Home Page

Performances for this month

(does not include auditions or special events – see This Week’s Events below or the calendar page for full listing)

Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Thu, January 30, 2025 07:00 PM
The Penguin Players is theater for individuals with special needs and neurotypical mentors — ages 16+

book by Dean Pitchford & Walter Bobbie
music by Tom Snow
lyrics by Dean Pitchford

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
Hanifl Performing Arts Center
Thu, January 30, 2025 07:30 PM
book by William Goldman from the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.
Mankato Playhouse
Fri, January 31, 2025 07:00 PM
Book and Lyrics by: Mark Hallmann and Greg Kotis Music by: Mark Hallmann Winner of three Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards and two Obie Awards, Urinetown is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatization of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and musical theatre itself! Hilariously funny and touchingly honest, Urinetown provides a fresh perspective on one of America’s greatest art forms. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!
Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Fri, January 31, 2025 07:00 PM
The Penguin Players is theater for individuals with special needs and neurotypical mentors — ages 16+

book by Dean Pitchford & Walter Bobbie
music by Tom Snow
lyrics by Dean Pitchford

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
Encore Performing Arts Center
Fri, January 31, 2025 07:00 PM
by Todd Wallinger

Get your kicks on Route 66! America’s most famous highway is the backdrop for this sweet comedy set in an Arizona diner in 1955.

Sally, a young, celebrity-obsessed waitress, can’t wait for the wedding that day between glamorous movie star Lovey Lamour and crooner Johnny Jerome. So you can imagine Sally’s surprise when a mysterious customer turns out to be Lovey herself!

Lovey tells Sally that she fled the ceremony and was heading east on Route 66 when her Ferrari broke down. With the press hot on her trail, Lovey is forced to hide out at the diner until her car is fixed. But how can she possibly keep her identity a secret? Simple, Sally answers. Pose as a waitress!

Sally teaches the movie star everything she knows about waitressing, but their entire scheme threatens to unravel when a nosy news photographer discovers Lovey’s identity and tips Johnny off as to her location.

With a cast of hilarious characters including a short-tempered cook, Sally’s geeky boyfriend, an ever-hungry customer, the world’s worst auto mechanic, and even Elvis Presley before he was famous, this affectionate tribute to the golden age of diners is guaranteed to warm your heart as it tickles your funny bone.
Theatre in the Round
Fri, January 31, 2025 07:30 PM
by Tracey Power Directed by Sean Dooley The year is 1933 and four friends set out to prove to Canada that hockey isn’t just a sport for men. But with the Great Depression weighing heavily on the nation and political tensions rising in Europe, can they overcome the odds, and people’s expectations, to forge their own path to glory? Inspired by a true story and brimming with jazz music, Glory is a thrilling hockey story for the whole family.
Hanifl Performing Arts Center
Fri, January 31, 2025 07:30 PM
book by William Goldman from the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

The Minnesota Association of Community Theatres (MACT) is a statewide, volunteer run organization. We hold meetings, workshops, festivals and other events throughout the state of Minnesota.

 MACT operates on a two year cycle.  In even numbered years we put on FAST*Fest, a non-adjudicated festival of 20-minute plays.  In odd numbered years we produce MACT*Fest, which is an adjudicated festival of 60-minute plays which is part of the AACTFest cycle.  Along with the performances at our festivals there are workshops and networking events.

Click here to sign up for our e-newsletter of upcoming events