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Illusion Theater's THURGOOD Moves to St. Paul

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The powerful one-man play, Thurgood, makes a return visit to the Twin Cities from June 8-18 at the LAB Theater, 350 St. Peter St. in downtown St. Paul.

Based on the life of Justice Thurgood Marshall and starring one of the Twin Cities' most venerable actors, James Craven, Thurgood is an eye-opening, humorous and inspiring portrait of a true American hero.

In Thurgood, the story opens with retired Supreme Court Justice Marshall coming back to his alma mater, Howard University, to give a speech. He then brings to life significant events and turning points - from his childhood in the back alleys of Baltimore to his career as a civil rights pioneer, and ultimately as the first African-American Supreme Court Justice.

Illusion's Co-Producing Director Michael Robins directs the critically-acclaimed show by playwright George Stevens, Jr. Thurgood premiered in 2006 at the Westport Country Playhouse (Connecticut) and starred James Earl Jones. The 2008 Broadway production featured Laurence Fishburne, who was nominated for a Tony Award and later starred in the 2011 HBO film of the same name.

In addition to Robins, the Thurgood creative team includes Jonathan Carlson (video),Roberta Carlson (music), Dean Holzman (sets), Mandi Johnson (costumes) andMichael Wangen (lighting).Tickets for Thurgood are $20-$30 and $15 for the Thursday, June 8, Preview.

Tickets are available at the Illusion Theater Box Office at 612-339-4944 or online at www.illusiontheater.org.

Performance Schedule at the LAB at the Lowry, St. Paul Thursday, June 8 @ 7:30pm - Preview ($15)Friday, June 9 @ 7:30pm - Opening NightSaturday, June 10 @ 7:30pmSunday, June 11 @ 2pmThursday, June 15 @ 7:30pmFriday, June 16 @ 7:30pmSaturday, June 17 @ 7:30pmSunday, June 18 @ 2pm - Closing

Thurgood is presented with support from the Saint Paul Cultural STAR Program.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Touring grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Off-Broadway Play - Top 3
1. A Christmas Carol (Thorne Adaptation) - PAC NYC
7.8% of votes
2. Prince F****t - Playwrights Horizons
6% of votes
3. Andre De Shields is Tartuffe - House of the Redeemer
4.6% of votes

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