History Theatre's 2010-2011 Season

History Theatre announces the 2010-2011 Season, featuring two returning favorites and four world premieres, celebrating local legends and rock 'n' roll icons, real heroes and everyday people.

History Theatre's 33rd season is made up of dynamic collaborations with some of the Twin Cities' most exciting companies and performers to tell the remarkable stories of the people, places, and traditions that make up the American experience.

Working with the folks at the Brave New Workshop we will look into the world of Dudley Riggs and see the life of a clown, an impresario, an entertainer, and an unexpected genius. Partnering again with the talented teachers and students of both McNally Smith College of Music and the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists we will first gaze across the icy waters of Lake Michigan to see a brave and generous schooner captain who risked much in order to share a holiday tradition; and then in the spring we will bring back our wildly popular look at the phenomenal career of Buddy Holly, whose passion for music made him a superstar. Working with Concordia University, the Archie Givens, Sr. Collection of African American Literature, TPT, and Pilgrim Baptist Church we will share the story of Rev. Robert Hickman who guided a group of ex-slaves up the Mississippi River to freedom and a new life. Enlisting the talents of storyteller Kevin Kling and his musical partner in crime Simone Perrin, we will be treated to a unique look at the history of our Twin Cities. And local artist Aamera Siddiqui will take the stage to share the story her 30-year journey as a Muslim immigrant searching for what it means to be an American citizen. 

Three different season pass options are available with complete flexibility to suit patrons' budgets and busy schedules, ranging in price from $110 (Buddy Pass) to $150 (Premium Pass). Season passes provide substantial discounts (the Premium Pass gives patrons 6 tickets for the price of 5) plus free exchanges, additional tickets at discounted rates, half-price passes to Raw Stages, and more. More information is available by calling the History Theatre box office at 651-292-4323 or going online to www.historytheatre.com.

2010-2011 Season

October 2 - 24, 2010
DUDLEY: RIGGED FOR LAUGHTER!- A world premiere
Written by Caleb McEwen, Dane Stauffer, and John Sweeney
Directed by Caleb McEwen and Ron Peluso
* In collaboration with the Brave New Workshop *

A hilarious look at the life of the legendary comedy impresario Dudley Riggs, a fourth-generation circus kid who grew up to found the Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis. Performed in the brilliant comic style of the Brave New Workshop and told by a zany cast of characters who know and love him, Dudley: Rigged for Laughter! is a madcap sketch comedy show packed with laughs and music.

November 20 - December 19, 2010
THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER - A holiday musical
Book by John Reeger · Music and lyrics by Julie Shannon
Directed by Ron Peluso

A heart-warming musical about a German-American shipping captain and his crew who braved the icy waters of Lake Michigan to bring Tannenbaum (Christmas trees) to the immigrant families of Chicago. Heartfelt storytelling and wonderful music captures of the true spirit of the holidays and celebrates the importance of sharing traditions between generations and between neighbors.

January 13 - 16, 2011
Raw Stages - History Theatre's festival of new works
History Theatre will once again perform staged readings of four new plays that are currently in development. This year, the readings will be held at The Playwrights' Center in Minneapolis. The readings will include 1968, a play about "the year that rocked the world" being developed in partnership with a collection of Playwrights' Center members; and Gimme a T! about the history of cheerleading, from its roots at the University of Minnesota in 1892 to present day. The remaining titles and a complete performance schedule will be announced separately.

February 10 - 27, 2011
ADRIFT ON THE MISSISSIPPI- A world premiere
By Brian A. Grandison
Directed by James A. Williams
* Produced in collaboration with the Department of Theatre and Dance at Concordia University, in partnership with the Archie Givens, Sr. Collection of African American Literature, TPT television, The Minnesota Timberwolves, and Pilgrim Baptist Church. *

Told through memories, prayers, and spirituals, Adrift on the Mississippi is a powerful story of faith, love, and courage. It is the true story of Reverend Robert Hickman who led a group of slaves out of Missouri, up the river on a raft to Minnesota in search of freedom. They made their way to St. Paul and founded Pilgrim Baptist Church, the first Black church in Minnesota. More than 150 years later Pilgrim Baptist Church still stands as a testament to the faith of Rev. Hickman and the many brave people who made their journey possible.

March 12 - April 3, 2011
A TALE OF TWIN CITIES - A world premiere
Written by Kevin Kling · With music by Simone Perrin
Directed by Suzy Messerole

Beloved Minnesota storyteller Kevin Kling teams up with local singer-songwriter Simone Perrin to spin some yarns and sing some tunes exploring the sometimes loving, sometimes tumultuous, often hysterical shared histories of our sibling cities: Minneapolis and St. Paul. From their beginnings as St. Anthony and Pigs Eye through their growth as the milling and commerce centers of the Midwest, these "twins" have shared a lot of adventures over the years.

March 17 - April 10, 2011
AMERICAN AS CURRY PIE - A world premiere
Written and performed by Aamera Siddiqui
Directed by Meena Natarajan and Suzy Messerole

First-generation immigrant and local artist Aamera Siddiqui guides audiences through her 30-year journey to become an American citizen. Told with honesty and humor, it is her story about immigration, assimilation, and trying to find the balance between holding onto her Indian heritage and her Muslim faith while growing up in a predominantly Christian culture. It is about living with multiple identities - none of which really seem to fit - and discovering what it means to be an American.

April 30 - May 22, 2011
By arrangement with Alan Janes
BUDDY - THE Buddy Holly STORY - Back by popular demand!
Written by Alan Janes · Original London production directed byRob Bettinson
Directed by Ron Peluso
* In collaboration with McNally Smith College of Music and the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists *

Part biography, part rock 'n' roll concert, this is the musical retelling of the life and times of Buddy Holly from his meteoric rise to stardom to the unforgettable concert in Clear Lake, Iowa. Extremely talented, passionate, and impulsive, Buddy crossed racial barriers with his music and left an indelible legacy in just four short years. Musical hits include: "Peggy Sue," "Oh Boy!" "Rave On," and "That'll Be the Day."

About History Theatre:
Since 1977, the History Theatre Experience has created:
- Inspiration. The History Theater Experience brings real stories about real people to the stage in a live experience that touches our lives.
- Over 100 world premiere performances, more than any other theater in the Twin Cities. The History Theatre is one of the country's most impressive new play development homes - bringing to full production new work by Jeffrey Hatcher, Craig Wright, John Olive, Kira Oblensky, and more.
- Brave, entertaining explorations of all the histories that make up our diverse community. From Farm Boys to Snapshots: Life in the City, from the celebratory Wellstone! to the dark, complex Piece of the Rope about Minnesota's first public execution, HT has moved Minnesotans to relive, reinvent, and reimagine every piece of their history. More than 200,000 students have connected with history through performances at HT.

During Artistic Director Ron Peluso's tenure, the History Theatre has commissioned over 60 playwrights: "I've directed Shakespeare and operas, but really, there is nothing like creating new work about the real people and real events that have shaped our community and state."

For more information, visit www.historytheatre.com.

Photo Credit: Scott Pakudaitis