Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota

It’s Christmas Eve, and a young newspaper reporter on the brink of being fired has been assigned a last-chance story about a typical family Christmas – his family’s Christmas. He goes home to his recently widowed mother, his crazy uncle, his eccentric grandmother, and his battling siblings and their neurotic spouses, who provide no shortage of material. One by one, we learn each family member’s secrets, problems, and dysfunctions, and when they learn that he’s writing an article with some very personal family information, the fruitcake hits the fan. The question is... will the magic of Christmas bring this family back together? * Fee includes coach transportation, theatre ticket, and lunch (Penne pasta, Meatball Marinara sauce, Chicken Alfredo sauce, Caesar Salad with parmesan cheese and croutons, Buttered Green Beans, Breadsticks (garlic & butter), Brownie Bites, Coffee, and bottled water). * 11 AM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 5:30 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Nov 1 * Fee: $105

This crowd-pleasing musical is inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley®. It’s 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” * Fee includes coach transportation, theatre ticket, and lunch (Penne pasta, Meatball Marinara sauce, Chicken Alfredo sauce, Caesar Salad with parmesan cheese and croutons, Buttered Green Beans, Breadsticks (garlic & butter), Brownie Bites, Coffee, and Bottled Water). * 11 AM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 5:30 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Feb 1 * Fee: $105

Certain stories carry on from generation to generation and earn the designation "timeless" for good reason. Beauty and the Beast is one such story. Disney's Beauty and the Beast has been charming Broadway audiences for more than 10 years, and every year a whole new generation discovers the magic behind the castle walls. Brilliantly adapted from the Academy Award-winning animated film, this much-loved spectacle has thrilled more than 20 million people worldwide with show-stopping musical numbers, astonishing sets, lavish costumes and never-before-seen magic and special effects. In Beauty and the Beast, Belle, a young woman in a small, provincial town, meets the Beast, in reality a young prince whose lack of compassion has trapped him in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and to be loved, the spell will be broken and he will be transformed back to his former self. But time is running out, and if the Beast does not learn his lesson, he will be doomed for all eternity.Be our guest for a storybook theatrical experience your whole family will love! Recommended for ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a lunch/supper for on the bus. 9650.231, Thu, Aug 14 * Fee includes coach transportation and main floor theatre ticket (section MF3, rows L-P). * 11 AM Depart John Marshall High School Parking Lot * 5:30 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Jun 1 * Fee: $109 9550.232, Sat, Aug 16 * Fee includes coach transportation and main floor theatre ticket (sections MF3, MF4, rows CC-FF). * 12 PM Depart John Marshall High School Parking Lot * 6:30 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Jun 1 * Fee: $139

In the whirlwind of Chicago’s Jazz Age, two of the Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses—vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart—become fierce rivals as they compete for headlines amidst a media frenzy. Bring a lunch/supper for on the bus. * Fee includes coach transportation and main floor theatre ticket (Sections MF3 , Rows G->P). * 4 PM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 11:30 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Dec 1 * Fee: $125

Discover the compelling story of Minnesota natives and lifelong friends Warren Burger and Harry Blackmun, Nixon’s Supreme Court nominees, who faced different legal and ideological paths. Despite clashes over controversial cases, their friendship and professional beliefs survived during pivotal legal moments in American history. * Fee includes coach transportation, theatre ticket, and lunch at Mancini’s Char House (choice of steak, grilled chicken breast, or vegetarian entree, plus sides, a beverage, and dessert). * 8 AM Depart RCTC Sports Center Parking Lot * 4 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Apr 10 Fee: $125

Doris Hines, a nightclub singer from Yonkers, NY, moves to post-WWII Minneapolis to chase her dream and raise six kids. Praised by Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, this new play tells her story of ambition, talent, and resilience. * Fee includes coach transportation, theatre ticket, and lunch at The Downtowner (choice of Chicken Pear Salad, Fire Roasted Mushroom Sandwich, or Caprese Chicken Sandwich served with a beverage and sorbet). * 8 AM Depart RCTC Sports Center Parking Lot * 4 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Sep 1 Fee: $115

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Bring a lunch/supper for on the bus. * Fee includes coach transportation and main floor theatre ticket (Section MF3, Rows K->Q). * 11 AM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 6 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Dec 10 * Fee: $125

