Park Square Lab Series at Park Square Theatre

What is the LAB Series?

The LAB Series program offers theatre makers of all backgrounds the chance to take artistic risks. Whether artists choose to develop ambitious new work, restage and/or reimagine a previous production, Park Square aims to provide the space and encouragement for artists to flourish. This initiative reflects Park Square Theatre’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a vibrant, dynamic arts ecosystem in the heart of Downtown St. Paul.

Four artists will be featured in the 25/26 LAB Series. Artists were selected through a rigorous application process to create a 50-minute show to be presented as part of a double-featured performance. Both weekends will feature different performances. Buy tickets for both weekends to see all four!

Performance Weekend 1: March 20-22, 2026

RED HERRING

By Pedro Juan Fonseca | Directed by Alex Galick

When a body is found in the woods, Evelyn Berry is sent to Duluth to decide if it was an accident or murder. Her review becomes an interrogation of a sloppy police detective and a grieving mother looking for a payout, while a figure from Evelyn’s past threatens to get inside her head again. Follow insurance investigator Evelyn Berry in the first chapter of this new psychological crime series.

SAY WHEN...

By Mark Benzel and Matt Spring | Directed by Mark Benzel

Say When… is inspired by Evander Berry Wall; the man who had everything and chose to spend it all on 5,000 ties and 500 pairs of pants to become fashion’s “King of All Dudes.” Through comedy and frivolousness with feeling, Say When... examines wealth, social responsibility, and excess, connecting historical opulence to contemporary conversations about status and privilege.

Performance Week 2: March 26-29, 2026

THE CARMEN FILES

Arranged by Gary Ruschman | Written by Elena Stabile | Choreography by Colette Illarde

The Mixed Precipitation team is developing a bold new adaptation of Georges Bizet’s 1875 French opera Carmen, where classical music and crime drama collide. In this reimagined tale, Internal Affairs investigator Micaëla takes on a smuggling ring and opera’s most famous femme fatale - forces that lure her boyfriend, Donnie, an undercover cop drawn to his dark side, down a dangerous path.

WILLOW STORM AND THE LIGHTNING BOLTS

Written and Composed by Stephanie Henry | Directed by Denzel Belin

Set against a backdrop of big hair, screaming guitars, and neon-lit dreams, the story follows Aaron, a gifted but restless young artist searching for his place in the world. When he discovers his inner rock goddess Willow Storm, everything changes. With the help of his fiercely loyal friend Tiffany, Aaron forms a band and begins the journey from self-doubt to self-definition. Willow Storm is an electrifying 80s glam rock musical about identity, transformation, and the courage to step fully into your power.