Quote of the Day: The first Grand Ice Palace and Winter Carnival in St. Paul, MN was in 1886, in response to negative press from Eastern Europe that Minnesota was like Siberia. From trivia in the playbill for Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical, produced by The History Theatre. Book and Co-Lyrics by Rachel Teagle. Music and Co-Lyrics by Keith Hovis. Directed by Laura Leffler. Music Directed by Isabella Dawis. Choreographed by Joey Miller. (My friend and I attended the performance on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, with ASL interpreters. The History Theatre usually offers at least on ASL interpreted performance per show. Please, contact them if you use this service and would like to attend future performances with ASL interpreters.) 

Cast of Rollicking! at the History Theatre, thru 12/21/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

I’m a country girl and didn’t grow up in the big city and experience grand events like the Winter Carnival in St. Paul, MN. So, when I heard that the History Theatre was developing a musical about this chilly event, I was intrigued. I chatted with a few people who did grow up in the city, and they shared their memories and connections to the event. It’s a big deal – filled with traditions, royalty, an ice palace, games, contests, a parade, and tons of food and hot beverages. 

(This scene reminded me of the animated Christmas classic, The Year Without a Santa Claus with the Heat Miser and Snow Miser battling over a town.) Cast of Rollicking! at the History Theatre, thru 12/21/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

The creators of Rollicking! blend fact with fantasy in this fun, bouncy production. The story focuses on Clarence “Cap” Wigington, the first Black municipal architect in the country who designed the Ice Palace sculpture in 1936. Roland Hawkins II, who plays Cap, captures the spirit of this designing genius, his creative output, as well as his relationship with his wife Viola. Erin Nicole Farsté plays Viola. She has a lovely voice and stunning stage presence. The two work well together, portraying the pull and tug of a career/creative life and home life. 

Cast of Rollicking! at the History Theatre, thru 12/21/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

The story takes a spin into the fantasy realm when Cap is swept away by the Lord High Chamberlain, delightfully played by Benjamin Dutcher. They meet four silly, and bouncy, gnomes: Elena Glass, Annika Isbell, Adrienne Zimiga-January, and Jon Michael Stiff. They provide some history of the carnival, as well as funny antics, great dancing, and storytelling. Adrienne also provides the Native American connection through her character Winuna. 

Tara Borman plays Klondike Kate, a historical figure who won snowmobiling contests, similar to Annie Oakley. Randy Schmeling plays the villain Vulcanus, who appears every year at the end of the carnival and melts it. The set is designed like a giant snow globe, design by Eli Sherlock, and has a lovely effect. Lighting designed by Marcus F. Dilliard. Costumes by Bryce Turgeon. Everything worked beautifully together, making winter seem like a magical wonderland. (Don’t let the frosted trees fool you, it’s not always so wonderful!) But, as true Minnesotans, the creators of the show, like those who started the carnival and keep it going, they embrace winter and turn the cold into a tool for creating fantastic sculptures and crowd pleasing events.

You can catch this fun and bouncy show, set in Minnesota’s winter wonderland, at the History Theatre through Dec. 21, 2025. The music by Keith Hovis is catchy, and fills the theater with delight by a live orchestra under the direction of Isabella Dawis, with additional arrangements by Jason Hansen.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Have you ever attended the Winter Carnival, either in St. Paul, or elsewhere? What are some of your favorite winter activities. (Mine are snuggling under a blanket and reading books or watching movies.)