It’s showtime!
Have we got a show for you. Well, lots of shows actually. While this is just a short list of some of the best Minnesota theaters, there is a lot to see. Grab your monocle and experience the best live entertainment the Twin Cities has to offer.
Ordway Theater
345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102 • Ordway Theater
The Ordway is a non-for-profit performing arts center in St. Paul, Minnesota that features performances from musicals to concerts to dance productions. There’s a 1900 seat music theater and 1100 seat concert hall that was constructed in 2015 replacing the McKnight Theatre. Check out the variety of shows that will be at the Ordway June–August 2017:
June 2017:
- One Man Star Wars Trilogy / Saturday, June 24th
- CIRCUS 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus / June 27th–30th
July 2017:
- The Drifters / Saturday, July 8th
- Jesus Christ Superstar / July 18th–30th
- The Capitol Steps / Saturday, July 29
August 2017:
- Engelbert Humperdinck: 50th Anniversary Tour / Sunday, August 6th
Orpheum Theatre
910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 • Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum is a larger theater, seating 2,579 people and featuring some of the most well-known musical productions throughout its years. The interior is just as magnificent and the plays you’ll see there, with a 15-foot, 2,000 pound chandelier hanging above audience-goers in the main theater. Some must-see productions this summer include: Motown The Musical / July 11th–16th, and not appearing until Fall, but worth the mention, Aladdin / September 15th–October 8th (make sure to get your tickets early to get good seats!
Want an in-depth look and access behind-the-scenes perspectives, then check out the Historic Theatre Tours, an hour long tour that features historical and architectural facts, at an affordable $5 per ticket, bring the whole family! Tour times this summer:
- Monday, June 26th @ 1:00pm
- Saturday, July 8th @ 10:00am
- Monday, August 28th @ 1:00pm
State Theatre
805 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402 • State Theatre
Like the Orpheum, the State Theatre is owned and operated by the Hennepin Theatre Trust, and as the Orpheum’s slightly smaller cousin, seats 2,181 and features original murals and chandeliers from the historic 1921 opening. From concerts to comedy, summer 2017 productions at the State Theatre include:
June 2017:
- King Crimson / Concert / Monday, June 26th @ 7:30pm
July 2017:
- Tim & Eric / Comedy / Wednesday, July 26th @ 8:00pm
- Dancing with the Stars: Live! – Hot Summer Nights / Dance / Sunday, July 30th @ 7:00pm
August 2017:
- Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live! – Eegah / Friday, August 4th @ 7:00pm
- Retro Futura / Concert / Thursday, August 17th @ 7:00pm
Pantages Theatre
710 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 • Pantages Theatre
The Pantages is a smaller, yet no less impressive, Hennepin Theatre Trust theater, seating 1,014. The renovation in 1994 followed many of the original structural details of the historical architectural drawings including all of the decorative plaster work. So, step back in time and enjoy entertainment the way it’s supposed to be, live and in-person:
June 2017:
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Classic Gala / Saturday, June 24th @ 7:30pm
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Classic Gala / Sunday, June 25th @ 3:00pm
July 2017:
- War on the Catwalk / All-age drag performance / Sunday, July 30th @ 8:00pm
August 2017:
- Chris Isaak / Concert / Wednesday, August 9th @ 7:30pm
- Dave Rawlings Machine / Concert / Wednesday, August 23rd @ 8:00pm
Guthrie Theater
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818 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415 • Guthrie Theater
Minnesotans and beyond all know that the Guthrie is an architectural beauty, but the inside is just as spectacular with memorable performances, dining, and exciting views of Downtown Minneapolis. While your eyes and ears are inspired by the singing and dancing, be sure to excite your taste buds with a meal at Sea Change restaurant on the street level of the Guthrie. Productions this season include:
- Sunday in the Park with George / Musical / Now – August 20th 2017
- The New Griots Festival / Features emerging Black artists in the Twin Cities / July 6th – 16th
- Native Gardens / Comedic Play / July 15th – August 20th
