on location: midwest â?–
emily k. weber
M INNESOTA THEATER SAMPLER
In addition to natural splendor, the state offers groups a thriving arts scene
The cast of Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile makes a toast at the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
hen visiting Minnesota, groups have the opportunity to experience some of the finest singing, dance and theater productions in the country. Minneapolis-Saint Paul boasts more theater seats per capita than any other U.S. city outside New York. The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis is a Tony Award winner that has received recognition for theater performance, production, education and professional training. The nationally acclaimed repertory theater made
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its debut in 1963. In 2006 a new stateof-the-art building was constructed along the Mississippi River housing three different theaters with cumulative seating for 1,999 guests. Unique features include a thrust stage, a blackbox studio and a 178-foot cantilevered bridge. Private backstage tours are available for groups of 15 people or more. Tours with an architecture focus can be booked. Live performances this season include Heaven, Arms and the Man, Arsenic and Old Lace, In the Red
and Brown Water, How Do They Do That: God and Orla Fallon. (612-3772224, guthrietheater.org). The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul opened in 1985 after serving purely as an opera house for five years. Today it offers a wide array of events. Spring 2011 shows include the percussive dance extravaganza Stomp and a performance by the Beijing Modern Dance Company. (651-224-4222, ordway.org). The Orpheum Theatre in MinLeisureGroupTravel.com