What are the top performances at Guthrie Theater in 2023. Which shows should theater enthusiasts prioritize this year. How does the Guthrie’s lineup cater to diverse tastes and preferences. What makes these productions stand out in the Minneapolis theater scene.
Unveiling the Guthrie Theater’s 2023 Spectacular Lineup
The Guthrie Theater, a cornerstone of Minneapolis’ vibrant arts scene, has curated an impressive array of productions for 2023. This year’s lineup promises to captivate audiences with a diverse range of performances, from classic adaptations to contemporary masterpieces. Let’s delve into the most anticipated shows that theater enthusiasts should mark on their calendars.
The Drowsy Chaperone: A Delightful Homage to 1920s Musical Theater
Kicking off our list is the Tony Award-winning comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone. This witty production serves as both a loving tribute and a clever parody of 1920s musical theater. The show’s premise revolves around a musical theater aficionado who finds solace from his mundane life by immersing himself in a fictional 1928 musical.
Why should this be on your must-see list? The Drowsy Chaperone offers:
- Hilarious vaudevillian slapstick comedy
- Catchy, toe-tapping musical numbers
- A clever meta-theatrical structure that appeals to both casual viewers and die-hard theater fans
- A nostalgic journey into the golden age of Broadway
How does The Drowsy Chaperone stand out from other musical comedies? Its unique frame narrative allows for both celebration and gentle mockery of musical theater conventions, creating a multi-layered experience that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
A Christmas Carol: A Timeless Holiday Tradition
No Guthrie season would be complete without their annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Returning for its 49th year, this beloved adaptation has become a cherished holiday tradition for many Minneapolis families.
What makes the Guthrie’s version of A Christmas Carol special?
- Lavish Victorian-era sets and costumes that transport audiences to 19th-century London
- Enchanting musical score that enhances the magical atmosphere
- Virtuoso performances bringing Dickens’ iconic characters to life
- A perfect blend of heartwarming sentiment and spectral thrills
How has the Guthrie managed to keep this production fresh for nearly five decades? Each year, subtle changes in direction, casting, and design elements ensure that even longtime attendees find something new to appreciate in this timeless tale of redemption.
The Great Gatsby: Bringing the Roaring Twenties to Life
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal novel, The Great Gatsby, receives a fresh adaptation on the Guthrie stage this season. This production aims to capture both the exuberance and underlying darkness of the Jazz Age through innovative stagecraft and period-appropriate music.
What can audiences expect from the Guthrie’s take on The Great Gatsby?
- Opulent set designs that recreate the lavish parties of the era
- Nuanced performances that bring depth to Fitzgerald’s complex characters
- A soundtrack that immerses viewers in the sounds of the 1920s
- Thoughtful exploration of the novel’s themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream
How does this stage adaptation differ from film versions of The Great Gatsby? The intimate nature of live theater allows for a more immediate connection between the audience and the characters, bringing new dimensions to this classic American story.
Jane Austen on Stage: Sense and Sensibility and Emma
The Guthrie brings not one, but two Jane Austen classics to life this season with adaptations of Sense and Sensibility and Emma. These productions promise to transport audiences to the world of Regency-era England, complete with all the wit, romance, and social commentary that Austen is famous for.
Sense and Sensibility: A Tale of Two Sisters
What makes Sense and Sensibility a must-see production?
- A smart, fast-paced adaptation that captures the essence of Austen’s novel
- Exquisite period costumes that bring the early 19th century to life
- Exploration of timeless themes of love, family, and societal expectations
- A perfect balance of humor and heart
Emma: Austen’s Cleverest Heroine Takes Center Stage
Why should theater-goers be excited about the Guthrie’s production of Emma?
- Energetic banter and clever dialogue that showcases Austen’s wit
- Insightful social commentary that remains relevant today
- Delightful plot twists and misunderstandings that drive the comedy
- A spirited exploration of love, friendship, and personal growth
How do these stage adaptations make Austen’s work accessible to modern audiences? By emphasizing the universal themes and relatable characters in Austen’s novels, these productions demonstrate the enduring appeal of her stories across centuries.
Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure: Justice and Morality Examined
The Guthrie’s production of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure offers audiences a thought-provoking exploration of justice, morality, and mercy. Set in Vienna, this play delves into the complexities of power and righteousness through its examination of a strict magistrate who finds himself on both sides of the law.
What makes Measure for Measure a compelling choice for contemporary audiences?
- Timeless themes that resonate with current societal debates
- Complex characters that challenge our notions of right and wrong
- Shakespeare’s poetic language brought to life by skilled performers
- A plot that balances drama, comedy, and moral ambiguity
How does the Guthrie’s production approach the play’s more controversial elements? By contextualizing the story within its historical setting while drawing parallels to modern issues, the production invites audiences to engage with the play’s ethical dilemmas in a meaningful way.
Contemporary Dramas: Pushing Boundaries and Sparking Conversations
In addition to classics and adaptations, the Guthrie’s 2023 season features several contemporary dramas that tackle pressing social issues and push theatrical boundaries.
Sweat: Examining the American Working Class
Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Sweat offers a poignant look at the struggles of working-class Americans in a de-industrializing town. What makes this production particularly relevant?
- Exploration of economic anxiety and its impact on communities
- Nuanced portrayal of race relations in the workplace
- Powerful performances that bring authenticity to complex characters
- A narrative that resonates with many Midwestern audiences
Indecent: A Play Within a Play
Paula Vogel’s Indecent tells the true story of a controversial 1923 Broadway play and its impact on the artists involved. Why is this meta-theatrical piece a must-see?
- Innovative staging that blends past and present
- Exploration of censorship and artistic freedom
- Celebration of Yiddish theater and Jewish culture
- A moving testament to the power of art in challenging times
How do these contemporary dramas complement the Guthrie’s more traditional offerings? By including these thought-provoking works alongside classics, the Guthrie demonstrates its commitment to presenting a diverse range of theatrical experiences that speak to modern audiences.
Family-Friendly Productions: Engaging the Next Generation of Theater-Goers
The Guthrie’s 2023 season also includes several productions designed to appeal to younger audiences and families, ensuring that theater remains accessible and engaging for all ages.
The Wizard of Oz: A Magical Journey for All Ages
What makes the Guthrie’s production of The Wizard of Oz a must-see for families?
- Spectacular special effects that bring the Land of Oz to life
- Beloved songs that encourage audience participation
- Timeless themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery
- A visually stunning production that appeals to both children and adults
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Shakespeare for Young Audiences
How does the Guthrie make Shakespeare accessible to younger viewers in their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
- Emphasis on physical comedy and visual storytelling
- Clear, engaging performances that demystify Shakespeare’s language
- Magical set and costume designs that capture young imaginations
- Interactive elements that involve the audience in the fairy-tale world
Why is it important for theaters like the Guthrie to offer family-friendly productions? By introducing children to the magic of live theater at a young age, these productions help cultivate the next generation of theater enthusiasts and artists.
Behind the Scenes: The Guthrie’s Commitment to Artistic Excellence
What sets the Guthrie Theater apart from other regional theaters in the United States? The theater’s dedication to artistic excellence is evident in every aspect of its productions, from set design to performer training.
How does the Guthrie maintain its high standards?
- State-of-the-art facilities that allow for innovative staging
- Collaboration with world-class directors, designers, and performers
- A commitment to developing new works and supporting emerging artists
- Extensive community outreach and education programs
What impact does the Guthrie have on the broader Minneapolis arts scene? As a cultural cornerstone of the Twin Cities, the Guthrie not only presents world-class theater but also serves as a catalyst for artistic growth and community engagement throughout the region.
