Terrific Tech - Parental Monitoring Survey

 Remote surveilling your child can give you peace of mind in an emergency or help you catch them playing hooky, but is it possible technology is making parents TOO connected?

Secure Data Recovery asked Americans how they use technology to monitor their children. Here’s what they found: 

• California, New Jersey, and Tennessee are the states where parents digitally monitor their kids the most.

• Nebraska, Idaho, and Minnesota are the states where parents digitally monitor their kids the least.

• 52% think that heavily monitoring children results in rebellious or risky behavior. 

• 65% check in with their child more than their parents checked in on them.

• One in three track the location of their adult children.

Contest - Wahl Benevolent Beards

 For the fourth year in a row, the Wahl® Benevolent Beards Contest is looking for men who combine good grooming with goodwill. What does that mean? If you have a beard and you’re involved in a charity, you could win $20,000 for that charity and $5,000 for yourself. The contest is part of Wahl®’s ongoing mission to recognize and reward those who embody their philosophy of making the world a ‘bearder’ place to live.

“Wahl® has a long history of serving communities and supporting causes, and we are excited to reward men who share in our dedication to spread positivity and goodwill,” said Steven Yde, Vice President of North America Consumer at Wahl®. “This contest is a great way to find men who are generous with their time, talent and treasures, while also shining a light on the charities they’re passionate about.”

How to Enter the Wahl® Benevolent Beards Contest

From now until July 6, 2025, men with beards can submit a video of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity on the contest entry page at https://bit.ly/BenevolentBeards2025, they can also get to the page by visiting @WahlGrooming on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. What kind of charity? As long as it’s a 501(c)(3) organization with a goal to impact the world positively, all charities will be considered. So, whether you’re an animal advocate or helping humans, you have the chance to put your good grooming toward goodwill.

Following the entry period, 5 finalists will each win $500 for themselves, $500 for their charity and a Wahl® PRO SERIES^TM High Visibility Trimmer. Things get exciting in August when public votes help determine which finalist wins the Grand Prize of $5,000 for himself, $20,000 for his charity and a visit from the Wahl® Mobile Barbershop to do a grooming event where barbers will offer the public FREE beard trims.

The best part of this contest is the real-life impact it has, just ask last year's winner Rodney Smith Jr. from Huntsville, AL. Smith’s talent to trim his beard also extends to lawns; through his charity Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Inc., kids from across the country have joined his mission to provide free lawn care services to the elderly, disabled and veterans. “To date, more than 400 kids have completed the ‘50 Yard Challenge,’ and I’m so proud to present each one of those kids with lawn equipment to help them continue their goodwill. Winning this contest has allowed me to reward even more kids for their hard work,” explained Smith.

For more information about the Wahl® Benevolent Beards Contest, or for facial hair tips and tools visit WahlUSA.com or follow @WahlGrooming on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

About Wahl Grooming
Celebrating its 106^th anniversary, Wahl® continues to help men look and feel their best with innovative products manufactured to define and elevate the men’s grooming category. The company set the standard with the first-ever practical electric hair clipper in 1919, and later strengthened its leadership with the world’s first battery-powered facial hair trimmer. It’s this continued commitment to excellence that has solidified Wahl’s® place as the world’s go-to brand for men’s grooming solutions. For more information, visit WahlUSA.com.

Movie Minute - Sketch

 

WATCH THE FIRST LOOK TRAILER HERE

 

Angel Studios will release SKETCH in theaters on AUGUST 6, 2025

 

Synopsis: A single dad is swept up in an insane adventure when his daughter’s comically dark drawings come to life and terrorize their small town.                                                                                         

 

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT FROM SETH WORLEY

 

Seven years in the making, I’ve made a movie that is 100% me, and I still can’t figure out how to describe it to people.

Ask me the genre, and I'll vamp for a bit, mutter something about Spielbergian horror comedy (not a genre), and then run away. Ask me who this movie is for, and I'll probably say, "everyone." And then run away again.

