Whoa, Nellie! The Outlaw King of the Wild Middle West | History Theatre

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 Weis
Choreography by Joey Miller

May 17–June 8, 2025

Whoa, Nellie! tells the whirlwind tale of a fake detective (and former child performer), whose countless criminal exploits and penchant for male attire made her a Minnesota media sensation in the late 1800s. This fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly moving new musical follows the path of the enigmatic and relentless “Nellie King,” the alias by which she was best known. Her reckless disregard for the law leads to disastrous ends and a powerful emotional reckoning. Along the way, her story brings to light historical realities around gender, addiction, mental health, and celebrity that continue to resonate today. 

Ticket pricing

  • Adults/Seniors: $30-74
  • Students: $15