MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 11, 2023) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took to the historic Orpheum Theatre stage in Minneapolis last night to welcome the new Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical Girl From The North Country to Minnesota for the launch of its North American tour. The musical, part of the Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season in the Hennepin Theatre District, is set in Duluth, Minnesota and features the songs of Minnesota-born Bob Dylan. Photos from Governor Walz’s appearance can be downloaded here.

Additionally, in celebration of the importance of Minnesota’s cultural contributions on the world stage, Governor Walz proclaimed Oct. 8-14, 2023, as Girl From The North Country Broadway Musical Week in the State of Minnesota.

“Minnesota has a long and vibrant tradition of supporting the arts,” said Governor Walz at the Orpheum Theatre on Tuesday. “When we look around the world, when challenging things are happening and it seems like nothing is going right, it’s the arts that bring out our humanity; it’s the arts the bring us together; it’s the arts that make us fully human. So tonight, I welcome you to the North Country.”

“Minnesota is home to one of the most vibrant arts communities in the country,” reads the statewide proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “The launch of this Broadway national tour is a testament to Minnesota’s renowned arts community and the dedication of the Hennepin Theatre Trust in ensuring Minneapolis is a premier destination for touring Broadway.”

“There is no better place to launch our North American tour than in Bob Dylan’s home state and in the beautiful historical theatre that he once owned, saving it from demolition. We are thrilled to be here,” said Girl From The North Country producer Tristan Baker. “As we travel around North America, we will continue to spread the profound music of Minnesota’s own Bob Dylan and celebrate the stories of this state and its people.”

“We are honored to have Governor Walz open the national tour of Girl From The North Country at our historic Orpheum Theatre,” said Todd Duesing, president & CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust. “Minnesota has an incredible history of artistic achievements and contributions, and thanks to leaders like Governor Walz, the future of the arts in Minnesota is strong.”

All photos available here.

Hennepin Theatre Trust drives cultural and economic vitality in Minnesota through leadership of the dynamic Hennepin Theatre District in downtown Minneapolis and educational programming that reaches every area of the state. Its historic theatres — Orpheum, State and Pantages — and event center at 900 Hennepin Avenue light up Hennepin Avenue with top-tier entertainment, including the best of Broadway and a wide variety of arts programming. Hennepin Theatre Trust is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

Bank of America Environmental, Social and Governance  At Bank of America, our focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors is critical to fulfilling our purpose of helping make people’s financial lives better. Our commitment to growing our business responsibly is embedded in every aspect of our company. It is demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our customers, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocate groups, such as community and environmental organizations, in order to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about, and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News.

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands.  Led by 20-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon and Hamilton. Current productions include &Juliet, Hadestown, Hamilton, Kimberly Akimbo, MJ: The Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

This activity is made possible by voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.