Opening

The Minnesota Centennial Showboat presents an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's short story. Playwright Laurie Brooks wrote the script and Rebecca Rentzel, who is based in California, directs the staging. In Brooks' rendition, Lizzie is a 19th-century New York street girl selling matches. She receives a visit from her grandmother on a chilled winter night. Scarlett Thompson, right, portrays the match girl, sitting with a friend played by Jillian Jacobson. Brad Bradshaw, a St. Paul-based artist, adds seasonal and traditional music for the show. This same production played last year on the Showboat, which is moored on Harriet Island in St. Paul.