‘A story about community:’ Musical adaptation of ‘My Ántonia’ to premiere in Minneapolis

A beloved American novel about immigration and the Great Plains is getting a new life on stage in Minneapolis. Theater Latté Da will premiere a musical adaptation of Willa Cather’s classic novel “My Ántonia” at the Ritz Theater this week. The 1918 novel cemented writer Willa Cather as one of America’s defining literary voices. It follows a lifelong friendship between first generation immigrants on the Nebraska prairie. More than a century later, the story still resonates across the Midwest for its portrayal of resilience and belonging. Director Jessie Austrian and composer and lyricist Kate Kilbane joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the production. It will premiere Wednesday and run through July 12th at the Ritz Theater in northeast Minneapolis.