Commonweal Theatre Company

WCCO TV Finding Minnesota

Funding cuts and the recession have created hard times for many actors. But somehow, a professional theater in a small Minnesota town is still thriving.

Lanesboro (population 754) is home to the Commonweal Theatre, which is just starting a new season.

It's in the heart of a town known for the surrounding bluffs, the scenic Root River and unique shops.

Ice Maidens

- Ice Maidens: a new play by Stan Peal.

A Midwestern familys quiet life is cracked open when an estranged daughter appears at the onset of winter. The rebellious prodigal brings a punked-out boyfriend with her, and burns open the old wounds of a family tragedy, awakening a ghost from the past.


...a moving and heartwarming story populated by folks from the Upper Midwest most of us will recognize.
-Rochester Post Bulletin

Ice Maidens is a strong play... also extremely funny. The fluid clash of sincerity and cynicism, of heat and cold, provide unexpected levity.
-Minnesota Theatre

Ice Maidens was developed and produced with support from The Commonweal Theatre Companys New Play Development Program, Lanesboro, MN. It premiered at the Commonweal on November 1st, 2008 and was lauded by critics and audience alike, setting a new attendance record for the theatre.

The show is 90 minutes, for 4 women and 4 men, and the script is available to theatre companies for perusal via email or snail mail. Please contact me by messaging me here, or visit my website at

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - Trailer 2018

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Music & lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Additional material by Jay Reiss

Music used in video by bensound.com

May 4 – Sept 24

In this charming musical, quirky middle-schoolers battle for the ultimate title: spelling champ of Putnam County! With each new word, the earnest combatants reveal their passions, fears and dreams through hilarious and touching tunes. (And it’s not just about the spelling: the adult cast is ultra geek-chic in their middle school costumes!)

Alan Bailey, director of such audience favorites as Souvenir and Sylvia, returns for this Tony Award-winning musical about friendship, sacrifice and valuable lessons in fair play.

To reserve tickets, call the Box Office:
(800) 657-7025

Our Mission: To enrich the common good through actor-based story telling which is both transcendent and relevant.

Stay connected for the latest happenings at the Commonweal!

Be our friend on Facebook:

Follow us on Twitter:

More information on upcoming productions & tickets: or call our Box Office at 1.800.657.7025

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee 2018 Commercial

By William Finn, Rachel Sheikin, and Rebecca Feldman
May 4- September 24

Photo Credit: Peterson Creative, Photography & Design

Happy Boy Theme Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License


In this charming musical, quirky sixth-graders battle for the ultimate title: spelling champ of Putnam Valley Middle School! With each new word, the earnest combatants reveal their passions, fears and dreams through hilarious and touching tunes. (And it’s not just about the spelling: the adult cast is ultra geek-chic in their middle school costumes!)

Our Mission: To enrich the common good through actor-based story telling which is both transcendent and relevant.

Stay connected for the latest happenings at the Commonweal!

Be our friend on Facebook:

Follow us on Twitter:

More information on upcoming productions & tickets: or call our Box Office at 1.800.657.7025
Category
Entertainment
License
Standard YouTube License

KSMQ's Off 90 Episode 308

Cruising your way on this episode of Off 90...

Drama unfolds -- where the Root River bends. Step behind the scenes of Lanesboro's Commonweal Theatre -- bringing professional quality productions to bluff country.

Harmony's Betty Dowe keeps the tradition of Norwegian rosemaling alive through her dedication to the art and her desire to pass it on to future generations.

And...In 1876, several gunmen rode into Northfield hoping to rob a bank. But the townsfolk had other plans. See how this event has inspired a yearly festival the town celebrates today.

Catch Off 90 Sundays at 7 PM on KSMQ!

People and Water with Jennifer Tonko, MN Humanities

In today's show we talk about water and its importance to Minnesota. In particular, we will be talking about an initiative called: We Are Water MN, which is a multi-agency partnership formed to tell Minnesota's water stories collaboratively, bringing together personal narratives, historical materials, and scientific information. Joining us in that conversation is Jennifer Tonko, Program Officer for the Minnesota Humanities Center and lead for We Are Water MN.