Frozen: The Broadway Musical - Great Theatre - April 2026

Frozen

Program Cover

Music & Lyrics by Kirsten Anderson- Lopez and Robert Lopez

Book by Jennifer Lee

Review by Ernest Edwards

Great Theatre is presenting Disney’s Frozen at the Paramount Center for the Arts in downtown St. Cloud. I have never been to this theatre before. It’s a gorgeous venue. Next season Great Theatre is producing Les Miserables, which I think will be perfect at the Paramount Center for the Arts. 

The stage musical is based on the 2013 Disney animated movie of the same name. For the 2018 transfer to Broadway, they expanded the script and added some additional songs. The stage musical is just as much fun and visually spectacular as the movie if not more so. 

There’s lots of great information in the program about Disney adapting the story from the Hans Christian

The marquee

Anderson tale of the Snow Queen. I learned that Disney had been trying to adapt the story since the late 1930’s. The journey to the movie we now know as Frozen is a wonderful read. There’s also information in the program about Nordic traditions. The fictional city of Arendelle, where Frozen takes place,  is somewhere in the Scandinavian peninsula. 

The story of Disney’s Frozen focuses on the sisters Elsa and Anna. As children they are close. Elsa has abilities with ice and snow. When she accidentally injures Anna as a child, Elsa stays in her own room in the castle. Several years after their parents boat sinks, Elsa is now old enough to be coronated as Queen. Things don’t get well at the Coronation. Elsa’s powers are revealed to all, and the she flees for the mountains. Unaware that she placed Arendelle in a blizzard in the middle of summer. 

The stage, before the musical began

The story of Frozen is about the power of love and the strength of two sisters who have an unbreakable bond. Both have some learning to do about life. They have been isolated in the castle for years. Now it’s time to intermingle with the people from the kingdom and keep those castle gates open year round. 

A fun side affect of Elsa’s magic is bringing the snowman Olaf to life. The act one finale is the song “Let It Go.” That song/scene does not disappoint with Great Theatre’s production. 

What I really liked in the program is the biographies of the cast and crew. They start out with everyone’s day job and then goes into their theatrical experiences. I liked that Great Theatre was showcasing their lives outside of the theatre. Normally you only see their theatre history listed. The Great Theatre has double cast the leads for Frozen. There’s the Snow Cast and the Frost Cast. I had the Snow Cast at the performance I went to. 

There’s only one weekend left to see this wonderful production of Frozen at the Paramount Center for the Arts. It closes on Sunday May 3, 2026. Check out www.greattheatre.org for tickets. 

The SpongeBob Musical

The SpongeBob Musical

The Program Cover

Book by Kyle Jarrod

Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler & Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coultron, Alex Elbert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, TI, and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny, and Andy Paley. Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coultron, Additional music by Tom Kitt. 

Over the weekend I went to the matinee performance on the last day of production for the University of Minnesota-Duluth Department of Theatre production of The SpongeBob Musical at the Marshall Performing Arts Center. Even before the musical begins, there’s some activities to get you in the mood in the lobby. You could make yourself a pirate hat, or your own SpongeBob and much more. There was lots of signs up on the lobby about the sustainability of the scenery and costumes, which was a fun read before the show began. 

The stage was very fun looking at the top of the show. At the start of the show, all of the action was taking place in

The stage, before the musical began

front of the stage curtain. Once they said “Welcome to Bikini Bottom!” then the curtain opened to reveal the rest of the scenery and stage space for the musical. 

Director/Choreograher Matthew Wagner help lead the cast into the fun and zaniness of the script. So many moments that had us all laughing out loud. Such a fun joyous musical. I don’t even think hilarious is the right word to describe this production. It was great to let the guard down and enjoy the fun ride with this gang from Bikini Bottom. 

You do not need to be familiar with the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants to enjoy The SpongeBob Musical. It’s a great stand alone story. The town has discovered that the volcano will erupt at sunset tomorrow. They need to find a way to stop the volcano or relocate. The evil Sheldon J. Plankton and his wife Karen have a scheme on how to save the town and hypnotize the residents so their restaurant will be the only one in business. It’s up to SpongeBob, Patrick (the starfish) and, Sandy Cheeks (the squirrel) to stop the volcano and save the town. Sheldon and Karen would try everything to stop them, including creating an avalanche. 

