Justin Cook Will Direct Twelve Kinds of Ice
The musician will serve as the music director for the Children’s Theatre Company world premiere this October.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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Justin D. Cook will serve as music director for the world-premiere musical Twelve Kinds of Ice, which opens at Minneapolis’s Children’s Theatre Company on October 13, 2026. The production, based on the book by Ellen Bryan Obed, will feature Cook as the solo musician throughout the run.
Why it matters
The production highlights the collaborative process between artists and writers to bring new literary adaptations to the stage. Cook will utilize his multi-instrumental skills to guide the performers through the narrative.
The production has a one-hour duration and is based on a book by Ellen Bryan Obed. Music director Justin D. Cook will perform solo on guitar, piano, banjo, percussion, and harmonica.
The players
Justin D. Cook
He is a musician from Eden Prairie who serves as an alumnus of the University of Northwestern in St. Paul and holds a graduate degree from New York University.
Children's Theatre Company
It is a prominent venue in Minneapolis known for producing theater for young audiences and families.
Ellen Bryan Obed
She is the author of the book upon which the musical Twelve Kinds of Ice is based.
Ben Steinfeld
He is the creative professional responsible for writing the book, music, and lyrics for the new production.
The details
Music director Justin D. Cook will work closely with performers to interpret the musical narrative written by Ben Steinfeld. The collaboration reflects the standard process of experimenting and developing new works within the children's theater landscape.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: The musical Twelve Kinds of Ice begins its run.
November 22, 2026: The musical Twelve Kinds of Ice ends its run.
Industry Dynamics
This production follows the established pattern of the Children's Theatre Company original musical adaptation model, which prioritizes new narratives and specific composer-performer collaborations. Such projects highlight the industry trend of commissioning original musical works for young audiences.
Families in Minneapolis can purchase tickets for the one-hour performance to experience the new work throughout its autumn run. Access to the musical is limited to the scheduled dates between October and November 2026.
The takeaway
Original stage productions offer a unique way for audiences to engage with literature through live music and performance. Developing these works requires a deep integration between the composer's score and the overall storytelling experience.
Further reading
Explore more local performances at the Children’s Theater hub.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eden Prairie Local News.
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