Minneapolis and Saint Paul have a thriving arts and theater
scene, with more than 100 theater venues and more theater
seats per capita than any other city in the nation outside New York.
From the glitz and style of Broadway shows to the inspired hilarity of improvisation, theaters in the Twin Cities have something for every group.
For public radio fans, the Fitzgerald Theater (651.290.1200;
http://fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org) is one of the best-known
venues in the country. Owned by Minnesota Public Radio, Saint Paul’s
oldest theater is home to A Prairie Home Companion radio show,
hosted by Garrison Keillor. Although group tickets are not available for
Keillor’s show, the Fitzgerald does present a number of other shows
throughout the year. Attendees with a literary bent will enjoy Talking
Volumes, a series dedicated to conversations with authors including
Sherman Alexie, Ann Patchett and Walter Mosley. The Fitzgerald also
stages musical performances.
For an invigorating dose of Broadway, attendees can head to the
Hennepin Theatre District (612.373.5665; www.hennepintheatredis
trict.org) in Minneapolis. Comprising the historic Orpheum, State and
Pantages theaters, the district brings the latest in award-winning New
York shows to Minneapolis, including The Lion King, Avenue Q, Sweeney
Todd, Monty Python’s Spamalot, and many more. The theaters
also stage music concerts. Theater tours are available for groups on
the last Monday of each month.
The Guthrie Theater (612.225.6240; www.guthrietheater.org)
has a new 285,000-square-foot home on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.
Although the Guthrie was established in the 1960s, it didn’t
have a stellar place to shine until last year, when the $125 million
complex opened its doors. Productions have included 1776, Jane Eyre
and Private Lives. Groups can also take advantage of backstage tours
and workshops.
There are chuckles aplenty at Brave New Workshop Theater
(612.332.6620; www.bravenewworkshop.com) in Minneapolis, with
productions like YouCube: This Company Loves Misery, a lighthearted
look at the corporate world. The theater, which has such alumni as Al
Franken, also does comedy improv shows and even corporate workshops
that mix laughs with learning.