The entire cast had so much energy and cranked up the fun meter to 120%. There are some cast members that I should mention for their outstanding performances. Noah Jetland as SpongeBob SquarePants, Tate Nowacki as Patrick Star, Erik Rasmussen as Squidward Q. Tentacles, Emerson Spenser as the French Narrator, Solymar Romero as Patchy the Pirate, Phuong Nguyen as Karen the Computer, Hope Davis as Sandy Cheeks, and let’s not forget Aaron J. Dumalag as Sheldon D. Plankton. Aaron J. Dumalag as Sheldon D. Plankton, to quote Rupaul “he had uniqueness, nerve, talent and charisma”. 

From the pre show to the curtain call, this show was a blast! 

The stage, during intermission

Scenery was designed by Curtis Phillips, Costumes by Caitlin Quinn, Hair & makeup by Morgan Royals, and Lighting was designed by Richard Tamayo. These four artists helped to create the world of Bikini Bottom and bring it life with such wonderful results. 

UMD Theatre has announced their 2026/2027 season. The season begins with MacBeth in October, Everybody in November, Dance Works in December, Rhythm, Rum, Rise in  February, and Sweeney Todd in April. Looks like a fun season. 

The Wizard of Oz - Children’s Theatre Company - April 2026

The Wizard of Oz

Program Cover

By Frank L. Baum, with Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harbinger

Based on the classic motion picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co and distributed by Warner Bros. 

Review by Ernest Edwards

This stage production of the classic Wizard of Oz is very true to the 1939 movie of the same name. Similar to the movie there is some double casting going on. The three farm hands named Zeke Hickory, and Hunk do have some easter eggs about which characters they will be once we go over that rainbow after the tornado scene. 

Just like in the movie Professor Marvel is also the Wizard, Almira Gulch is also the Wicked Witch of the West. In this stage production the actress playing Aunt Em is also Glinda the Witch of the North. 

Got to give some props to the Scenic Designer Adam Kock, Costume Designer Lex Liang, Lighting

The stage, before the musical begins

Designer Jeanette Oi-Suck Yew, Sound Designer Reid Resja, and Projection Designer Kylee Loera. At the helm of this production is Director Rick Dildine, who expertly guides this cast and crew into a wonderful production that is both familiar and new. Technology from 2026, does a lot to enhance this stage musical with projections and special affects. The production team knocked this show out of the park! I know, a baseball reference, but it is a true description of the work that went into this stage production. 

The night that I went to the show, actress Aniya Bostwick was playing the role of Dorothy. The role of Dorothy has been double cast and there’s two different actresses playing her.  

This is a very talented cast. You have Zeke/Cowardly Lion is played by Reed Sigmund, Hickory/Tin Man is played by Regina Marie Williams, Hunk/Scarecrow is played by Dean Holt, Aunt Em/Glinda is played by Becca Clair Hart, Uncle Henry/Gatekeeper is played by Riley McNutt, and Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West is played by Autumn Ness. I had a great view of the stage from row O on the main floor, but I spent most of the show saying to myself “I know that voice” of the actor who played the Wizard. I read the cast list after the show, and noticed the actor who played Professor Marvel/The Wizard is JoeNathan Thomas, who played the General in White Christmas the past two holiday seasons at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. That’s where I have heard his voice before. 

If you are a fan of the classic movie, then get out and see this wonderful production. The special affects

The stage, during intermission

are out of this world. Especially the tornado scene with Dorothy. If you have never seen the Wizard of Oz before, this wonderful and fabulous stage production will be a great introduction to this classic story. 

The Wizard of Oz is a must see production. I cannot recommend it enough. 

Buy yourself some tickets and go over the rainbow at The Children’s Theatre Company. The musical runs through June 14, 2026. Tickets are available at www.childrenstheatre.org. 

Guys & Dolls - Chanhassen Dinner Theatres - April 2026

Guys & Dolls

Program Cover

Music and Lyrics by Frank Loessor

Book by Jo Sterling & Abe Burrows 

Review by Ernest Edwards

Guys & Dolls is a good old fashioned musical from the golden age of Broadway. Chanhassen Dinner Theatre’s production of Guys & Dolls checks all the boxes. Songs, sets, story, choreography, cast, costumes. Check, check, check, check, check, and check!

