Rotary Club of Saint Paul
May 13, 2025
History Theatre
President Shelly Rucks called the Rotation Day meeting to order at 12:14 pm. She thanked Rotarian Rob Thomas for hosting this meeting at the History . She also mentioned that Ken Crabb is looking for people to volunteer at the Science Museum this Friday from 10-2. Shelly also reminded people that we need hosts for the international youth who are traveling across the country on June 27-28.
Rob Thomas, Development Director of the History Theatre, described the mission and purpose of Theatre. The History Theatre creates informed stories and gives history a voice to those who have come before us. History Theatre entertains, educates, and engages through creating, developing, and producing new and existing works that explore Minnesota's past and the diverse American experience. Its work provides a unique lens which links our past to the present, explores our common heritage, and illuminates our understanding of what it means to be American. Rob said that Rotary aligns with this mission by building relationships and connections. There is also a connection of empathy and understanding.
Karen Mueller, Managing Director, reported that the History Theatre was founded in 1978 and is 47 years old. During that time, the Theatre has commissioned 130 new plays and musicals. This summer is the 10th Anniversary of the popular musical “Glensheen” about the Congdon family tragedy that took place at the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. The theatre, designed by famous local architect Ralph Rapson, has 575 seats. Both well- known and lesser-known stories are performed on stage. They employ 110 artists and13 full-time staff. 70% of their income is from ticket sales. The Theatre faced challenges during covid, as did other theaters, but are coming back. They partner with community organizations like the Minnesota History Center and the Friends of the Boundary Waters depending the theme of the play. Their “Seats to Stage” program introduces high school students to the theater through school residencies. They also have a partnership with Vail Place to help adults with mental health issues through the theater.
Richard D. Thompson, Artistic Director, stated that the History Theatre preserves history by telling stories from the past. The arts are important because they tell who we are. Then he described the following 2025-2026 season of plays”
- “Don’t Miss Doris Hines”: This is the story of Doris’ career in show business. She is also the mother of Gary Hines, director of the world-renowned musical group, The Sounds of Blackness.
- “Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical”: Saint Paul city architect Clarence “Cap” Wigington designed the ice palace for the Winter Carnival and then goes on a magical adventure with his wife through both myth and history.
- “Whoosh!”: It’s a raucous, comical, emotionally gripping ghost story about two Irish immigrants who come to Minnesota and fight in the Civil War.
- “Hungry Like the Wolf”: This is a fast-paced, irrelevant comedy exploring the first bank strike and fight for women’s labor rights.
- “Courting Harry”: A story about Minnesota natives Supreme Court Justices Warren Burger and Harry Blackman who are lifelong friends.
THIS WEEK
- Science Museum of Minnesota
May 16, 2025, 10:00 am -2:00 pm - Education Day at Open World Learning
Open World Learning
May 16, 2025, 2:00 pm - “Anything Goes” at Lakeshore Players Theatre
May 18, 2025, 2:00 pm
NEXT WEEK
- Education Day at Farnsworth Aerospace
May 19, 20259:30 am -10:00 am - 5:01 Meeting
Pool & Yacht Club
May 20, 20255:01 pm – 6:15 pm
The meeting closed at 12:50 pm.
Lynne Beck Scribe