“Funny, moving, and a great time. Doubtfire brings families of all ages together." — BBC Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Saint Paul in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune—one that proves we’re better together. Bring a lunch/supper for on the bus. * Fee includes coach transportation and theatre ticket (Mezzanine). * 12 PM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 6 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Feb 15 * Fee: $155

The first Grace and Doris Mystery Comedy is perfect for Halloween! This delightful comedy features a cast of zany characters, a near-sighted, knife-throwing poltergeist, an Ouija board of doubtful veracity, thunder and lightning, screams in the dark, and a satisfying body count. Murder Inn is set in New England at the dilapidated eighteenth-century Barnsley Inn, which is supposedly haunted by Marco, a knife-throwing poltergeist. A group of tourists on a “Ghosts and Ghouls of New England” tour is forced, by a storm, to make an unscheduled stop at the Barnsley. What looks to be an unpleasant and uncomfortable detour soon turns into a night of mayhem and madness as knives begin to pop up… in the most unexpected places. As the storm builds and the body count rises, the survivors try to figure out who done it. And even more important—who’s likely to have it done to them next? * Fee includes coach transportation, theatre ticket, and lunch (Penne pasta, Meatball Marinara sauce, Chicken Alfredo sauce, Caesar Salad with parmesan cheese and croutons, Buttered Green Beans, Breadsticks (garlic & butter), Brownie Bites, Coffee, and Bottled Water). * 11 AM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 5:30 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Sep 20 * Fee: $105

Purple Rain, the stage musical adaptation of the classic Prince album and film, will make its pre-Broadway premiere in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis. Purple Rain tells the fictional story of The Kid, an up-and-coming rock musician in the Minneapolis club scene, as he contends with a tumultuous home environment, a rival band, and a budding romance. Bring a lunch/supper for on the bus. No ticket only purchases. Registration Deadline: March 20, 2025. * Fee includes coach transportation and main floor theatre ticket (sections M1 and MF2, rows T->X for 10/19 show; section MF3, rows N->BB for 11/2 show; sections MF1 and MF2, rows V->X for 11/9 show; ). * 10:30 AM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 5:30 PM Approximate return * No refunds after March 20. * Fee: $200

City architect Clarence “Cap” Wigington and his wife Viola are transported to the realm of King Boreas at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival in this fantastic musical comedy. They must outwit the jealous Fire Lord Vulcanus and revive the Carnival’s spirit in myth, history, and magic. The story celebrates Minnesota’s creativity, community, and winter magic with lively characters and heartwarming moments. * Fee includes coach transportation, theatre ticket, and lunch at the historic fire station A Side Public House (Choice of Station 10 Burger, Vegetable Pot Pie (vegetarian), French Onion Sandwich, or Croque Monsieur served with a beverage and dessert). * 8 AM Depart RCTC Sports Center Parking Lot * 4 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Nov 1 Fee: $119

From Tudor Queens to pop icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. SIX won 23 awards in the 2021–2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. The New York Times says SIX “totally rules!” (Critic's Pick) and The Washington Post hails SIX as “exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for!" Bring a lunch/supper for on the bus. * Fee includes coach transportation and theatre ticket (Mezzanine). * 12 PM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 5 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Mar 15 * Fee: $145

Brace yourselves, sisters—the habit is coming to Saint Paul! Don’t miss this eagerly-anticipated brand new production of the Broadway and UK smash hit musical Sister Act direct from London. Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody, she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found—a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. Featuring original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® award winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted) and songs inspired by Motown, soul, and disco, this heavenly musical is joyous and uplifting in equal measures. A musical sent from above, Sister Act is the brilliant, must-see show which raises the spirits and warms the soul time after time. Bring a lunch/supper for on the bus. * Fee includes coach transportation and theatre ticket (Mezzanine). * 12 PM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 6 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Oct 15 * Fee: $160

The Phantom of the Opera is widely considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular productions in history, playing to over 160 million people in 46 territories and 195 cities in 21 languages. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting, and soaring score includes "Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again," "Masquerade," and the iconic title song. Bring a lunch/supper for on the bus. * Fee includes coach transportation and main floor theatre ticket (Sections MF1/MF3, Rows Y->CC). * 10:30 AM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 6 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Sep 25 * Fee: $130