                                                                       

Executives, producers, and financiers would read this movie and either interpret it as "The Babadook if it were inappropriately funny and warm" or "Goosebumps if it were too good and weirdly dark." But to me, it’s Inside Out meets Jurassic Park. It challenges stigmas surrounding grief and explores childhood emotions, the darker places they can go, and how we live our lives in the wake of trauma.

                                                                       

This movie is my childhood. This movie is my kids. If I only get to make one movie in my life, this is the one. It's weird, it's thrilling, it's funny, it's deeply emotional, and hopefully, I’ve put enough of myself into it for you to find yourself in it, too. 

 

Book Nooks - Naga’s Wings

 In a world where fitting in often feels like a requirement, Naga’s Wings offers young readers an empowering message: being different is your strength.

Published on 15th April 2025, this vibrant and imaginative children’s book, which is inspired by the author’s daughter, invites readers on a journey that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and self-acceptance.

Speaking directly to children who feel misunderstood or out of place, and encouraging them to take pride in their individuality, this mindful author reassures readers that there is strength in emotion, and that you are at your strongest when standing tall as your authentic self.

With vibrant storytelling and colourful imagery Naga’s Wings (Naga means Dragon in Balinese) delivers an engaging read-aloud experience for parents, educators, and young readers alike. But what truly resonates is its universal message: everyone deserves to belong, and true strength comes from embracing who you are.

 

Synopsis:

Meet Naga, a bold and imaginative girl who never apologizes for being different. With a heart as strong as her emotions and dreams that soar like the wings of a dragon, she embraces her uniqueness in a world that often misunderstands her. Naga's Wings is a heartwarming story about the power of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. As Naga journeys through her colourful world, she discovers that true strength lies in being herself—and that everyone deserves a place to belong. Let your imagination take flight with Naga, where differences are celebrated, and every child can find their own wings.

 

Naga’s Wings – A World Where Everyone Belongs, is available to pre-order in Kindle format on Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/mr2uuffy It is also available to pre-order on Amazon.com Naga's Wings: A World Where Everyone Belongs - Kindle edition by Fripp, G.P.. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. and Barnes & Noble Naga's Wings: A World Where Everyone Belongs by G.P. Fripp, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

 

About the Author:

G.P. Fripp is a dedicated children's book author, proud mother, and immigrant, who has often felt like an outsider as a minority woman. Drawing from her personal experiences, she creates stories inspired by her children that champion diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. Her characters, like the Naga—Balinese for dragon—carry a spirit of strength and strong emotions, reflecting her own journey and resilience.

Her books aim to foster understanding and empathy in young readers, encouraging them to embrace differences. Outside of writing, G.P. Fripp loves spending quality time with her family, traveling to places to understand local cultures, cooking, taking nature walks, biking, practicing yoga, and mindfulness meditation. A lifelong lover of books, she believes in the power of storytelling to create a kinder, more inclusive world.

Going Green - Bluewater

 Swedish clean-water-tech leader Bluewater is relaunching in the United States this April with a mission-driven focus: to revolutionize how Americans access clean, safe, and sustainable drinking water — while fighting back against the dual crises of tap water contaminated with toxic chemicals and plastic pollution.

Following a pandemic-related pause in its North American expansion, Bluewater is re-entering the U.S. market with its award-winning line of compact under-sink purifiers, professional kitchen systems, and high-capacity outdoor dispensers — all designed to provide water that is not only safer but also significantly reduces dependence on single-use bottles.

“Millions of Americans are unknowingly drinking water contaminated with toxic chemicals every day,” said Niklas Ivarsson, President, Bluewater North America (photo above). “It’s a public health issue – but it’s also an environmental one. Our solutions provide a clean, planet-friendly alternative to bottled water that works in homes, restaurants, and large-scale events.”

Ivarsson said Bluewater is relaunching with a clearly-defined new business structure that operates across the company’s three core areas of play: Commercial (HoReCa), HOME, and Events and Venues.

