Machinal

One moment I was free.

By Sophie Treadwell
Adapted and Directed by Renee Hatton

Friday, August 6th - Saturday, March 14th, 2026
The Southern Theater in Minneapolis
and
Friday, August 21 - Sunday, August 23
St. Croix Festival Theatre in St. Croix Falls

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — JULY 6, 2026 — The landmark 1928 expressionistic play is reimagined as a young woman is trapped by the relentless demands of a mechanized society that dictates how women should live and breathe. Her only escape is an act of murder. Nearly a century after its premiere, Treadwell's powerful play remains as urgent and thought-provoking as ever.

Sophie Treadwell was a journalist covering the media circus what would become the inspiration for the play — the trial and execution of Ruth Snyder. The play opened on Broadway within a year of the events that inspired it. Full of surprising twists and turns, this production of Machinal will leave you wondering, “Can women truly escape a society built to keep them in?”

We’re thrilled to be a part of the Minnesota Fringe Festival. Renee Hatton is a long-time member of Combustible Company. This is her directorial debut!

PERFORMANCES & TICKETS
Minnesota Fringe Festival
The Southern Theater
1420 S. Washington Ave., Minneapolis

Fri, Aug 7 — 5:30pm
Sat, Aug 8 — 7pm, BFF*
Mon, Aug 10 — 10pm, BFF*
Wed, Aug 12 — 8:30pm
Sun, Aug 16 — 4pm
*Bring a Friend for Free

Press credentials and reserve tickets are available from The Minnesota Fringe Festival via email: info@fringefestival.org. For more information visit: https://minnesotafringe.org/press

Audiences can get tickets at the show’s page here: https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2026/machinal

St. Croix Festival Theater
Franklin Square Black Box
125 N Washington St, St Croix Falls, WI

Fri, Aug 21 — 7:30pm
Sat, Aug 22 — 7:30pm
Mon, Aug 23 — 2pm

Audiences can purchase tickets here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35537/production/1280563 or by calling the box office: 715-483-3387. Their email is festivaltheatreboxoffice@gmail.com

Run time is approximately 1 hour.

CAST
Anna Pladson Young Woman
Ella Eastman-Kiesow Ensemble
Ella Hendrickson Ensemble
Gavin Wells Ensemble
Junior Araque Husband, Ensemble
Lily Jones Mother, Ensemble
Matthew Wilhelm Lover, Ensemble
Michael DiPrima Doctor, Ensemble
Nitalia Michelle Ensemble
Vincent Strunk Ensemble

CREATIVE TEAM
Renee Hatton Director
Kym Longhi Producer
Lizzy Rooney Stage Manager

MEDIA CONTACT
Ross Phernetton, 612-419-6303
ross@phernetton.com
info@combustiblecompany.org

GENERAL INFO & PAST PRODUCTIONS
combustiblecompany.org

FACEBOOK PAGE
facebook.com/people/Combustible-Company

INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/combustiblecompany/

Download Press Kit

ABOUT COMBUSTIBLE COMPANY
Combustible Company is a Twin Cities–based theater company founded in 2013 that creates bold, imaginative work that challenges audiences to see familiar stories in new ways. Dedicated to innovative staging, collaborative artistry, and fearless storytelling, the ensemble uses physicality to create visceral performances that ignite the imagination.

Combustible Company's inaugural production, Herocycle, was named among the best shows of 2013 by City Pages and Lavender Magazine, the latter of which also listed the show's actors (Erik Hoover and Jim Peitzman) among its Outstanding Performances of the Year. Critic John Townsend called the company's original work "an enthralling theatrical experience, unique and classical at the same time."

Combustible Company is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

###