The critically-acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled, and gorgeously imaginative.” * Fee includes coach transportation and main floor theatre ticket (Sections , Rows ->). Bring a lunch/supper for on the bus. * 11 AM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 6 PM Approximate return * No refunds after xxx * Fee: $500

A raucous, emotionally-charged ghost story by Andrew Erskine Wheeler, who plays multiple characters. It blends Dakota and Anishinaabe heritage with song, storytelling, and his Irish ancestor’s ties to St. Anthony Falls in post-Civil War Minneapolis. Accompanied by folk band The Lost Forty, this award-winning production debuted at the 2022 MN Fringe Festival. * Fee includes coach transportation, theatre ticket, and lunch at Burger Moe’s (choice of Cheeseburger or Veggie burger served with fries, or Chicken Caesar salad, all served with a beverage and dessert). * 8 AM Depart RCTC Sports Center Parking Lot * 4 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Jan 5 * Fee: $109

Join us for an Amish tour stopping at four Amish farms where they have little shops with the crafts they make such as quilts, baskets, baked goods, and furniture. Our guide will tell you about the Amish culture and history and answers any questions. * Fee includes coach transportation, step-on guide, and lunch at The Branding Iron (choice of veg-ka-bob, chick-ka-bob, batter-fried shrimp, or center-cut boneless pork chop with a baked potato, salad, bread basket, dessert, and beverage). * 8:30 AM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 4 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Sep 1 * Fee: $109

Every autumn a small north woods owl called the Saw-whet migrates south in a silent and secretive wave. The staff at Quarry Hill is among a small group of researchers trying to capture and band these birds in the eastern US in an effort to better understand their migration. The evening begins at the Nature Center learning about Quarry Hill’s research with the secretive Saw-whet Owl. Then participants will caravan a couple of miles east of town to visit the owl banding site. There, after a 10-minute uphill hike to the study site, we will check the nets and band any captured owls. Make sure to bring your flashlight! Hiking footwear is recommended for uneven trails. In the event of poor weather conditions, this program will be cancelled.

We're off to the award-winning Autumn Festival Arts and Crafts Affair at Canterbury Park! Voted one of the "TOP 100 SHOWS" in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine! Over 500 artists and crafters from 30 states! Each show is brimming with row after row of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind home decor and gifts, entertainment, and plenty of food and drink options. * Fee includes coach transportation and entrance fee. * Lunch is on your own at Canterbury * 9:30 AM Depart RCTC Sports Center Parking Lot * 4:30 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Oct 1 * Fee: $69

Join Community Ed on our holiday trip to the Twin Cities! First, we will visit Bachman's on Lyndale and stop by their Holiday Ideas House – it's a place to see some great decorating ideas and get you in the mood for the holidays. Then we will visit the 46th Annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar at the Landmark Center. The Bazaar features quality, handcrafted items including jewelry, woodwork, paintings, decor, woven and wearable art, handmade holiday items, and more! Festive music and delicious treats add to the enjoyment of holiday shopping. After the bazaar, we will enjoy a wonderful holiday tea at the Saint Paul Hotel. Wear your favorite holiday sweater and we will jingle all the way! Limited to 44 guests. Registration Deadline: November 1. * Fee includes coach transportation, entrance fees to the Holiday Bazaar and Bachman's Holiday House, and Afternoon Tea at the Saint Paul Hotel (Tea, Sandwich & Savory Plate Course, and Three Tier Sweets and Cheese Course) with holiday piano music. * 8 AM Depart RCTC Sports Center Parking Lot * 4:30 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Nov 1 * Fee: $129

When you go to Duluth, you understand what makes it special. From the world-famous lift bridge to charming neighborhoods filled with local breweries and restaurants, Duluth is a true original along the pristine shores of Lake Superior. Part rugged, part refined, and 100% one-of-a-kind. You’ll get it when we visit! Registration Deadline: Sep 1. * Fee includes coach transportation, a stop at Tobies Bakery in Hinckley, a guided tour of Glensheen Mansion, and lunch at Black Woods Grill and Bar (choice of three entrées). You will have time after lunch to shop and explore Duluth’s Canal Park. Supper at Culver’s will be on your own. * 6:30 AM Depart Northrop Parking Lot * 7 PM Approximate return * No refunds after Sep 1 * Fee: $175