By Claire Noack

With more theater seats per capita than any other city in the nation apart from New York, the Twin Cities’ booming theater scene creates widespread appreciation for the dramatic arts. From nationally recognized theaters performing the latest Broadway hits to community theaters staging contemporary productions, there is a performance for everyone. See what plays are hitting the stage this summer around the Twin Cities.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Family-friendly performances at the nation’s largest professional dinner theater offer dinner and a lively show that will keep guests of all ages engaged and having fun.

• Grease (Through Oct. 28)

Children’s Theatre Co.

Watch as the next generation of actors and actresses bring fairytales and storybook favorites to life. The magic of
theater is visible as children take the stage and participate in some of the highest-level children’s theater in America.

• A Year with Frog and Toad (Through June 18)
• The Abominables (Sept. 12-Oct. 15)

Guthrie Theater

This world-class theater has been entertaining audiences since its founding in 1963 by British theater legend Tyrone Guthrie. The Guthrie has produced everything from Broadway hits and great classics to contemporary masterpieces, and audiences flock to its home in the three-stage architectural gem on the Mississippi River.

• Refugia (Through June 11)
• Sunday in the Park with George (June 17-Aug. 20)
• The New Griots Festival (July 6-16)
• Native Gardens (July 15-Aug. 20)
• The Holler Sessions (Aug. 4-20)

History Theatre

Dive deep into Minnesota’s past through the transformative ability of theater. The three-time IVEY Award-winning stage has been enlightening audiences on local history and heritage for more than 35 years.

• Glensheen (July 6-30)

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre

Since 1973, the puppeteers at In the Heart of the Beast have been compelling spectators through the stories of struggle and celebration of the human existence. If you are looking for a new way to enjoy the performing arts, these masterful storytellers are sure to impress.

• Action Sequence (June 15-24)
• The Story of Crow Boy (July 13-15)

Jungle Theater

Known for its high artistic standards and for hosting many celebrated local artists, the Jungle Theater has played a vital role in Minneapolis’ Lyn-Lake district (located at the intersection of Lyndale Avenue and Lake Street in Uptown) for more than 20 years. Classic and new works are performed with signature energy, invention and visual flair.

• Fly by Night (June 10-July 23)
• The Nether (Sept. 16-Oct. 15)

The Lab Theater

Located in Minneapolis’ North Loop, this playing space was opened by the Guthrie Theater to delve into more experimental performances. Much like the neighborhood in which it resides, The LAB Theater is rich in history and hosts many independent productions for a wide variety of audience members.

• Eclectic Edge Ensemble (July 20-23)
• Cabarave (Aug. 4&5)
• Readin’, wRitin’ and Rhythmatic (Aug. 22&23)
• Crash.Dance.Productions. (Aug. 24-26)

Mu Performing Arts

This theater company aims to empower and celebrate Asian Americans in the Twin Cities. The theater company presents shows inspired by the Asian American experience at various locations throughout the Twin Cities.

• Immigrant Journey Project (Aug. 4-20)

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

A leading not-for-profit performing arts center in the United States, the Ordway performs a mix of local and touring productions that delight throughout the year with a wide range of crowd-pleasers.

• An American in Paris (June 13-18)
• Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus (June 27-July 2)
• Jesus Christ Superstar (July 18-30)
• In the Heights (Sept. 12-24)

Orpheum Theatre

One of four restored theaters under the umbrella of the Hennepin Theatre Trust, this theatrical landmark has been a staple of the Twin Cities’ performing arts scene since the early 1920s.

• Rent 20th Anniversary Tour (Through June 11)
• Motown the Musical (July 11-16, 2017)
• Aladdin (Sept. 15-Oct. 8, 2017)

Park Square Theatre

The distinctive Andy Boss Thrust Stage at Park Square Theatre creates an interactive experience for audiences with seating that wraps around the stage. The company produces both classics and contemporary works in downtown St. Paul.

• Up: The Man in the Flying Chair (Through June 11)
• Might as well Be Dead: A Nero Wolfe Mystery (June 16-July 30)
• Idiot’s Delight (June 29-July 23)
• Henry and Alice: Into the Wild (Sept. 15-Oct. 22)

Plymouth Playhouse

A hub for Midwestern musical comedy, the Plymouth Playhouse has made a name for itself through its host of hilarious off-Broadway musicals, including their Church Basement Ladies original production has received national recognition for its side-splitting hilarity.

• Branson on the Road (Through June 18)
• Heart Songs: The Legendary Ladies of Country Music (July 6-Oct. 22)

The Southern Theater

Famous for the antiquated stone arch that frames its stage, The Southern Theater provides a rare experience for theater-goers. The 165-seat theater is located near the University of Minnesota’s campus.

• 3600 Cuts (June 8-10)
• BOKU: Uncarved Human (June 15-16)
• Shift (June 22-24)
• Momentum: New Dance Works 2017 Festival (July 13-22)
• Ka Joog (July 27-28)
• Minnesota Fringe Festival (Aug. 3-13)
• Minnesota Dance Collaborative (Aug. 17-19)
• Joseph Horton (Aug. 24-26)
• Dancing on the Edge (Sept. 7-9)
• Theatre Forever (Sept. 15-23)
• mONSTER (Sept. 29-Oct. 7)

Theater Latté Da

The Twin Cities’ most accomplished musical theater company, Theater Latté Da illuminates the human condition through music and story. The company splits its time among a few venues, including Pantages Theatre, The LAB Theater and several others.

• NEXT Festival (July 22-Aug. 7)
• Man of La Mancha (Sept. 13-Oct. 22)

Theatre in the Round

As the name suggests, this Minneapolis stage has sour-sided seating, giving audience members the chance to see their favorite performances from every angle—a unique experience that adds to contemporary performances.

• Private Lives (Through June 25)
• Red Herring (July 7-30)
• Taking Steps (Sept. 8-Oct. 1)