About the Theatre
History Theatre entertains, educates, and engages through creating, developing, and producing new and existing works that explore Minnesota's past and the diverse American experience. Its work provides a unique lens which links our past to the present, explores our common heritage, and illuminates our understanding of what it means to be American. Since its founding in 1978 by Lynn Lohr and Lance Belville, the company has staged more than 100 world premieres, working with nationally recognized playwrights including Jeffrey Hatcher, Eric Simonson, Kevin Kling, Craig Wright, Frank McCourt, Doris Baizley, Melanie Marnich, Kim Hines, John Olive, and Kira Obolensky. From a harrowing slave journey to St. Paul in Adrift on the Mississippi to an urban musical celebration of the Twin Cities in Snapshots: Life in the City, from the rock 'n' roll biography Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story to the dark, complex A Piece of the Rope about Minnesota's first public execution, History Theatre has moved audiences to rediscover, relive, and respect every piece of their history.
Northern Shores features the talented duo of Danny Diamond on fiddle and Brian Miller on guitar, bouzouki, and vocals. This collaboration unites two of the ...
Whoosh!
1/29 - 2/22/2026
Uncover the rich history of Minnesota through Whoosh! , a lively and deeply moving ghost tale. Solo artist Andrew Erskine Wheeler masterfully brings to life a ...
Experience the extraordinary Jen Burleigh-Bentz—renowned for her electrifying performances in Mamma Mia! on Broadway—as she graces the stage at the History Theatre for an unforgettable ...
History Theatre Unveils 2026 Concert Series Line Up
by A.A. Cristi - December 09, 2025
History Theatre will present the 2026 Concert Series line-up featuring timeless classics of the '60s and '70s, Irish folk and traditional tunes and Broadway's most iconic vocalists. All tickets on sale now!...
Photos: ROLLICKING! A WINTER CARNIVAL MUSICAL At History Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 26, 2025
Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical is being presented at History Theatre. Discover the strange, wonderful heart of a tradition built on resilience, imagination, and the enduring spirit of their snowy state....
World Premiere of ROLLICKING! A WINTER CARNIVAL MUSICAL to Open November 22
by Gillian Blum - October 25, 2025
Rehearsals are in full swing for Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical, with this world premiere musical opening at the History Theatre on November 22, and running through December 21....
History Theatre Reveals Lineup For Fall 2025 RAW STAGES NEW WORKS FESTIVAL
by A.A. Cristi - October 13, 2025
History Theatre will present its Fall 2025 Raw Stages: New Works Festival from October 16–19, 2025, featuring six new staged readings, a salon conversation, and a festival celebration at its St. Paul home. Tickets are on sale now....
Photos: DON'T MISS DORIS HINES At History Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - September 30, 2025
Check out first look photos of Don't Miss Doris Hines at History Theatre, on stage through October 12. Step inside the world of Doris Hines, the Minneapolis nightclub singer who moved to the city in 1963 while raising six children and pursuing her musical career....
Cast Set for DON'T MISS DORIS HINES at History Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 20, 2025
History Theatre has revealed the cast of the world premiere of DON'T MISS DORIS HINES, a powerful new play with music that brings the remarkable story of jazz singer Doris Hines to the stage. Learn more!...
History Theatre Unveils Raw Stage Line-Up for Fall 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - July 23, 2025
History Theatre has revealed the line-up for the Fall Raw Stages Festival. HT celebrates entering the third decade of commissioning and developing new works with an expanded festival with 6 staged readings....
Interview: Reed Sigmund of ROBIN HOOD at Zephyr Theatre
by Joe Sarafolean - July 19, 2025
With 25 years of acting experience under his belt, Reed Sigmund is trading in his acting cap for the director’s chair as he mounts Zephyr Theater Company’s innovative production of Robin Hood. Scheduled to take Aamodt’s Apple Orchard by storm July 25-August 3....
ROBIN HOOD Begins Performances at The Zephyr Theatre This Month
by A.A. Cristi - July 09, 2025
The Zephyr Theatre has announced its summer open-air production of Robin Hood, staged at Aamodt's Apple Farm in Stillwater on its soft, grassy seating - the perfect setting for a Sherwood Forest adventure. ...
Photos: WHOA, NELLIE! THE OUTLAW KING OF THE WILD MIDDLE WEST at History Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2025
Check out photos of Whoa, Nellie! The Outlaw King of the Wild Middle West running at History Theatre, May 17–June 8, 2025. Whoa, Nellie! tells the rip-roaring musical tale of Nellie King, the “wily and scandalous female cowboy detective” whose countless criminal exploits and penchant for male attire...
Past Shows
Michael Monroe, hailed as a “Minnesota acoustic music master” by the Star Tribune, guides this trio through timeless classics such as “Blowin’ in the Wind,” ...
Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Muscial
11/20 - 12/21/2025
A gust of icy wind changes everything! Follow St. Paul’s own Clarence “Cap” Wigington and his wife Viola as their Winter Carnival ice palace design ...
Don’t miss Doris Hines
9/18 - 10/12/2025
Step inside the wonderful world of Doris Hines! This talented nightclub singer moved to Minneapolis in 1963, navigating the challenges of a troubled marriage while ...
