Presented by Finlandia Foundation National, FinnFest USA, and Frank Theatre for a One-Night-Only Free Outdoor Performance at Minnehaha Park during FinnFest 2026!
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, 6:00PM
WHERE: Minnehaha Park Pavilion, 4801 S. Minnehaha Dr., Minneapolis, MN 55417
RUN TIME: ~60 minutes (no intermission); post-show music to follow.
ADMISSION: FREE and open to the public. Advance RSVPs encouraged, not required.
RSVP: Visit form.jotform.com/
Commissioned by Finlandia Foundation National as the centerpiece of FinnFest 2026—celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—MORTON: The Forgotten Founder is a one-act historical play with music. The production spotlights John Morton, a Founding Father of Finnish descent who cast one of the historic swing votes in the Pennsylvania delegation that tipped the balance toward American independence.
Staged in the spirited tradition of Finland’s beloved kesäteatteri (summer outdoor theatre), the fast-paced, 60-minute comedy features a versatile SIX-actor ensemble portraying a dynamic gallery of Revolutionary-era figures alongside live musical accompaniment.
The evening’s festivities begin at 6:00 PM with an opening context address by Jay Smith, Finlandia Foundation National’s Lecturer of the Year. Following the play, the stage transitions to a live community dance and concert by Twin Cities folk ensemble Lauluaika (“Song Time”), performing traditional hall music and dance tunes that have animated Finnish-American social halls for generations.
Cast & Production Team
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Playwright: Laurie Flanigan Hegge
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Director: Wendy Knox
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Musical Director/Keyboard: Marya Hart
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Cast: John Middleton, Maria Asp, Kate Beahen, Stephanie Bertumen, Kelsey Cramer, and Tinia Moulder
- Musicians: Cheryl Paschke and Chris Cunningham
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Production Credits: Costumes by Kathy Kohl, scenery and props by Sarah Harris, lighting and sound by Owen Roth
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Historical Lecturer: Jay Smith (Finlandia Foundation National Lecturer of the Year)
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Post-Show Musical Guest: Lauluaika