By NICK KURCZEWSKI, Edmunds

SUVs deliver many attributes that car shoppers love in a vehicle. Thanks to their elevated height, they provide a commanding view of the road. They also deliver lots of passenger space, roomy cargo holds, and often have strong safety ratings.

Less appealing are higher fuel bills and the expense of buying an SUV that’s showroom-fresh. The experts at Edmunds have found five solutions on the used market to keep costs in line. Choosing a used hybrid SUV saves money at the point of purchase, and the hybrid engine helps lower the cost of refueling for many miles down the road.

Using a price cap of $25,000, Edmunds’ team has compiled five used hybrid-powered SUVs that are practical and kind to a car shopping budget.

Ford Escape

This photo provided by Ford shows the Escape, a compact SUV available as a hybrid on the used market for less than $25,000. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Co. via AP)

The Escape Hybrid is the fuel-sipping cousin of Ford’s popular compact SUV. Getting it down the road is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired to an electric motor. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. In terms of fuel economy, both the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive models delivers an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined. Edmunds has complimented the Escape’s comfortable ride, easy-to-use controls and everyday practicality.

Look for:Arriving for the 2020 model year, the fourth-generation Escape Hybrid is a well-rounded driving companion. For 2023, Ford updated the infotainment system and exterior design. For added peace of mind, it’s worth knowing the hybrid has always come standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 bundle of driver assist features.

Honda CR-V

This photo provided by Honda shows the CR-V hybrid, a fuel-efficient compact SUV that can be found used for less than $25,000. (Courtesy of American Honda Motor Co. via AP)

The Honda CR-V has long been a top choice for SUV shoppers looking for reliable transportation at an affordable price. During testing, Edmunds complimented the driving refinement of the CR-V with the available hybrid powertrain. Braking and handling are equally polished, though Edmunds noted accelerating from 0 to 60 mph took 8.5 seconds — 1 second longer than the non-hybrid model. Fuel economy is strong at an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined city/highway for 2020-2022 models. The spacious interior has good outward visibility and generous cargo space.

Look for:The hybrid version of the previous generation CR-V ran from 2020 through 2022. Standard equipment included all-wheel drive, a 7-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Honda Sensing suite of driver assist features. Honda dropped the entry-level LX trim for the 2021 model year, so used prices tick upward from that point.

Hyundai Tucson

his photo provided by Hyundai shows the Tucson Hybrid, a compact SUV available used with a price tag under $25,000. (Courtesy of Hyundai Motor America via AP)

Making a styling statement isn’t always high on car shoppers’ priority list. Hyundai didn’t get that memo because the Tucson Hybrid’s eye-catching design is highlighted by a sculpted exterior and headlights hidden within the pattern of the grille. Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric motor coupled to standard all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is up to 38 mpg combined depending on the trim and model year. Better still, Edmunds notes this peppier drivetrain addresses the non-hybrid Tucson’s sluggish acceleration.

Look for:The redesigned Tucson created a splash when it arrived for the 2022 model year. Its upscale interior matched the bold exterior; the cabin was filled with high-quality materials, and standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity. The Tucson also has an outstanding warranty, including 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

Kia Niro

This photo provided by Kia shows the Niro Hybrid, a small SUV with excellent fuel economy available on the used market priced under $25,000. (Courtesy of Kia America via AP)

The Niro makes a strong case for itself based on its lower price point and excellent economy. Along with the Niro hybrid, there are plug-in and fully electrified versions. Given its small size, the Niro delivers a surprising amount of passenger space and cargo room. The ride is generally smooth, though Edmunds noted it can get unsettled on bumpy roads. A class-leading warranty and up to an EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined, depending on the trim and model year, are two additional standout qualities.

Look for:A redesign for the 2023 model year gave the Niro a futuristic shape and improved cabin quality. Edmunds complimented the interior design but found some audio and climate controls overly finicky. The Niro is also front-wheel-drive, with no option to add all-wheel drive. Yet its budget-friendly prices mean used versions readily come in below $25,000.