Glensheen
7/9 - 7/27/2025
A CRACKLING MUSICAL WITH A WICKED EDGE 1977. An heiress, kind and generous, is found dead in her bed. Her night nurse, lying lifeless on ...
Jennifer Grimm Sings Judy Garland June 14, 4 pm Ticket: $40 (main floor); $30 (balcony) Jennifer Grimm Sings Judy Garland is an energetic, uplifting concert celebrating ...
Whoa, Nellie! The Outlaw King of the Wild Middle West
5/17 - 6/8/2025
Whoa, Nellie! The Outlaw King of the Wild Middle West Book, Lyrics and Music by Josef Evans Directed by Laura Leffler Music Directed by Amanda ...
Secret Warriors
3/29 - 4/19/2025
Secret Warriors by R.A. Shiomi Directed by Lily Tung Crystal March 29–April 19, 2025 They are the warriors you don’t know. Inspired by the stories ...
Jennifer Grimm Sings Judy Garland is an energetic, uplifting concert celebrating Judy Garland’s music and showmanship with such joyful integrity that the Judy Garland Museum™ selected ...
The Root Beer Lady
1/25 - 2/23/2025
The Root Beer Lady Written and Performed by Kim Schultz Originally directed by Addie Gorlin-Han Remounted by Jess Yates January 25–February 23, 2025 The Root ...
Brass Funkadelic
1/4
There’s dancing in the streets of the Twin Cities! Emerson Avenue is a high-energy, horn-driven, classic rock band that hails from the Twin Cities. You’ll ...
I Am Betty
11/23 - 12/29/2024
I Am Betty Book and additional Lyrics by Cristina Luzárraga Music and Lyrics by Denise Prosek Directed by Maija García Choreography by Renee ...
DON’T MISS DORIS HINES
10/27
Doris Hines, a talented nightclub singer, relocates from Yonkers to Minneapolis with hopes of establishing her career while navigating the challenges of a troubled marriage ...
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF
10/26
Hungry Like the Wolf is a fast-paced comedy that dives into the complexities of women's labor rights through the lens of the Willmar Eight, a ...
SO HELP ME GOD
10/26
SO HELP ME GOD presents the remarkable story of Lena O. Smith, the first Black woman lawyer and President of the NAACP during the 1920s. ...
ROLLICKING! A WINTER CARNIVAL MUSICAL, by Rachel Teagle and Keith Hovis, tells the enchanting story of Saint Paul city architect Clarence "Cap" Wigington and his wife ...
Behind the Sun
9/21 - 10/13/2024
Behind the Sun By Stanley Kipper and Laura Drake Directed by Richard D. Thompson September 21–October 13, 2024 Obie Kipper has finally found the house ...
Church of Cash
8/3
Church of Cash (Johnny Cash Tribute) Saturday, August 3 , 7:30 pm Get ready to “Walk the Line” with Church of Cash! This electrifying Johnny ...
Buddy Holly: Oh Boy! BUDDY HOLLY: OH BOY ! is a 're-staging' of Buddy Holly's 1959 WINTER DANCE PARTY. Come celebrate the 15th anniversary of the blockbuster musical BUDDY! ...
Blended 和 (Harmony): The Kim Loo Sisters
5/4 - 5/26/2024
Blended (Harmony):The Kim Loo Sisters Book and lyrics by Jessica Huang Music by Jacinth Greywoode Directed by Lily Tung Crystal Co-production with Theater Mu May ...
A Unique Assignment
3/16 - 4/7/2024
A Unique Assignment by Harrison David Rivers Directed by Richard D. Thompson March 16–April 7, 2024 Two men – Henry Gallagher, white, and James Meredith, ...
HANDPRINTS
1/27 - 2/18/2024
Handprints Written and performed by Greta Oglesby Music Director: Sanford Moore Directed by Richard D. Thompson January 27–February 18, 2024 A powerful and vibrant autobiographical story ...
For the Love of....
2/14
For the Love of...(Volume 2) Wednesday, February 14, 7:30 pm Join us for a very diverse musical evening with solos, duos, trios, perhaps some dance, and lots ...
Raw Stages Festival
1/10 - 1/14/2024
History Theatre regularly commissions new work and has produced over 115 world premieres since 1978. The RAW STAGES: New Works Festival is an opportunity for YOU to get ...
I AM BETTY
11/25 - 12/23/2023
I Am Betty Book and Lyrics by Cristina Luzárraga Music and Lyrics by Denise Prosek Directed by Maija García November 25–December 23, 2023 Betty Crocker ...
THE BOY WONDER
10/7 - 10/29/2023
Dubbed the “boy wonder” after being elected the youngest governor of Minnesota in 1938, Harold Stassen was a popular and progressive leader with a vision to unify ...
Glensheen
7/8 - 7/23/2023
A CRACKLING MUSICAL WITH A WICKED EDGE 1977. An heiress, kind and generous, is found dead in her bed. Her night nurse, lying lifeless on ...
