2021-22 Season Come Witness History
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Learn more about our 2021-22 season
- History Theatre plans return to live performances in October, announces new season (Pioneer Press 7/22/21)
Note: Dates and times of History Theare productions are subject to change in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19 in accordance with state and local restrictions. History Theatre's highest priority is the health and safety of our patrons, staff and guest artists as we return to full capacity at our theater. We are working on a reopening plan that collaborates with the state and Actors' Equity to make your visit to the theater a safe and enjoyable experience. Please check back this fall for more details.
Not in our Neighborhood!
A story of Courage, Faith and Love
October 14-24, 2021
By Tom Fabel and Eric Wood
Directed by Richard D. Thompson
1925. Nellie and William Francis, residents of St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, had the courage to buy a home in the ‘all-white’ Groveland Park. Although William was a successful lawyer and prominent figure in the Republican Party and Nellie was a leader in the Suffragist Movement and responsible for Minnesota's Anti-Lynching Bill, they found themselves forced to STAND TALL in the face of ugly, racist protests and KKK-like behavior when they bought the home of their dreams. Witness a story that never made it into the history books. This couple pursued the American dream, despite the efforts of their new neighbors to intimidate them. They would not be denied!
Featuring Erin Nicole Farste as Nellie Francis
Darius Dotch as William T. Francis
Jim Craven as Pastor Harris
Scenic Design by Rick Polenek
Christmas of Swing
The Andrews Sisters’ USO Show
November 20 - December 19, 2021
By Bob Beverage in collaboration with Ron Peluso, Jan Puffer and David Lohman
Additional material written by Ernest Briggs
Directed by Ron Peluso
Assisted by Ernest Briggs
Musical direction by David Lohman
Choreography by Jan Puffer
Christmas Eve 1944. The Andrews Sisters – Patty, Maxene and LaVerne – are rehearsing their USO show filled with Christmas songs, carols, swing tunes, and special appearances by their friends Bing Crosby and Abbott & Costello. In this ALL-NEW reimagining of History Theatre’s holiday classic, the Andrews Sisters open their mailbag, and letters from men and women serving overseas dance their way into the USO show and into our hearts. These powerful and enlightening stories from people of diverse backgrounds remind us of the importance of family, service, and of a nation united for the common good. On this 80th Anniversary of the start of the US involvement in WW II, Christmas of Swing is a tribute to the men and women who served.
Cast to be announced August 2021
Scenic Design by Nicole DelPizzo
Not for Sale
Segregated housing in the Twin Cities (was no accident) or A Redlining Play!
February 5-27, 2022
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. A powerful story of redlining, racial covenants and housing discrimination that still resonates today.
Show sponsor: Edina Realty
Featuring Andrew Wheeler as Arnold Weigel
Charity Jones as Ivah Weigel
Monica Scott as Pearl Mitchell
Scenic Design by Rick Polenek
Parks: A Portrait of a Young Artist
March 19 -April 10, 2022
By Harrison David Rivers in collaboration with Robin Hickman-Winfield
Directed by Talvin Wilks
1926. Fort Scott, Kansas. Gordon Parks, age 14, left home for St. Paul after the death of his mother. He lived with his sister, until her husband kicked him out of the house and into the streets. While struggling to survive, his mother’s words would echo in his head, “Make a good man of yourself, ‘cause you have a choice. You always have a choice.” Inspired by Parks’s book, "A Choice of Weapons," Harrison takes us into the world of young Gordon, who would choose a camera to fight back hatred and discrimination. His passion as an artist would lead him to become a major figure in the American cultural landscape.
Featuring Dwight Leslie as Gordon Parks
James A. Williams as Pigeon Man
Ensemble with JuCoby Johnson, A.J. Friday, Ivory Doublette, Mikell Sapp, Pearce Bunting
Musical Direction by David Hearst
Scenic Design by Seitu Jones
Runestone!: A "Rock" Musical
May 7-29, 2022
Book & lyrics by Mark Jensen
Music & arrangements by Gary Rue
Directed by Tyler Michaels King
Musical direction by Brian Pekol
1898. Swedish immigrant Olaf Ohlman digs up a rock on his property near Kensington, MN with “a story on carved runes” that tells that the Vikings were the first Europeans to set foot in Minnesota. He is praised for his discovery but soon a controversy erupts, and his life is turned upside down with claims of “Fake! Fraud! Liar!” Step back in time and enjoy the ride with this whimsical rock ‘n roll musical. Rock on!!!
Featuring Sasha Andreev as Olaf
Music Direction by Brian Pekol
Scenic Design by Joel Sass