Toyota RAV4

This photo provided by Toyota shows the RAV4 Hybrid, a popular hybrid compact SUV available used for less than $25,000. (Courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. via AP)

The RAV4 Hybrid uses the strong foundation of Toyota’s best-selling SUV and adds greater fuel economy and speedier acceleration. Edmunds found the all-wheel-drive RAV4 Hybrid needed 7.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph — a second faster than the non-hybrid version. Fuel economy is excellent thanks to EPA-estimated combined average of up to 40 mpg depending on trim and model year. The RAV4 also has near class-leading cargo space, plus a low load floor that’s appreciated when loading heavy items.

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Look for:The fifth generation of the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid was available from 2019 to 2025. Outside of some upgraded tech touches — such as a larger touchscreen and improved smartphone connectivity — changes were minimal. The RAV4 holds onto its resale value, so older used models will more easily fall under $25,000.

Edmunds says

A well-maintained used hybrid SUV is a savvy way to save money when sealing the deal and in terms of keeping fuel bills reasonable.

This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Nick Kurczewski is a contributor at Edmunds.

Whether it’s an old classic (“How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “A Christmas Carol”) or a more contemporary production (“Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical,” “Scrooge in Rouge”), Twin Cities theaters have plenty of options for seasonal stage productions (although a few aren’t about the holidays). Here’s a look at what’s on tap this year.

‘Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical’

Now playing: When St. Paul city architect Clarence “Cap” Wigington is tasked with designing an ice palace for the Winter Carnival, he and his wife, Viola, get much more than they bargain for when the magic of the carnival enters their lives. Keith Hovis and Rachel Teagle wrote this new musical, which explores “the strange and wonderful world of the St. Paul Winter Carnival and the resilience, imagination and heart that make Minnesota such a wonderful place, especially in the snow.” Through Dec. 21; History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul; $78-$30; 651-292-4323 or historytheatre.com.

‘R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium’

Now playing: Based on the popular spooky book series, this musical tells the story of Brooke and her best friend Zeke, who land the leads in their middle school’s new musical. They’re thrilled, until strange things start happening around the theater. Whispers of an old legend resurface, warning that the play might be cursed. Through Dec. 14; Park Square Theatre, 20 W. Seventh Place, St. Paul; $65-$15; 651-291-7005 or parksquaretheatre.org.

‘White Christmas’

The cast of “White Christmas,” which runs through Feb. 7, 2026, at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. (Dan Norman / Chanhassen Dinner Theatres)

Now playing: Irving Berlin wrote the song “White Christmas” for the 1942 musical film “Holiday Inn” and, at the time, told his secretary that “not only is it the best song I ever wrote, it’s the best song anybody ever wrote.” Not only was it a massive hit — Bing Crosby’s version sold an estimated 50 million copies worldwide — it forever changed Christmas music. Berlin later approached Paramount with the offer to write songs to accompany a new movie built around “White Christmas,” which became the highest-grossing film of 1954. The stage version did big business for Chanhassen Dinner Theatres last year, so the company brought it back for an encore. Through Feb. 7; Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen; $131-$98; 952-934-1525 or chanhassendt.com.

‘A Christmas Carol’

“A Christmas Carol” at the Guthrie Theater. (Dan Norman)

Now playing: The Guthrie first produced an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in 1975 in an attempt to fill some empty December seats. It worked and it’s now a long-established tradition, with this year marking the 51st production. The company is once again staging a new adaptation by the late Lavina Jadhwani from 2021 that includes a new set, costumes and tunes. Through Dec. 28; Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Minneapolis; $148-$19; 612-377-2224 or guthrietheater.org.

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’

Now playing: Children’s Theatre Company is presenting its adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ seasonal story for the 13th time, having originally commissioned and premiered it in 1994. In Rob Hubbard’s review for the Pioneer Press, he wrote that “it seems the 13th time’s the charm for its musical adaptation of Seuss’ book. For this is indeed the most charming version of the story it’s yet presented.” Through Jan. 4; Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.; $114-$35; 612-874-0400 or childrenstheatre.org.