“From Alaska to Florida, California to New York — wherever Americans thirst for pure, great-tasting water, Bluewater delivers. Whether at home, in the office, on the factory floor, or at the nation’s biggest sporting events, our cutting-edge technology ensures purer hydration is always within reach,” said Ivarsson.

Bluewater’s cutting-edge purification systems remove up to 99.7% of harmful contaminants, including PFAS (‘forever chemicals’), heavy metals, microplastics, and radioactive elements now commonly found in both tap and bottled water. These chemicals have been linked to serious health conditions including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental disorders.

Recent data from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) underscores the urgency: its 2024 Tap Water Database update revealed 324 different contaminants across nearly 50,000 water systems in the U.S., often at levels far exceeding what independent scientists consider safe.

Yet while awareness of water toxicity grows, bottled water consumption continues to rise — exacerbating another crisis: plastic pollution. In the U.S. alone, over 60 million plastic bottles are thrown away every day, many ending up in landfills or oceans where they degrade into microplastics — particles now found in human blood, lungs, and placentas.

Bluewater offers a bold alternative. Its home and commercial systems empower users to generate ultra-purified, mineral-balanced water at the point of use — no transportation, no plastic waste. For outdoor events and venues, its mobile dispensers eliminate the need for trucked-in bottled water, slashing emissions and waste at scale.

“Bluewater is about turning the tide on two environmental threats at once,” said Ivarsson. “We provide water that’s safer for people — and better for the planet.”

The Bluewater brand has earned global recognition for its impact, winning multiple Fast Company World Changing Ideas Awards, a 2024 GOOD DESIGN® Award from the Chicago Athenaeum, and a 2025 Best New Product nod at the Dubai World of Coffee Expo for its game-changing Café Station, which helps specialty coffee roasters and cafés purify and optimize water without plastic or chemical additives. Bluewater has also been honoured with a K&B Kitchen Innovation of the Year Award and was named a ‘2024 Best Buy’ in the UK by The Caterer hospitality magazine.

About Bluewater
Founded in 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden, Bluewater has set its sights on being the world’s most planet-friendly water purification and beverage company by innovating and marketing disruptive hydration solutions for home, work, and play. Bluewater products are available to consumers, hotel and catering operations, event and venue organizations, and educational institutions. Discover more about how Bluewater empowers businesses, including specialty coffee shops, to achieve unparalleled taste consistency and beverage excellence here.

Money Matters - Most and Least Financially Literate States

 With April being National Financial Literacy Month and less than half of adults setting a budget, the free credit score website WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s Most & Least Financially Literate States, which analyzes financial-education programs and consumer habits in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with expert commentary.

The study uses a data set of 17 key metrics, which range from high-school financial literacy grade to the share of adults with rainy-day funds. The metrics also include the results of WalletHub’s WalletLiteracy Survey.
 

Most Financially Literate States	Least Financially Literate States
1. Minnesota	42. District of Columbia
2. Colorado	43. California
3. Nebraska	44. Alaska
4. Virginia	45. Louisiana
5. Wisconsin	46. Mississippi
6. New Hampshire	47. Tennessee
7. Iowa	48. Kentucky
8. Washington	49. South Dakota
9. Vermont	50. Oklahoma
10. New Jersey	51. Arkansas

 
Key Stats

• Minnesota has the lowest share of residents who spend more than they earn, which is 1.5 times lower than in Mississippi, the state with the highest.
   
• Hawaii has the lowest share of residents paying only the minimum on their credit card(s), which is 1.7 times lower than in Mississippi, the state with the highest.
   
• Colorado has the highest share of residents who attended financial-education classes or counseling sessions in past 12 months, which is 3.8 times higher than in West Virginia, the state with the lowest.
   
• Vermont and Virginia have the lowest share of unbanked households, which is 10.4 times lower than in Mississippi, the state with the highest.