Planning Your Guthrie Theater Experience
With such an impressive lineup of shows, how can theater enthusiasts make the most of their Guthrie experience in 2023? Here are some tips for planning your visits:
- Consider purchasing a season subscription for the best seats and prices
- Take advantage of pre-show talks and post-show discussions to deepen your understanding of the productions
- Explore the Guthrie’s beautiful building, including its stunning views of the Mississippi River
- Combine your theater outing with a meal at one of the Guthrie’s on-site restaurants
- Check the Guthrie’s website for special events, workshops, and behind-the-scenes tours
How can visitors enhance their theater experience beyond just watching the show? By immersing themselves in the full range of offerings at the Guthrie, from educational programs to dining experiences, visitors can create a rich, multifaceted engagement with the arts.
The Guthrie Theater’s 2023 season offers an exciting array of productions that cater to diverse tastes and interests. From classic adaptations to contemporary dramas, family-friendly shows to thought-provoking pieces, there’s something for everyone on this year’s calendar. By prioritizing these must-see performances, theater enthusiasts can ensure a year filled with unforgettable artistic experiences at one of America’s premier regional theaters.
Looking to catch a show at the renowned Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis this year? With a wide array of captivating performances gracing the Guthrie’s stages in 2023, deciding which productions to prioritize can feel overwhelming. To help narrow down the options, here’s an insider’s look at 15 can’t-miss Guthrie Theater shows on the calendar for the upcoming season.
The Drowsy Chaperone
Transport yourself to the glamorous world of 1920s musical theater with the Tony Award-winning comedy The Drowsy Chaperone. This witty parody lovingly skewers classic musical tropes while spinning an entertaining tale of a die-hard musical fan who immerses himself in the fictional 1928 hit musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” to escape his melancholy real life. From its vaudevillian slapstick to its showstopping musical numbers, this charming show promises nonstop laughs and toe-tapping tunes.
Beloved Holiday Tradition: A Christmas Carol
No Guthrie season would be complete without the theater’s cherished annual production of A Christmas Carol. Returning for its 49th year, this lavish adaptation of Dickens’ timeless holiday tale is a magical experience for all ages. With ornate Victorian-era sets and costumes, enchanting music, and virtuoso performances, the Guthrie’s production vividly brings the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future to life right before your eyes. Don’t miss the chance to make this captivating Christmas classic part of your family’s annual holiday traditions.
The Roaring Twenties Brought to Life: The Great Gatsby
Revel in 1920s extravagance when the Guthrie puts its spin on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal novel The Great Gatsby this season. Through inventive stagecraft and period music, the production aims to capture both the freewheeling exuberance and lurking darkness beneath the glitzy Jazz Age backdrop. Follow along as the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby pursues lost love Daisy Buchanan amidst rowdy parties and reckless abandon. With opulent sensory details and nuanced performances, the Guthrie’s Gatsby promises an immersive peek into one of literature’s most iconic eras.
Romance and Regency Era Charm: Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen’s beloved novel Sense and Sensibility comes to life on the Guthrie stage this season, transporting audiences to the manners and mores of early 19th century England. Witty, romantic, and wisely observant of social foibles, this tale of two sisters with contrasting temperaments seeking love and fulfillment offers plenty of gentle humor and heart. With exquisite period costumes and a smart, fast-paced adaption, the Guthrie’s production is sure to delight Austen aficionados and newcomers alike.
Wit and Wisdom in Georgian England: Emma
Continuing the Austen appreciation, the Guthrie will mount a production of the author’s comedic masterpiece Emma this season. Austen’s cleverest heroine takes center stage as the matchmaking (and often mismatched) Emma Woodhouse learns lessons in life and love in her small hometown. With its Energetic banter, satirical social commentary and fun plot twists, Emma always makes for lively entertainment. Expect a spirited Guthrie production full of humor and insights into relationships that still resonate centuries later.
Shakespearean Justice and Morality: Measure for Measure
Investigate justice, morality and mercy through one of Shakespeare’s most thought-provoking works, Measure for Measure, at the Guthrie this season. Set in Vienna, this probing play explores the dichotomy between virtue and vice as an unwavering magistrate hands down a harsh sentence to a young man, only to later find himself on the other side of punishment. Examining themes of religion, sexuality and the complexities of morality through poetic language, this play’s examination of power and righteousness remains disturbingly resonant centuries after it was written.
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Looking to catch a show at the renowned Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis this year? With a wide array of captivating performances gracing the Guthrie’s stages in 2023, deciding which productions to prioritize can feel overwhelming. To help narrow down the options, here’s an insider’s look at 15 can’t-miss Guthrie Theater shows on the calendar for the upcoming season.
A Christmas Carol
Get into the holiday spirit with the Guthrie Theater’s beloved annual production of Charles Dickens’ yuletide classic A Christmas Carol. Returning for an astonishing 49th consecutive year, the Guthrie’s lavish take on this time-honored tale is a can’t-miss event for Twin Cities families. Through dazzling staging, period costumes, and infectious music, the production vividly conjures the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, transporting audiences back to Victorian England.
Following the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on his magical overnight journey toward redemption, the Guthrie’s Carol brims with Yuletide charm and pageantry. From the jubilant Fezziwig party to the chilling graveyard scene with Jacob Marley, this dynamic adaptation leaps off the page. With talented child actors taking turns in the role of Tiny Tim each year, the Cratchit family’s hardship tugs at the heartstrings. And Scrooge’s overnight transformation from crusty curmudgeon to generous soul inspires cheers.
To immerse audiences in the Dickensian setting, Guthrie artisans create ornately beautiful Victorian sets and costumes annually. Whether you catch a weekday matinee with school groups or an evening performance, the atmosphere is infectiously festive. Carol’s message of hope and generosity resonates across generations, making this a magical family tradition. Don’t miss the chance to let the Guthrie Theater uplift your holiday season with their spectacular A Christmas Carol.
A Musical Comedy Gem: The Drowsy Chaperone
For delightful musical escapism, look no further than the Tony Award-winning charmer The Drowsy Chaperone, parading onto the Guthrie stage this season. This fizzy Jazz Age cocktail of a show affectionately spoofs the theatrical tropes of vintage musicals while crafting its own zany backdrop. When a lonely musical fanatic puts on the fictional 1928 record “The Drowsy Chaperone,” the show’s glamorous antics spring to life in his apartment…
Looking to catch a show at the renowned Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis this year? With a wide array of captivating performances gracing the Guthrie’s stages in 2023, deciding which productions to prioritize can feel overwhelming. To help narrow down the options, here’s an insider’s look at 15 can’t-miss Guthrie Theater shows on the calendar for the upcoming season.
The Great Gatsby
Step into the lavish and liberated world of the Jazz Age with the Guthrie Theater’s production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal novel The Great Gatsby this season. Through its innovative stagecraft and period music, the show aims to capture both the energetic excitement and moral ambiguity simmering beneath the glamorous façade of 1920s high society.
Following the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby as he feverishly pursues lost love Daisy Buchanan, the adaptation revels in sensational excess, from wild parties with flowing champagne to reckless driving escapades. Yet a haunting darkness lurks behind the exhilaration, as Fitzgerald examines timeless themes of aspiration, wealth, and disillusionment. With dynamic visuals and nuanced performances, the Guthrie’s Gatsby promises an immersive journey into one of the most iconic eras in literature.
From the extravagant décor of Gatsby’s West Egg mansion to the valley of ashes presided over by the bespectacled Dr. Eckleburg billboard, the production aims to vividly recreate the distinct settings that mark this American masterwork. Period music interludes will capture the ragtime rhythms that underscored newly liberated social mores. And through strategic lighting choices, the production will juxtapose glittering nights against gray mornings after, underscoring the air of illusion cloaking Gatsby’s world.
By mining the text’s humor and humanity, the Guthrie’s Gatsby will transcend niche literary appeal to engage a wide audience. This revelatory adaptation promises to breathe fresh life into Fitzgerald’s profound statements on class, identity, and the American dream.
A Holiday Tradition Returns: A Christmas Carol
The Guthrie’s lavish and uplifting production of A Christmas Carol is back for its 49th consecutive season…
Looking to catch a show at the renowned Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis this year? With a wide array of captivating performances gracing the Guthrie’s stages in 2023, deciding which productions to prioritize can feel overwhelming. To help narrow down the options, here’s an insider’s look at 15 can’t-miss Guthrie Theater shows on the calendar for the upcoming season.
