2026 Season

The Cafe Mocha Murders

March 20-22 & 26-29
 
Murder Mystery 
by Deanna Strasse
Directed by Dana & Beth Schroeder
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Company
On a stormy night, the employees of The Bean Shack gather for a routine meeting. Suddenly, the lights go out and a murder occurs, transforming the evening into a high-stakes whodunit. In this hilarious mystery, the staff must navigate latte art, caffeine levels, and the looming threat of danger to uncover the truth.
Tickets Go On Sale: March 2
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY 
Sue Brown Chapin Watercolors  
CreativEdge Designs  
Weis Eye Center, P.A.

Caught in the Net

May 10 & 14-17
 
Farce by Ray Cooney  |  Directed by Minden Anderson
Produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals
John Smith, a London taxi driver, leads a double life, maintaining two separate families who are completely unaware of each other. The situation spirals out of control when his teenage children from both families, a girl and a boy, meet online. Discovering their shared surname and taxi-driving father, they plan to meet in person, forcing John into a web of deception as he struggles to keep his secret safe.

Tickets Go On Sale: April 20

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
The Pine Knot News
Tomhave Dental Associates
Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce

Don't Hug Me

A Minnesota Love Story with Singin’ and Stuff
Sept. 25-28 & Oct. 1-4
 
Musical Comedy Book & Lyrics by Phil Olson
Music by Paul Olson
Directed by Jenn & Joel Soukkala & Miriam Effinger
Produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals
Set in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota on the coldest day of the year, the arrival of a smooth-talking karaoke salesman shakes up the lives of the local bar’s patrons. Mixing outrageous songs and quirky characters, this Minnesota love story is packed with humor and heartfelt moments, promising laughs until spring arrives.
Tickets Go On Sale: Sept. 8
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Community Printing  
The Nest Yoga & Wellness

Bell, Book & Candle

Dec. 3-6 & 10-13
 
Comedy by John Van DrutenDirected by Jodi Hodgson
Produced by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing
Gillian possesses the rare ability to cast spells and perform 
supernatural feats. When she casts a spell on publisher Shepherd Henderson to draw him away from a rival and because she is 
drawn to him herself, he falls deeply in love with her and proposes 
marriage. However, Gillian faces an unexpected obstacle, as witches are unable to fall in love, leading to a series of complications.

Tickets Go On Sale: Nov. 16

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Northwoods Credit Union
Edward Jones
Brett Loeb

Summer Youth Theater

Registration Opens on Feb. 1st

Children's Musical Theater : Let's Eat

Performances Thursdays at 2 & 6 pm
June 11, 18 & July 9,16
 
Youth Programming is
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Saapi Fine Paper
Carlton Area Lions Club
Aire Serv of Northeastern MN
Denise & Rick Hucka
Wood City Riders
 

Young Adult Theater : Let's Act!

Performances Friday, July 31 at 2 & 6 pm

Youth Programming is
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Saapi Fine Paper
Carlton Area Lions Club
Aire Serv of Northeastern MN
Denise & Rick Hucka
Wood City Riders
 

Past Events

Mr. Toad's Mad Adventures

Jan. 30-Feb. 1 & Feb. 5-8
 
Based on The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Dramatized by Vera Morris
Directed by Joel and Jenn Soukkala
Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc.
Toad of Toad Hall is a lovable eccentric known for his wild obsessions, and his latest craze is motorcars. Unfortunately, his enthusiasm quickly turns disastrous, as he wrecks each car as soon as he acquires it. In his most reckless escapade yet, Toad steals a motorcar and embarks on a wild ride across the countryside, a decision that leads him into serious trouble.
Tickets Go On Sale: January 12
Proudly Sponsored by
Hanft Fride Law Firm
Nelson Funeral Care & Cremation Services

It's A Wonderful Life A Live Radio Play

Dec. 5-7 & 10-14
Drama based on the story, 
The Greatest Gift By Philip Van Doren Stern
Adapted by Joe Landry
Directed by Jodi Hodgson 
Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts
Auditions: Oct. 12 at Noon
Tickets On Sale: Nov. 17
Season Pass: Nov. 10
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.

