drama—Minnesota Opera has it all.
2020 Winter/Spring Highlights
During the first half of the year, Minnesota Opera is bringing adventure, wit, and above all, human connection. In Flight (January 25-February 2), eight strangers are stranded overnight at an airport. When they meet a refugee who is forced to call the terminal his home, they begin to realize they have more in common than they think.
Edward Tulane (March 21-29) also starts out with the protagonist trying to get to his destination. In this case, though, Edward Tulane is a toy rabbit trying to get home to his loving family. Based on the best-seller by local author Kate DiCamillo, this opera is perfect for the young and young at heart and reminds its audience that miracles can happen if they open their hearts.
The season’s fiery finale is Don Giovanni (May 2-16). Internationally renown baritone Seth Carico plays Don Giovanni, an egotistical and infamous womanizer. While he has always gotten away with everything, what happens when divine intervention comes into play? Mozart’s opera seamlessly blends dark comedy with biting social commentary in this smart and other-worldly story.
Courtesy of Shooting Star Casino
Shooting Star Casino
Who We Are
Located in northwest Minnesota, Shooting Star is a casino, hotel, and event center in Mahnomen. Guests can enjoy a 73,000-square-foot Vegas-style casino floor, a 15,000-square-foot concert venue, and nearly 30,000 square feet of event space. Shooting Star Casino is the ideal weekend vacation, with award-winning dining, an in-house spa, and 386 available luxury hotel rooms. For more Shooting Star Casino adventures, the second location in Bagley features 170 slot machines and the Little Dipper Bar & Grill.
2020 Winter Highlights
Some of the biggest names in entertainment from countless genres perform at Shooting Star Casino’s state-of-the-art event center. While the event calendar is updated regularly with new headliners, the winter lineup includes country star John Anderson (January 17), longtime pop-rock group Tommy James & the Shondells (January 31), and ‘80s rock group The Romantics (February 14) this winter.
Anderson’s songs include “Swingin’” and “Would You Catch a Falling Star,” but even more than the tunes, you’ll recognize his voice. Tommy James & the Shondells have written a number of hits over the decades for themselves and for others, including “Crimson & Clover,” later covered by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. As for The Romantics, their Valentine’s Day performance is sure to bring the house down as it will be their first performance at Shooting Star and in the region.
Courtesy of Allen Weeks
Theater Latté Da
Who We Are
Theater Latté Da’s mission is to create new connections between story, music, artists, and audiences by exploring and expanding the art of musical theater. Each season is a blend of re-imagined and original works on the Ritz Theater’s stage in Northeast Minneapolis, and season 22 is no different.
Season 22 Highlights
Bernarda Alba (January 15-February 16) follows the namesake widow as she struggles to control her five daughters. Although Bernarda demands an austere life, listeners won’t feel like anything is missing as 10 of the Twin Cities’ finest women actor-singers appear on the stage. Fans of Theater Latté Da’s Chicago will see Britta Ollmann and Regina Marie Williams return, the latter as Bernarda.
Theater Latté Da’s next choice of La Bohème (March 11-April 26) is perfect for the company. What is widely regarded as one of the world’s favorite operas (and the inspiration of RENT) is a celebration of art, passion, and the relationships that provide hope in a dark world. (The opera is sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.)
Ending the season is the Twelve Angry Men (May 27-June 28), based on the movie of the same name. This world premiere dives into the U.S. Constitution as jury members have to reconcile what a fair trial and presumption of innocence really means. To save on all three shows, audiences can purchase Season 22 Mini Season packages.
Courtesy of Thomas McCartney
Twin Cities Ballet
Who We Are
Twin Cities Ballet (TCB) is reigniting passion for ballet in Minnesota. Its mix of original story ballets and shorter, more contemporary ballets are accessible, approachable, and relevant, breaking people’s pre-conceived notions of ballet. Besides the high quality, professional performances, TCB also hosts educational opportunities for audiences and participants to dive deeper into the art.
2020 Season Highlights
Pink Floyd’s The Wall: A Rock Ballet (February 29-March 1) is back for a third year due to popular demand, this time at Lakeville South Theater. The Wall traces the life of “Pink” and follows his transformative journey of loss, isolation, alienation, insanity, and redemption. Viewing the original Pink Floyd rock opera’s music and lyrics through the prism of contemporary life, his story resonates now just as it did when The Wall was released nearly 40 years ago.
In The Ruby Slippers: A Wizard of Oz Ballet (May 8-10), TCB revisits the iconic tale with magic and humor at the Ames Center in Burnsville. This new production features original choreography and musical compilation while incorporating some favorite elements of TCB’s original 2011 Wizard of Oz ballet. Join Dorothy and her friends on her journey of self-discovery and adventure in this family-friendly show, which will delight people of all ages with the dynamic dancing and storytelling TCB is known for.
Ames Center
Who We Are
Home to the Dakota Valley Symphony and Chorus, Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota, the Looney Lutherans, and the Church Basement Ladies, the Ames Center hosts cultural events, theater, dance, and music from local and national artists.
2020 Season Highlights
For a taste of one of the region’s favorite acts, the Looney Lutherans are back with the interactive musical comedy Livin’ La Vida Lutheran (January 14-February 14). Performing at the Ames Center for one night only: Little Black Dress (January 28) is a fearlessly funny musical that is perfect for a ladies’ night out. An American in Paris (February 19) brings George Gershwin’s songs to life with gravity-defying dancing, and One Night of Queen (March 17) will rock you with the same showmanship and sound of the iconic band. Plus, save the date for Twin Cities Ballet’s The Ruby Slippers:
A Wizard of Oz Ballet (May 8-10).
Minnesota Historical Society
Who We Are
The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS), a nonprofit educational 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.
2020 Season Highlights
Minnesota is a Dakota word that describes the reflection of the sky onto water, a well-known image in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Native Americans—Dakota, Ojibwe, as well as people from other tribal nations—have been in this area for thousands of years and still live in Minnesota now. The new exhibit Our Home: Native Minnesota, now on view at the Minnesota History Center, shares their stories, and their enduring presence and deep connection to the land.