Sense and Sensibility
Journey to the mannered world of 19th century England when the Guthrie Theater presents an adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel Sense and Sensibility this season. Through exquisite period details and spirited performances, the production promises to bring Austen’s examination of contrasting temperaments and romantic tribulations to vivid theatrical life.
Following the fortunes of levelheaded Elinor and passionate Marianne Dashwood as they seek love and fulfillment, the play mines Austen’s incisive social commentary and gentle satire of upper-crust mores. Romantic entanglements and rivalries abound, with suitors and scoundrels alike navigating the strict etiquette of Regency-era British society. But beneath the witty repartee and farcical twists, insightful revelations about human nature and relationships resonate across the centuries.
To fully immerse audiences in Austen’s world, the Guthrie production will take full advantage of the theater’s production capabilities. Elaborate period costumes will whirl across the stage, from empire-waist gowns to breeches and greatcoats. The set design will capture the fine details of country estates and landscaped vistas. And a chamber music score will nod to the dances and divertissements that punctuated polite social gatherings.
Smart, charming, and full of heart, the Guthrie’s Sense and Sensibility promises a theatrical experience that does justice to Austen’s abiding fame. Don’t miss the chance to see this witty romantic comedy brought vividly to life.
The Roaring Twenties Come Alive: The Great Gatsby
Experience the freewheeling decadence and moral ambiguity of the Jazz Age with the Guthrie’s production of The Great Gatsby this season…
Emma
With a dazzling new season ahead, the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis has an exciting lineup of must-see shows for theater lovers in 2023. From thrilling dramas to side-splitting comedies, innovative adaptations of classics to groundbreaking new works, there are countless memorable theatrical experiences awaiting audiences this year.
One of the most anticipated shows is undoubtedly the Guthrie’s production of Emma, the clever Jane Austen comedy of manners about a well-meaning but meddlesome matchmaker. Adapted for the stage by Kate Hamill, who has become renowned for her bold, highly theatrical adaptations of literary classics, this vibrant version promises to bring all the wit, romance, and social satire of Austen’s novel to vivid life.
From the elegant drawing rooms of Regency England to the jazz-filled streets of 1950s New Orleans, the Guthrie is known for the remarkable breadth and diversity of its theatrical offerings. This season features two fascinating and widely different musicals—the regional premiere of Soul Train, inspired by the trailblazing TV show that celebrated Black music and dance, and a reimagining of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic Oklahoma! as reenvisioned through a more contemporary lens.
For those who prefer their theater provocative and thought-provoking, there are several exciting new plays coming to the Guthrie’s stages this year. What We Leave Behind grapples with racism and privilege in the classroom, while the Pulitzer Prize finalist Redwood explores an Iranian American family divided by their political differences. There are also unique adaptations like Twelfth Night aimed at younger audiences and imaginative takes on literary classics like a futuristic version of The Great Gatsby.
Accessible Parking and Transportation
Getting to and from the Guthrie Theater is easy, thanks to its convenient downtown Minneapolis location and proximity to multiple parking garages and light rail options. Here are some tips for navigating transportation and parking:
- The Guthrie has its own parking ramp located just across the street from the building on Vineland Place. Rates are $8 for 0-4 hours and $16 for over 4 hours. The ramp has direct access to the Guthrie’s Level 5 lobby.
- For disabled parking, there are designated spots in the Guthrie ramp on Levels P1-P3. These spots provide direct access to the elevator that connects the ramp to the Guthrie’s lobby.
- Additional disabled parking can be found along 8th Street and in nearby City Center ramp. The City Center ramp also connects directly to the Guthrie via skyway.
- MetroTransit’s Blue and Green light rail lines stop right at the Guthrie’s station along 5th Street. The Guthrie is just steps from the station’s 7th Street exit.
- Bike racks are available next to the Guthrie’s Vineland Place lobby entrance for cyclists.
The Guthrie’s friendly ushers can provide directions on getting to the theaters, restrooms, restaurants, gift shops and other amenities. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime to allow for parking, picking up tickets at Will Call and getting comfortably seated.
Key Shows and Dates for 2023
With so many incredible options, it can be tough to narrow down which shows to choose. Here are 15 of the must-see Guthrie Theater productions coming up in 2023:
- Emma – January 21 to March 19. Witty Jane Austen adaptation.
- What We Leave Behind – February 4 to March 12. Thought-provoking new drama.
- Oklahoma! – February 11 to April 2. Reimagined Rodgers & Hammerstein classic.
- Twelfth Night – March 4 to 26. Whimsical Shakespeare for families.
- Redwood – March 25 to May 7. Gripping political family drama.
- Soul Train – April 15 to June 11. High-energy musical celebration.
- The Great Gatsby – May 6 to 28. Futuristic take on the American classic.
- Marys Seacole – May 20 to July 9. Inspiring true story of a pioneering nurse.
- Mlima’s Tale – June 3 to 25. Poignant drama about elephant poaching.
- Romeo and Juliet – July 8 to 30. Shakespeare’s timeless romantic tragedy.
Additional can’t-miss shows, including the just-announced 2023 holiday production, will be added to the calendar later this year. Theater fans can check the Guthrie Theater’s website regularly for the full schedule of performances, show times, ticket prices and other details to start planning an unforgettable season of outstanding theater.
With breathtaking productions, brilliant acting and directing, and an incredible variety of shows both fun and thought-provoking, a visit to the Guthrie promises to be a highlight for any theater lover. This look at must-see shows coming up in 2023 is just a preview of the memorable experiences awaiting audiences in the year ahead.
Measure for Measure
Theater lovers, rejoice! The Guthrie Theater’s 2023 season promises a spectacular lineup of must-see shows. From rib-tickling comedies to heart-wrenching dramas, bold reimaginings of classics to innovative new works, the Guthrie has something for every taste. As you look ahead to planning your theater schedule, be sure not to miss these 15 can’t-miss performances on the Guthrie’s calendar.
One of the highlights will surely be the Guthrie’s production of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. Known for its moral complexity and for pushing the boundaries of comedy into darker territory, Measure for Measure centers on a duke who temporarily puts a rigid puritan in charge, with disastrous results. The Guthrie’s staging promises to bring all the play’s thorny issues surrounding hypocrisy, abuse of power, sexuality and justice vividly to life.
From the Bard to Broadway, the Guthrie covers the full spectrum of the theatrical world. Musical lovers can look forward to the regional premiere of the high-energy Moulin Rouge! The Musical, based on Baz Luhrmann’s hyperactive movie. With pop songs galore and dazzling spectacle, it promises to be a high-kicking good time. In a completely different musical vein is the legendary Fiddler on the Roof, packed with hummable classics like “Tradition” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.”
Those seeking more serious, thought-provoking fare can check out The Chinese Lady, Lloyd Suh’s acclaimed drama about the first Chinese woman to set foot in America, or Our Town, Thornton Wilder’s moving play about life and loss in a small town. For an inspiring true story, don’t miss The Color Purple, based on Alice Walker’s novel about an African-American woman’s journey to hope and redemption.
Getting There Is Part of the Fun
Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the Guthrie Theater is easy to access by car, train, bus, bike or even on foot:
- The Guthrie parking ramp is right across the street. Disabled spots are on Levels P1-P3.
- Nearby City Center ramp also has disabled parking and connects via skyway.
- Light rail lines stop at the Guthrie station just steps away.
- Bike racks are outside the Vineland Place lobby entrance.
- Arrive 30 minutes early for Will Call, parking, seating.
- Friendly ushers provide help with directions inside.
Don’t let parking and transportation keep you from enjoying the Guthrie’s fantastic shows. With a little planning and help from their staff, you’ll be settled in your seat well before the curtain goes up.
The 2023 Lineup: Mark Your Calendars
It’s hard to narrow it down, but here are 15 must-see productions coming up in 2023:
- Measure for Measure – January 14 to March 5. Shakespearean drama.