To view the full report and your state or the District’s rank, please visit: 
https://wallethub.com/edu/most-and-least-financially-literate-states/3337



“Too many Americans lack comprehensive financial literacy, which causes them to have lower credit scores, prevents them from getting credit with good interest rates and lowers the amount of wealth they build throughout their life, among other negative consequences. Because financial literacy is so essential, states should prioritize teaching it from a young age. It’s not surprising that the most financially literate states all require personal-finance education before students graduate from high school.”
—
“Minnesota is the most financially literate state, with financial education baked into the K-12 curriculum and high schoolers required to take at least one personal-finance related course. The North Star State also has the lowest percentage of adults who spend more money than they make, at around 15%. Minnesotans’ good financial literacy is demonstrated by the fact that they have the highest median credit score in the country, at 751 which shows that they are handling credit very responsibly.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst 


Expert Commentary

What should policymakers do to improve financial literacy?

“I would like to see policymakers support the integration of financial literacy into K-12 education, starting at an early age. This is vital, as many children – including myself – learn nothing about managing finances or growing financial wealth. I would also like to see extensive financial literacy programs at libraries, community centers, and after-school programs. We should be covering these issues in as many places as possible. We should want everyone to be financially stable and secure, and improving financial literacy puts us on the right path.”
Marybeth Gasman – Chair in Education; Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
 
“Improving financial literacy should be a top priority for policymakers, given the impact financial knowledge has on individuals' financial well-being. Understanding key financial concepts related to everyday activities – such as budgeting, borrowing money, and saving for retirement – can make a significant difference in long-term wealth accumulation. For many individuals, there are significant barriers to acquiring financial knowledge. Topics on financial literacy can be complex and should be tailored to meet the informational needs of different segments of the population. Policymakers should prioritize making financial education accessible to everyone.”
Luisa Blanco, PhD, MBA – Professor, Pepperdine University
 

How can parents equip their kids with financial know-how?

“We have to make talking about money normal, do it frequently, and teach children how to budget. Most of all, we need to model responsible financial behavior. For example, I have always lived below my means once I had enough income. I do not buy the newest car, iPhone, or TV. Because I grew up in a low-income family, I learned to reuse, donate, and fix things rather than immediately buy something new. I model this behavior for my daughter. We have to encourage saving, investing, and resisting the glitz and glitter – instead, focusing on long-lasting experiences in life.”
Marybeth Gasman – Chair in Education; Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
 
“Parents can help their children develop money management skills by having conversations about essential financial topics such as inflation, budgeting, and the importance of saving. Providing children with a small allowance and teaching them how to track their money, set specific financial goals, and prioritize spending can be valuable. It is often recommended that parents avoid paying their children for chores, but in our household, we require the completion of chores to earn a monthly allowance. I also hold monthly meetings to help my children track their savings and expenses and plan for donations and other future financial goals.”
Luisa Blanco, PhD, MBA – Professor, Pepperdine University
 

What are some important personal finance management tips during the current economic environment?

“This is a very chaotic and difficult time for many people. It is important to prioritize emergency savings, minimize debt as much as possible, and limit spending. Right now, I would advise people to buy only what they need and avoid luxuries. The economy under the Trump Administration is volatile and uncertain. The markets fluctuate frequently. It is important to have some money in secure assets. If you have extra funds, I would invest in index funds, CDs, gold, and the S&P 500. If you qualify, you should invest yearly in an IRA and a Roth IRA. I would also suggest maxing out your 401(k) if you have one, as it is the best way to save for the long term. I would also recommend learning to do things yourself: cook at home (eating out is expensive), make your own coffee, and bring your lunch to work. I would develop habits that do not cost a lot – exercising outside, painting, dancing, learning a language, visiting art museums, playing board games, and having potlucks with friends. Learn to appreciate the little things and understand that delayed gratification is beneficial. That said, take your vacation. Life is short, and if you have the funds, treat yourself when you can – just not every day.”
Marybeth Gasman – Chair in Education; Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
 
