Courting Harry
By Lee Blessing
Directed by Joel Sass
May 16–June 7, 2026
Trace the journey of Minnesota natives Chief Justice Warren Burger and Justice Harry Blackmun, from their roots in the St. Paul neighborhood to the pinnacle of the nation’s highest court. Two lifelong friends, their unbreakable bond now confronted with history-making decisions including the landmark case Roe v. Wade that will define their future. Dive into the dynamic tensions of the Supreme Court, more relevant today than ever, where Nixon’s appointees grapple with conflicting ideologies in the arena of America’s most contentious legal battles. An insightful exploration of friendship, authority, and justice.
Afterthoughts
Post-show discussion follows all Sunday matinees.
- May 17: Lee Blessing, Courting Harry Playwright and Joel Sass, Courting Harry Director
- May 24: Pearce Bunting and John Middleton, Courting Harry actors
Ticket pricing
For more information, visit Ticket Information.
- Adults/Seniors: Starting at $25
- Students: $15
- Balcony Seating: There are 15 steps to balcony seating. No elevator is available. If this is a concern for you or your party, please contact the box office at 651-292-4323.
- Book a Group of 10+. Click to Save!
Beyond the Bench: Conversations That Bring Courting Harry to Life
Saturday, May 16, 4:30-6 pm
Abortion Law—Then and Now
How did we get from Roe v. Wade to today’s state-by-state landscape? This post-show conversation explores the evolving story of abortion law in America and what it means today. Join us for a thoughtful, balanced discussion with national leaders and professor Peter Larsen. 1.0 CLE credit available and open to general audiences
What does “the rule of law” really mean—and why does it matter now? Join us after the performance for an engaging, accessible discussion on how our legal system shapes everyday life and the role courts and citizens play in upholding it. Featuring Judge John Tunheim and legal scholar Morgan Holcomb. 1.0 CLE credits available AND open to general audiences.
Around Town
Justice Harry A. Blackmun Today: Legacy, Insights, Memories
Saturday, May 16, 10:00 am
Minnesota History Center Auditorium, 345 Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
Free. Open to the Public. (1.0 CLE credit available). Five former law clerks to Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun, together with his biographer, discuss their recollections of working with the Justice, the importance of his legacy today, and how he might regard developments at the Roberts Court. The panel gained first-hand insight into the complicated relationship between the erstwhile "Minnesota Twins" - Harry Blackmun and Warren Burger - their debates over abortion, the death penalty, and presidential immunity and the inner workings of the Court. This is a unique opportunity to spend time with distinguished scholars and advocates as they reflect on the U.S. Supreme Court, then and now.
Panelists include:
- Harold Hongju Koh, Sterling Professor of International Law & former Dean of Yale Law (moderator)
- Pamela Karlan, Kenneth & Harle Montgomery Professor of Public Interest Law - Stanford Law School
- Cecillia Wang, National Legal Director, American Civil Liberties Union
- Charles Rothfeld, Visiting Lecturer - Yale Law School
- Daniel Edelman, Of Counsel, Katz, Banks, Kumin
- Melissa Nathanson, author of numerous articles and the forthcoming book Another World Out There: The Life of Harry Blackmun
Ticket pricing
For more information, visit Ticket Information.
- Adults/Seniors: Starting at $25
- Students: $15
- Balcony Seating: There are 15 steps to balcony seating. No elevator is available. If this is a concern for you or your party, please contact the box office at 651-292-4323.
- Book a Group of 10+. Click to Save!