- Moulin Rouge! – February 18 to April 16. Jukebox musical spectacle.
- Our Town – March 11 to April 9. Wilder’s poignant play.
- Fiddler on the Roof – April 1 to May 21. Beloved Broadway classic.
- The Chinese Lady – April 29 to June 4. Thoughtful historical drama.
- The Color Purple – June 3 to July 23. Inspiring musical adaptation.
- As You Like It – July 15 to August 27. Shakespearean mistaken identities.
- The Bluest Eye – August 5 to September 24. Adaption of Toni Morrison novel.
- My Fair Lady – September 9 to October 29. Loverly Lerner & Loewe musical.
- A Christmas Carol – November 18 to December 31. Holiday tradition.
More exciting shows will be announced later. Check the Guthrie’s website for updates. With an incredible array of performances, experiencing the Guthrie’s 2023 lineup promises laughter, tears, inspiration, and unforgettable theatrical magic. Start making your plans now for a season of outstanding entertainment!
Twelfth Night
Theater enthusiasts, get ready for a spectacular 2023 season at Minneapolis’ renowned Guthrie Theater. With an exciting mix of laugh-out-loud comedies, moving dramas, fresh takes on classics and innovative new works, the Guthrie has something for every taste. As you start planning which shows to see, be sure to put these 15 must-see productions on your calendar.
One highlight will certainly be the Guthrie’s staging of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy Twelfth Night. Following the misadventures of Viola, who disguises herself as a man to serve the Duke Orsino, only to fall in love with him herself, this show promises mistaken identities, hilarious hijinks, and iconic monologues about love. With the Guthrie’s top-notch acting and creative vision, it’s sure to delight audiences.
Beyond the Bard, the Guthrie’s 2023 lineup has something for every theater fan. Broadway buffs will flock to see Anastasia, an enchanting musical about a young woman exploring her mysterious past in 1920s Paris. For a feel-good family show, catch a matinee of Mr. Popper’s Penguins, a charming musical adaptation of the beloved children’s book.
Those seeking more serious fare can check out The Piano Lesson, August Wilson’s weighty drama about a brother and sister clashing over their family’s heirloom piano. For a scare, don’t miss Misery, the edge-of-your-seat thriller based on Stephen King’s novel about a novelist held captive by his number one fan.
Getting to the Guthrie is a Breeze
Conveniently located in downtown Minneapolis, getting to the Guthrie is simple:
- Use the onsite Guthrie parking ramp across Vineland Place.
- Disabled parking available onsite and at nearby City Center ramp.
- Light rail stops right at the Guthrie station.
- Bike racks outside Vineland lobby entrance.
- Arrive 30 mins early for parking, tickets, seating.
- Ushers provide help with directions inside.
Don’t let logistics stop you from catching the Guthrie’s fantastic 2023 shows. With a bit of planning, you’ll be settled in the moment the lights go down.
15 Can’t-Miss Performances
It’s hard to choose with so many incredible options, but here are 15 must-see Guthrie Theater shows in 2023:
- Twelfth Night – January 7 to February 26. Shakespearean comedy.
- Mr. Popper’s Penguins – February 11 to March 19. Charming family musical.
- Anastasia – March 4 to April 30. Sweeping Broadway romance.
- The Piano Lesson – April 22 to June 4. August Wilson family drama.
- Misery – May 13 to July 9. Thrilling Stephen King adaptation.
- Little Shop of Horrors – June 24 to August 20. Killer puppet musical comedy.
- Jitney – July 15 to September 3. August Wilson taxi station drama.
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – September 9 to October 15. Innovative adaptation of book.
- A Christmas Carol – November 18 to December 31. Cheery Guthrie holiday tradition.
Stay tuned for more exciting 2023 shows. Check the Guthrie’s website for the latest. With its fantastic mix of comedies, dramas and everything in between, experiencing the Guthrie’s 2023 season promises inspiration, escape and theatrical magic galore!
Planning Must-See Guthrie Theater Shows This Year: 15 Can’t-Miss Performances On The 2023 Calendar
With a new year comes a new season of incredible shows at the renowned Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. From mind-blowing dramas to side-splitting comedies, 2023 promises a stellar lineup of can’t-miss performances. As you start planning your theater calendar for the year, here are 15 Guthrie shows you won’t want to miss.
The Bacchae
Kicking off the Guthrie’s 2023 season is the chilling Greek tragedy The Bacchae. Running from January through March, this rendition puts a modern spin on the classic tale of revenge, rebellion, and the dangerous intoxication of raw power. With the rising star Jonathan Majors cast as the alluring god Dionysus wreaking havoc on the kingdom, The Bacchae is sure to mesmerize with its otherworldly aura and themes still relevant today. Don’t miss the chance to lose yourself in the ecstatic frenzy of this bold, cerebral thriller.
Sweat
Exploring themes of economic insecurity and the fraying of the American dream, Sweat is the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lynn Nottage on tap at the Guthrie in April. Centering on a close-knit group of friends working at a Pennsylvania factory, Sweat examines the emotional toll of deindustrialization and the dangerous ruptures it creates within a community. With nuanced characters and simmering tensions, this topical drama showcases some of Nottage’s finest writing.
A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking A Raisin in the Sun hits the Guthrie stage in May, helmed by the talented Lileana Blain-Cruz. This American classic follows the Youngers, a Black family living in South Side Chicago, as they try to break free from poverty while facing issues of racial discrimination. Deeply human and full of humor and heart, A Raisin in the Sun remains startlingly relevant over 60 years after its debut. With raw emotion and rich characters, it’s an unmissable production.
The Diary of Anne Frank
Running through the summer is a fresh adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank, bringing Anne’s words to life along with the seven other Jews hiding from the Nazis in her family’s secret attic refuge. Though the story’s conclusion is known, this moving play captures the hopes, dreams, and humanity of these individuals as they endure two years in hiding. A testament to courage and the resilient power of the human spirit, The Diary of Anne Frank is a Guthrie production sure to inspire and deeply move.
Little Shop of Horrors
For a fun, rockin’ change of pace, don’t miss Little Shop of Horrors in July. This beloved sci-fi musical comedy tells the story of the hapless Seymour and his blood-thirsty, human-eating plant Audrey II. With tunes like “Suddenly Seymour” and “Feed Me”, Little Shop of Horrors serves up zany, irreverent humor along with 1960’s doo-wop charm. Let this quirky cult classic transport you to another world this summer at the Guthrie.
Oklahoma!
Beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic Oklahoma! comes to the Guthrie stage in August, promising a rollicking new production of this American musical theater staple. Set in the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the 20th century, the high-energy show explores themes of freedom, aggression, and changing times through the lens of two love stories. With timeless songs like “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'” and plenty of spirited dance numbers, this funny and romantic show is perfect summer entertainment under the Guthrie’s open roof.
Ain’t Too Proud
The electrifying Ain’t Too Proud celebrates The Temptations’ journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Featuring smash hits like “My Girl” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”, this exhilarating jukebox musical follows the vocal group’s ups and downs through the turbulent 1960s. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards, Ain’t Too Proud brings infectious energy and dazzling choreography to the Guthrie stage starting in September.
The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams’ poignant memory play The Glass Menagerie gets a fresh interpretation at the Guthrie in October. This American classic portrays a troubled family unable to escape the past, including the fragile, dreamy Laura longing for a gentleman caller. With exquisite language and complex emotions, The Glass Menagerie explores illusion, desire, and the struggle for connection. Don’t miss seeing how this masterwork of the theater takes shape on the Guthrie stage.
A Christmas Carol
No Guthrie season would be complete without A Christmas Carol in December. This lavish, heartwarming production based on Charles Dickens’ tale has become a cherished annual tradition for many. With Christmas music, dancing, and eye-popping visual effects, watching miserly Ebenezer Scrooge’s overnight transformation never loses its magical spirit. It’s the perfect uplifting way for families to celebrate the season together.