“A top priority for households in the current economic environment is to reassess their spending habits and create a budget that allows for emergency savings. Families should review their budgets and set clear spending and saving priorities. With ongoing changes such as the imposition of tariffs and government restructuring, there is significant uncertainty regarding prices and the labor market. It is crucial for families to plan ahead and consider how they can prepare for unexpected financial shocks.”
Luisa Blanco, PhD, MBA – Professor, Pepperdine University

More From WalletHub

• Best & Worst Cities at Money Management
• 2025 Taxpayer Survey

Area Attractions - CTC (MN) 2025-2026 Season Preview

 Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is delighted to announce the 2025-2026 Season, the first season programmed by CTC Artistic Director Rick Dildine. The 2025-2026 Season will feature the swashbuckling adventure Treasure Island; the U.S. premiere of the smash hit U.K. musical Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile The Musical; the return of the beloved holiday favorite Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; the bilingual spectacle Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve!; the interactive experience Forts! Build Your Own Adventure; the prehistoric journey Dinosaur World Live; and a magical stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, based on the classic motion picture. 

 

“I am excited to share with you the incredible lineup for next season at Children’s Theatre Company, a season that is all about mentorship, teamwork, confidence, and curiosity,” said CTC Artistic Director Rick Dildine. “These shows have been carefully selected to inspire, engage, and challenge young audiences, while encouraging them to embrace their potential and explore the world around them.”

 

The season begins with Treasure Island, the swashbuckling adventure in which gold-hungry pirates and not-so-noblemen are repeatedly outwitted by one clever boy. Sail the open seas, explore a remote island, and search for buried treasure alongside young Jim as he navigates overheard schemes and ever-shifting alliances. Is Long John Silver an unlikely friend, or a treacherous villain? In between sword fights and rounds of live music, you can decide for yourself! Adapted for the stage by Stuart Paterson and directed by CTC Artistic Director Rick Dildine, Treasure Island runs September 9-October 19, 2025 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. This production is recommended for everyone 8 and up.

 

“For the first time in over 20 years, we’re opening with a new production of Treasure Island—a quirky adventure with real-world consequences,” said director Rick Dildine. “This timeless story of courage, personal growth, and discovery also serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to reflect on the role of mentors in the lives of young people. As a boy who dreamed of adventure, I am reminded of the critical need for positive role models in today’s world, especially for boys who are falling behind academically and facing mental health challenges. I’m also excited to bring Reed Sigmund’s lifelong dream to life as Long John Silver, alongside my longtime collaborator, sound designer Melanie Chen Cole, creating a soundtrack of live Scottish music with a live band!”

 

Next, Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile The Musical is weaving his way through the jungle with his tummy rumbling…  Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute. Get to know all of the creatively puppeted creatures—from frogs and birds to hippos and monkeys—in the U.S. premiere of the smash U.K. hit. You’ll go from the jungle into outer space and back again, just in time for a wild dance party! Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile The Musical runs October 1-November 23, 2025 on the Cargill Stage and is best for all ages.

 

This mischievous musical based on Roald Dahl’s snappy book has toe-tapping tunes by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, a rib-tickling book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, and additional music and lyrics by Tom Brady. Developed and directed by Emily Lim, it features puppets by co-director and puppetry designer Toby Olié, with set and costume design by Fly Davis and puppetry co-designed and supervised by Daisy Beattie.

 

“The Enormous Crocodile has already been on quite a journey and we are beyond excited to bring him to CTC in Minneapolis!,” said Suhayla El-Bushra (bookwriter/lyricist), Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab (composer), and Tom Brady (additional music and lyrics).

 

“We can't wait for our greedy Croc to have its USA premiere at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis this year,” added director Emily Lim. “It’s been so special seeing how the story and songs have landed with our audiences in the UK to date and we’re so glad we get to bring it all the way to America.”

