Overview

Standing in the Wings traces the rebirth of Minneapolis's Hennepin Theatre District, as told by the impresario who saved the Orpheum, State and Pantages Theatres on Hennepin Avenue, spearheaded their restoration, and booked the Broadway and live shows which have sustained them for more than forty years. Share Fred Krohn's personal recollections on the amazing shows and legendary artists he has worked with, and which have led to the resurgence of downtown Minneapolis- shows likeA Chorus Line, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the World Premiere of The Lion King, and artists as diverse as Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Tina Turner, Elton John, U2, Billy Joel, Gordon Lightfoot, and many others. And discover the amazing tales of City intrigue detailing how each of the three theatres was saved from the wrecking ball, restored to its former glory, and brought to life with an impressive array of live shows.

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Fred Krohn is a key figure in the transformation of Minneapolis' Hennepin Avenue from a blighted and unsafe area to a vibrant Theatre District. He has been active in the concert promotion, Broadway, and theatre management businesses in Minneapolis since the 1970s. In 1978, with Bob Dylan and Bob's brother, David Zimmerman, he upgraded and reopened the Orpheum Theatre with a successful run of A Chorus Line, revealing the potential for first-run Broadway on Hennepin Avenue. In 1992, Krohn spearheaded the successful effort to save and completely restore Hennepin Avenue's State Theatre, and booked a multi-week sellout run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Donny Osmond. The success of that run and Krohn's other promotions at the State led the City of Minneapolis to finance the complete restoration of the Orpheum Theatre and award the management of both theatres to Krohn's company, Historic Theatre Group. Krohn reopened the Orpheum in 1993 with one of the first engagements of the Cameron Macintosh blockbuster Miss Saigon. In 1997, Krohn led the negotiations with DISNEY to host the world premiere of The Lion King, which went on to be the most successful Broadway show in history. He also attracted other U.S. and world premieres to the Orpheum, including Julie Andrews in Victor, Victoria and Disney's Beauty and the Beast. In 2002, Krohn worked with Hennepin Theatre Trust's Tom Hoch to persuade the City of Minneapolis to save and refurbish Hennepin Avenue's 1000-seat Pantages Theatre, completing the Hennepin Theatre District. Since then, Krohn has presented hundreds of Broadway shows and concerts at the Orpheum, State and Pantages Theatres. He retired in 2018.

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