Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) in Minneapolis is preparing to bring a new story about childhood, family, friendship and grief to the stage with the world premiere of Twelve Kinds of Ice, running October 13 through November 22, 2026.
The Tony Award-winning theatre’s production is the first of two world premiere musicals planned for CTC’s 2026-2027 season. Based on Ellen Bryan Obed’s book, Twelve Kinds of Ice features a book, music and lyrics by Ben Steinfeld and is directed by CTC Artistic Director Rick Dildine. Justin D. Cook serves as music director.
The musical takes audiences into a winter landscape through the memories of Ellen, who recalls icy adventures with her father during childhood. From watching the first glaze of ice appear to building an ice rink and staging skating shows, hockey games and moonlit skating solos, the story explores the magic of winter alongside the emotional bonds between a child and her parent.
Dildine describes the production as a story about grief, friendship and finding a way back to one another, emphasizing CTC’s commitment to creating theater that engages young audiences with emotional depth and artistry.
The production stars Katherine Fried as Ellen/Young Ellen and John-Michael Zuerlein as Dad. Anna Schloerb and Neal Beckman will serve as understudies.
The creative team includes scenic designer Michael McGarty, costume designer Sarah Bahr, lighting designer Marcus Dilliard and sound designer Melanie Chen Cole. Lori Lundquist serves as stage manager, with Meghan Gaffney as assistant stage manager/stage manager and Austin Schoenfelder as assistant stage manager.
Among the production team is Jada B. Smith, who joins CTC as the company’s stage management fellow for the 2026-2027 season. A stage manager and theater technician from Raleigh, North Carolina, Smith’s recent credits include Come From Away at Theatre Raleigh, where she served as assistant stage manager, and Once On This Island, where she worked as assistant stage manager/A2. She also served as production stage manager for Mad Libs Live! at Raleigh Little Theatre.
Smith holds a B.A. in Stage Management and a B.S. in Broadcast Communication from Western Carolina University.
CTC has developed more than 200 new plays and musicals, including A Year with Frog and Toad, which premiered at the theater before transferring to Broadway and earning three Tony Award nominations. Following its Minneapolis engagement, Twelve Kinds of Ice will continue to Seattle Children’s Theatre in January 2027.
Recommended for audiences ages 10 and up, the production opens October 16 at 7 p.m. on CTC’s Cargill Stage. Tickets start at $25.
With its combination of winter wonder, music and an intimate family story, Twelve Kinds of Ice offers young audiences an opportunity to experience a new musical created specifically with their perspectives and emotions in mind.