February 4 - March 15, 2026 (TTT-Hosted Paid Performances Feb 19-Mar 15)

Men On Boats

 by Jaclyn Backhaus

Directed by Joy Dolo
Music by Walken Schweigert

Featuring Jay Owen Eisenberg, Charli Fool Bear, Ashawnti Sakina Ford, Emjoy Gavino, George Keller, Elise Langer, Anya Naylor, Adelin Phelps, Maureen Sherman-Mendez, Karen Wiese-Thompson, and understudies Michelle de Joya and Em Adam Rosenberg

Stage Manager Jason Clusman
Costume Designer Sarah Bahr
Scenic /Props Designer Sarah Brandner
Movement Coach Isabel Nelson

The American government sends a crew of explorers down a river to name and claim things that aren’t theirs to own — and they soon hit rough waters.  Riffing on the history of an 1869 expedition through the Grand Canyon and played by a cast of people the first journey left out, Men on Boats is a raucous adventure that questions our mixed-up myths of masculinity and Manifest Destiny.

Content Advisory:  The show explores masculinity and Manifest Destiny, including the westward expansion into Native lands; it contains strong language including ableist language; yelling and loud voices; reference to war; and references to offstage death.

Learn more with our Men On Boats Play Guide by Liv Kemp

Quotes

Talkin' Broadway
"The physicality of the production is beautifully realized, creating vivid stage imagery out of nothing but the actors' movements. Those elements and a collectively strong cast make Ten Thousand Things' Men on Boats a wonderful theatregoing experience."
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Attendee at St. Peter MSOP
“You treat us like real people.”
Attendee at Touchstone Mental Health
“The actors have this way of bringing us together. We can see the rapids and see the boats”
Attendee at Longfellow Alternative High School
“Thank you for bringing so much joy. We needed this so desperately.”
Cheza at Open Book
“My favorite show to see of 2026 so far!!! Want to learn how theatre is a platform for pure storytelling? See this show!”
The Women’s Press
"The palpable group chemistry of this cast is a highlight in a two-hour run full of sharp one-liners, physical comedy, and poignant moments. But Men on Boats also examines themes with deep resonance."
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Attendee at FMC - Rochester
“This was a lot of fun for us. It reminded me of being on the outside. You gave us a little taste of freedom.”
Attendee at Avalon School
“Jeebus, y’all out do yourselves every time I see a show with you. I really, really love seeing theater the way you all perform it.”
Brenda at Sabathani Community Center
“I had the privilege of seeing this at Sebathani yesterday - you are such brilliant actors and I want to thank you so much.”
Maggie at Capri Theater
“We loved the show. The energy was amazing; the movement was fabulous. George so inhabited that character, but all the actors were so on top of it!”
Cherry and Spoon
“a playful and wondrous world full of life and joy”
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Attendee at Ramsey County Corrections
“I get out in a few weeks and this has really given me something to look forward to seeing again, I really appreciate you guys coming around, it really motivates me.”
Attendee at Episcopal Homes – The Gardens
“Every time you come here, it brings life into our space. I am always so excited to see you come around.”
Student at Avalon School
“This is so epic!”
Anna at Open Book
“I saw Ten Thousand Things’ production of Men on Boats last night and whew, I'm still don't have my land legs! Of course, there were no men. And no boats. But the motion of the people in "boats" really made it feel like you were on the Colorado River with them. You actually felt the tension when they were about to capsize! Excellent cast, strong directing and funny!”
The Stages of MN
“Men on Boats is another brilliant example of what makes Ten Thousand Things (TTT) one of the best theater companies in the state of MN.”
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Attendee at FMC - Rochester
“The music made me feel like I was there. I really felt like I was in the time period.” “It’s been so long since I’ve seen a play. Thank you for being here.”
Attendee at Episcopal Homes – The Gardens
“It was a real gift to us both.”
Student at Harmony Learning Center
"Yesterday at the play everyone was happy. And today - we're still happy."
Jane at 825 Arts
“I’m so glad I was able to see the show on Friday before the storm hit. Absolutely loved it! Incredibly creative. Excellent cast. Brilliant direction. Great music. I love TTT!!! Can’t wait till the next show! I intend never to miss a TTT show!”
Jay Owen Eisenberg
Charli Fool Bear
Ashawnti Sakina Ford
Emjoy Gavino
George Keller
Elise Langer
Anya Naylor
Adelin Phelps
Maureen Sherman-Mendez
Karen Wiese-Thompson
Walken Schweigert