The musical premiered on Broadway in 1950, and takes place in NYC in the late 1940’s. There was also a movie made in 1955 that featured Marlon Brandon, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons, and Viviane Blaine. 

The story follows Nathan Detroit and his never ending game of craps. They have to keep changing the location to keep the police, Lt. Brannigan, off their trail. Nathan has been engaged to Adelaide for 14 years, and she wants to get married. Gambler Sky Masterson is back in town, and Nathan bets Sky he can’t get Sarah Brown from the Save A Soul Mission to go on a date with him. Lots of hilarity ensues from there. Place your bets on excitement. Buckle up, you are in a for ride with Guys & Dolls. It’s such a fun musical, you can’t but feel happy long after the musical is over. 

This production is directed and co-choreographed by Tamara Kangas, with co-choreography by Linda

The stage, before the musical begins

Talcott Lee. This is Tamara’s first production that she has directed since taking over the reins at CDT. This is an impressive first foray. I can’t wait to see what she does next. She is playing with a full house. 

Let’s talk about those costumes by Rich Hamson. Gorgeous is not even the right word. That is what the costumes are. I tell you, this stage musical was presented in technicolor! From the ladies costumes, to the Hot Box girls, to the guys suits. Everything was visually spectacular. I also liked the scenery designed by Nayna Ramey. There were parts of the main stage space I had never seen used before. The backdrop for NYC was perfect. The scenery effortlessly changed for each scene. I also really liked the Guys & Dolls sign that was upstage center before the show started, and came back during intermission and at the end of the show. The neon outlines of the NYC skyline on either sides of the stage was nice too, especially the silhouette of the Brooklyn Bridge. 

This score by Frank Loessor has some of the most fun and memorable songs on Broadway. You will 

Photo by Dan Norman

recognize several of the songs from Guys & Dolls. 

The cast is lead by a fabulous foursome. Nathan Detroit is played by Charlie Clark, Miss Adelaide is played by Madeline Trumble, Sarah Brown is played by Sara Masterson, Sky Masterson is played by Shad Hanley. Other notable performances are Arvide Abernathy played by local favorite Tod Petersen. Other cast members that I recognize are Tony Vierling, Michael Gruber, Ryan London Levin, Armando Harlow Ronconi, and Jon Andrew Hegge. 

Adelaide has lots of great moments in this production. Matthew Hall as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, brings down the house with the second act number “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat”. 

We all won the dice toss with Guys & Dolls. 

Guys & Dolls runs through September 25, 2026. Check out www.chanhassendt.com for tickets. 

An Evening with Mark Twain - Tribute to Hall Holbrook, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, April 2026

An Evening with Mark Twain

The stage, before the show began

Performed by Don Shelby

Review By Ernest Edwards

Yes that Don Shelby. The retired newscaster is also an actor. I had seen him at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres back in February in Love Letters. His acting resume is very impressive, as is his career as a newscaster.  

Did some research during intermission for this one night only event at the Main Stage at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Monday night. Don Shelby has performed as Mark Twain over 200 times around the region. We learned from the Q&A after the show that he has been performing as Mark Twain for 50 years. 

Wish I could have taken a photo of Don Shelby during the show. With the costume, wig, eyebrows, nose, and mustache, he really looked like Mark Twain. At the end of the show, Don Shelby brought a makeup table on stage and as he took off the mustache and eyebrows, he looked like Don Shelby again under all of that. It was an amazing transformation. 

After the show Don Shelby explained why he was doing the show at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and on a Monday. Monday’s are when the main stage musicals have a night off. The staff was working on their night off for this one night only special event. Which was also sold out! Don also said that Michael Brindisi had asked him to bring his Mark Twain to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. He was also honoring the wishes of the late great Michael Brindisi.  

I have never seen Don Shelby perform as Mark Twain before. I only learned about this one night only event when I had went to Love Letters in February, and at that point there was only single seats left for the event. After the show was over, Don Shelby announced that this was his last performance as Mark Twain. His family was in the audience, as were several of his friends. To quote Don Shelby, “Best to go out on top with a sold out performance, versus an audience of 12”. 

