The Phipps Center for the Arts

For four straight days, the Phipps Black Box Theater will be home to five completely different, wildly creative performances, each handpicked from the Twin Cities’ legendary Fringe Festival.

When U. S. airspace shut down on September 11, 2001, 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were unexpectedly grounded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. What followed was an extraordinary week of generosity, as locals opened their homes, schools, and hearts to strangers from around the world.

Get ready for some monstrously good fun! This hilarious and spirited farce introduces the teenage kids of the Frankenstein monster and his bride as they’re dropped into life at Withering Heights High. From football tryouts and student government races to surprise discoveries and a “Monster Stomp” that spirals out of control, pandemonium follows these not-quite-typical teens wherever they go. Filled with zany humor, larger-than-life characters, and nonstop laughs, this comedy adventure guarantees a wild time for the whole family.

Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a transformative Christmas Eve journey as he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future — spirits who reveal the true cost of a life lived without compassion. Rich with beloved carols, stirring moments of redemption, and the warmth of holiday tradition, this classic tale comes alive through vivid storytelling and memorable characters. A moving celebration of generosity, community, and second chances, A Christmas Carol is truly a holiday experience for all ages.

Get ready to switch it up! Freaky Friday brings all the laughs, heart, and toe-tapping energy of the beloved Disney favorite to the stage. When a busy mom and her head-strong daughter magically swap bodies, they’re forced to walk a mile in each other’s shoes — leading to chaos, comedy, and a lot of self-discovery. With catchy songs, big dance numbers, and a truly talented cast of local high school students, this show is a feel-good, family-friendly experience that proves sometimes you have to see the world through someone else’s eyes to really get them.

On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost's residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend — almost — in this delightful midwinter night's dream.

When curious young readers discover that the books in Mr. Penumbra’s shop aren’t just for reading (the characters step right out of the pages!) every visit turns into a wondrous adventure. Filled with imagination, quirky characters, and joyful surprises, this heartwarming play explores the power of stories, friendship, and believing in the unbelievable. Performed by talented local middle school students, The Enchanted Bookshop is perfect for all ages and invites you to fall in love with the magic of books all over again.

In Hooray for Hollywood, a retired actor steps back into a long-forgotten theater and is swept into a whirlwind of memories from his years in film. Beloved cinematic worlds come alive—from the whimsy of The Wizard of Oz to the golden-era charm of Singin’ in the Rain, the intrigue of James Bond, and the sparkle of Moulin Rouge. This dance-theater experience honors the timeless magic of cinema and the dreams that shape every performer’s journey.