Minneapolis Musical Theatres 2013 Season to be Presented at the Trusts New Century Theatre

MINNEAPOLIS Hennepin Theatre Trust and Minneapolis Musical Theatre (MMT) announced today a new partnership showcasing MMTs upcoming season at the Trusts New Century Theatre in City Center. This endeavor highlights MMTs ongoing evolution and commitment to presenting performances in downtown Minneapolis. Details about MMTs 2013 season and ticketing will be announced shortly. Additional information will be posted on HennepinTheatreTrust.org and at aboutmmt.org.

Hennepin Theatre Trust and MMTs partnership builds on each organizations strengths. MMT will continue to broaden its reach and build on its established success in presenting new or rarely-seen musical works, a priority Hennepin Theatre Trust also supports. This relationship will enable MMT to tap into the Trusts substantial expertise in community and audience outreach and production logistics. The Trust will benefit from MMTs years of artistic success as a respected Twin Cities arts organization and add to its growing list of local theatre collaborators who have chosen to produce and present work at the New Century Theatre.

Deepening connections with other arts organizations and businesses within the Twin Cities community also furthers the Trusts goals as part of the Plan-It Hennepin initiative to further revitalize Hennepin Avenue and reinforce it as a cultural corridor that supports increased collaborative creative activity.

Tom Hoch, President/CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust, said, Many exciting possibilities unfold through the Trusts partnerships with local theatre organizations, including MMT. These opportunities enable us to build audiences and revenue for the New Century Theatre and work with another organization that shares the Trusts affinity for reinventing musical theatre. This alignment is a great fit with our experience in developing audiences for Broadway touring productions as well as a host of other arts and entertainment attractions. It also supports our strategic goal to further open our Hennepin Avenue theatres to the broader community.

We are thrilled by our new partnership with Hennepin Theatre Trust, says MMT artistic director Steven Meerdink. Our continued goal is to find ways of enhancing the artistic quality of our productions while at the same time increasing audience access to and participation in these experiences. This partnership allows both organizations to leverage the unique skills that have made each successful and, in doing so, provide our audiences with unforgettable theatrical events. The Trust has already welcomed many local artists and companies to the New Century Theatre stage including Wendy Knox and Frank Theatre, and Girls Only: The Secret Comedy of Women and Standing on Ceremony which featured local casting. Upcoming Twin Cities-based theatre events at the New Century also include the Trusts production of 2 Sugars, Room for Cream, Deer CampThe Musical and A Dont Hug Me Christmas Carol.

HENNEPIN THEATRE TRUST, non-profit owner of the historic Orpheum, State, Pantages and the newly developed New Century Theatres, is dedicated to enriching the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the Twin Cities. We present a rich array of live performances, create inspiring arts education experiences and advance a thriving cultural destination in downtown Minneapolis. Our programs include Broadway touring productions, the Broadway Confidential series, our SpotLight Musical Theatre Program for high schools, the Critical View student reviewer program, the free ticket Access Program and Kids Night and collaborating in the planning for a cultural corridor that will extend from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to the Mississippi Riverfront.

MINNEAPOLIS MUSICAL THEATRE (MMT) is dedicated to providing the community with access to high quality, affordable works of musical theatre never before, or very rarely, seen by Twin Cities audiences. Founded in 1992, MMT has produced over 45 productions, including 24 area premieres. MMT has continued to grow and evolve, having started as a touring troupe before becoming the first-ever Company in Residence at the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater in 2000. In 2002, MMT moved downtown to Hennepin Stages (formerly Hey City Theater), and later to the Illusion Theater in the Hennepin Center for the Arts in 2008. A consistent theme in MMTs growth and development has been improving audience access to and enjoyment of the art of musical theater.

Karen R. Nelson | Communications Director

612.455.9526 | 612.455.9502 fx

Karen.Nelson@HennepinTheatreTrust.org

615 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 140 | Minneapolis, MN | 55403

HennepinTheatreTrust.org

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