Theater scene reaches new level in Sioux Falls with major shows, strong demand

This paid piece is sponsored by the Washington Pavilion Management Co.

When it comes to the caliber of theater in town, Sioux Falls has hit the proverbial “next level.”

Just look at the upcoming Pavilion Performance Series at the Washington Pavilion – where guests can take in national tours of popular Broadway shows from “Escape” to “Margaritaville” to “Hairspray” and “Anastasia.”

In between are classic favorites reinvigorated for today’s audience – “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

And, in May 2022, get ready for a blockbuster week of “Come From Away.”

“We are definitely getting more and more noticed on the Class A level of show,” said Regina Ruhberg, director of performances and events.

“And with every show we do, New York producers are looking at our ticket sales, and they’re planning.”

That means, if you want more outstanding shows, support the ones coming this year and next.

“The producers and agents and even myself are planning 2024 and 2025, and what’s coming then, so it’s very important to sell as many tickets as possible so producers can see the constant support and increase from the community,” Ruhberg said.

“Plus, our reach is getting broader every time we look at what ZIP codes our patrons are coming from, so we’re becoming a destination spot for theater too.”

Sioux Falls definitely is on the mental map of those booking tours, she said.

“You can have a great venue and a great show, but if no one wants to come, it doesn’t matter,” she said. “Sioux Falls has the trifecta. The economy is good, we have great venues, and people want to come see art.”

This is one of the earliest times of year tickets have gone on sale for the Broadway series, which starts in September. Many tours wanted to begin in the Midwest, and the Pavilion made it happen.

“We took precautions and could stay open. We’re one of the rare venues that has been open since last June,” Ruhberg said. “Many of my colleagues still haven’t gone back to work. So we’ve been fortunate to help the local performers keep their recitals going and welcome the touring acts and keep our stagehands and box office team working.”

And ticket sales are soaring.

“We’re off to the fastest start ever,” said Darrin Smith, the Pavilion’s president and CEO.

“And before COVID, we were off to our fastest start in 2020, so we’re not completely surprised, but there’s still uncertainty, and it’s clear the consumer definitely is responding.”

Weeklong show

“Come From Away” is a show you definitely should get on your schedule. And what you need to know is this: Even though there are eight shows, don’t think you can wait to buy tickets. Seriously.

“All the shows are selling well, but ‘Come From Away’ is selling very well already,” Smith said.

“If you’re excited – it’s one of the biggest shows we’ve ever had – don’t mess around. I would get tickets, or you might be disappointed in spite of having eight performances. I’m not saying you won’t be able to get one closer to the performance, but you might be disappointed by where you sit and how much you pay.”

Plus, the show is especially timely. Its plot is set in the week following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and tells the true story of what happened when 38 planes had to land unexpectedly in a small town in Canada, where residents housed and fed 7,000 stranded travelers.

“We’re weeks away from the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11. It’s going to be dominating everything. It’s kind of shocking how it snuck up on us. So I would hope every history class brings their kids. You’ll learn more about that day than you did watching the news for months,” Smith said.

“I’ve talked to people who go to New York and go to everything on Broadway, and they’ve told me ‘Come From Away’ is their favorite Broadway musical of all time or always in their top two or three.”

Ruhberg is equally enthusiastic.

“Truly, you will want to see this two or three times,” she said. “I plan to get a seat somewhere every single show, and I’ve already seen it twice. It’s that good, and I’ve never wanted to see anything more than that.”

Snag your seats

Can you picture yourself taking in one or all of these outstanding shows yet? Here’s what you need to know:

To get the best value

Bundle all six shows. Seriously, you’ll save so much that it’s like getting one for free. And you’ll have something to look forward to for months! You can even put it on a payment plan for as little as $30 per month.

To get the best seats

Requests for seating are on a first-come, first-served basis. What that means is you want to book as early as possible for the best seats. How do you make sure that happens? Become a member of the Washington Pavilion or a donor, and you’ll receive early access. Not sure about that? Become a Facebook follower, and you’ll be next.

To get the best service

Honestly, all service at the Washington Pavilion is outstanding. But as a subscriber, you’ll enjoy free ticket exchange between Series performances and waived phone and internet fees.

To learn more about options for subscriptions, including a mini-subscription, click here.

To be a bigger backer

Businesses also can sponsor performances through corporate packages, which are the envy of the industry nationally, Smith said.

“Bring your clients, bring your employees,” he said. “It’s a unique way to reward them or entertain, and it’s a way to invest to support quality of life in our community.”

Orpheum fills up

And don’t forget, Washington Pavilion Management Co. now oversees other facilities, including the Orpheum Theater Center

“The phone has been ringing off the hook, and we’ve been able to really take advantage of that open theater,” Smith said.

“We gave it some love, fresh paint, dusted off some lamps and did some new equipment, so just fixed it up a bit, and now we’re at a point where we almost turn away more people than we can help because of the booked dates.”

If you’re a fan of the Dakota Academy for the Performing Arts, you’ll also be excited by this news: Its shows will move from the Belbas Theater at the Washington Pavilion to the Orpheum this fall.

“So in the past, if you haven’t been able to get a ticket to DAPA, there will be more available as we’ve doubled the capacity,” Ruhberg said.

For a look at all upcoming shows at the Orpheum, click here.