A statement on the death of George Floyd
June 1, 2020
History Theatre supports the First Amendment right to peaceful protest, and in this time of crisis, we stand with civil rights activists and participate in the ongoing fight for justice. History Theatre’s mission is to share the stories of the men and women who make up the whole of Minnesota and our region’s complex history. More often than not, these stories reflect extreme courage, endurance, and sacrifice rendered by those seeking to overturn the horrors of systemic racism and injustice. The tragic murder of George Floyd is part of a long history of police violence against African Americans, Native people and other people of color in Minnesota and across the nation. During this fractured and frightening time it is hard to know the next right action to take for and with our community. What we are sure of though, is that as artists, colleagues, and fellow humans, we are committed to supporting each other; and as a theatre, to continually examine our organization and change where bias and inequity are identified; and continue to provide a platform for stories of the ongoing fight for social justice and for civil and human rights, until the day that is no longer needed.
If you are able, please consider making a donation to these organizations:
- George Floyd's family directly through GoFundMe pages: Official Floyd Memorial Fund and George Floyd (BigFloyd).
- We Love Lake Street to help rebuild Lake Street small businesses and non-profits.
- Neighbors United Funding Collaborative to help Midway + Union Park small business and nonprofit community rebuild their storefronts.
- Black Visions Collective, organizing for Black and collective liberation.
- Migizi for the development of Native American youth.
In solidarity,
History Theatre
History Theatre cancels Glensheen, statewide tour due to COVID-19
May 26, 2020
Given the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the health and public safety on gathering in large groups, History Theatre board and staff have decided to postpone Glensheen (July 11-August 2, 2020) and the long-awaited debut of Glensheen on Tour to venues in greater Minnesota (August and September 2020).
We cannot responsibly present shows on stage this summer as originally planned. It is with sadness that we announce the postponement of our popular show Glensheen and its tour to greater Minnesota.
The History Theatre classic will be back as part of the 2020-21 mainstage season and Glensheen on Tour will be rescheduled when it is safe for both performers and patrons to return. This decision comes knowing that audience expectations and artists’ salaries will be dashed, but we know that when the time is right – we will be back on stage with this “Best of the Decade” musical.
History Theatre will continue to stay connected with audiences with History Theatre at Home, their program of streaming curated gems from the archives; Spilling the HT: Real People, Real Talk, a series of new and behind-the-scenes conversations with theatre artists; and virtual opportunities through writing classes and talk-backs.
History Theatre at Home will stream Sweet Land, the musical June 12-25. The next Spilling the HT: Sweet Land edition (online May 29) will feature Sweet Land, the musical creators Perrin Post and Dina Maccabee and cast members Ann Michels and Matt Riehle.
Over 42 years, History Theatre has had the privilege to tell stories that matter. Stay tuned for an announcement of the upcoming season of shows, which we will share with you in July. Be safe and thank you for continuing to support the theatre and artists during this challenging time
Ron Peluso, History Theatre Artistic Director
Karen Mueller, History Theatre Managing Director
History Theatre at Home
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History Theatre Cancellations, Updates
March 26, 2020
Dear History Theatre Friends, Artists and Patrons,
In these past few days, we have received an outpouring of support for the important work we present at History Theatre. Many of you have generously donated the value of your tickets to History Theatre. We thank you for standing by us and we look forward to the return of History Theatre to your arts calendar.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the federal and state recommendations surrounding it, we are postponing the upcoming production of Runestone: The Musical by Mark Jensen with music & arrangements by Gary Rue. In these stressful times, we are sorry to not be sharing this whimsical rock 'n roll musical about of one of Minnesota's most unusual stories, but we look forward to presenting it in our next season lineup!
Here's a recap of History Theatre cancellations and updates:
Production Cancellations/Postponements
- Not for Sale (March 21-April 12)
- Not in Our Neighborhood (March 25-April 5)
- Runestone! (May 2- 24)* Note: Postponed until 2020-21 Season
*If you purchased Runestone! tickets, what would you like to do with your ticket/s?
- Donate my tickets to History Theatre, click DONATE
- Receive a ticket credit for amount of sale, click CREDIT
- Receive a refund for ticket amount, click REFUND
- Receive a gift certificate - Good for any show for the amount of reserved tickets, click CERTIFICATE
History Theatre Benefit Update
Virtual History Theatre Gala - April 4 online!
- Since we can no longer gather together at the Saint Paul Hotel in-person we will gather ONLINE instead! Everyone is invited to join us for our lively and fun Virtual Gala on April 4. Click here to register for free! Don’t miss it.
Box Office Update
- History Theatre box office is closed to the public until further notice.
- Our virtual box office is opened Tuesday-Thursday 10am-5pm.
- Contact the box office by phone 651-292-4323 (leave a message) or email, click here.
Above all, please know that History Theatre board, staff and artists are committed to working together with you to sustain our mission, our organization and to contribute to the health of our community however we can, long into the future.
Be well and we hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Ron, Karen and Company
A Message from History Theatre
March 23, 2020
Dear History Theatre Friends, Artists and Patrons,
A month ago, we were all thrilled with the opening of Susan Kimberly’s world premiere SUPERMAN BECOMES LOIS LANE. Today, we find ourselves in the midst of a national crisis.
This is a critical time for the arts and with your kind words of support and generous gifts, we will continue to bring important, entertaining and educational works to the stage and support our staff and artists who make it all happen.
Every life in the country is affected by the crisis and History Theatre is working hard to support our artists, who have lost weeks of work, and for the Equity members, weeks of health care coverage and pension benefits.
Of course, we want our loyal fans, friends and our greater community to remain safe and sound.
Maybe someday in the distant future, a bright new Artistic Director of History Theatre will commission a new work: C-19!. She will be honored by the Twin Cities theater community for bringing this long-forgotten story to the stage in 2084 and given a Rony AWARD for “Best New Musical of the Year.” (Some levity required, now more than ever.)
Thank you for standing by us and we look forward to the return of History Theatre to your arts calendar.
Be well and we hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Ron, Karen and Company