History Theatre is thrilled to partner with the charismatic Jen Burleigh-Bentz and Bradley Beahen as they present You've Got A Friend...The Music of Carole King ...
the defeat of Jesse James
4/29 - 5/28/2023
The Defeat of Jesse James Book by Jeffrey Hatcher Music & Lyrics by Chan Poling 1876. It's the last gig for Jesse James: a one-night-only ...
The Defeat of Jesse James
4/27 - 5/28/2023
The Defeat of Jesse James Written by Jeffrey Hatcher Music and lyrics by Chan Poling (The creators of GLENSHEEN!) April 29–May 28, 2023 1876. It's the ...
Diesel Heart
3/9 - 4/2/2023
Diesel Heart Written by Brian Grandison in collaboration with Melvin Carter Jr. Directed by Warren C. Bowles March 11–April 2, 2023 1950s-1970s. Born and raised in St. ...
The Root Beer Lady
1/26 - 2/19/2023
The Root Beer Lady Written and performed by Kim Schultz Directed by Addie Gorlin-Han January 28–February 19, 2023 1986. The story of the indomitable Dorothy Molter, ...
For The Love Of...
2/14
History Theatre is partnering with Lori Dokken to present a Valentine’s Day concert event featuring several of the Twin Cities’ finest female musicians delivering their ...
Raw Stages: New Works Festival
1/18 - 1/22/2023
Take part in a new script’s first brave steps from the page to the stage! History Theatre regularly commissions new work and has produced over 115 world ...
Women's Voices: When Women Step Up! Saturday, January 6, 7:30 pm Cost: $30-40 Incredible things happen when women step up and use their voice. ...
Happy Holidane - Take 3
12/20
Happy Holi-Dane - Take 3! Tuesday, December 20, 7:30 pm Back by popular demand, the swingin', singing, sketch and story-filled hullabaloo of holiday entertainment ...
A Servants' Christmas
12/8 - 12/18/2022
Set in 1899. A story of love, acceptance, and understanding. It’s December on Summit Avenue in St. Paul when Monica, a young immigrant, is hired by the Warner ...
Teen Idol: The Bobby Vee Story
11/17 - 12/16/2018
1959. With the tragic crash of Buddy Holly’s plane, a bright new star from Fargo emerged. Fifteen-year-old Bobby Velline performed at the Winter Dance Party ...
The Great Society
10/6 - 10/28/2018
1965. 1966. 1967. 1968. LBJ has just been elected to a second term. Dr. King’s “March on Selma” is at the forefront as LBJ battles ...
*FREE* HAIRSPRAY !
4/17 - 4/19/2015
*FREE* Click here for FREE Tickets! McNally Smith College of Music Presents: "Hairspray! The Musical" April 17th, 7:30pm & April 19th @ 2:00 pm & ...
This Side of Paradise
4/18 - 5/19/2013
History Theatre: - Nancy Harrow, Will Pomerantz; lyrics: Nancy Harrow; music: Nancy Harrow; dir: Andrew Fleser, Ron Peluso....
This Side of Paradise
4/20 - 5/19/2013
St. Paul's original "IT" couple — F. Scott Fitzgerald and his muse Zelda — were glittering emblems of the Jazz Age, living a life filled ...
Courting Harry
3/1 - 3/24/2013
Two best friends who grew up in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood in St. Paul, both went on to become Supreme Court Justices and presided over ...
Courting Harry
3/2 - 3/24/2013
Two best friends who grew up in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood in St. Paul, both went on to become Supreme Court Justices and presided over ...
Nellie
1/24 - 2/17/2013
Civil rights and labor activist Nellie Stone Johnson was a Minnesota hero. Her feisty spirit and drive to succeed made her a political force to ...
Nellie
1/26 - 2/17/2013
Civil rights and labor activist Nellie Stone Johnson was a Minnesota hero. Her feisty spirit and drive to succeed made her a political force to ...
Capital Crimes: The St. Paul Gangster Musical
4/21 - 5/20/2012
1932 Crime is running rampant and St. Paul is the crime capital of the U.S.A.! Public Enemies like Alvin “Creepy” Karpis and the Ma Barker ...
Coco's Diary
3/3 - 3/25/2012
1927 The trials and tribulations of a 13-year-old girl never seem to change: sibling rivalry, boys, school dances, boys, homework, and... boys! Young Clotilde “Coco” ...
1968: The Year That Rocked the World
1/21 - 2/19/2012
1968 A year of extremes. Of war and love. Of brave beginnings and tragic endings. Of political and social upheaval. Of hatred and hope. History ...
Videos
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Forts! Build Your Own Adventure
Children's Theatre Company (2/13 - 4/5) | |
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Riverdance
State (5/29 - 5/31) | |
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Giraffes Can't Dance
Stages Theatre Company (1/23 - 2/22) | |
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Les Miserables
Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis (2/17 - 2/22) | |
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Season Showcase
Ballet Co.Laboratory (6/5 - 6/5) | |
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The Right Thing To Do: The Joe Mauer Story
Stages Theatre Company (4/10 - 5/10) | |
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Dial M for Murder
Duluth Playhouse at the NorShor Theatre (1/30 - 2/8) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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