5 performances not to miss this October

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

The daylight is dwindling, the temperatures are dropping, and it’s the perfect time to head inside and appreciate incredible theater.

It’s a jam-packed October of performances at the Washington Pavilion, as well as the Orpheum Theater in downtown Sioux Falls.

“Whether you love musicals or comedy, local or national talent and even children’s theatre, there’s at least one performance you’ll want to attend,” said Bob Wendland, assistant director of performances for Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

Here’s a look at 5 shows coming up this month:

SHREK the Musical: Oct. 24-26

The Pavilion Performance Season kicks off with four performances of a favorite for all ages: “SHREK the Musical.”

“I think my favorite thing about starting the season with ‘SHREK’ is that it is truly a show for literally anyone,” Wendland said. “It’s great for families and kids, but there’s plenty of humor for adults as well.”

“SHREK” tells the story of a grumpy ogre whose peace is shattered by fairy tale characters exiled from their kingdom by an evil lord.

“The music is so fun — it’s a brilliant musical,” Wendland said. “And the revival version that’s on the road now tells the story in a really unique way with a lot of stage magic. I think it’s a really energizing way to start the season.”

Click here to reserve your seats.

Live & Local’s new season: Starts Oct. 17

You’ll be amazed by the talent living in your own backyard as the Live & Local series’ new season kicks off Oct. 17.

Season One “was such a fun, exciting new series for us, and we learned a lot,” Wendland said. “We had enough successes throughout the year that we said we have to continue it.”

The first season brought more applicants than spots in the series, “so we knew there’s still really high-quality talent there to feature, plus a few groups we’re bringing back this year,” Wendland said.

The first headliner will be Bangers & Mash, putting their own spin on classic covers.

“It’s a four-piece band with Simon Floss on the vocals who has such an impressive voice; it’s a great way to kick off the season,” Wendland said.

“And then because it’s spooky season, the other group performing that night is ‘Fear Falls Radio Theatre,’ which is a podcast by Mo Hurley with spooky stories that relate to the Midwest. She’ll be doing one with some of the top voice actors in the area.”

The Live & Local series will feature musicians, singers, dancers, comedians, actors, artists and other performers at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month through April.

For the full schedule, click here.

One Night in Memphis: Oct. 9

Take a midweek break for music when this fun show comes to the Orpheum on Oct. 9.

“One Night in Memphis” is a concert tribute to legendary Sun Records recording artists Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. More than 90 minutes of rockabilly, country, gospel and pure 1950s rock-n-roll music will be performed live and backed by an authentic and energetic rockabilly band.

“It takes you back to some iconic music makers, but there’s also a story attached to it,” Wendland said. “So the actors are on stage playing and singing their songs but also interacting as though they were all together in Memphis creating music.”

It’s a unique approach “that’s a perfect hybrid of theatre and music, and it’s in a historic space that will be fun with the story,” he added.

For tickets, click here.

The Wonder Bread Years: Oct. 29

Former “Seinfeld” writer Pat Hazell delivers this funny slate to Americana in “The Wonder Bread Years.”

“It’s a one-man comedy show from Pat Hazell, who has had a very long and successful career as a comedy writer and comedian,” Wendland said. “The story is a relatable one about his upbringing in a middle class family in the middle of the country, so I think our audiences will be able to connect with him.”

Hazell has performed in Sioux Falls a number of times in comedy shows and “is such a personal performer that you feel like you’re in your living room, and you’ve invited a friend over, and he’s telling jokes,” Wendland said. “He’s such a good guy, and that radiates from the stage, and audiences love him.”

For tickets, click here.

Spotlight Theatre Company’s Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.: Oct. 24-27

Don’t miss the first show from the newly renamed Spotlight Theatre Company. A large cast of young actors will tell the story of Disney’s “Finding Nemo Jr.”

“I sat in on their first rehearsal, and it’s exciting the range of kiddos you’ll see in this show,” Wendland said. “We have younger kids who haven’t done a lot of theatre but have a ton of potential, and then some of our leads have been with us for years.”

The fun part about that dynamic is the mentoring that occurs among kids and is evident on the Orpheum Theater stage, he said.

“Audiences can expect a very creative approach to how they tell this story,” Wendland added. “We’re going to bring on a big tank and have the kids submerged as fish, so there’s a lot of lighting and scenery and costume elements that will really make the audience feel like they’re in a fish tank with the cast.”

For tickets, click here.

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