Spring is upon us, which means plenty of sun (yay!), but also some rain and a few gloomy days. Those are the perfect times to take the family out to enjoy a show. Lucky for you, there are plenty of upcoming spring performances that will delight children (and adults!) of all ages!
Disney’s Newsies @ Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: March 2-September 29
Newsies (recommended for ages 7+) is inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. Jack Kelly sells papers day after day along with countless other newsboys trying to save enough to make their dreams a reality. When the publisher of New York World, Joseph Pulitzer, realizes he can maximize profits by raising prices, Jack and the rest of the “newsies” rally to take a stand against his greed. Tickets include an entrée, bread, and choice of coffee, tea, water, or milk served before the show. Appetizers, soft drinks, alcohol, and desserts may be purchased at additional charge. Runtime 2 hours, 30 minutes (including intermission). Show-only tickets start at $50, Dinner & show tickets start at $58 for students and $65 for adults.
Corduroy @ Children’s Theatre Company: March 6-May 20
The beloved story of Corduroy is sure to capture the attention of all ages. This is the world premiere of a play that was commissioned, developed, and produced right here in Minneapolis! Join the toy bear Corduroy on his chase through every section of a department store in search of his missing button. Will the Night Watchman find him and return him to his shelf before he can find his important button? And will Corduroy ever find a home? This tender, enduring story about true friendship stirs up the stage with a bustling rumpus of action. It is based on the books Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman. Runtime 1 hour, 40 minutes (including intermission). Tickets start at $15.
Dr. Suess’s The Lorax @ Children’s Theatre Company: April 15-June 2
The silky soft tufts of the Truffula Trees are the perfect stuffs to knit the perfect Thneeds. But the first chop, chop of the perilous ax, begins the powerful tale of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax. When the last tree of the forest falls, was it worth losing paradise for nothing at all? The most beloved environmental tale of all time, The Lorax will have children of all ages singing in Seussian rhyme! Runtime 2 hours (including intermission). Tickets start at $15.
The Diary of Anne Frank @ Park Square Theatre: April 19, 22, 26, 28
The Diary of Anne Frank is a great choice for families with older kids. Anne’s tale will captivate audiences and promote further thought and discussion on human nature. It has been 75 years since Anne Frank was given a diary by her father. Revisit this classic yourself and share it with the young people in your life. Everyone will be inspired by the hope of a young girl who in the midst of the Holocaust could write: “In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart… if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again.” Tickets start at $25.
Into the Woods @ Lakeshore Players Theatre: April 26-May 20
Recommended for ages 10+, Stephen Sondheim’s fairytale musical masterpiece, Into the Woods, combines some of your favorite tales. Follow Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and others as they explore what happens AFTER they live happily ever after. Tickets start at $19 for students and $22 for adults.
The Princess’ Nightingale @ SteppingStone Theatre: May 2-19
Perfect for all ages, The Princess’ Nightingale is a thrilling new adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Nightingale.” Set in eighteenth century China, the prince and princess of the dynasty set out to learn about their wondrous land. Will they be distracted by the glitter of royalty or will they learn compassion and the lessons of the Nightingale? Tickets are offered on a Pay As You Are pricing model. This asks those who routinely pay $35-$40 for theater tickets to choose to pay that; it is the actual fair market value of the ticket. If an audience member needs to pay less, they can choose to pay less – as little as $5 per ticket.
Make it a family getaway when you stay in one of Roseville’s eleven hotels (eight of which offer coupons!), all located just minutes from these entertaining productions!