The Foreigner

Sept. 26-28 & Oct. 2-5
 
Comedy By Larry Shue
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service
Auditions: July 27
Tickets On Sale: Sept. 8
Season Pass: Sept. 2
The story takes place in a fishing lodge where two Englishmen, Froggy and Charlie, arrive as guests. The shy Charlie agreed to accompany Froggy on the trip after his sick wife begged him to go. When people at the lodge try to talk to Charlie, however, he remains silent. Froggy claims that Charlie cannot talk because he is a “foreigner” from an exotic country, and does not understand English. 
 
** This show has a sensitivity warning.
** Please be advised that this production contains themes of racism and historical connections to white supremacy. 
While these elements are displayed to allow the story to unfold. We do not condone or support such behavior in any form.

Scared Silly Hauntingly Hilarious Short Plays

Young Adult Theater
August 8
 
Directed by Jenn Soukkala
Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts

See Audition Page for Registration Link

Game of Life

Congratulations to the Cast & Crew of Game of Life!
– Outstanding Production MACT 2025 Second Alternate
– Outstanding Achievement for Original Script
– Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design
 
View this Award Winning Production Now On Demand!

Dig It! A Musical Tale of Ancient Civilizations Children's Musical Theater

June 19 & July 10, 17 & 24
 
By John Jacobson & Roger Emerson
Directed by Joel Soukkala & Liz Sinisalo
Produced by special arrangement 
with Hal Leonard Corporation
See Audition Page for Registration Link
Tickets On Sale: June 2
Travel back in time and join inquisitive archeologists, Taki and Tut, and their fossil friend, Lucy, as they explore the wonders of ancient civilization. From the farm laborers of early Mesopotamia, to Egyptian mummies who “rap”, a chorus of ancient Greeks and Romulus and Remus who dream of building a great city. Audience members will DIG discovering the archeological mysteries of the past.

Making Sweet Tea & Other Secrets

May 11, 15-18
 
Drama By Paul Elliott
Directed by Rick Breuer
Produced by special arrangement 
with Dramatic Publishing
Auditions: Feb. 23
Tickets On Sale: April 28
Season Pass: April 21
Dottie and Ruth have always kept their lives in order, living each day in rural isolation and contentment. All of that changes when the sheriff drops a battered teenage girl on their doorstep and asks them to keep her safe. Neither is prepared for the role of savior.
 

** This show has a sensitivity warning.
** Please be advised that this production contains adult themes such as guns (including a gun shot), physical abuse, violence and strong language.

It Happened On Route 66

Jan. 31 & Feb. 1-2 & 6-9
 
One-Act Comedy 
By Todd Wallinger
Directed by Joel & Jenn Soukkala
Produced by special arrangement with 
Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Denver, Colorado
Tickets On Sale: Jan. 13
Season Pass: Jan. 6
Get your kicks on Route 66! Sally, a young, celebrity-obsessed   waitress, can’t wait for the wedding day between glamorous movie star Lovey Lamour and crooner Johnny Jerome. So you can imagine Sally’s surprise when a mysterious customer turns out to be Lovey herself! 

A GOBLINS CHRISTMAS CAROL

Dec. 6-8 & 11-15

Charles Dikens
Musical
By Kenneth L. Chumbley
Directed by Jodi Hodgson
Produced by special arrangement with Kenneth L. Chumbley
Auditions: Sept. 29 Tickets On Sale: Nov. 18

Early in his career, Charles Dickens wrote a short piece he called, “The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton.” In 1836, he used it in The Pickwick Papers (ch. 29), and in 1843, he used it as the basis for A Christmas Carol: his goblins story and A Christmas Carol both occur on Christmas Eve, both involve the redemption of a wretched, loveless man, and both involve metaphysical intervention. It is a retelling of Dicken’s short story that has all the themes that made A Christmas Carol a classic.

THE DINING ROOM

Sept. 27-29 & Oct. 3-6

Comedy/Drama
By A.R. Gurney
Directed by Miranda Stachowicz & Joshua Porter
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
Auditions: July 28 Tickets On Sale: Sept. 9

Set in the dining room of a typical well-to-do household, the place where the family assembled daily for breakfast and dinner and for any and all special occasions. The action is comprised of a mosaic of interrelated scenes—some funny, some touching, some rueful—which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species: the upper-middle-class WASP.

