Menu

A Night At The Theater

The Twin Cities is second only to the Big Apple when it comes to theater seats per capita

Everyone knows the best theater productions in the land likely debut in New York—Times Square to be exact. In fact, more than 8.5 million people annually make their way to one of NYC’s theaters that reside on or near the infamous intersection of Broadway and Seventh. What you might not know, however, is that the Twin Cities is second only to the Big Apple when it comes to theater seats per capita. Visitors simply need to glance up and down Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis to see marquees that line our own version of the infamous theater district hub. St. Paul has its fair share, too. In fact, some 60 theater companies call the Twin Cities home, and as you might guess, productions range from touring productions fresh off Broadway to musicals, classics, new works, experimental art, dance, comedy and improv—for all ages.

For Dinner: CRAVE, Fogo de Chao or Sea Change

Depending on which theater you visit, there are bound to be several dining establishments from which to choose all within walking distance. For performances at the Orpheum, State or Pantages theaters, it is hard to beat CRAVE, while Sea Change is mere steps away from the Guthrie. Across the river, opt for the St. Paul Grill—a quick walk across Rice Park from the Ordway.
Sea Change at the Guthrie in Downtown Minneapolis

Image by Todd Buchanan/Greenspring Media

For A Show

The hottest Tony-Award winning shows fresh from New York are huge draws as part of the Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin Season, with shows such as Disney’s The Lion King and Cabaret through August and September respectively.  Hennepin Theatre Trust will host you in style at any of their venues that line Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. In St. Paul, both the Minnesota Opera and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra share stage time throughout the early part of fall with Paint Your Wagon and the Opera’s rendition of Romeo & Juliet.
Opera performance in Saint Paul

For Post-Show Drinks: Ling & Louie’s

When the stage lights on Hennepin dim and you’re forced to leave the make-believe cocoon that the best of theaters deliver, head over a few blocks to Dakota Jazz Club or Ling & Louie’s to cap off your night out with a craft cocktail. If your night out ends in St. Paul, the patio at W.A. Frost, the vodka at Moscow On The Hill and the sheer fun at The Liffey Irish pub are tough to beat.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This