We had an enjoyable evening seeing "The Rootbeer Lady" at the History Theatre. The ushers and attendants were eager to help and the seating was comfortable (I am a bigger guy and theater seating can get snug) We were able to hear everything and there was no obstructed view. The play itself was well done...I went in thinking that a one lady play was going to have a hard time entertaining for 90 minutes...but I was surprised. I would recommend that you take the time to see this play. read more

History Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Had a great time at The Root Beer Lady production. I've loved this story for years and to see it on stage made it even more special. Kim Schultz (aka Dorothy Molter) did an amazing job as a one-woman show. The set felt so nostalgic and brought a tear to my eye. I've never been to the History Theater before and was pleasantly surprised by this little gem. Thanks for selling Dorothy's root beer too. Bravo!! read more

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Such a cute little theatre! It's a great space & very intimate. Not a bad seat in the house with a nice selection of beverages (beer/wine/water/soda)! Would love to see other plays here!! Not the greatest part of town, but street parking was good & only $2.50 for two hours. read more

History Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Amazing theatre! This place is an absolute gem! Entertainment, education and culture all wrapped up in a show. Not a bad seat in the theater. I do wish the sound was amplified. Would be difficult to follow along if you are hard of hearing. Plenty of beverages to choose from before the show and some snacks as well. Absolutely enjoyed our evening look forward to seeing our next show. read more

I didn't realize this theater was different than the Minnesota history Museum. We just saw the Glenn Sheen mansion production, which was clever and cheeky and fun! The actors and actresses were top notch. I could not believe the voices! Incredible! The venue is large and has an upper balcony. It can fit a lot of people and it seems like every seat in the house is a good one. But definitely will go back for another show!! read more

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We attended a performance of "Courting Harry," a play about St. Paul's two Supreme Court judges, Warren Berger and Harry Blackmun. Justice Blackmun wrote the majority decision on Roe vs Wade, and the two close friends had a falling out over the decision. The performance was fantastic, with stellar acting. The History Theater doesn't have a bad seat and a parking ramp is attached to the theater. It was an older crowd, but they're not on stage. I enjoyed the experience very much. read more

After attending a performance of "Courting Harry" in late May, I was excited to return to the History Theatre in July to see "The Root Beer Lady". I had wanted to see "The Root Beer Lady" when it was in town last year but was unable to fit it into my schedule. I really enjoyed both plays about individuals who either were brought up here or who made Minnesota their home as an adult. Their respective stories are educational, entertaining and inspiring, and show the impact each had on the people of this state and of this country. The acting is great and the stories, captivating.The theatre is easy to get to and paid street parking seems fairly easy to come by. The volunteers who work there are friendly and helpful to patrons. There's a selection of beverages (both fortified and N/A) and snacks available for purchase in the lobby. Seating inside the theatre seems perfectly adequate and each seat seems to provide a good view of the stage. I thought the sound and lighting were good, and the sets were excellent. Thanks to the History Theatre and to Yelp for the ticket give-aways! I'll definitely return again and again. read more

For my first visit to the History Theater I saw I Am Betty. What a fun show. Plays about history are such a fun way to learn. The acting and singing was well done. We sat in the first row of the balcony which was a perfect spot. The theater is small enough so there really isn't a bad seat. We parked about 5 blocks away because I had contracted parking in a ramp but there are plenty of ramps closer to the venue. There is also some on street parking that seemed to be two hour limit which may not be enough for most productions. Concessions were available but I didn't try anything. Staff was helpful. read more

History Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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We went to see "The Root Beer Lady" - a one woman show (and a lot of supporting personnel, of course) presenting the story Dorothy Molter. Kim Schultz is the actor, and her portrayal of Dorothy was entertaining, educational, and humorous ... in a Minnesota Boundary Waters sort of way. It was a very nice evening, and the stage and theater were appropriate to the setting and inviting as well. Thanks to Kim and the staff for a beautiful evening. read more

A great theatre with lots of fun productions. Glensheen is my all time favorite and a don't miss. The Root Beer Lady is also a great play. The casts here are really good and each production is a delight. I just wish they were somewhere with better parking. read more

