The Abominables opens at Children’s Theatre this weekend! I had the opportunity to go backstage and I’m always blown away by the work and passion that goes into these shows. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse and wonderful theater community here in the Twin Cities.
The Abominables is the very first Minnesota Hockey Musical! Produced in association with New York City’s extraordinary theatre company The Civilians. The musical is written and directed by Steve Cosson with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman and choreography by Joe Chvala.
“This hilarious musical is full of heart and insight into our pursuit of success and how we define it.” – Peter C. Brosius, Artistic Director.
A cool note: This musical was created over a four year period, the development included interviews with over 75 hockey players, coaches and family members across Minnesota at tournaments, games and practices.
The Stage and Ice Rink – The Actors are on skates throughout the show! Can you imagine?
From Children’s Theatre Company:
Rink rats, hockey moms, tournament weekends and the quest to play your best – It’s tryout season in the Great State of Hockey! Mitch has always played on the A team for the Prairie Lake Blizzards – they are his guys – they’ve played together forever, but he’s worried this could be the year he gets sent down to the B team. When a new “kid” appears at Bantam tryouts, things go from bad to worse. From the land of ice and nice comes the first Minnesota hockey musical! Will you love it? You betcha!
Making the brick fireplace – it’s actually styrofoam. Can’t wait to see it finished. 
The coveted trophy!
Wigmaster, Robert A. Dunn showing us the Yeti wig! The girl behind him is kind of freaked out. 🙂 
Beautiful Yeti Princess Dress. 
You could be sitting here!! GIVEAWAY! Comment here, on my Facebook or Instagram (find me at @usoulphoto or click icon above) Children’s Theatre post by Thursday and I will be picking the winner of TWO FREE TICKETS on Friday. Good luck everyone! If you don’t win, here is a nice consolation prize. Click HERE for a $10 off promo code for tickets. 
As I was in the process of writing this blog, I am so sad to tell you that Michael Friedman passed away. This is a huge loss to the artistic and theater community. Here is the statement from Children’s Theatre.
Statement from Children’s Theatre Company on the passing of Michael Friedman
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news with our community on the passing of composer Michael Friedman who died on September 9th at the age of 41. Michael was the composer and lyricist of The Abominables, which is to receive its world premiere performance on Friday, September 15 in our UnitedHealth Group Stage. The Abominables was commissioned by CTC in 2011 and is written by Michael and his longtime collaborator Steve Cosson of The Civilians.
“Michael was an extraordinary artist and an incredible human being,” said Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius. “He was brilliant, wildly funny and so deeply caring about other people. Michael was such a joy; his boundless energy, his infectious enthusiasm and his ability to be so fearlessly self-critical and clear eyed in the pursuit of something truly extraordinary made him utterly unique. He never rested, was a brave explorer of new possibilities and was one of the most creative forces you would ever meet. We deeply mourn his passing and feel truly blessed to have had this opportunity to work closely with him and bring his work to our audiences.”
While we are deeply saddened that Michael will not see the world premiere, we feel fortunate to be able to bring one of his final works of art to the stage and share his artistry with the community, in particular, with children and families. We dedicate the performances of The Abominables to Michael Friedman. For more information about The Abominables, please go to childrenstheatre.org.