7 Places to Celebrate the Stage in the Shakopee Area
Shakopee might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a theatre-filled vacation — but it truly should be. In fact, after New York City, the Twin Cities have the most theatre seats per capita in the country. Between the talented local companies, the traveling national tours, and the stunning venues in the Minneapolis & Saint Paul metro area, you can experience Broadway right here in Minnesota! After checking out these 7 fantastic local venues, Shakopee will truly take center stage in your mind:
1) Guthrie Theater
Located in downtown Minneapolis, the famous Guthrie Theater offers plays, concerts, education, and professional training. The theater was founded in 1963 and originally focused on presenting classical and Shakespearean plays. Today, they incorporate newer works, like Harvey, which debuts in April; contemporary concerts, like that from Chick Corea and Bela Fleck; alongside more classical pieces, including The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha, which opens in May.
2) Hennepin Theatre Trust
The Hennepin Theatre Trust was established as a nonprofit organization in 2000 with the mission of preserving and programming four historic theatres in Minneapolis. The Hennepin’s season features multiple touring Broadway shows at the Orpheum and Pantages theatres, as well as everything from concerts and comedians, to podcasts and magic shows at State Theatre and New Century Theatre.
Some of the Broadway Shows for 2016 include the Book of Mormon, The Bridges of Madison County, and Disney’s The Lion King.
3) Children’s Theatre Company
The Shakopee area is the perfect place to bring the family for an artsy weekend away! The Children’s Theatre Company located just a short drive away in Minneapolis features musicals, plays, and other events specifically for children and families. Their upcoming season includes classics like Pinocchio and Cinderella as well as newer works like The Last Firefly.
4) Ames Center
Just minutes from Shakopee in Burnsville, you’ll come across the Ames Center. This beautiful venue plays host to incredible shows including dance, theatre, music, comedy, magic, and more. It is truly one of the best places to catch talent in the region! Coming up this year, you can see comedian Ralphie May, Catch Me If You Can, and the Twin Cities Ballet.
5) Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Planning to have a night out for dinner and a show? Combine the two at the largest dinner theatre in the United States! Chanhassen Dinner Theatres provide some of the most entertaining shows around town. Located just a short drive from Shakopee, you can find comedy shows, concerts, and musicals. In fact, Beauty & the Beast is playing through September, so don’t miss out on this tony-award winning Disney musical.
6) Old Log Theatre
If you have a date night in mind, another great location for dinner and a show is the Old Log Theatre in Greenwood. This venue features contemporary comedies and dramas as well as the Cast & Cru Restaurant. The restaurant serves fresh modern American cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients grown in their on-site gardens and meticulously selected wines.
7) River Valley Theatre Company
Shakopee’s own local theatre company is one of the top venues in the region to experience shows of exceptional caliber! Their recent productions include classics such as Dracula, Curtains, and the Wizard of Oz. River Valley Theatre Company also features productions designed for kids to explore the arts in their own way.
There is no need to rush off to New York for a theatre-filled weekend out of town! By staying right here in Shakopee, you can experience the comfort of a small town get-a-way with all of the perks of a big city vacation. Which show do you plan to see first?