‘The Phantom of the Opera’

“Prima Donna,” from left, Melo Ludwig, Christopher Bozeka, William Thomas Evans, Midori Marsh, Daniel Lopez, Carrington Vilmont and Lisa Vromanin from the North American touring production of “The Phantom of the Opera,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s gothic horror novel, which runs at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis through Dec. 7, 2025. (Evan Zimmerman / MurphyMade)

Now playing: Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” returns to the road in “a revitalized production of this romantic and haunting tale about a disfigured musical genius known only as the Phantom who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House.” The longest-running show in Broadway history closed in 2023 after 13,981 performances. Through Dec. 7; Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; $213.90-$58.45; hennepinarts.org.

‘My Fair Lady’

Now playing: One of the most-loved musicals of all time, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” follows Professor Henry Higgins as he takes on the ambitious task of molding flower seller Eliza Doolittle into his vision of refinement. Songs from the show include “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.” Through Dec. 28; Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave. N.E., Minneapolis: $92.75-$21.75; 612-339-3003 or latteda.org.

‘Annie’

Now playing: Based on the comic strip that debuted in 1924, the original Broadway production of “Annie” featured a young Sarah Jessica Parker, ran for nearly six years and won seven Tony Awards, including best musical and original score. It has since lived on through various revivals, tours and regional productions thanks to such memorable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Tomorrow” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” Through Dec. 14; Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake; $43-$23; 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org.

‘Scrooge in Rouge’

Now playing: Open Eye Theatre’s latest nontraditional holiday production is a quick-change, cross-dressing musical riff on the perennial holiday classic “A Christmas Carol.” Parents should be aware of the show’s double entendres with sexual innuendo that are in the spirit of British humorists Monty Python and Benny Hill, according to the theater. Through Dec. 28; Open Eye Theatre, 506 E. 24th St., Mpls.; $35.20; 612-874-6338 or openeyetheatre.org.

‘Black Nativity’

Soloist Greta Oglesby in Penumbra Theatre”s 2022 production of “Black Nativity.”

Opens Dec. 2: First staged at Penumbra in 1987, “Black Nativity” features gospel numbers brought to life under the musical direction of Sanford Moore. In a Pioneer Press review of last year’s production, Hubbard wrote that “you might enter Penumbra’s little theater in the Rondo neighborhood thinking you’re going to a show, but it doesn’t take long to realize that you are in church.” Through Dec. 24; 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul; $45-$10; 651-288-6786 or penumbratheatre.org.

‘Miss Richfield 1981: There’s a Pill for the Holidays!’

Opens Dec. 5: Illusion Theater is once again presenting an evening with Miss Richfield 1981, who hails from the town “where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage.” The drag-queen alter ego of Russ King, Miss Richfield 1981 was called “the must-see act in Provincetown” by the New York Post, with the Pioneer Press raving that “in these divided times, Miss R. is tonic — and gin — for the soul.” Expect, among many other things, to hear Christmas carols played on a cross-cut saw. Through Dec. 21; Center for Performing Arts, 3754 Pleasant Ave. S., Minneapolis; $77-$49.50; 612-382-6406 or illusiontheater.org.

‘Dinner for One’

Opens Dec. 6: Inspired by an iconic slapstick comedy sketch and New Year’s Eve tradition in Europe for more than 60 years, “Dinner for One” follows a butler as he attempts to help his employer celebrate her annual dinner party. Many mishaps follow. Through Jan. 4; Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.; $95-$15; 612-822-7063 or jungletheater.org.

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

Opens Dec. 9: This sung-through rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice is loosely based on the Gospel accounts of the Passion. When the composers couldn’t secure the funding to produce the show, they released the score as an album that quickly became a best seller and led to the musical’s Broadway debut in 1971. It has remained a popular show for touring casts and regional theaters seeking to take a fresh look at the classic. Through Dec. 28; Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; $161.50-$46.50; 651-224-4222 or ordway.org.

‘The Wiz’

Opens Dec. 16: This new take on “The Wiz” launched with a 2023 tour followed by a limited engagement on Broadway in spring 2024. The show reimagines the classic novel with an all-Black cast and music that blends soul, gospel, rock and ’70s funk. Comic and writer Amber Ruffin updated the show, just as she did for “Some Like it Hot,” which visited Minneapolis in 2024. Through Dec. 21; Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; $203.90-$70.45; hennepinarts.org.

