It's "Curtains Up" for the new CEO of Hennepin Theater Trust, the Twin Cities' largest performing arts operation, as he looks to help continue the legacy of the performing arts in the state.
Todd Duesing comes from Cincinnati, where he oversees the programming and management of the city's primary theater operations as the Vice President and COO of the Cincinnati Arts Association.
He says he can't wait to immerse himself in an arts scene, which, he says, is already propelling the local economy.
"We are making an economic impact in the downtown corridor," Duesing said.
Duesing says he eventually wants to extend traveling Broadway show runs to two weeks and make the downtown arts district a true destination for music and theater fans from all over the Midwest.
Duesing says that helping grow the performing arts in the Twin Cities is important because of the impact it makes in people's lives.
He takes over for longtime Hennepin Theater Trust CEO Mark Nerenhausen, who is retiring. Duesing will take over in his new position starting in July.
"I think that this area is full of good energy, and people are wanting to come back to downtown. They want to feel safe. They want to come downtown and be at the theater," Duesing said.