 

“The Enormous Crocodile has been one of the most enjoyable and lively shows to create,” stated co-director and puppetry designer Toby Olié. “So to continue sharing its mischievous glee and playful puppets with audiences in Minneapolis is an absolute thrill.”  
 

Next, CTC’s beloved holiday favorite Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! returns this holiday season after last year’s sold-out run. A miserly and miserable, ever-so-cantankerous Grinch has observed the despicable Christmas joy of the Whos with disdain, from a distance, for decades. Enough! In this holiday favorite filled with music and Seussian rhymes, he plots the greatest heist imaginable—stealing the very thing they love the most! Until, that is, the smallest of the Whos, tiny Cindy Lou, extends a hand. Through the combination of kindness and community, we witness not only a change in the course of Who-History, but the size and capacity of the old green guy’s heart. Directed by CTC Company Member Dean Holt, this musical favorite runs November 4, 2025-January 4, 2026 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage.

 

“I am so happy to be a part of what has become a holiday tradition for so many,” said director Dean Holt. “The opportunity to share this beloved story and bring heart and humor to the holiday season, to remember our Christmases past as we live in the excitement of Christmas to be. It is a story of community, onstage and off, and the joy we find in that togetherness.”

 

The new year begins with Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve! P.D. Eastman’s classic book lands onstage with roller-skating, bike-riding, and scoot-scootering dogs! Over here a dog plays baseball; over there a dog prances about in a funny hat; everywhere dogs swim underwater, drive race cars to fiestas en los árboles, and speak—in both Spanish and English! Soon, you’ll be singing along with this bilingual spectacle that makes no sense (and TOTAL sense), all at the same time! Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve! runs January 20-February 22, 2026 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage, and is best for younger audiences.

 

“P.D. Eastman’s iconic book has been reaching audiences in multiple languages for years,” said playwrights Allison Gregory and Steven Dietz. “This project was born of our desire to see two of those languages braided together onstage, side-by-side, in a show that seeks to welcome, instruct, surprise and delight. We’re thrilled to share this joyful adaptation with CTC’s eager audience.”

 

Up next is Forts! Build Your Own Adventure, an interactive experience! Pull back the curtains and there you are—surrounded by old sofas, crazy lampshades, piles of blankets, and towering towers of cardboard boxes! It’s like the coolest attic you’ve ever seen, where everything’s up for grabs. Use whatever you want to build…whatever you want—the tallest fort, the longest fort, tons of cozy little forts… Quick, someone hands you a flashlight—what will you do? In Forts! you make it all happen. Best for all ages, Forts! runs February 13-April 5, 2026 on the Cargill Stage.

“Twenty years ago, as a student at Northwestern University, I did a research presentation about Children's Theatre Company,” said Forts! creator Julie Ritchey. “The thought that Forts!, a piece I am so proud of, will be presented at CTC, a company I have so long admired, is a true full-circle moment. I am overjoyed and honored to bring Forts! to Minneapolis, and I can't wait to see what the imaginations of the incredible CTC audiences build!”
 

Next, dinosaurs take over CTC in Dinosaur World Live. Are you brave enough to face a T-rex? Do you know what it feels like to get sneezed on by a triceratops? Find out when dinosaurs take over CTC! Feel the rumble of their rawrs as a young paleontologist takes you on a tour so up-close-and-personal you’ll almost smell their stinky breath! This extraordinary experience has wowed kids and adults all over the world. But be on the lookout: you never know who (or what!) you’ll run into after the show… Dinosaur World Live  runs from March 3-April 5, 2026 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage, and is best for everyone 3 and up.
 

Dinosaur World Live is written and directed by Derek Bond (Sweet Charity, Manchester Theatre Awards 2017 winner, Little Shop of Horrors Manchester Royal Exchange). The creative team includes: Puppet Designer Max Humphries (National Theatre, Royal Opera House, Cirque de Soleil); Puppet Director Laura Cubitt (Running Wild, Chichester Festival Theatre; Don Quixote, RSC; War Horse NT Berlin); Puppetry Consultant Toby Olié (for the National Theatre: Elephantom, Peter Pan, The Light Princess, Hansel & Gretel, NT: 50 Years on Stage and also the original hind puppeteer of Joey in War Horse); Set & Costume Designer James Perkins; Lighting Designer John Maddox and Sound Designer Tom Mann. Produced by Nicoll Entertainment. Casting to be announced.