We were lucky enough to attend the opening night performance of "I Am Betty". It was our first show at the History Theater and what a wonderful introduction! The show is wonderful, we will be encouraging everyone to go and see it. And the History Theater is such a gem! So thankful to live in a community with such a wide-ranging art scene. Can't wait to go again! read more

History Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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This was a small, intimate theater to see a production. It reminded me of other smaller, local theaters like Children's, Fitzgerald, and Theater in the Round. When purchasing tickets online, the seating appears to be more across the stage, but the theater is more of a "C" shape around the stage. Parking is available on the street or one of several ramps nearby. Staff were very accomodating. read more

We decided to take a trip here to see diesel heart after speaking to and hearing about it from Brian Grandison the writer. We showed up and we ended up attending for the premiere. It was crowded with many people and attending this night was the mayor and family. The event was ver casual and the staff were extremely friendly. The lines went very fast and the place was roomie enough so you did not feel like you were in a packed disco. They had good drink options and some snacks. The rest rooms are 2 flights of steps down to the right. The show was very enjoyable and well written. The cast were very into it and charismatic and the gave you the feel of being there. The setup was very simple but functional and worked Smoothly. The story was amazing and brought sadness at times while laughter at other times. I would highly recommend seeing this if your into theater. read more

Great line up for this year of 2022 .. been volunteering for past 2 years . Good Sunday afternoon venture ..

An important cultural resource in Saint Paul; some very good productions with local actors. Today saw the outstanding show "Not for Sale" by a team of a local first time playwright and a more experienced one. Outstanding cast. Acoustics very good. Seats in balcony G have partial obstruction, which were not obvious when booking. Staff (almost certainly volunteer) very helpful. Will return for future performances. read more

This theatre hosted Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" when it was in the Twin Cities for the Republican National Convention. The space is really cool, it seats about 600 people and there is a thrust stage (semi-circle just like the Guthrie's famous Wurtele Thrust) so no matter what side you sit on you can see the action. There was an attached parking lot, which is a huge bonus in cold Minnesota. The show I saw was the Christmas show produced by the History Theatre, which was a musical. The singers were excellent, but the best part was that it was like going back in time to see St. Paul a long time ago. read more

History Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

We're so excited to see Christmas of Swing! But when I bought tickets online there was no option for selecting the Veteran special rate of $35. It's a wonderful acknowledgement of our veterans being honored in this show. But it seemed like a marketing trick to not make it available online or even to have guidance on how to get it. You have to buy that ticket in-person or on the phone. read more

I enjoyed the play and the venue. Snacks and drinks offered at intermission (reasonable prices). I'm not sure where I would park if I drove here for a performance, glad that we had a bus chartered. The green line 10th Street Station is across the street. read more

History Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

What the History Theatre does so well is making Minnesota's past not only relevant but interesting and furthermore entertaining. They take topics or people connected to Minnesota and tell their stories - whether it's through song, a one-person performance or with a large band and a full cast. I've seen plays about Kirby Puckett, Paul Wellstone, Ralph Ralphson & Tyrone Guthrie (yes, that Guthrie), Buddy Holly, Vince Lombardi; a truly varied list of people all with different and interesting Minnesota connections. My favorite play of all time was about two Supreme Court justices, Harry Blackmun and Warren Burger called Courting Harry. Every time I tell people about how well done and impactful this performance was, I can never fully convey how amazingly well put together and well-acted Courting Harry was. It was a true example of taking a less than sparkling topic (although to me, civics is infinitely fascinating) and making it interesting by providing a human element and an engaging story. Check it out sometime when you want to be entertained and learn more about something related to Minnesota that you may not have already known about. Like others have mentioned, it's a thrust stage, so there's really not a bad seat in the house. You can't go wrong at the History Theatre. read more

