Review by Cal Ortiz, Fifth Grader, Age 11
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 Stars)
The audience is part of the show in “Forts!”
I went to see “Forts! Build Your Own Adventure” at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. The play was created by Julie Ritchey, and it was one of the most fun interactive experiences I’ve ever had because it didn’t feel like regular theater.
First of all, it was super interactive. When you walk in, it’s like you stepped into the coolest attic ever. There are old sofas, blankets, lamps, and tons of cardboard boxes everywhere.
Instead of sitting down and watching actors on a stage, you actually get to build your own fort.
My friend and I worked together to make ours. We stacked boxes really high and made walls out of blankets. It felt like we were architects of our own secret base. Even my dad helped us.
Our fort was so tall it almost touched the ceiling.
Another thing I loved was where we were. The show is on the Cargill Stage, and the lights change from day to night. One minute it felt bright like the afternoon, and then suddenly it was darker and cozier, like nighttime in your fort with a flashlight and stars above. The lighting made it feel real, like time was actually passing inside our little world.
But my favorite part was all the building materials. There were so many boxes in different sizes, plus soft blankets and other cool stuff to use. You could build the tallest fort, the longest fort, or just a tiny cozy one. Everyone’s fort looked different, which made it even more awesome.
If you like being creative, working with friends, and building things instead of just watching them, Forts! is for you.
I would definitely go again and recommend it for kids and families who love to imagine big.
DETAILS — All the Fort-Building Info You Need! 📦
Show: Forts! Build Your Own Adventure
When: February 13–April 5, 2026
Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Cargill Stage
2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
⏰ Run Time: 60 minutes (no intermission—keep building!)
Recommended Audience: Best for all ages
Tickets: $30
🎟️ Get tickets at childrenstheatre.org/forts or call 612-874-0400
Pro Tip: Bring your imagination and maybe a friend. Building together makes it even more fun. Flashlights + cardboard + creativity = unforgettable adventure.
Go to Forts! and build a fantastic adventure. 📦✨
