Twin Cities Family Guide to the 2026–2027 Children’s Theatre Company Season

If you’re looking for one family activity that’s worth putting on your calendar this year, make it a visit to the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) in Minneapolis.

Consistently recognized as one of the nation’s premier theaters for young audiences, Children’s Theatre Company creates productions that entertain kids while keeping parents just as engaged. Whether your child loves fairy tales, musicals, magic, comedy, or inspiring true stories, the 2026–2027 season offers something for every age.

From a brand-new take on Pinocchio to the return of the holiday favorite How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and the Broadway hit School of Rock, this season is packed with memorable performances.

Here’s your complete family guide to every production in the 2026–2027 season.

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Pinocchio

September 8 – October 18, 2026

Best for Ages: 5–10

The season begins with a fresh, imaginative version of the beloved classic Pinocchio. Instead of relying on elaborate scenery, five theatrical painters use everyday tools like paintbrushes, scaffolding, and wallpaper rolls to create the story right before the audience’s eyes.

Children will laugh as Pinocchio’s adventures unfold, while parents will appreciate the deeper themes of honesty, empathy, accountability, and growing into the person you’re meant to become.

Why Families Should Go

This production encourages imagination in a way that’s perfect for elementary-aged children. Kids see how creativity can transform ordinary objects into an entire magical world.

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Twelve Kinds of Ice

October 13 – November 22, 2026

Best for Ages: 10+

This world-premiere musical is inspired by the award-winning memoir about growing up in a New England town where winter meant skating on frozen ponds every chance you could get.

Through beautiful music and storytelling, audiences experience childhood memories filled with family traditions, outdoor adventures, and the simple joys of winter.

Why Families Should Go

Older kids, tweens, and teens will appreciate the nostalgic storytelling, while parents may find themselves remembering their own childhood winters.

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Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

November 3, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Best for Ages: 5+

No Twin Cities holiday season feels complete without the Grinch.

This long-running Children’s Theatre Company tradition brings Whoville to life with colorful costumes, energetic choreography, catchy songs, and plenty of laughs. Even children who already know the story enjoy seeing it unfold live on stage.

Why Families Should Go

If you’re only planning one holiday outing this year, this should be near the top of your list. It’s festive, funny, and has become a tradition for many Minnesota families.

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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical

January 12 – February 7, 2027

Best for Ages: 4–7

Based on the beloved children’s picture book, this energetic musical transforms the alphabet into larger-than-life characters climbing the famous coconut tree.

Expect upbeat songs, colorful costumes, audience participation, and plenty of opportunities for younger children to clap, sing, and dance along.

Why Families Should Go

Perfect for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early readers who already know and love the classic book.

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Havana Hop

January 22 –31, 2027

Best for Ages: 2–6

This interactive Discovery Series production follows young Yeila as she travels to Cuba to visit her grandmother and discovers the joy of blending her love of hip-hop with her Cuban heritage.

Performed by one actor portraying multiple generations, the show encourages audience participation through music and dance.

Why Families Should Go

Ideal for younger children who enjoy moving, singing, and participating instead of simply watching.

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Princess Kay of the Milky Way

February 23 – April 4, 2027

Best for Ages: 7+

Minnesota families won’t want to miss this world-premiere musical inspired by one of the state’s most beloved traditions.

Set around the Minnesota State Fair, the story follows the Berglund family through 4-H competitions, butter sculptures, country music dreams, and everything that makes the Great Minnesota Get-Together so special.

Why Families Should Go

This production celebrates Minnesota traditions in a way that local families will especially appreciate. Expect plenty of laughs and moments that feel uniquely “Minnesota.”

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Mr. Messado’s School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart

March 12 –21, 2027

Best for Ages: 5–12

Magic, comedy, storytelling, and audience participation all come together in this limited Discovery Series engagement.

Professional magician Joshua Messado performs astonishing illusions while inviting audience members to help create the magic.

Why Families Should Go

Kids love interactive performances, and this one promises plenty of surprises, laughter, and opportunities to become part of the show.

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School of Rock The Musical

May 4 – June 27, 2027

Best for Ages: 10+

Based on the hit movie, School of Rock follows struggling musician Dewey Finn as he accidentally lands a substitute teaching job—and secretly transforms a classroom full of straight-A students into an incredible rock band.

Filled with live music, humor, and heart, the Broadway adaptation captures everything audiences loved about the original film.

Why Families Should Go

Older kids, tweens, and teens will especially connect with the music, comedy, and inspiring message about believing in yourself and discovering your talents.

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Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar

May 14 –23, 2027

Best for Ages: 7+

This inspiring Discovery Series production tells the true story of Joseph Kekuku, the Native Hawaiian musician credited with inventing the steel guitar style that influenced blues, country, and rock music.

Live Hawaiian slide guitar performances combine with storytelling and stunning projections to create a memorable theatrical experience.

Why Families Should Go

A wonderful opportunity to introduce children to music history through an engaging live performance.

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Ticket Information

Children’s Theatre Company offers several ways to attend throughout the season.

• Single-show tickets typically go on sale before each production.
• Season subscriptions provide the best value if you plan to attend multiple shows.
• Families can choose subscription packages that fit their schedule and preferred performances.
• Group rates are often available for schools, homeschool groups, scouts, and larger family gatherings.

Because holiday performances—especially How the Grinch Stole Christmas!—often sell out weeks in advance, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets as early as possible.

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First-Time Visitor Tips

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before curtain time. This gives everyone plenty of time to park, find seats, visit the restroom, and settle in without feeling rushed.

Talk About Theater Etiquette

Before the performance begins, remind younger children to use quiet voices, keep phones put away, and save conversations until intermission or after the show.

Dress Comfortably

There isn’t a dress code. Most families wear comfortable casual clothing, while some enjoy dressing up a little for special occasions.

Read the Story First

If the show is based on a familiar book like Pinocchio or Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, reading the story beforehand can help younger children follow along and get even more excited.

Consider Dining Nearby

Children’s Theatre Company is located in Minneapolis near several family-friendly restaurants, making it easy to turn your theater visit into a full afternoon or evening outing.

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Why Children’s Theatre Company Is Worth the Trip

For many Twin Cities families, visiting Children’s Theatre Company becomes a yearly tradition. Live theater offers something screens simply can’t replicate. Children experience storytelling unfolding right in front of them, watch actors, musicians, and artists work together in real time, and often leave inspired to read more, create their own stories, or even try theater themselves.

The 2026–2027 season offers a wonderful balance of classic favorites, exciting new productions, interactive experiences for younger audiences, and Broadway-quality musicals for older kids and teens.

Whether you’re introducing a preschooler to their very first live performance or bringing a teenager who loves musicals, there’s a show this season that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Start planning now—you may find yourselves creating a new Twin Cities tradition that lasts for years to come.