I was visiting for the weekend and was able to come to the theatre and watch Christmas of Swing and wow it was incredible! I enjoy swing music and love the clothing style and figured this would be right down my alley. What was really cool when we got to the show was a group of people had actually shown up dressed in remake WWII uniforms and the girls decked out pinup style. The show great. The actresses sang beautifully and I laughed a lot and cried a couple times when the soldiers letters were read. I do not go to a lot of stage shows like this but I just may have to find more and enjoy! If you really like musical type of theatre shows, some great singing, and of course swing style music definitely a must go. Leg room was tight but its a small theatre so any seat is really a good seat. We were able to spread out a little because the balcony wasn't fully sold out. read more

I have been to this theatre twice and both times was a great experience. Went to Not in our neighborhood! last night and thought it was excellent. What an amazing cast. Will be back!!! read more

Came here to see Hairspray the musical for free on Friday and it was spectacular History theater is right in downtown st paul attached to the College of music ( I had no idea MN had one) Anyways we came there early walked around st paul downtown for a bit and when it was time to head inside it was packed I mean it was so many people it got hot in the building like a sauna :-) the staff was lovely the only complaint was I ordered my tickets on line but it seemed a lot of people who did that were not on the list thank goodness I printed my tickets! my boyfriend was surprised how the show was he thought he wasn't going to enjoy but he asked if we can go again to another one! and he is very picky read more

Still a fan, but... Went to A Civil War Christmas and they encouraged the audience to Yelp about the MHS, so I update... While we've enjoyed many, many performances here over the last ten years, I've got to say that I really did not care for this one. The actors did what they could with what they had, but almost every one was cast in 3-5 roles which made it quite confusing. I could not keep track of much of the story other than that Marry Lincoln was a nut case. Already knew that. Just not my type of production. Many similar comments from those around us. Looking forward to seeing more this season, though. Coming up - Coco's Diary - Adapted from the diary of Clotilde Irvine 1968: The Year That Rocked the World Capital Crimes - The St. Paul Gangster Musical read more

Play Glensheen was great. Only two stars because seating was completely messed up. Usher first took us to the wrong section. She found another usher who found our section. Our seats were taken so usher asked to see tickets of seated patrons. They were in the wrong section. Ok, so move? No the usher put us in the wrong seats I think to just hope we would just sit down. What an unorganized mess. We needed two aisle seats due to handicap issues.. the usher didn't seem to care. Really????? read more

My husband and I got tickets from a silent auction. We weren't sure what to expect but it was an experience worth repeating. The first show we saw was "Courting Harry" about Supreme Court justice Harry Blackmun and the friendship he had with Warren Burger. History Theater presented the story in a fun, entertaining way. The history was there and we both learned a lot. We have season tickets now and we can't wait for this years shows. read more

A great value! Excellent shows in an intimate theater. Definitely worth checking out.

Went to the Buddy Holly show last night...it was an Amazing Time! I highly recommend going to it. From start to finish a blast from the past! read more

Saw the midwest premiere of American Idiot, the Green Day musical, at History Theatre for $10 per seat. It's exactly the kind of thing you'll find here: great shows at an affordable price. No bad seat. read more

I come to this theater a couple times a year for the Sample Night Live shows. The theater features a nice little bar and it never seems overly crowded. It's intimate seating, where every seat has a great view. The seats are pretty comfy and you can take your drinks or snacks to your seat. Parking is often available on the street but sometimes takes a little searching. I love a free spot though so it's worth a little work for me. I wish all doors to the building were open during theater times. Sometimes when it's cold you have to walk all the way around the building to get inside and that can be brutal in winter! read more

Love this place. Amazing acoustics, you can bring alcoholic drinks to your seats and almost every seat in the house a a great seat. Even the balcony! Just a great space! read more

Good luck finding a place to park. I had to return home prior to a show on Dec 16 because there was no place for my car. Spots right outside the theatre are for 2 hours only. A nearby parking ramp allowed cars in, but was actually full. A wasted afternoon and ticket. read more

AMAZING FREAKING THEATRE. Easy to park around here, easy to buy tickets online, nice helpful staff! The plays though are what amazingggg every time i have been here I have been blown away. Real like plays that you can relate too. So cool to have 10 minutes away from my house! read more

I bought two third row tickets for a recent performance. When we got there the theatre had double sold the seats we purchased and moved us to the last row. Total Bummer. read more