Runestone! A Rock Musical
book & lyrics by Mark Jensen
music & additional lyrics by Gary Rue
musical arrangements by Gary Rue
directed by Tyler Michaels King
musical direction by Brian Pekol
May 7–May 29, 2022
World Premiere Musical
1898. Swedish immigrant Olaf Ohman digs up a rock on his property near Kensington, MN with “a story on carved runes” that tells that the Vikings were the first Europeans to set foot in Minnesota. He is praised for his discovery but soon controversy erupts and his life is turned upside down with claims of “Fake! Fraud! Liar!” Step back in time and enjoy the ride with this whimsical rock ‘n roll musical. Rock on!!
Read the reviews:
- Runestone! musical brings a historical mystery to life at History Theatre in St. Paul (thestagesofmn.com, 5/20/22)
- Runestone! offers entertainment along with some enlightenment (talkinbroadway.com, 5/21/22)
- Highly recommend...fun and catchy songs! (broadwayworld.com, 5/27/22)
- A terrific production...dreamy cast makes it all work (cherryandspoon.com, 5/10/22)
- Viking comedic conquest: History Theatre tells the tale of the Kensington Runestone (Pioneer Press, 5/9/22)
- History or hoax? "Runestone!' turns over some questions (Star Tribune, 5/10/22)
Learn more about Runestone! A 'Rock' Musical:
- Interview with Sasha Andreev (broadwayworld.com, 5/27/22)
- 'Runestone: A Rock Musical at History Theatre (Alexandria Echo, 5/6/22)
- Telling the Story of Minnesota (WCCO AM, Jearlyn Steele, 5/2/22)
- "Rock" Musical Excavates Muddy Truth Behind Runestone (KFAI, Emily Bright, 2020)
- Runestone! musical opens at History Theatre May 7 (Grant County Herald, 4/5/22)
- Runestone! A Rock Musical presented by Mark Jensen (Mindekirken, Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, 4/12/22; presentation starts at 13:36)
- Play about Runestone in development (Echo Press, 2020)
- Watch Making a Scene: RUNESTONE! - Interviews with Sasha Andreev, Ivory Doublette, and Tyler Michaels
The Cast
NEW! A Streaming Option
Stream "Runestone!" from the comfort of your home May 23-29, 2022.
- Pricing: Single tickets: $25/individual; $40/household BUY TICKETS
- Group rates: $125/groups of 10-30; $175/groups of 31+. Contact Craig Cerrato, Group Sales, at 651-292-4320 or email groups@historytheatre.com Note: Prices are per stream and subject to change.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Dates and times of History Theatre productions are subject to change in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19 in accordance with state and local restrictions. For the latest details regarding our return to live performances at History Theatre, please visit this webpage
- To download History Theatre's COVID-19 safety protocols, please click Covid-19 protocols at History Theatre.pdf