The Guthrie Theater050

Opened in June 2006, the $125-million Guthrie Theater is a waterfront showpiece, even if your kids think all the blue and yellow makes it look like a Best Buy or Blockbuster! Locals looking to impress out-of-towners - and tourists with any notion of Minneapolis as a backwater town - would do well to stop by. The new building is unique, sleek, and well worth a peek.

The new digs comprise three stages to seat 2,000; exhibition space; four classrooms; a lovely gift shop; and several dining options, including the trendy and posh Cue restaurant, a casual cafe open from 8:30am daily (with free wi-fi), a $5 all-you-can-eat dessert buffet available in the Target Lounge during intermission at evening performances, and the Level 5 Cafe restaurant, which offers a kids menu and weekend brunch. Even the escalator that draws visitors up into the building is impressive, and said to be the longest in Minnesota.

Guided tours are offered Sat-Mon mornings (and after select matinee performances); headsets for 40-minute self-guided tours narrated by Joe Dowling ($5/person) can be rented at the box office Mon-Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 9am-6pm. The concierge manning the information kiosk on the ground floor can assist visitors with hotel, parking, and tourist information.

A few productions are appropriate for children ages eight and up, but most are better-suited for teens and adults; call the box office for information about a show's content. Ticket prices are typically discounted 50% for youth.

Classes and summer camps for ages seven and up are taught by professional actors. The Guthrie is beefing up its educational offerings considerably, taking full advantage of its great new site to provide opportunities for homeschooled and gifted students, too. Check the website for current offerings.