2019-2020 Season
Gloria: A Life
September 28-October 20, 2019
Regional Premiere
by Emily Mann
directed by Risa Brainin
2019 and the recent past. This new work by Tony Award-winning playwright Emily Mann celebrates the life of one of the most important figures of America's feminist movement! Nearly half a century later, Ms. Steinem's fight for gender equality is still a battle yet to be won. Her work continues in this powerful theatrical event with an all-female cast led by Charity Jones as Gloria Steinem and directed by Risa Brainin.
Gloria Steinem is a visionary, an icon, a hero to millions of women and me. - Oprah Winfrey
Featuring Charity Jones as Gloria Steinem.
Beyond the Rainbow: Garland at Carnegie Hall
Nov 16-Dec 22, 2019
History Theatre classic with all-new return engagement!
by William Randall Beard
directed by Ron Peluso
musical arrangements & direction by David Lohman
1961. When Judy Garland took to the stage at Carnegie Hall for her legendary comeback concert, "the house was packed with adoring fans of one of America's most beloved singers and entertainers. This stirring musical tribute truly tells Judy's story from her childhood in Grand Rapids, Minnesota to Hollywood and "beyond the rainbow."
Beyond the Rainbow has played in more than 25 regional theaters across the nation, and now History Theatre will revisit and refresh this History Theatre Classic with a few new twists, including a sparkling pair of "young Judys" and a couple more of Garland's greatest hits and choreography from some of her most famous movies. IVEY AWARD-Winner Jody Briskey returns as Garland, along with Peter Moore, Norah Long & Cathy Fuller who will be joined by handful of bright young newcomers!
“The story of my life is in my music.” – Judy Garland
Featuring Jody Briskey as Judy Garland
Superman Becomes Lois Lane
February 8-March 1, 2020
World Premiere Drama
by Susan Kimberly
1982 & Beyond. Superman Becomes Lois Lane tells the story of the gender transition of Bob Sylvester, a former President of the Saint Paul City Council and successful investment banker, to Susan Kimberly, the first transgender woman to become the deputy mayor of a major American city. This is Susan's story written in her own words with passion and humor that has been a hallmark of this remarkable St. Paul figure. Funny, smart and insightful, this play is not to be missed!
Featuring Freya Richman as Susan Kimberly
Not for Sale
March 21-April 12, 2020
World Premiere Drama
by Kim Hines and Barbara Teed based on a short play by Barbara Teed Directed by Ron Peluso
Late 1950s & early ’60s. Arnold Weigel, a rising star in the Twin Cities real estate business, puts his career on the line when he begins to represent families of color as they attempt to buy homes in the all-white neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul. In the wake of the destruction of the Rondo neighborhood, there is a great need for housing for those displaced by St. Paul's urban renewal plan.
Not in Our Neighborhood
March 25-April 5, 2020
An all-new version for Saint Paul
by Tom Fabel and Eric Wood
Directed by Richard D. Thompson
1924. This drama recounts the horrific events and shameful history of housing segregation in St. Paul’s Groveland Park neighborhood. William and Nellie Francis, both civil rights advocates and leading citizens in St. Paul’s growing African- American community, dared to move from their home in the Rondo neighborhood to the “home of their dreams” in this all-white neighborhood. Little did they know, neighbors would burn a cross in their front yard in an attempt to terrorize them and force them to abandon their dreams.
Runestone! A Rock Musical
May 2-24, 2020
World Premiere Musical
book & lyrics by Mark Jensen
music & arrangements by Gary Rue
directed by Tyler Michaels
musical direction by Brian Pekol
1898. When Swedish immigrant Olof Ohman digs up a rock on his property near Kensington, Minnesota with "a story written in carved runes" that indicate that the Vikings were the first Europeans to set foot in Minnesota, he is praised for his discovery! But soon, a controversy erupts and the cries of "Fake! Fraud! Liar!" turn his life upside down. This is one of Minnesota's "craziest stories" and Jensen and Rue have created a whimsical rock & roll musical that lays out this "continuing controversy!" WHAT IS THE TRUTH? Step back in time with us and enjoy the ride! Rock on!