Jane Austen’s Emma
The Guthrie rings in 2024 with a world premiere adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel Emma. Get ready for a smart, fun-filled romantic comedy as Emma Woodhouse tries her hand at matchmaking with chaotic results. Full of humor, wit, and Austen’s sharp observations of class, this fresh take on Emma promises an energetically entertaining night of theater to start the new year off right.
Once On This Island
Transport to the shores of the French Antilles with Once On This Island, the Tony Award-winning musical fable making its Guthrie debut in January 2024. This captivating story of romance between people of different social classes features catchy Caribbean-infused songs like “One Small Girl” and “Some Girls.” Celebrated for its gorgeous storytelling and themes of community and hope, Once On This Island looks to be an imaginative feast for the eyes and spirit.
Raisin in the Sun
Building on 2023’s production of A Raisin in the Sun, the Guthrie presents a unique repertory that places Hansberry’s classic in conversation with two thematically linked works: Clybourne Park, Bruce Norris’ Pulitzer Prize-winning companion piece, and Beneatha’s Place, a new play by Susan-Lori Parks imagining Raisin’s Beneatha as a woman in her 50s. Together these three plays promise an immersive, socially conscious experience that explores issues of race, gender, class, and gentrification across multiple decades. A can’t-miss event for serious theater lovers.
The Color Purple
A revival of the Tony-winning Broadway adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel ends the Guthrie’s 2024 season on an uplifting note. With a rich blues and jazz score, The Color Purple depicts the struggles and triumphs of African American women in the American South during the 1930s. Both a coming-of-age story and tale of sisterhood, this moving work promises to inspire audiences with its messages of hope, transformation, and the power of love.
With another year of brilliant shows on offer, the Guthrie remains one of the country’s top regional theaters. As you pick which productions to see, consider purchasing season ticket packages, which offer great discounts, exclusive perks, and the first chance to book seats. Options include choosing your own mix of shows as well as pre-selected series catered to different tastes. Visit the Guthrie box office or website soon to reserve the best seats for these 15 can’t-miss shows coming up in 2023!
The Crucible
As the new year gets underway, theater lovers in the Twin Cities are starting to plan their 2023 calendars. With so many great shows coming to the Guthrie Theater this year, it can be tough to narrow down which ones to see. Luckily, the Guthrie has an incredible lineup of can’t-miss performances in store. From bold reimaginings of classics to world premieres, here are 15 of the most exciting Guthrie Theater shows you won’t want to miss this year.
The Crucible
Kicking off the Guthrie’s 2023 season is Arthur Miller’s gripping drama The Crucible. Set during the Salem witch trials of the 1690s, this play examines the dangers of mass hysteria, persecution, and false accusations. The Guthrie’s production will offer a fresh take on this timeless classic, with contemporary resonance in today’s political climate of misinformation and fearmongering. Don’t miss your chance to see one of Miller’s most famous works brought to life on the Guthrie’s thrust stage this February and March.
Emma
Jane Austen’s delightful romantic comedy Emma gets a modern musical makeover this spring at the Guthrie. Adapted by Tony Award-winning composer Paul Gordon, Emma brings all the wit, wisdom, and matchmaking mishaps of Austen’s novel to the stage through smart lyrics and catchy melodies. This bright and upbeat show promises to give a contemporary spin to the tale of an independent young woman navigating 19th century social mores and the quandaries of the heart. Emma plays the Guthrie this May.
The Great Leap
From Tony-nominated playwright Lauren Yee comes The Great Leap, an underdog sports drama with cross-cultural themes. When an American college basketball team travels to Beijing for an exhibition game in 1989, the clash of cultures and personalities leads to both friction and friendship. This funny, insightful play explores much more than just the world of basketball. Making its regional premiere at the Guthrie this June and July, The Great Leap is a don’t-miss show for theater and sports fans alike.
Sweat
The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Sweat by Lynn Nottage comes to the Guthrie this summer. Exploring themes of economic insecurity and blue-collar life in modern America, Sweat dives into the tensions between factory workers of different races in a Pennsylvania town facing industrial decline. Nottage crafts a complex portrait of a community in crisis, shining a light on some of the issues facing many U.S. towns today. Don’t miss this hard-hitting, relevant play on the Guthrie’s Wurtele Thrust Stage in July and August.
A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking 1959 drama A Raisin in the Sun lands on the Guthrie stage this fall. The first play by a Black female author produced on Broadway, this American classic follows an African American family in Chicago striving for a better life amidst racist obstacles and clashing ambitions. Powerful and poignant, this production promises a fresh look at Hansberry’s masterwork. Catch it in September and October.
Little Shop of Horrors
The Guthrie is getting extra weird and wild this Halloween season with a production of the cult-favorite musical Little Shop of Horrors. Based on the 1960 black comedy film, this quirky rock musical tells the story of a nerdy flower shop worker who raises a monstrous, human-eating plant. With an electrifying pop/rock score featuring the iconic song “Suddenly Seymour,” outrageous characters, and killer special effects, Little Shop of Horrors will be the hot ticket for some twisted fun this October and November.
A Christmas Carol
For many Twin Cities families, a trip to see the Guthrie’s annual production of A Christmas Carol is an essential holiday tradition. This year’s show promises dazzling spectacles, Christmas cheer, and the timeless story of Scrooge’s transformation from miserly curmudgeon to joyful generous soul. Bring the whole family to experience the Guthrie’s lavish costumes, dazzling sets, music, dance, and Dickensian Christmas magic this December.
Measure for Measure
Kicking off 2023 is an edgy new staging of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure directed by Guthrie Artistic Director Joseph Haj. One of Shakespeare’s “problem plays,” this tale of morality, sexuality and corruption in Vienna has complex characters and ethical ambiguity. With contemporary resonances, Haj’s vision promises a unique and visually stunning interpretation. Catch it in January and February 2024.
Metamorphoses
Mary Zimmerman’s acclaimed play Metamorphoses, inspired by Ovid’s myths, returns to the Guthrie in March and April 2024. Using a pool as its stage, this visually gorgeous drama brings ancient myths of transformation to life in poetic, metaphorical fashion. Through the stories of King Midas, Orpheus and Eurydice, and more, Metamorphoses explores the timeless themes of love, loss, and the human condition. A long-time Guthrie fan favorite, this production is not to be missed.
The Bacchae
Euripides’ ancient Greek tragedy The Bacchae comes to the Guthrie stage in a new adaptation by playwright and MacArthur Fellow Anne Washburn (Mr. Burns). Full of primal impulses and psychological drama, The Bacchae follows the grisly homecoming of Dionysus as he takes revenge on those who deny his godhood. This dynamic production plays up the theatricality and contemporary resonance of the classic work. Catch its limited run in May 2024.
The Sound Inside
Adam Rapp’s gripping psychological thriller The Sound Inside makes its regional premiere at the Guthrie in June 2024. Nominated for Tony and Drama Desk awards, this two-character play centers on an Ivy League writing professor and the gifted yet mysterious student who becomes her protégé. As their relationship intensifies, the lines between fiction and reality blur. Haunting and thought-provoking, The Sound Inside promises powerful performances and ethically complex drama.
West Side Story
The Guthrie’s 2024 summer musical is the iconic New York City-set West Side Story. Leonard Bernstein’s electrifying score drives this story of two star-crossed lovers caught between rival gangs – the Jets and Sharks. With unforgettable songs like “Maria,” “Tonight,” and “America,” this re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet never fails to move audiences. Timeless, passionate, and filled with exhilarating dance, the Guthrie’s production promises a fresh take on a Broadway masterpiece.
Into the Woods
Sondheim fans rejoice – the Guthrie will stage a new production of the legendary composer’s fractured fairy tale musical Into the Woods in September and October 2024. This multiple Tony-winner intertwines classic stories like Cinderella, Rapunzel and more with an original tale of a Baker and his Wife seeking to reverse a family curse. Hilarious, heartfelt and utterly enchanting, this magical musical journey has messages for audiences of all ages. A can’t-miss event for any Sondheim lover.