The holidays are about tradition, and holiday concerts are a big draw for those looking to celebrate. This season’s concert calendar is filled with familiar locals (Lorie Line, the New Standards) and touring favorites (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller) eager to provide a little jingle bell swing for fans. Here’s a look at what’s on tap.

Crooners Supper Club

Crooners in Fridley devotes the bulk of December to dozens of holiday-themed shows. Highlights include the Big Christmas Singalong with Jay Fuchs and Doug Anderson (4 p.m. Dec. 7; $49.05-$37.89), Monroe Crossing: A Bluegrass Christmas (7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-10; $49.05-$37.89), Jingle Jam with Boom Island String Quartet (6:30 p.m. Dec. 9; $43.47-$32.31); Pat Donohue’s Christmas Guitar Summit with P.K. Mayo and Tim Sparks (6:30 p.m. Dec. 15; $49.05-$37.89); and the Annual Holiday Singalong with Dan Chouinard (6 p.m. Dec. 23; $43.47-$32.31). For the full lineup, see croonersmn.com. Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, 6161 Highway 65 N.E., Fridley; 763-571-9020.

The Dakota

George Maurer Group Annual Holiday Show (7 p.m. Dec. 1; $34.90-$24.90); Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole and the Laurels String Quartet (7 and 9 p.m. Dec. 2; $45.90-$29.90); Nicholas David: St. Nick’s Show (8 p.m. Dec. 3; $40.90-$34.90); the Klezmatics: Happy Joyous Hanukkah (7 p.m. Dec. 6; $56.90-$45.90); Southside Aces: Christmas in New Orleans (7 p.m. Dec. 7; $40.90-$24.90); Travis Anderson Trio’s Charlie Brown Christmas (7 and 9 p.m. Dec. 9; $29.90-$18.90); Mark O’Connor’s Appalachian Christmas (7 p.m. Dec. 10; $83.90-$67.90); Karrin Allyson: Wintry Mix (7 p.m. Dec. 11; $50.90-$45.90); the Peterson Family: Twas the Jam Before Christmas (7 p.m. Dec. 14-15; $45.90-$34.90); Merry Christmas from Jose James (7 p.m. Dec. 16-17; $61.90-$45.90); Riders in the Sky: Christmas the Cowboy Way (7 p.m. Dec. 18; $61.90-$50.90); Preservation Hall Jazz Band: A Creole Christmas (7 and 9 p.m. Dec. 19, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 20; $100.90-$72.90); A Swingin’ Christmas with the Andrew Walesch Big Band (5 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 7 p.m. Dec. 23; $50.90-$34.90); Spending Christmas with Alicia Witt (7 p.m. Dec. 22; $50.90-$40.90). Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Ave., Mpls.; dakotacooks.com.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Tickets for Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ concerts are $77.30 (dinner and show) and $53.35 (show only). Rock and Roll Xmas Spectacular (7:30 p.m. Dec. 2-6 and 8, 1 p.m. Dec. 3 and 6, 7 p.m. Dec. 7); A Piano Man Christmas (7:30 p.m. Dec. 10-11); A Kat Perkins Christmas (7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13, 1 p.m. Dec. 13); the Simple Feeling of Christmas (2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14); Celtic Holiday Hooley (7:30 p.m. Dec. 17-19, 1 p.m. Dec. 19); Christmas with a Whole Lotta Soul (1 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20); Christmas on the Prairie (2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22-23); A Grand Ole Opry Christmas (1 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 26); An Andy and Bing Christmas (1 p.m. Dec. 27, 7 p.m. Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 and 29-30). Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen; 952-934-1525 or chanhassendt.com.

Ames Center

Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas starring Rick Schuler (7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-5; $104.95-$89.55); Dakota Valley Symphony and Chorus: Handel’s Messiah (2 p.m. Dec. 7; $42.10); Tonic Sol-fa: Wrap it Up, the Final Holiday Tour (7 p.m. Dec. 15; sold out); Rock and Roll Xmas Spectacular (7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; $55.40); Christmas with Elvis (7:30 p.m. Dec. 17; $92.65-$54.70); A Magical Medora Christmas (7:30 p.m. Dec. 18; $51.25); Who Brought the Humbug (7:30 p.m. Dec. 19-20, 2 p.m. Dec. 20; $53.35-$48.20); An Andy and Bing Christmas (2 p.m. Dec. 21; $65.15-$57.95); A Carpenters Christmas (8 p.m. Dec. 23; $60.85-$50.55). Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville; 952-895-4685 or ames-center.com.

