Quote of the Day: GLENSHEEN doesn’t belong to us anymore. Maybe it never did. That could be why it keeps coming back and finding new and return audiences. Every now and then, a show taps into something latent in a culture. It excavates a nagging question or an unexplored fascination and connects with more people than its makers ever imagined. Jeffrey Hatcher, playwright, reflections on creating the musical Glensheen and its success on it’s 10-year anniversary at The History Theatre in St. Paul, MN. Glensheen, book by Jeffrey Hatcher, Music & Lyrics by Chan Poling, Directed by Ron Peluso.

Sandra Struthers, Jen Maren, and Wendy Lehr in Glensheen at the History Theatre, thru 7/27/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

This was my fourth visit to the hauntingly wonderful musical Glensheen at the History Theatre. Each time, I bring someone new, and each time, they walk away humming the tunes, talking about the murders, the mystery, the details, and the fantastic cast. Returning with me this year was my friend Kyara. She saw the show for the first time last year and loved it so much that she found the music on her favorite music streaming service and played it until she has it all practically memorized! Also, she came in costume to the show, which attracted some fun attention. 

Kyara with Dane Stauffer and Jen Maren during the Talk Back about Glensheen at the History Theater. Playing thru 7/27/25. Photo: Mary Aalgaard

The show opens with Ruthie Baker as the tour guide through the historic mansion, and we’re welcomed into the story with The Ballad of Glensheen, including a barking dog (played by Gary Briggle). Thunder and lightning, dogs barking, wind swirling, and a mysterious cast of characters emerge to tell this tale. Jen Maren is back as Marjorie, and we just love her. She has the right amount of creepiness and manipulation for this sinister character, who also has the ability to charm. I thought her delivery of Femme Fatale was especially on the mark this time. Sandy Struthers is great as Marjorie’s sister Jennifer. Her song No Parole is still one of my favorite moments in the show.

Gary Briggle, Dane Stauffer, and Randy Schmeling in Glensheen at the History Theatre, thru 7/27/24. Photo: Rick Spaulding

Dane Stauffer is fantastic as Roger. Some of his looks and mannerisms make you wonder if the real Roger was so easily influenced, or if he was under the influence of alcohol and Marjorie so deep that he blindly did what she asked of him. Wendy Lehr, still a crowd pleaser, gives a wonderful range of characters in her portrayal of Elizabeth, Velma, and a certain attorney who defended Marjorie. Her solo as Velma in Stay With Me is still a heart wrenching moment for me in the show. Randy Schmeling also plays various characters including the young reporter who was one of the first on the scene.

Live orchestra on stage, under the direction of David Lohman. Gorgeous set design by Rick Polenek looks much like the foyer and staircase at Glensheen. Wonderful atmospheric lighting by Bill Healey. The sound designer is C. Andrew Mayer. Choreographer is Tinia Moulder. Great costumes by E. Amy Hill.

The musical Glensheen is one of those shows that quickly becomes a cult classic. You find yourself quoting it, singing the songs, and discussing the murders and motivation long after you’ve left the theater. We’re already planning a trip to Duluth to tour the mansion again, and return to the History Theatre when they bring back Glensheen.

You can see Glensheen through July 27, 2025 at the History Theatre in St. Paul, MN. You can dress as a Marjorette, if you like, or come as a regular tourist, who may or may not be more interested in the murders than the architecture of the house.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Have you visited Glensheen in Duluth, seen the musical? What haunted places are you interested in?