30 E Tenth Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 Phone: 651-292-4323

History Theatre announces the 2009-2010 Season: full of toe-tapping music, breath-taking drama, and laugh-out-loud comedy.

In the span of 15 years Americans experienced a Polio epidemic, World War II, the death of vaudeville, and the birth of rock 'n' roll.  With two world premieres, two returning audience favorites, and two exciting collaborations, History Theatre's 32^nd season will tell the stories of who and how these events touched the citizens of Minnesota, America, and the world.

Contact the History Theatre Box Office at 651-292-4323 or www.historytheatre.com for more information or to purchase passes.

The 2009-2010 Season features:

October 3 – November 1, 2009

By arrangement with Alan Janes for Theatre Partners

BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY

Tap your toes along with this musical retelling of the life and times of Buddy Holly, from his meteoric rise to stardom to the unforgettable Clear Lake, Iowa concert. Musical hits include: Peggy Sue, Chantilly Lace, La Bamba, That'll Be the Day, and more.

November 21 – December 20, 2009

SISTERS OF SWING

Revisit the American experience during World War II through the finger-snapping, Big Band music of the Andrew Sisters, including Don't Sit Under Apple Tree, Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy, Rum and Coca Cola and many more.

January 23 - February 14, 2010

Sister Kenny's Children ~ a world premiere

This is the remarkable story of Sister Elizabeth Kenny, an Australian nurse who came to American and fought to be heard by the medical community during the polio epidemic of the 1950s. Thanks to her perseverance the groundbreaking therapies she developed improved the lives of thousands of young polio patients and their families.

February 27 - March 21, 2010

Hiding in the Open

The remarkable story of two Jewish teenagers who survived the Holocaust by disguising themselves as Catholics from Poland while living in Germany! Along the way they had to rely on one another and their quick wits to keep them safe and sane as the world around them crumbled.

April 24 - May 23, 2010

Queens of Burlesque ~ a world premiere

A revealing look at the lives of burlesque performers both on and off stage. With a wink and a nod to both naughty and nice, you will be transported back to the Twin Cities' burlesque theatre scene of the 1950s.  Stand up comics and girls with boas draped over just the right places make for a provocative night of music, dance, and laughter.

January 7 – 10, 2010

Raw Stages – History Theatre's festival of new works

History Theatre will once again perform staged readings of four new plays that are currently in development.  Titles and performance dates will be announced separately.

About the Theater:

For 32 years, the History Theatre Experience has created:

• Inspiration. The History Theater Experience brings real stories about real people to the stage in a live experience that touches our lives.

• Over 100 world premiere performances, more than any other theater in the Twin Cities. The History Theatre is one of the country's most impressive new play development homes – bringing to full production new work by Jeffrey Hatcher, Craig Wright, John Olive, Kira Oblensky, and more.

• Brave, entertaining explorations of all the histories that make up our diverse community. From Farm Boys to Snapshots: Life in the City, from the celebratory Wellstone! to the dark, complex Piece of the Rope about Minnesota's first public execution, HT has moved Minnesotans to rediscover, relive, and respect every piece of their history. More than 200,000 students have connected with history through performances at HT.

During Artistic Director Ron Peluso's tenure, the History Theatre has commissioned over 60 playwrights: "I've directed Shakespeare and operas, but really, there is nothing like creating new work about the real people and real events that have shaped our community and state

*Please note that dates are subject to change.

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