With standout dramas, outrageous comedies and spectacular musicals on deck, the Guthrie Theater has an incredible lineup planned for 2023 and 2024. From reimagined classics to provocative new works, these shows guarantee memorable nights of accomplished acting, bold directing and enthralling stories. So start picking out your must-see shows and get ready for another world-class theater season!
A Raisin in the Sun
Theater lovers, get ready for an exciting year ahead! The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis has a stellar lineup of shows planned for 2023. From bold takes on classics to innovative new works, there will be no shortage of phenomenal theater to experience. While the full Guthrie calendar is packed with can’t-miss performances, here are 15 that should definitely be on your radar.
The Crucible
Kicking things off in February is Arthur Miller’s acclaimed drama The Crucible, a timely tale of truth and consequences set amidst the Salem Witch Trials. This thrilling production will showcase the Guthrie’s world-class troupe of actors tackling Miller’s urgent themes of righteousness, honor, and reputation with artistry and nuance.
Emma
Jane Austen’s delightful comedy of manners gets a fresh spin this May in the regional premiere of the musical Emma. Witty lyrics, catchy melodies, and plenty of romantic entanglements will bring Austen’s inimitable heroine vibrantly to life on the Guthrie stage.
A Raisin in the Sun
The Guthrie is presenting a stellar new production of Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 masterwork, A Raisin in the Sun, this September. The first play by a Black female writer produced on Broadway, this American classic follows the dreams and struggles of a working-class family in 1950s Chicago. Hansberry’s searing drama remains deeply relevant today, promising an unforgettable night of theater.
Little Shop of Horrors
Get ready for offbeat thrills and chills in October’s Little Shop of Horrors! This quirky sci-fi musical tells the twisted tale of a man-eating plant that brings fame…and trouble. Packed with laughs, sinister fun, and catchy tunes like “Suddenly Seymour,” it’s the perfect show for Halloween season.
A Christmas Carol
Speaking of seasonal favorites, the Guthrie’s lavish production of A Christmas Carol returns each December, transporting audiences to Victorian London for a heartwarming holiday tale. Magical sets and costumes bring Scrooge’s ghostly adventures vibrantly to life. It just isn’t the holidays in Minnesota without this beloved tradition.
Measure for Measure
2024 kicks off with a bold new take on Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. Director Joseph Haj will bring his visionary aesthetic to this problematic “problem play” centered on morality and corruption in Vienna. Fresh relevance and visual spectacle are sure to make this a memorable production.
Metamorphoses
The evocative, aquatic theater piece Metamorphoses makes a long-awaited return to the Guthrie in March 2024. Mary Zimmerman brings Ovid’s myths of transformation exquisitely to life in this poetic play centered around a pool onstage. Epic tales of love and loss never felt so intimate and imaginative.
West Side Story
The streets of 1950s New York come alive in the Guthrie’s summer 2024 musical, the exhilarating classic West Side Story. Leonard Bernstein’s legendary score drives this re-telling of Romeo and Juliet starring rival gangs the Jets and Sharks. Passion, social upheaval, and breathtaking dance numbers make this a theater experience not to be missed.
Into the Woods
Stephen Sondheim’s brilliant Into the Woods weaves together classic fairy tales then ventures into daring new territory. Whimsical, profound, and touchingly human, this magical musical about wishes and what comes after is a perfect way to kick off fall 2024.
Between powerful dramas, irreverent comedies, and dazzling spectacles, the Guthrie Theater is set to deliver show after incredible show next year. Rediscover classics and experience boundary-pushing new works from some of today’s top playwrights and composers. However you experience the Guthrie—whether it’s your first show or your hundredth—their 2023 season promises a fantastic lineup guaranteed to move you.
Oklahoma!
With a new year comes exciting opportunities to experience unforgettable theater at the renowned Guthrie in Minneapolis. As you look ahead to 2023 and start penciling in can’t-miss performances on your calendar, be sure not to overlook the Guthrie’s impressive lineup. From exhilarating dramas to hilarious comedies, intimate black box shows to large-scale musicals, the Guthrie has something for every taste. Keep reading for an inside look at 15 of the most anticipated shows you won’t want to miss this year!
Waiting for Godot
Samuel Beckett’s influential absurd play Waiting for Godot comes to the Guthrie’s intimate Dowling Studio in February and March. This thought-provoking show that wrestles with themes of existence, purpose, and humanity is sure to leave audiences mesmerized. Don’t let the opportunity to see Beckett’s masterwork performed live pass you by.
Sweat
The Pulitzer Prize-winning working-class drama Sweat takes the Guthrie’s Wurtele Thrust Stage in April and May. This grievance gripping show examines economic insecurity and race relations in modern America. Sweat offers a compelling human story that will resonate powerfully. It’s a show not to overlook.
A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking A Raisin in the Sun lands on the Guthrie’s McGuire Proscenium Stage in June and July. This American classic confronts issues of systemic racism and economic inequality in 1950s Chicago as an African American family seeks a better life. Don’t miss the chance to see this inspiring drama that remains deeply relevant today.
The Music Man
Beloved musical The Music Man hits the Wurtele Thrust Stage in July and August, bringing Meredith Willson’s upbeat score and quirky characters to life. Set in small-town Iowa in 1912, this feel-good show follows a charismatic con man aiming to scam the tight-knit community. It’s sure to have you leaving the theater with a smile.
Noises Off
Michael Frayn’s wildly entertaining farce Noises Off keeps audiences doubled over with laughter in the Dowling Studio in September and October. This hysterical behind-the-scenes look at an utterly disastrous theater production brilliantly satirizes drama and actors. It’s an absolute must-see comedy.
The Bluest Eye
Toni Morrison’s impactful debut novel comes to the McGuire Proscenium Stage in October and November in this stage adaptation by Lydia Diamond. The Bluest Eye examines trauma, racism, and ideals of beauty in 1940s Ohio through the eyes of a young black girl. Don’t miss this poignant literary work brought vividly to life.
The Nutcracker
No December is complete without taking in the splendor of The Nutcracker ballet on the Wurtele Thrust Stage. The Guthrie’s annual production evokes childlike wonder with its lavish sets and costumes, beautiful choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live. Usher in the holiday spirit at this magical show.
A Christmas Carol
Speaking of holiday classics, another beloved staple is the Guthrie’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Running throughout December in the McGuire Proscenium Stage, this heartwarming story follows the redemptive journey of cold-hearted miser Ebenezer Scrooge. It’s an uplifting way to celebrate the season.
Jitney
August Wilson’s century-spanning American saga comes to the Dowling Studio in January and February 2023 with his early play Jitney. Set in 1970s Pittsburgh, this drama reveals the lives and relationships of a group of black cab drivers. Wilson’s engaging dialogue and multidimensional characters shine in this production not to miss.
The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams’ memory play The Glass Menagerie illuminates the Wurtele Thrust Stage in February and March. This moving character study follows a family struggling to cope with dashed dreams and harsh realities. See Williams’ poetic language and symbolic drama come to life in the Guthrie’s intimate production.
The Bacchae
Euripides’ ancient Greek tragedy The Bacchae hits the McGuire Proscenium Stage in April and May. This timeless cautionary tale warning against unchecked excess features stunning poetic verse and larger-than-life characters. Experience classical drama at its finest.
My Fair Lady
The beloved Lerner and Loewe musical My Fair Lady charms audiences in the Wurtele Thrust Stage in June and July. This entertaining show based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion follows a cockney flower girl’s transformation at the hands of a haughty linguist. Lavish costumes, unforgettable songs, and top-notch acting make this production a can’t-miss.
The Legend of Georgia McBride
Matthew Lopez’s warm-hearted comedy The Legend of Georgia McBride brings glitter and laughs to the Dowling Studio in August and September. This upbeat show focuses on a broke Elvis impersonator who unexpectedly lands a job performing as a drag queen. It’s sure to have you beaming ear to ear.