Something else I learned was that Don Shelby had a chance encounter with Hal Holbrook a long time ago. That chance encounter led to a friendship that lasted until Hal Holbrook passed in 2021. The two them spent many years discussing Mark Twain. It was Hal Holbrook’s performance of Mark Twain that inspired Don Shelby. 

This ended up being a really special evening. Not only seeing Don Shelby as Mark Twain for the first time, but attending his final performance as Mark Twain. 

Edgar In Concert - MN Opera - April 2026

Edgar in Concert

Program Cover

Music by Giacomo Puccini, Libretto by Ferdinando Fontana

Review By Ernest Edwards

Over the weekend the MN Opera presented the Puccini opera Edgar as a concert. I have never seen Edgar before, but I really liked how the stage was set up for the show. It made me think that MN Opera could do other presentations in concert too. Such as the Stephan Sondheim’s Follies, which did have a concert presentation in NYC back in the 1980’s. Kind of why that show popped in my mind. Or when the NY Philharmonic did Company as a concert presentation. Sweeney Todd has also had two concert productions that I’m aware of. The possibilities are endless. 

We did learn before the opera started that there has been no professional productions of Edgar in the USA for the past 20 years. It was truly a treat to see this MN Opera production at the Ordway in downtown St. Paul. 

I really liked how the stage was set up for this production. The five main principle performers had seats at

The stage, before the opera began. 

the front the of stage. Directly behind them was the MN Opera orchestra, In the back of the stage was the MN Opera choir on risers. Including the intermission, the run time for Edgar was around 2 hours.  

The principle performers were Karin Wolverton as Fidelia, Karen Morgan as Tigrana, John Mburu as Gualtiero, Diego Torre as Edgar, and Thomas Glass as Frank. Before the show began we learned that Diego Torre was under the weather earlier in the week and there was an understudy standing by, but Diego Torre did perform the entire show on opening night. 

As soon as Karen Morgan walked onto the stage in that red dress. I knew she was the character Tigrana. Based on the synopsis that I read in the program. 

Edgar was a wonderful two night only event. The MN Opera still has the opera Pagliacci coming up. The dates for Pagliacci are May 9 - May 17. Check out www.mnopera.org for tickets. 

The Full Monty - Theatre 55 - April 2025

The Full Monty

Image provided by Theatre 55

Book by Terrance McNally, Music and Lyrics by David Yasbek

Review by Ernest Edwards

The Full Monty musical is based on the 1997 film of the same name that takes place in Sheffield a northern town in England. The Full Monty  premiered on Broadway in 2000, and the location was changed to Buffalo, New York for the musical. I had seen the National Tour of the Broadway musical back in June 2003 at the Ordway. It’s been a while since I have seen this musical live on stage. 

This is this first production I am seeing with Theatre 55. Theatre 55 creates shows that contain casts who are 55 years old and older.  I thought the story of The Full Monty would be perfect for my first Theatre 55 production. And it was! What a treat to see this production with this company. The story of the musical is similar to the movie, you have these men who have been out of work ever since the factory closed 18 months ago. They get the idea to do a one night only strip tease for some fast cash. The guys in the musical are average, they are not built like those Chippendale’s models. There’s something about these average guys being played by men of a certain age that really works well for the story.  

The musical takes you on a journey of acceptance and growth. These men are down on their luck. They have been unemployed for 18 months. Their moral is low. And they just want to feel like themselves again. They are hoping their luck will change. The men in this story have various sizes of body shapes, have no rhythm, can’t dance, but have a dream and a desire to do something different for one night only. Not only for the money, but for their dignity. There’s a strength in being vulnerable. 

As for the big moment. The Full Monty per se. It’s stage very tastefully and in conjunction with the stage lighting the actors do The Full Monty, but we in the audience really don’t see anything. This is a family themed show after all. Don’t be surprised to see our six dancers appear in robes during the curtain call.  

This is a such a fun musical. You can tell the whole cast was having a good time with this musical. 

The Full Monty closes on Sunday 4/19/26, check out www.theatre55.org for tickets. 

Theatre 55 did also announce that their next musical in the fall of 2026 will be Young Frankenstein. That should be another fun one to see.