PIRATES! THE MUSICAL

June 20, 27, July 11 & 18

Children’s Musical Theater – One Act
By John Jacobson & Roger Emerson
Directed by Joel Soukkala & Liz Sinisalo
Produced by special arrangement with Hal Leonard
Register On Line Tickets On Sale: June 3

“We’re off to sail the rollicking sea, pirates all are we!” But ARRRR, and shiver me timbers! There’s a stowaway on board! Perhaps the King of the High “C’s” will know what to do. Join this salty crew of colorful scallywags when Bluebeard, Yellowbeard, Whitebeard, Purplebeard – well, you get the picture – along with the No Beards hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail for a mighty adventure.

AN OUTLAW’S TALE

August 5-9

A Story About the Good, The Bad, And the Down-Right Lazy
Young Adult Theater – One Act Comedy
By Stephen Frankenfield
Directed by Jenn Soukkala
Produced by special arrangement with Heuer Publishing LLC.
Register On Line Tickets On Sale: June 3

Once upon a time the sheriff of New Town – the oldest town in the ole west – was a man the citizens admired. He was brave, strong and…well, awake. But now, ever since he ran all the outlaws out of town, he’s become bored and down-right lazy. All he does is sleep. So, the townspeople come together to devise a plan. They’ll send a brave few out into the wild desert to ask the three most notorious outlaws to come back to town to cause a raucous.

FIRST NIGHT

May 16-19
 
Romantic Comedy
By Jack Neary
Directed by Jodi Hodgson
Produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Auditions: TBD Tickets On Sale: April 22
 
A bright, warm comedy about dreams, life, and love. Danny Fleming had convinced himself that life’s dreams can’t be anything more than dreams. Then back into his life walks his eighth-grade flame, Meredith O’Connor – only now it’s Sister Meredith Louise, and it becomes a New Year’s Eve to remember.

BLACK COMEDY

March 15-17 & 21-24
 
Comedy
By Peter Shaffer
Directed by Minden Anderson
Produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Auditions: Jan. 28 Tickets On Sale: Feb. 26
 
Lovesick and desperate, sculptor Brindsley Miller has embellished his apartment with furniture and objects d’arte “borrowed” from the absent antique collector next door, hoping to impress his fiancée’s pompous father and a wealthy art dealer. The fussy neighbor, Harold Gorringe, returns just as a blown fuse plunges the apartment into darkness and Brindsley is revealed. Unexpected guests, aging spinsters, errant phone cords, and other snares impede his frantic attempts to return the purloined items before light is restored.

NO BODY TO MURDER

Jan. 26-28 & Feb. 1-4

One Act Comedy
By Edith Weiss
Directed by Joel & Jenn Soukkala
Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Denver, Colorado
Tickets On Sale: Jan. 15

Bad news in the form of severe thunderstorms and an escaped convict threatens the guests at the Come On Inn of Nova Scotia. By the end of the day, gung-ho aerobics instructor Billie Body is mysteriously murdered during a power outage. Was it the cook’s lemonade that poisoned her, or did someone else have a hand in Body’s death? Who would have the audacity to commit murder under so many noses? Everyone has a hidden motive to want Billie Body dead. After all, she does have abs “to die for”!

CHRISTMAS BELLES

Dec. 7-10, 13 & 15-17
By Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope & Jamie Wooten
Directed by
Larry Anderson
Produced by special arrangement
with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
Auditions: Sept. 24
Tickets On Sale: Nov. 20
Season Pass: Nov. 13
It’s Christmas-time in the small town of Fayro, Texas, and the Futrelle Sisters are not exactly in a festive mood. Things are not looking too promising for the annual church Christmas program. With these squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator, will the show ever go on? However in true Futrelle fashion, the feuding sisters find a way to pull together in order to present a Christmas program that the citizens of Fayro will never forget.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Edward Jones, Brett Loeb
Sue Brown Chapin Watercolors
Northwoods Credit Union
Weis Eye Center, P.A.
Valley Printing

DEER CAMP

SEPTEMBER 29- OCTOBER1 & 5-8
Musical Comedy
By Gene Jurek
Music by Doug Spartz
Directed by Ruthie Breuer
Produced by special arrangement
with Steele Spring Stage Rights
Auditions: July 16
Tickets On Sale: Sept. 11
Season Pass: Sept. 5
Four buddies are enjoying their annual deer hunting trip, however this year is different. After 15 years of coming home with nothing but a hangover, their wives have given each an ultimatum: bag a deer or your deer camp days are over. Only one hurdle stands in their way— none of them know how to hunt.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
B&B Market, Brett Loeb
CreativEdge Designs
Frandsen Bank & Trust
The Medicine Shoppe

