Raw Stages ’08

After 30 years and more than 100 world premieres commissioned, the History Theatre continues to be a leader in the development for new works for the stage. Last year’s Raw Stages event featured History Theatre’s current hit Tyrone & Ralph by Jeffrey Hatcher along with 20 Days to Find a Wife, the world premiere musical that will be on our stage this spring. This year’s Raw Stages will feature the stories of Sister Kenny, Dudley Riggs, the first African American church in Minnesota, and the ladies of Minneapolis’ burlesque scene circa 1950. With such a variety of stories to tell, History Theatre is constantly partnering with world-class playwrights to create new productions that will engage audiences to relive, re-imagine, and reexamine our shared history.

THIS YEAR’S SHOWS

Adrift on the Mississippi
Sunday, November 2 @ 7:30 p.m.
At the Pilgrim Baptist Church
732 Central Ave West
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104

By Brian A. Grandison
Directed by James Williams
Dramaturgy by Marion McClinton
Featuring Ansa Akyea, Regina Williams, Jamila Anderson, Payton Woodson, Terry Hempleman, Casey Grieg, Terry Bellamy, and Faye Price.

To escape slavery, the Reverend Robert Hickman led a community of African Americans up the Mississippi river on a raft in 1863. Landing in St. Paul, they founded the first African American church in Minnesota and named it in honor of their courageous journey – Pilgrim Baptist Church. The reading will take place in the church founded by Rev. Hickman.

Queens of Burlesque
Wednesday, November 5 @ 7:30 p.m.
At the History Theatre
30 East 10th Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

Written and Directed by David Mann

Set on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis, Queens is a fascinating and exhilarating look into in the last days of Burlesque theatre in Minnesota. It captures the double standard endured by women of the time – emancipated from housework during World War II but crowded out of jobs by the menfolk returning from the war. It is a tale of triumph as five women strive to maintain their dignity and self-regard in a business that gets little respect from the community at large.

Sister Kenny
Saturday, November 8 @ 2:00 p.m.
At the History Theatre
30 East 10th Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

By Doris Baizley
Directed by Ron Peluso
Featuring Buffy Sedlacek, Kelly Adams, Shelby Flannery, and Miles Tagtmeyer.

As a woman navigating her way through the male-dominated world of Western medicine, Sister Kenny broke through social and professional barriers to remold medical approach and treatment – specifically around the disease of polio. From Australia, where nurses are called "sister," Kenny settled in Minnesota where she pushed into new frontiers of medicine in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Her story is one of triumph and success beyond her incredible talent and compassion.

Dudley: Rigged for Laughter!
Sunday, November 9 @ 7:30 p.m.
At the History Theatre
30 East 10th Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

By Dane Stauffer
Directed by James Cada
Dramaturgy by Beth Gilleland
Featuring Sue Scott, Jim Detman, Chris Denton, Michelle Hutchison, Michelle Cassioppi, and Raymond Berg (The writer, director, dramaturg and cast are all alumni of Dudley’s Brave New Workshop.)

What Minnesota theatre has been performing sketch comedy and improvisation longer than any other theatre in the United States? You guessed it. The Brave New Workshop founded by Dudley Riggs in 1958. But who is this Dudley, and how did this 4th generation circus performer and mad-cap entrepreneur come to found a theatre in Minneapolis? Join us for a humorous look at the life and loves of the amazing Dudley Riggs.