The New Standards

The New Standards (Courtesy photo)

Dec. 5-6: The Suburbs’ Chan Poling and his jazz trio the New Standards present their annual holiday show. Expect jazzy takes on holiday classics, special high-wattage surprise guests and plenty of friendly banter from the chatty group, which also features John Munson of Trip Shakespeare and Semisonic on bass and Steve Roehm of Electropolis on vibraphone. 8 p.m. Dec. 5-6, 4 p.m. Dec. 6; State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.; $164.70-$45.15; hennepinarts.org.

Trailer Trash

Dec. 6, 12-13, 19-20: Minnesota’s own honky tonk masters Trailer Trash are spending December airing their popular Trashy Little Xmas Show in venues across the Twin Cities. 8 p.m. Dec. 6, Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls., $40-$38.07, theparkwaytheater.com; 8 p.m. Dec. 12-13, Hook and Ladder Theater and Lounge, 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S., Mpls., $35.88, thehookmpls.com; 8 p.m. Dec. 19-20, Turf Club, 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul, $45.78, first-avenue.com.

Lorie Line

Pianist Lorie Line is back for another holiday extravaganza. (Courtesy photo)

Dec. 6, 20: Pianist Lorie Line celebrates Christmas like no one else, with her 36th annual holiday tour offering 34 shows in seven states. Line, who famously got her start playing in Dayton’s, is selling a new hand-cut wooden ornament at her concerts. She’s also offering a virtual concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 (tickets via lorieline.com). Line’s Twin Cities performances are in Burnsville (3 p.m. Dec. 6; Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave.; $81.35; 952-895-4685 or ames-center.com) and Plymouth (3 p.m. Dec. 20; Providence Academy Performing Arts Center, 15100 Schmidt Lake Road; $65; 952-474-1000).

The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show

Dec. 8: For eight years now, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” vets Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme have staged an original Christmas show for ever-growing audiences. This year’s program was written by the pair and directed by BenDeLaCreme and promises “another year of over-the-top camp spectacle, side-splitting gags, brand new songs, heartfelt storytelling, thrilling dance numbers and iconic costumes.” 7 p.m.; Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; $342.95; hennepinarts.org.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Dec. 9: The seven-man Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was one of the handful of neo-swing bands to land record deals in the anything-goes ’90s. They played themselves in the 1996 film “Swingers,” which led to an offer from Capitol Records. The swing boom faded quickly, but these guys have continued to tour and record, with a specialty in Christmas music. 7:30 p.m.; Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; $70.45-$58.45; hennepinarts.org.

The Blenders

The Blenders: Allan Rust, Tim Kasper, Darren Rust and Ryan Lance. (Courtesy of the band)

Dec. 8-10: Vocal group the Blenders have spent decades celebrating the holidays by hitting the road in December. The group has released a handful of best-selling Christmas albums over the years, including their latest “Christmas with the Blenders: Live Studio Sessions.” In addition to showcasing their four-part a cappella harmonies and goofy sense of humor, the guys will perform some songs backed by a live band. This season will be their final holiday shows as they’re stepping down from touring. But the foursome says they’re not breaking up, and new music is a possibility in the future. 8 p.m. Dec. 12-13, 2 p.m. Dec. 14; Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; $82.35-$69.45; hennepinarts.org.

Mannheim Steamroller

Dec. 14: Chip Davis was just another working songwriter — the Ohio native penned the 1975 novelty hit “Convoy” — when he started making classical albums using synthesizers instead of an orchestra. The concept took off and, in 1984, Davis struck gold with the 6-million seller “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas.” He took the music on the road and has continued to do so each December. 3 p.m.; Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.; $100.60-$75.60; hennepinarts.org.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Dec. 28: Founded in 1996 by producer/composer/lyricist Paul O’Neill, Trans-Siberian Orchestra quickly became known for the group’s holiday shows, which feature seasonally themed music performed with the pomp and circumstance (and lasers) of arena rock. O’Neill died in April 2017 from an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications to treat several chronic illnesses. Three months later, bassist David Z died in a car accident while on tour with Adrenaline Mob. But the surviving members of TSO — which hits the road each year with two separate touring groups — has soldiered on in honor of O’Neill. 3 and 7:30 p.m.; Target Center, 600 First Ave. N., Mpls.; $176.90-$55.02; targetcenter.com.