 

"We are so excited to be bringing Dinosaur World Live to CTC,” said writer and director Derek Bond. “We've heard that there are lots of young people in Minneapolis who just love dinosaurs, so we're sending my friend Miranda and some of her dino-friends to come and meet you. She might even need your help with some of the dinosaurs!”

 

The 2025-2026 Season concludes with The Wizard of Oz, directed by CTC Artistic Director Rick Dildine. It’s not every day that a wild tornado whizzes right over your head, taking the house and the whole farm with it! Or that the entire world magically shifts from black and white to technicolor right before your very eyes. But there’s nothing everyday about a shoe-obsessed witch, flying monkeys, or a yellow brick road, either. Join Dorothy, her three oh-so-curious friends, and Toto (played by a real dog!) in this grand spectacle, featuring songs you know and love from the classic film! Best for all ages, The Wizard of Oz runs April 21-June 14, 2026 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage.

 

“Next spring, we’re thrilled to bring the one and only The Wizard of Oz to the stage,” said director Rick Dildine. “This beloved production resonates across generations, touching on themes of self-discovery, courage, and the power of friendship. Dorothy’s journey to find her way home is a timeless story of growth and resilience. Few stories have had such an enduring impact, and I’ve been dreaming of this production for a decade. We’re especially excited to have Autumn Ness star as the shoe-obsessed Wicked Witch of the West!”

 

Full season subscriptions and renewals for the 2025-2026 Season are now on sale and can be purchased online at https://childrenstheatre.org/shows-and-tickets/subscribe-and-save/ or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400.

 

5-Play Full Season Subscriptions range from $190 - $257 for adults and $150 - $218 for kids and seniors. 5-Play Preview Subscriptions are $150 for adults and $100 for kids. Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! can be added on to any 5-Play subscription for $43-$65 ($35-$45 for Preview.)
 

These prices reflect a 25% discount off of the lowest ticket price—one of the benefits of subscription at CTC.

 

CTC’s 2025-2026 Season of artistic and educational programming is supported by The Shubert Foundation, Inc. and the Minnesota State Arts Board.
 

TV Time - Murdoch Mysteries

 

Original Real Housewives of New York City cast member Countess Luann de Lesseps is making her mark on Murdoch Mysteries—and the Murdoch team couldn’t resist celebrating with a housewives-style spoof: Real Women of Murdoch!  Watch the spoof now! Catch Luann in the April 7th episode, "The Body Electric", where she plays Noelle Victoria, the charismatic wife of Toronto’s mayor. In true Countess fashion, she steals the spotlight at a grand opening event—while also turning on the charm with Detective Murdoch.  Tune in to watch:  Monday, April 7 at 8 PM ET on Ovation TV  In Canada on CBC  Later this year on Acorn TV

About OVATION TV America’s Premier Arts Network As an independent television, production, and digital media company, OVATION TV has an unparalleled commitment to the arts, culture, and captivating entertainment. Showcasing a lineup of critically acclaimed premium dramas, specials, documentaries, and iconic films, OVATION TV salutes innovative storytelling with popular programming that includes Inside the Actors Studio, Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Arts Engines, The Fall, Midsomer Murders, The Art Of and The Sound of New York. Ovation also powers JOURNY, the dedicated streaming service where art, culture, and travel intersect. The company has provided more than $15M in contributions and in-kind support to arts institutions and arts education. Its signature advocacy platform, STAND FOR THE ARTS, includes a coalition of over 150 arts organizations, cultural institutions, and arts leaders throughout the country raising awareness about art’s positive impact, protecting access for everyone, and encouraging action on behalf of the arts. OVATION TV is available on major providers via cable, satellite and telco systems including Comcast Cable/Xfinity, DIRECTV, Charter/Spectrum, Verizon FiOS, as well as on demand.  You can follow OVATION TV on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, OvationTV.com, and through our App, OVATION NOW.

