2022-23 Season: By the Numbers
That's a wrap on the 2022-23 Season!
This season has been remarkable and unique thanks to fan favorites (Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story and A Servants' Christmas) to exciting new world premieres (The Root Beer Lady, Diesel Heart, and The Defeat of Jesse James).
Let's examine the season "by the numbers"
- Over 39,000 audience members attended the theater to engage in real-life stories from our local history.
- The Defeat of Jesse James marked the 140th world premiere to make its History Theatre debut.
- 1,300 students from middle and high schools witnessed stories come to life on stage.
- We celebrated Ron Peluso's retirement as Artistic Director after 27 years at History Theatre.
- Thank you to our 200 volunteers who assisted in our 108 performances.
- We sold 1,065 bottles of Root Beer during the nearly sold-out run of The Root Beer Lady.
- We collaborated with 150 artists, designers, and directors who worked on various productions throughout the season.
- We appreciate everyone who joined us this season, to support, celebrate and have fun. We'll see you in July at Glensheen!
Remembering Archie Givens, Jr.
Mr. Given's humble presence, deep commitment, and generous support of literature and the arts have had an extraordinary impact on our community. His spirit and example will live on.
CLICK HERE To read more about Archie Givens Jr.
Remembering Sabina Zimering
Sabina Zimering's memoir, Hiding in the Open was adapted for the stage by playwright Kira Obolensky for History Theatre's 2003-04 season. In my 25 years at History Theatre, meeting Sabina and presenting her story has been one of the highlights of my time in this job. It was an honor to meet Sabina, and I know that both casts of each of the two productions truly loved her and felt a special obligation to tell her story with respect and passion.
Thank you Sabina for sharing your story and being a part of our history.
- Ron Peluso, Artistic Director, History Theatre
CLICK HERE to read more about Sabina Zimering
Remembering Steve Shaffer
As Cleland Card, in Don Stoltz's zany and beautiful comedy, Steve was brilliantly funny and brought a gentle and warm humanity to this Minnesota TV legend. Enjoy your time, Steve in Comedy Heaven."
- Ron Peluso, Artistic Director
Remembering Walter Mondale
Vice President Mondale was often interested in History Theatre productions. Unlike anyone else, though, he had often played a major role in the national history being told on stage. From the commissioned play “1968” to Robert Schenkken’s epic “All the Way” and its sequel “The Great Society,” we were thrilled when Mr. Mondale graciously offered his firsthand perspective on history for our actors and audiences. His intelligence, humor and unpretentiousness always seemed to shine through.
"We were always honored to be in the presence of a legend….a great Minnesotan and a citizen of the world."
Ron Peluso, Karen Mueller and Company