Dogs! A Tail-Wagging Musical

Childrens Musical Theater
Book by Christina Hamplett
Music by Wayne Simpson
PERFORMANCES
June 22, 29 & July 13, 20
Here’s a musical about everybody’s best friend! Ralph and Angel care for homeless dogs at the city animal shelter. But at the shelter, time is limited and only a miracle can save the furry characters. For students completing 1st grade and up. Camp will run from 9 am to 3 pm Monday-Thursday with performances on Thursday at 2 pm and 6 pm.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
sappi Fine Paper
Carlton Area Lions Club
Como Oil & Propane

The Day Aliens Attacked Fairfield

Young Adult Theater
By Stephen Frankenfield
Directed by Jenn Soukkala
PERFORMANCCES
August 4
Fairfield’s a place where nothing ever happens. Like it or not, though, the winds of change are about to descend. A couple of love-struck teens report an alien sighting, and Fairfield finds itself in a frenzy. Young Adult Theater is designed for ages 12-21.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
sappi Fine Paper
Carlton Area Lions Club
Como Oil & Propane

WOMEN PLAYING HAMLET

MAY 19-21 & 25-28
Comedy
By William
Missouri Downs
Directed by
Greg J. Anderson
Produced by special arrangement
with Playscripts, Inc.
Auditions: Feb. 26
Tickets On Sale: May 1
Season Pass: April 24
*This show contains Adult language
Hamlet’s a challenge for any actor, but when Jessica is cast as the titular character in a New York production, it sends her into an existential tailspin. How can Jessica figure out “to be or not to be,” when she can’t even figure out herself?
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Tomhave Dental Associates
The Nest Yoga & Wellness Studio LLC
Community Printing Inc.

Tracks

MARCH 17-19 & 30- April 2
One Act Drama
By Peter Tarsi
Directed by
Jenn & Joel Soukkala
Produced by special arrangement
with Dramatic Publishing Company
Tickets On Sale: Feb. 27
Season Pass: Feb. 20
A group of strangers meet in a well traveled subway station. They have arrived with limited personal belongings and they all claim to be in different cities, with no sense of time. Soon they learn there is no way out of the station, and the unfortunate truth is told to them.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
The Pine Knot News
Cloquet Country Club
Carmen’s Bar & Restaurant
Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce

Tracks will be available On Demand March 31-April 2

Charlotte’s Web

FEBRUARY 3-5 & 9-12
One-Act Family Show
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Based on the book by E.B. White
Directed by Joel & Jenn Soukkala
Produced by special arrangement
with Dramatic Publishing Company
Tickets On Sale: Jan. 16
Season Pass: Jan. 9
Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign with the “miracle” of her web. It’s the beginning of a victorious campaign which ultimately
ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing what is most important to Charlotte. This is a beautiful, knowing play about friendship.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Nelson Funeral Care and Cremation Services
PBS North
AireServ Heating & Air Conditioning

A Christmas Carol

December 2-4 & 7-11

A Ghost Story of Christmas (**Please note: there is no On Demand Option for this performance**)

By Charles Dickens
Adapted for the stage By Michael Wilson
Directed by Greg J. Anderson
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Community Printing
Sue Brown Chapin Watercolors
Northwoods Credit Union
Weis Eye Center, P.A.
AireServ Heating & Air Conditioning
This theatrical and spirited version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL puts the phantasmagoric qualities of Charles Dickens’ classic tale center stage. A swirling, dancing chorus of ghosts that weave through this uplifting holiday story of redemption, magic and hope.
Auditions: Sept. 25
Tickets On Sale: Nov. 14
Season Pass: Nov. 7

