'Twelve Kinds of Ice' Poignantly Explores Family Memories at Children's Theatre Company

The New Yorker just recently published a story titled 'Why the Broadway Musical Refuses to Die' - and it could not have been better timed, as theaters everywhere still struggle back from the "cultural long-Covid" effects of the 2020 / 2021 pandemic, which even found some sounding the death knell. Add to that the "affordability crisis" that just won't go away, and a good portion of the populace is likely choosing to just stay home bingeing the latest (ho-hum) Netflix series.

But the answer to questions about the resilience of live theater is pretty much always the same: it survives because it's about sharing a palpable visceral experience with fellow human beings. This is especially significant in 2026, as it becomes clearer and clearer that the expensive metal device in your hand is never really going to love you back...and that scrolling on TikTok is not nearly as exciting as seeing 'Wicked' or 'Schmigadoon!' on stage.

Of course, actually being the person running a theater comes with a unique set of challenges, especially for Rick Dildine, director of the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis. Founded in 1975, having grown out of the original Moppet Players theater troupe, it has been presenting top-notch stage productions for families for more than five decades - and Dildine believes the kids may be even more demanding of quality than the adults.

Their 2026/27 season is particularly impressive, with an adaptation of the Broadway hit 'School of Rock'; the intimate one-woman show 'Havana Hop'; perennial Dr. Seuss holiday fave 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!'; and two world premiere original musicals, 'Princess Kay of the Milky Way' (February 23 - April 4, 2027), and the currently running (through November 22) 'Twelve Kinds of Ice'. The latter is a beautiful, heartfelt story revolving around the winter memories of a family in Maine, adapted from the 2012 best-selling "sort-of" memoir by Ellen Bryan Obed.

With the current season in full swing, we engaged Mr. Dildine on the thrills and challenges of his decidedly unique but always exhilarating occupation.

(Parents: For those without geographical proximity to Minneapolis, American Theatre has compiled this great list of kid focused theaters around the country, so you can plan to visit the one nearest you.)

What is unique to directing a theater that is focused on productions for a young audience?

Young audiences are the most honest audiences in the world, they don't pretend to be interested. They don't applaud out of obligation. They demand imagination, authenticity, and surprise. I love that challenge. At Children's Theatre Company we believe young people deserve the same artistic ambition, complexity, and excellence as any adult audience. In fact, I think they demand more of us.

What were the challenges in developing such a personal story as 'Twelve Kinds of Ice' into a captivating musical?

Ellen Bryan Obed's book is deceptively simple. It's a collection of memories about a family, a backyard ice rink, and the passing of winter. The challenge was finding the theatricality within that simplicity without losing its intimacy. Ben Steinfeld's beautiful music gives emotional expression to things that words alone cannot capture. We wanted to create something that feels as personal as a childhood memory and as expansive as a musical.

Do you feel there is something metaphorical in the impermanence of ice in the story?

Absolutely. Ice is a wonderful metaphor for childhood. It's beautiful, unpredictable, and impossible to hold onto. Every winter, this family builds something they know will eventually disappear. But that doesn't make the experience any less meaningful. Perhaps that's the lesson: the most beautiful things in life aren't meant to last forever. They're meant to be experienced.

What are some of the highlights of the production for you?

I love the way it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, a backyard becomes an entire universe of imagination. The music, the movement, and the theatrical design work together to capture the wonder of childhood. But my favorite moments are the quiet ones, when a small gesture between a parent and child suddenly carries enormous emotional weight.

What do you think kids and adults will take away from the performance?

I suspect children and adults will experience two different stories. Children may see adventure, possibility, and the magic of winter. Adults may recognize the fleeting nature of childhood and the extraordinary gift of ordinary time together. My hope is that everyone leaves wanting to make a memory with someone they love.

What are some of the other highlights theatergoers can look forward to this season?

It's an extraordinary season at Children's Theatre Company. We're introducing audiences to another world premiere musical, 'Princess Kay of the Milky Way', a joyful, distinctly Minnesota story. We're also bringing the energy of 'School of Rock' to our stage, alongside beloved favorites like 'Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' and imaginative productions such as 'Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical'. It's a season that celebrates the remarkable range of theatre we can make for young people and their families.

How important is it for parents / guardians to treat their children to real in-person theater experiences, in this time of constant digital connection?

Theatre offers something increasingly rare: a room full of people experiencing something together, in real time, without a screen between them. There's no pause button, no algorithm, and no substitute for the electricity of a live performance. For young people, theatre develops empathy, curiosity, and imagination. But perhaps most importantly, it teaches us how to be together; and I can't think of anything our world needs more right now.