When it comes to remarkable theater, the Guthrie rarely disappoints. As you make your 2023 entertainment plans, be sure to take in as many of these stellar shows as you can. From provocative dramas to feel-good musicals and everything in between, the Guthrie has something spectacular in store. Don’t let these outstanding performances pass you by – your calendar awaits!
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Theater lovers, get ready for a stellar lineup of must-see shows at the acclaimed Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis this year. As you start filling in your 2023 calendar, keep your eyes peeled for these can’t-miss performances that will have you glued to your seat. From side-splitting comedies to moving dramas, intimate black box productions to large-scale musicals, the Guthrie has something extraordinary in store. Read on for the inside scoop on 15 shows you simply won’t want to miss.
Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie’s murder mystery masterpiece comes aboard the Dowling Studio in March and April. This thrilling whodunit keeps audiences guessing as detective Hercule Poirot seeks to uncover which passenger is responsible for a murder on the glamorous Orient Express. Don’t miss your chance to play armchair detective at this suspenseful show.
Hamlet
See Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy in a unique staging at the Guthrie in May and June. Hamlet takes the McGuire Proscenium Stage with a production that brings a fresh perspective to this canonical work and its dark themes of madness, betrayal, and mortality. This is a Hamlet you won’t want to miss.
In the Heights
The Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights turns up the heat on the Wurtele Thrust Stage in July and August. Set over three sweltering days in New York’s close-knit Washington Heights neighborhood, this vibrant show pulses with hip-hop, salsa, and soul. Don’t sleep on tickets for this feel-good celebration of community.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
This innovative adaptation of Mark Haddon’s bestselling book lands in the Dowling Studio in September and October. Through the eyes of an autistic teenager obsessed with Sherlock Holmes, this moving story unpacks themes of trust, understanding, and human connection. It’s a remarkably captivating theatrical experience.
Little Shop of Horrors
The deliciously dark comedy rock musical Little Shop of Horrors feeds audiences’ appetite for fun at the Guthrie in November and December. When a man-eating plant promises fame and fortune, hijinks ensue. With tunes like “Suddenly Seymour” and “Feed Me,” this quirky show is one you won’t want to miss.
Anne of Green Gables
L.M. Montgomery’s beloved orphan Anne Shirley springs to life in this heartwarming adaptation gracing the Dowling Studio in December and January 2024. Follow Anne’s adventures, mishaps, and triumphs as she finds her way in the world armed with an unflappable imagination. It’s sure to be a hit with families.
The Piano Lesson
August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama The Piano Lesson continues his American Century Cycle in the McGuire Proscenium Stage in February and March. A brother and sister are at odds over the fate of their family’s heirloom piano in this wrenching ghost story confronting generational trauma and racial history. Don’t let this searing work slip by.
The Sound of Music
The timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music once again climbs ev’ry mountain on the Wurtele Thrust Stage in April and May. Follow the Von Trapp family’s escape from Nazi-occupied Austria with the help of aspiring nun Maria in this feel-good classic. Prepare to have these iconic tunes stuck in your head!
The Great Leap
Lauren Yee’s sharp cross-cultural comedy The Great Leap dribbles into the Dowling Studio in June and July. When an American college basketball team travels to Beijing in 1989, cultures and politics collide. This quick-witted underdog story is sure to be a slam dunk with audiences.
King Lear
See one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies in the round when King Lear storms the McGuire Proscenium in August and September. Family drama and political chaos unfold as an aging king divides his kingdom among his daughters. Expect stunning language, gripping drama, and thought-provoking themes.
Clue
The cult classic whodunit board game Clue gets the comedic stage treatment in the Wurtele Thrust Stage in October and November. Follow the familiar colorful suspects as they try to discover who murdered Mr. Boddy in this high-energy farce. It’s murderously good fun.
Ain’t Misbehavin’
The Fats Waller songbook swings onto the Guthrie stage in December when the lively musical revue Ain’t Misbehavin’ hits the Dowling Studio. You’ll be dancing in your seat to energetic renditions of hits like “Honeysuckle Rose” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” It’s pure joy.
Pipeline
Dominique Morisseau’s urgent drama Pipeline brings issues of race, education, and incarceration to the fore in the McGuire Proscenium Stage in January and February 2024. This thought-provoking work asks vital questions about the prison pipeline threatening young black men. Don’t miss this powerful call to examine injustice.
As you fill your calendar for the year ahead, be sure to leave plenty of room for the Guthrie’s incredible 2023 shows. With this much talent and variety on stage, these are productions you simply can’t afford to miss. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. Now get out there and start booking those tickets!
To Kill a Mockingbird
Attention theater lovers – an exciting lineup of can’t-miss shows is coming to the renowned Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis this year. As you start penciling in your 2023 entertainment calendar, be sure to save the date for these remarkable productions that will have you on the edge of your seat. From provocative new works to beloved classics, comedies, dramas and everything between, the Guthrie has a stellar season in store. Read on for an insider’s look at 15 shows you simply won’t want to miss.
The Lehman Trilogy
This sweeping play tracing the rise and fall of financial giant Lehman Brothers comes to the Wurtele Thrust Stage in March and April. Spanning three generations of the Lehman dynasty, this epic family saga examines themes of greed, ambition and the American Dream. See this multi-award winning work brought vividly to life.
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
Experience jazz icon Billie Holiday’s life and music up close in this intimate production at the Dowling Studio in May and June. Featuring over a dozen of her soulful hits, this piece offers a poignant look at the highs and lows of the legendary singer’s career. It’s a show that really swings.
She Loves Me
The charming musical She Loves Me hits the McGuire Proscenium Stage in July and August, bringing a touch of Old-World romance to the Guthrie. Based on the same story as “You’ve Got Mail,” this funny and heartfelt show follows two shop clerks unaware they’re secret pen pals. You’ll leave swooning.
The Crucible
Don’t miss your chance to see Arthur Miller’s chilling dramatization of the Salem Witch Trials staged in the Dowling Studio September and October. A tense portrait of mass hysteria and human frailty, The Crucible remains a work of incredible power that still resonates today.
Caroline, Or Change
This Tony Award-winning musical set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement comes to the McGuire Proscenium in November and December. Moving seamlessly between realism and fantasy, Caroline, Or Change explores racial, cultural and economic divides through the lens of a black maid working for a Jewish family in 1963 Louisiana.
The Girl With the Red Hair
The incredible story of Henrietta Lacks finally comes to the stage when The Girl With the Red Hair appears in the Dowling Studio in December and January 2024. Focusing on medical ethics and racial justice, this drama reveals the reality around the famous HeLa cell line taken from Lacks without her consent. It’s riveting theater.
Kim’s Convenience
This funny and heartfelt Canadian play lands on the Wurtele Thrust Stage in February and March. Set in a Toronto corner store, it centers on a Korean-Canadian family grappling with communication gaps across generations. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll come away smiling.
Macbeth
Look forward to an inventive staging of Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth in the McGuire Proscenium in April and May. Filled with supernatural forces, political gamesmanship and psychological drama, this chilling work still captivates centuries after its creation. Don’t miss it.
Inherit the Wind
Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s classic courtroom drama takes the stage in the Dowling Studio June and July. Inspired by a notorious 1925 trial in Tennessee, this play tackles tensions between faith and reason in ways that still resonate today. It promises to spur reflection and debate.
South Pacific
Set sail across the Wurtele Thrust Stage in August and September with an enchanting production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific. This romantic work confronts issues of prejudice through the bonds that form between cultures against the backdrop of World War II. The timeless score will transport you.
The Thanksgiving Play
This wickedly funny satire skewers white fragility and performative wokeness when it’s presented in the Dowling Studio in October and November. As three white teaching artists try to create an inclusive Thanksgiving pageant, anxieties and absurdities abound. It will have you laughing and squirming.
