Minneapolis families can welcome winter early this year. Children’s Theatre Company is presenting the world premiere musical Twelve Kinds of Ice on its Cargill Stage through November 22, 2026 — a tender, joyful story built for kids ages 7 and up and the grown-ups who skate beside them.
Adapted from Ellen Bryan Obed’s beloved book, with book, music and lyrics by Ben Steinfeld and direction by CTC Artistic Director Rick Dildine, the show follows Ellen as she remembers a childhood winter with her loving father: spotting the first glaze of ice, building a backyard rink, and filling it with skating shows, hockey games and moonlit solos. On stage, ice seems to freeze before the audience’s very eyes — and the whole production runs a family-friendly one hour with no intermission. Lap passes are available for children 3 and younger, and select performances are ASL-interpreted, audio-described and sensory-friendly.
The happiest surprise waits outside the theatre. Starting November 6, CTC invites everyone to discover the “thirteenth kind of ice” with free public ice skating before the show — no ticket required, just sign up for a skating slot, lace up and glide. Families can also extend the outing next door with the show’s self-guided tour at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, connecting artworks to the story’s characters and wintry settings.
Children’s Theatre Company is at 2400 3rd Avenue South in Minneapolis. One hour of winter magic on stage, plus free skating under the sky, makes this one of the sweetest family plans of the season.
Photo: Children’s Theatre Company
