Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical READING

Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical

book & co-lyrics by Rachel Teagle
music & co-lyrics by Keith Hovis
directed by Richard D. Thompson
music directed by Joshua Burniece
dramaturgy by Alayna Jacqueline
stage managed by Jaya Robillard

Friday, October 25, 7:30 pm

When Saint Paul city architect Clarence “Cap” Wigington is tasked with designing a glorious ice palace for the Winter Carnival, he and his wife Viola get much more than they bargained for when the magic of the Carnival enters their lives. With a gust of icy wind, Viola and Cap are whisked away into the realm of King Boreas and find themselves at the center of the epic myth that drives the festival.  In this magical land of the North Wind, historical figures from the Carnival’s long and storied history are seeking a new King to bring back the magic and see in Cap’s brilliance the leader they’ve been hoping for. Meanwhile, jealous Fire Lord Vulcanus and his right-hand woman Klondike Kate see in Viola an opportunity to disrupt the winter king and end the festival once and for all.  In a journey through both myth and history, they meet Minnesota figures from 19th-century amateur poets to champion snowmobile racers, all of whom helped make the Winter Carnival a lasting and marvelous tradition. As the realm discovers the magic in creativity and community, Cap and Viola melt the ice that has formed between them, and the power of the Winter Carnival is ignited once again.

In this brand-new musical comedy adventure, playwright Rachel Teagle and composer Keith Hovis explore the strange and wonderful world of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and the resilience, imagination, and heart that make Minnesota such a wonderful place, especially in the snow.

RAW STAGES: New Works Festival is YOUR chance to be involved from the beginning as we develop new plays and musicals just for you. Staged readings of works-in-progress are part of the fall 2024 festival; following the readings audiences are invited to participate in lively discussions aimed at advancing the work. Salons are new this year and will delve deeper into new play development and new works created around the Twin Cities. Come and be a part of the magic!

Since 1978, History Theatre has produced over 140 world premieres. We are building a new canon of stories with and for our community that shape, reflect, and affect our shared experience. Note: The readings will be performed in the Auditorium at History Theatre, 30 E. 10th Street, St. Paul. All readings are general admission.

Tickets: $15 for individual readings; $45 for All-Access Pass to readings (limited availability).