St. Paul history and the fantastical world of King Boreas blend in the History Theatre’s new holiday show, “Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical.”

The original musical tells the story of St. Paul’s first Black municipal architect and the man behind the Highland Park Water Tower, Clarence “Cap” Wigington and his wife, Viola. The pair enter the magical legend behind the St. Paul Winter Carnival, for which Wigington was tasked with designing the celebration’s ice palaces.

Clarence “Cap” Wigington, photographed at the St. Paul City Architect’s office in 1940. Wigington was the first black person to serve as a municipal architect in the U.S. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society.

The carnival originally opened in 1886, and the Legend of Boreas Rex was written in 1937 by St. Paul businessman Frank Madden, to explain the magic of the event. It’s the story of King Boreas, Queen Aurora and the forces of winter and spring, as they battle for the season and the people of St. Paul.

Theirs is the fantastical world that the Wigingtons enter, in a Minnesotan “Wizard of Oz” story.

“I felt it would be wrong to tell the story as just a straightforward retelling of the founding in 1886,” said Keith Hovis, who wrote the show’s music. “The myth of King Boreas in the festival is so fun and weird and whimsical that the show should be fun and weird and whimsical too.”

Collaboration is at the heart of the production, as Hovis worked on the lyrics in partnership with book writer Rachel Teagle. Hovis wrote the musical elements of the show, while Teagle wrote spoken elements and also implemented feedback from the cast during rehearsals.

REVIEW: History Theatre’s Winter Carnival musical is tuneful but scattershot

“It’s been a long, ongoing process full of communication,” Teagle said. “Lots of meetings at Gingko’s for coffee in St. Paul.”

Despite his notable contributions to the St. Paul city skyline — he served as lead architect on more than 90 city projects, including schools, fire stations and park buildings — Wigington has become a relatively unknown figure in Minnesota history.

“I think it’s highly important and impactful for these stories to be told,” said actor Roland Hawkins II. “We’re all taught the same four or five civil rights leaders, and that’s pretty much all the contributions, especially African American or most minorities, know about what they gave to the greater society.”

Growing up in Roseville, Hawkins said he was unfamiliar with the story of Wigington. After pursuing the musical arts for a majority of his life, Hawkins found community in his time at the Des Moines Metro Opera, which featured a cast of predominantly Black opera singers.

“That’s something that living in the Midwest, I never get to see,” Hawkins said.

Now, Hawkins is portraying Wigington in the musical and is happy to bring his story to back to life.

“Knowing that there’s something that people use every day, something that isn’t ephemeral, like civil rights, but very tactile, like the Highland Park Water Tower or the Harriet Island Pavilion; things that people use, like schools, to help minds grow and cultivate. These are things that we have given to the community,” Hawkins said.

Outside of his architectural work, Wigington worked diligently to support and uplift St. Paul’s Black community.

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According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Wigington co-founded the Sterling Club, the United States’ oldest African American men’s club, and created the Home Guards of Minnesota in 1917, an all-Black militia formed after the Minnesota National Guard denied him entry during World War I due to segregation.

He was given the nickname “Cap,” after obtaining the rank of captain in the Home Guards.

“I think that this show really brings out him finding his freedom,” Hawkins said.

Director Laura Leffler described the musical as a celebration of Wigington’s long history of public service.

“Even today in 2025, many of his buildings still stand in St. Paul and are common landmarks that everybody still uses and sees every day,” Leffler said. “It’s a pretty outstanding legacy.”

‘Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical’

What: An exploration of the the story of St. Paul architect Clarence “Cap” Wigington and his wife, Viola
When: Through Dec. 21
Where: History Theatre, 30 East 10th St., St. Paul
Tickets: For ticketing and more information, visit historytheatre.com