The Nutcracker
Ring in the holiday season with the cherished tradition of seeing the Minnesota Ballet’s spectacular production of The Nutcracker. This dazzling spectacle featuring Tchaikovsky’s treasured score returns to the Wurtele Thrust Stage in December. It’s the perfect festive treat.
A Doll’s House
See Ibsen’s revolutionary play A Doll’s House reinvigorated in a dynamic new adaptation at the McGuire Proscenium in January and February 2024. This profound work that sparked ongoing debates about marriage, identity, and women’s rights remains strikingly bold. Don’t miss this gender-bending production.
However you like your theater served up – provocative, hilarious, heartstring-tugging or otherwise – the Guthrie has you covered in 2023. Pencil these magnificent shows into your calendar now before tickets get snatched up. With this kind of talent set to grace the stage, these are performances you just can’t miss out on. See you at the theater!
Metamorphoses
Attention theater enthusiasts – an extraordinary lineup awaits at Minneapolis’ acclaimed Guthrie Theater this year. As you prepare your 2023 entertainment calendar, make sure to save the date for these not-to-be-missed productions that will captivate and inspire. From bold new works to beloved classics, intimate black box shows to large-scale musicals, the Guthrie has something extraordinary in store. Read on for the inside scoop on 15 shows guaranteed to electrify audiences night after night.
The Wolves
See why this Pulitzer finalist took New York by storm when it comes to the Dowling Studio in April and May. Through the experiences of a high school girls soccer team, The Wolves offers a raw and revealing look at the lives of teenage girls. Don’t miss this bold and unflinching new play.
Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking American classic lands on the Wurtele Thrust Stage in June and July. This profoundly impactful drama follows an African American family’s dreams of a better life in 1950s Chicago. It remains distressingly timely over 60 years after its debut.
The Book of Will
Lauren Gunderson’s irreverent comedy The Book of Will celebrates Shakespeare when it comes to the McGuire Proscenium in August and September. This quirky show imagines the effort to publish the First Folio after the Bard’s death. Witty wordplay abounds in this can’t-miss production.
Blues for an Alabama Sky
Experience Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance when this period drama hits the intimate Dowling Studio in October and November. As the clouds of the Great Depression roll in, the vibrant denizens of this cultural mecca try to hold onto their dreams. It’s theatre that transports you.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
The trailblazing glam rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch struts its stuff on the McGuire Proscenium Stage in December and January 2024. This groundbreaking show with an electrifying score tells the story of a genderqueer rock singer’s search for wholeness and healing. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event for musical theatre fans.
As You Like It
See one of Shakespeare’s most joyful works brought vividly to life when As You Like It steals the Wurtele Thrust Stage in February and March. Brimming with romance, laughter, and mischief, this enchanting comedy set in the Forest of Arden will have you grinning from ear to ear.
Pass Over
Don’t miss the searing drama Pass Over when it arrives at the Dowling Studio in April and May. This provocative work grappling with racial oppression and police brutality follows two young black men passing time on a street corner. It’s an unforgettable theatrical experience.
West Side Story
The exhilarating Leonard Bernstein musical West Side Story dances onto the Wurtele Thrust Stage in June and July. This reimagining of Romeo and Juliet as rival NYC gangs in the 1950s pulses with fiery choreography, an iconic score, and themes still relevant today.
The Agitators
The true story of suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass comes alive in the Dowling Studio in August and September. Exploring activism, alliance, and stubborn hope, The Agitators sheds light on two icons and the long fight for equality. Don’t miss it.
A Christmas Carol
It wouldn’t be December without the Guthrie’s lavish and heartwarming production of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Back at the Wurtele Thrust Stage this holiday season, this timeless story promises to thaw even the iciest humbug attitudes.
Once
Fall in love with the irresistible musical Once when it serenades the McGuire Proscenium Stage in January and February 2024. This bittersweet romance between an Irish street musician and a Czech pianist glows with humanity. The gorgeous folk-infused score is just icing on the cake.
Antigone
See Sophocles’ ancient Greek tragedy Antigone reinvigorated for today. At the Dowling Studio in March and April, this timeless play explores morality and autonomy against the backdrop of civil unrest. Expect a production as provocative as it is poetic.
However you like your theater served up, the Guthrie has something extraordinary on the menu this season. Make room in your 2023 entertainment plans for as many of these phenomenal productions as you can squeeze in. Trust me, after experiencing shows like these, you’ll be cheering for more!
Pride and Prejudice
Attention all theater lovers – an incredible lineup awaits at the renowned Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis this year! As you start filling up your 2023 calendar, be sure to save the date for these not-to-be-missed productions that will have you captivated from start to finish. From bold new works to beloved classics, searing dramas to side-splitting comedies, the Guthrie has something extraordinary in store. Read on for the inside scoop on 15 shows guaranteed to blow you away night after night.
The Children
See this acclaimed work by Lucy Kirkwood when it comes to the intimate Dowling Studio in February and March. Set in an off-grid cottage after a nearby nuclear disaster, retired scientists ponder responsibility, regret, and the future of humanity in this profoundly moving drama.
The Cherry Orchard
Anton Chekhov’s final masterpiece The Cherry Orchard blossoms on the Wurtele Thrust Stage in April and May. As an aristocratic Russian family faces losing their estate, this wistful comedy confronts timeless themes of social change and human folly. A true dramatic gem.
Sovereignty
Don’t miss the New York premiere of Sovereignty, a riveting legal drama by Mary Kathryn Nagle that confronts broken treaties and cultural erasure. On the McGuire Proscenium in June and July, this show sheds light on America’s untold history through the lens of an impassioned Cherokee lawyer. It’s eye-opening theater.
Jersey Boys
Channel the 1960s Four Seasons when the electric musical Jersey Boys hits the Wurtele Thrust Stage in August and September. Featuring smash hits like “Sherry,” this Tony winner charts the rock n’ rollers’ meteoric rise and fall. It will having you dancing in the aisles!
The Amish Project
Experience the profound one-woman drama The Amish Project in the Dowling Studio in October and November. Developed from interviews with Amish community members, it movingly reckons with forgiveness and humanity in the wake of a schoolhouse shooting.
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story comes to vivid life when Little Women debuts on the Guthrie’s McGuire Proscenium Stage this December and January 2024. Follow the adventures and growth of the unforgettable March sisters in this charming theatrical adaptation.
The Wiz
Ease on down the road when the spectacular musical The Wiz brings a funky urban spin to The Wizard of Oz on the Wurtele Thrust Stage in February and March. Featuring an all-black cast and era-defining songs, this soulful reimagining promises to be a family favorite.
The Thanksgiving Play
Get ready to laugh and cringe when Larissa FastHorse’s razor-sharp satire The Thanksgiving Play hits the intimate Dowling Studio in April and May. Spoofing performative wokeness among white theatre-makers, this comedy skewers with a smile. It’s a perfect pairing of funny and thoughtful.
Oklahoma!
Revel in the magic of a beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic when a stunning new production of Oklahoma! ropes you in on the Wurtele Thrust Stage this June and July. From the show-stopping title song to tender “People Will Say We’re In Love,” the unforgettable score alone makes this musical required viewing.
Fairview
Don’t miss Jackie Sibblies Drury’s Pulitzer-winning drama Fairview when it turns the spotlight on race and representation at the Dowling Studio in August and September. As a supposedly idyllic African American family dinner unravels, this bold work will leave you grasping for insight.
A Christmas Carol
Joyous holiday tradition returns in December when the Guthrie stages another lavish production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on the Wurtele Thrust Stage. With its uplifting story of charity and redemption, this stage spectacular remains a perfectly heartwarming way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Our Town
Experience Thornton Wilder’s poignant American classic Our Town anew when it comes to the McGuire Proscenium Stage in January and February 2024. Beautifully encapsulating life, love, and loss in a small New Hampshire town, this perceptive play still resonates profoundly.
However you like your theater served up, the Guthrie has something extraordinary on the menu this season. Pencil as many of these stunning shows into your 2023 calendar as you can – trust me, you’ll be thankful you did! See you at the theater!