Music Minute - Scott Teasley: Dirt Road Dropout

Rising country artist Scoot Teasley paints a vivid picture of small-town life in his new track “Dirt Road Dropout,” available now. Written by Teasley alongside Kelly Archer and Brett Truitt, the song is an ode to the dirt roads that raised him and how he never plans to abandon his roots: “So you can take me to the city / But always come back around / I ain't no dirt road dropout.” With Teasley's unique voice and undeniable charm, "Dirt Road Dropout" promises to be the anthem for anyone who's ever felt the pull of the open road and the call to break free.   “Writing 'Dirt Road Dropout' with Kelly Archer and Brett Truitt was one of those moments where everything lined up,” said Teasley. “No matter where life takes you, you never forget where you came from or where you're headed. I'm proud of this one and real thankful for the roots that raised me.”   LISTEN: “DIRT ROAD DROPOUT”   “Dirt Road Dropout” follows Teasley's previous release “Gone To Dust.” MusicRow claimed they “remain a fan” following the song release, stating “his singing is warmly forceful and the percussion touches are ear catching on this depiction of the end of a relationship. The muscular production matches the potency of his performance of this midtempo rouser.” Written by Teasley, Nicholas Sainato and John Townsend, the heartfelt tune shines with themes of love, loss and resilience.    The Nashville Briefing 2024 Artist to Watch and Tidal Rising Artist drew in a lot of buzz last year with his single “This Truck Still Misses You,” landing on Billboard's 8 Must-Hear Country Songs list, who professed he “possesses a distinct, warm vocal quality, with a power particularly potent in his upper register.” The track is featured on his 2024 debut EP Country Back, a four-song collection that further highlights his blend of classic country roots with modern hip-hop and R&B influences.   The singer-songwriter joined the iconic Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival this past Wednesday (3/26) in Nashville, playing at Hard Rock Cafe. Teasley has continued to make his rounds around Music City, recently performing at The Basement, Whiskey Jam and Duck Blind for the Raised Rowdy showcase. Teasley made his CMA Fest debut last June, performing at Spotify House's Fresh Finds Rooftop, further solidifying his presence in the music scene. Fans can expect more new music and touring throughout the year. For more information, please visit scootteasleymusic.com.

ABOUT SCOOT TEASLEY: Scoot Teasley, a Georgia native, is redefining the boundaries of country music by blending his classic country roots with modern hip-hop and R&B influences. Raised in Toccoa, Georgia, Scoot's musical journey began behind the drum kit and in church pews, sparking a lifelong love for rhythm and melody. Drawing inspiration from artists like Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers, he's carving out his own path in country music. His single “This Truck Still Misses You” gained traction, with Spotify adding it to Fresh Finds Country and New Music Friday Country. The track was also highlighted by Billboard in their “8 Must-Hear Country Songs” and added to CMT's rotation, "Next UP NOW.” Following its success, Scoot released his EP Country Back, further showcasing his ability to merge classic country storytelling with contemporary soundscapes. His unique blend of styles earned him a spot on Nashville Briefing's 2024 "25 Artists to Watch" list. Scoot has collaborated with notable names like Nick Bailey, Jamie Moore, Lauren LaRue, Andrew DeRoberts, Abby Anderson, and Nelly, cementing his reputation as a versatile artist. His earlier releases, including “Let Me Move On,” “Nothin' On Me,” and “Perfect Season,” have captivated audiences, while his single, “The Chop,” became the new Braves anthem. Scoot was also showcased in the Spotify House Fresh Finds Rooftop performance list during CMA Fest 2024, further solidifying his presence in the music scene.