Family Theatre

From the brilliant mind of Roald Dahl and onto the Playhouse Family Theatre stage comes our favorite magical misfit in the hit musical that swept up five Tony Awards! Matilda is the story of an extraordinary girl genius armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination. With the help of her kindly teacher, her friends, and a little magic, this miraculous girl proves that everyone has the power to take a stand and change their story. Sometimes you just have to be a little bit naughty. This bold, quirky musical is perfect for young people and grown ups alike.

The Duluth Playhouse values creating accessible theater experiences for all people in our community and is excited to offer our first series of sensory friendly performances. This relaxed performance will include minor adjustments to the show’s lighting, sound and other sensory experiences. Access to take-a-break spaces as well as an area to continue watching the show outside the theatre will be available along with additional staff and ushers trained in autism awareness. Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show. Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, PTSD, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater. Our staff, cast and crew invite patrons to come, be themselves and experience a live performance. Please contact our Box Office at 2118-733-7555 for assistance in seat selection or to add a buffer seat between groups.

Social Narrative and Tips for Seeing “Matilda” at the Family Theatre

Bring your family and celebrate the season with Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang in this live staged rendition of the beloved animated TV special! When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism he sees among everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown accepts, but this proves to be a frustrating endeavor. When an attempt to restore the proper holiday spirit with a forlorn little Christmas fir tree fails, he needs Linus’ help to discover the real meaning of Christmas.

The Duluth Playhouse values creating accessible theater experiences for all people in our community and is excited to offer our first series of sensory friendly performances. This relaxed performance will include minor adjustments to the show’s lighting, sound and other sensory experiences. Access to take-a-break spaces as well as an area to continue watching the show outside the theatre will be available along with additional staff and ushers trained in autism awareness. Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show. Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, PTSD, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater. Our staff, cast and crew invite patrons to come, be themselves and experience a live performance. Please contact our Box Office at 2118-733-7555 for assistance in seat selection or to add a buffer seat between groups.

Social Narrative and Tips for Seeing “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Family Theatre

The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. With his friends Patrick Star and Sandy by his side, SpongeBob is out to save the day while proving that he isn’t just a simple sponge and that the power of optimism really can save the world!

The Duluth Playhouse values creating accessible theater experiences for all people in our community and is excited to offer our first series of sensory friendly performances. This relaxed performance will include minor adjustments to the show’s lighting, sound and other sensory experiences. Access to take-a-break spaces as well as an area to continue watching the show outside the theatre will be available along with additional staff and ushers trained in autism awareness. Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show. Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, PTSD, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater. Our staff, cast and crew invite patrons to come, be themselves and experience a live performance. Please contact our Box Office at 2118-733-7555 for assistance in seat selection or to add a buffer seat between groups.

Social Narrative and Tips for Seeing “The SpongeBob Musical” at the Family Theatre

Based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved books, these two best of friends celebrate and rejoice in their differences that make them unique, but also makes their partnership so special. An unlikely pairing between the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad blossoms and grows as they travel through four fun-filled seasons. They plant gardens, swim in swimming pools, rake leaves, and go sledding down snowy hills, all the while learning many life lessons along the way. Grab your bestie and come celebrate the bond of friendship with this charming musical for the whole family.

The Duluth Playhouse values creating accessible theater experiences for all people in our community and is excited to offer our first series of sensory friendly performances. This relaxed performance will include minor adjustments to the show’s lighting, sound and other sensory experiences. Access to take-a-break spaces as well as an area to continue watching the show outside the theatre will be available along with additional staff and ushers trained in autism awareness. Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show. Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, PTSD, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater. Our staff, cast and crew invite patrons to come, be themselves and experience a live performance. Please contact our Box Office at 2118-733-7555 for assistance in seat selection or to add a buffer seat between groups.

Social Narrative and Tips for Seeing “A Year With Frog & Toad” at the Family Theatre

Based on Roald Dahl’s quirky original tale, James and his new friends roll their peach into the ocean and embark on a fantastic voyage that crosses paths with seagulls, sharks, and lands them on top of the Empire State Building! Instead of chopping down the tree like his conniving aunties ask, James discovers a magic potion which makes an old peach grow to an enormous size. Climbing inside, James meets a group of outrageous oversized insects who’ve made the peach their home. James and his newfound friends decide it’s time to leave his aunties behind in search of an incredible journey and a new life.

The Duluth Playhouse values creating accessible theater experiences for all people in our community and is excited to offer our first series of sensory friendly performances. This relaxed performance will include minor adjustments to the show’s lighting, sound and other sensory experiences. Access to take-a-break spaces as well as an area to continue watching the show outside the theatre will be available along with additional staff and ushers trained in autism awareness. Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show. Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, PTSD, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater. Our staff, cast and crew invite patrons to come, be themselves and experience a live performance. Please contact our Box Office at 2118-733-7555 for assistance in seat selection or to add a buffer seat between groups.

Social Narrative and Tips for Seeing “James and the Giant Peach Jr” at the Family Theatre

It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.

The Duluth Playhouse values creating accessible theater experiences for all people in our community and is excited to offer our first series of sensory friendly performances. This relaxed performance will include minor adjustments to the show’s lighting, sound and other sensory experiences. Access to take-a-break spaces as well as an area to continue watching the show outside the theatre will be available along with additional staff and ushers trained in autism awareness. Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show. Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, PTSD, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater. Our staff, cast and crew invite patrons to come, be themselves and experience a live performance. Please contact our Box Office at 2118-733-7555 for assistance in seat selection or to add a buffer seat between groups.

Social Narrative and Tips for Seeing “Disney’s High School Musical” at the Family Theatre