Evenitto's guide · Minneapolis–St. Paul

Theater: questions and answers

What people ask most about going to the theater in America.

Finding a show

What's on at the theater tonight?

The tonight page lists every show on our calendar tonight by curtain time, and the calendar lets you filter by day and kind of show. We are starting with Minneapolis–St. Paul, and both are checked every day.

Which Broadway shows come to Minneapolis?

The national tours of Broadway shows play the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis in Hennepin Arts' Broadway on Hennepin series, and the Ordway in St. Paul has a Broadway series of its own. The 2026–2027 Broadway on Hennepin season brings Hamilton, Hadestown, The Outsiders and Maybe Happy Ending.

I missed a show on Broadway. Will it come here?

Often, yes: hit Broadway shows go on national tours that stop in a city for a week or a few. Search for the title on the calendar to see when it comes to the Twin Cities.

Is there theater in summer?

The stages keep playing in summer, and every August the Minnesota Fringe Festival fills theaters across Minneapolis with new short shows for eleven days.

Tickets

How do I get cheaper theater tickets?

Look for young-adult and student prices: the Guthrie's 30 Below program sells people aged 16 to 30 tickets at rush prices on the day of the show. Matinees and seats up in the balcony cost less, and some Broadway tours hold a lottery for a few cheap seats. Buy from the theater's own website: resale sites often charge more than face value.

What are rush tickets and lotteries?

Rush tickets are discounted seats sold on the day of the show when seats are left. A lottery is a draw for a handful of cheap seats at a performance; Hamilton's tours have held $10 lotteries. In New York, the TodayTix app has rush tickets and lotteries, and the TKTS booth in Times Square sells same-day seats for less.

How far ahead should I book?

Big Broadway tours and the holiday shows can sell out, so book those early. Plays and smaller shows often have seats until the day itself.

At the theater

What time does the theater start?

Most evening shows start at 7:30 or 8 p.m., and weekend matinees at 1 or 2 p.m. The time on the ticket is when the show starts; the lobby opens earlier.

Is there a dress code?

No. Most people wear what they would wear to a nice dinner, and jeans are fine. Opening nights and galas are a little dressier.

What happens if I'm late?

You wait in the lobby until a suitable break, which can be intermission. Leave time to park: downtown ramps fill up before big shows.

Why does everyone give a standing ovation?

American audiences stand at the end of many shows, especially the big musicals. It's a warm thank-you, not a sign of a once-in-a-lifetime night, and you can stay seated if you didn't love it.

Kids and family

From what age can kids go to the theater?

Check the age advice on the show's page. The Children's Theatre Company makes shows for young audiences, and weekend matinees suit families best. At the Orpheum, State and Pantages every person needs a ticket, children included.

What's on in December?

A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie, The Nutcracker, Black Nativity at Penumbra, the Children's Theatre Company's Grinch and holiday musicals across the metro.

About this guide

Are there ASL-interpreted and audio-described performances?

Yes. The Guthrie, the Children's Theatre Company and the Broadway on Hennepin series schedule ASL-interpreted and audio-described performances. The Guthrie also has open-captioned and relaxed performances, and the Children's Theatre Company sensory-friendly ones. The show's page has the dates.

How does Evenitto choose the shows?

Shows come from the venues' own calendars. A ranking puts forward the highlights by venue, performers and date; nothing is hand-picked yet. Nobody pays to be listed or picked.