Spreading it Around

September 23-25 & Sept. 29-Oct.2
Comedy By Londos D’ Arrigo

Directed by Larry Anderson
Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
The Pine Knot News
Tomhave Dental Associates
The Medicine Shoppe
Valley Printing
The Nest Yoga & Wellness
Angela Drayton, a wealthy widow living in an up-scale retirement community, is tired of handing out money to her unappreciative children. So she starts the “S.I.N. (Spending It Now) Foundation,” to give to those truly in need. This terrifies her greedy son, driving him to devise a plan to have her committed.
Auditions: July 17
Tickets On Sale: Sept. 5
Season Pass: Aug. 29

Game of Myths

July 22, 2022
Young Adult Theater By Jennifer Simmons

Directed by Jenn Soukkala
Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Sappi Fine Paper
Carlton Area Lions Club
Como Oil & Propane
Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College
There’s also a huge dose of positive energy as the Greek gods learn that the Cloud
Throne is up for grabs, with Zeus declaring the coveted throne will go to the do-gooder who’s the most helpful, compassionate, and caring. As all the gods gather in the final scene for an
Academy Awards-style show, how will Zeus decide among so many good deeds done? We find that old habits die hard in this fun tale of mythological creatures, mere mortals, and (mostly) good gods full of goodwill and grace.
For Camp information visit the Auditions and Education page.

Off Their Rockers

June 16, 23, 30 & July 14, 2022
Children’s Theater Musical By Jill & Michael Gallina

Directed by Joel Soukkala & Regina Roemhildt
Produced by special arrangement with Shawnee Press
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Sappi Fine Paper
Carlton Area Lions Club
Como Oil & Propane
Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College
Our story takes place in a senior center where all is quiet and calm, until the center director decides to use music and dance to bring fun and excitement into the lives of the seniors. Through songs and dances that were a part of the seniors’ past, the director, along with friends and family, encourage the seniors to “get off their rockers” and join in the fun.
For Camp information visit the Auditions and Education page.

Jerry Finnegan’s Sister

June 3-5 & 9-12, 2022
Comedy By Jack Neary

Produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Fox 21
Nelson Funeral Care and Cremation Services
Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce
B&B Market
 
Brian Dowd has spent the last 10 years of his life wrestling with an unrequited “something” for his best friend’s sister, who happens to live next door. But each and every time he’s spoken with Beth Finnegan for more than 30 seconds, he’s ended up with his foot planted firmly in his mouth. Now, Brian’s time is about to run out. With recent news that Jerry Finnegan’s sister is getting married, the time has come for him to put up or shut up. Like John Wayne in The High and the Mighty, Brian has reached the point of no return. What’s he got to lose–except the love of his life!
Tickets On Sale: May 9
Season Pass: May 2

Suite Surrender

May 13-15 & May 20-22, 2022
Farce By Michael McKeever

Directed by Ruthie Breuer
Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Frandsen Bank & Trust
It’s 1942, and two of Hollywood’s biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel — assistants, luggage, and legendary feud with one another in tow. Everything seems to be in order for their wartime performance…that is, until they are somehow assigned to the same suite.

Auditions: Jan. 30
Tickets On Sale: March 21
Season Pass: March 14

The Villain Wore A Dirty Shirt

February 11-13 & 17-20, 2022
One-Act Melodrama By Tim Kelly
Directed by Joel Soukkala
Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Edward Jones, Brett Loeb
CreativEdge Designs
Cloquet Country Club
Carmen’s Bar & Restaurant
In the mining town of Digalittledeeper, Olympia Klenz and Sweet Sally operate the local laundry called the “Tub and Scrub.” For years, Olympia has been collecting the gold flecks from the miner’s clothes and she’s managed to accumulate quite a tidy sum! When the villain, Phineas Flatworm, discovers this, he figures he could make millions if he were the only laundry in town. Suddenly, the other laundries in town “mysteriously” burn down.
Tickets On Sale: Jan. 24
Season Pass: Jan. 17

Doublewide, Texas Christmas

December 3-5 & 8-12
Comedy
By Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope & Jamie Wooten

In this outrageously funny comedy, it’s Christmas-time in the newest—and tiniest—town in Texas. And it’s beginning to look a lot like trouble in Doublewide. Not only are the trailer park residents dealing with the stress of the holiday season, but they’ve just discovered that Doublewide is being double-crossed by the County. With their official incorporation papers in jeopardy, this band of eccentric Texans throw themselves into taking on the “Big Guys.” Determined to bolster their legitimacy, they first set their sights on the County-wide “Battle of The Mangers” competition.

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