Book your Broadway favorites: Tickets going on sale for Pavilion Performance Series

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Co.

From classics with a new twist to award-winning newer Broadway blockbusters, the 2022-23 Pavilion Performance Series is expected to be a big draw.

To make sure you have your choice of shows and seats, subscribe to a six- or four-show package or buy single tickets starting soon.

“This lineup, to me, really does have something for everybody. It’s a group of shows where each brings something different to the table that’s universal, and every single show has a characteristic about it everyone will love,” said Bob Wendland, the Pavilion’s assistant director of performances and events.

“It might be over-the-top sets and costumes, or beautiful storytelling, or dancing and singing, so each really highlights a facet of the Broadway experience on an elevated level I think people will really enjoy.”

Wendland has seen all the shows and gave us the inside scoop on what to expect:

The Book of Mormon: Oct. 21-23

The show called “the best musical of this century” by The New York Times returns to Sioux Falls, answering the call from many loyal fans.

“There are one or two shows we consistently get requests to bring back, and this is at the top of the list,” Wendland said. “People have been begging for it, and with all the new people who have moved to Sioux Falls, we know we can bring in an audience that really has enjoyed it in the past as well as expose a lot of new people.”

This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. A word to parents: This one is best for adults.

“It’s a little boundary-pushing, but it’s a laugh riot and so much fun,” Wendland said.

Legally Blonde – The Musical: Nov. 15-17

This musical based on the beloved movie follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she attends Harvard Law School. Along the way, she and the show challenge stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal while incorporating memorable songs and explosive dances.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s students or Broadway performers tackling Legally Blonde, this show cannot be bad,” Wendland said. “It’s written perfectly, the characters are hilarious, and the music is so catchy and fun.”

It has been many years since the show has come to Sioux Falls, so it will reach a lot of new audiences, he added.

“And it’s the perfect type of show to get you into the holiday spirit because it’s about overcoming obstacles and it’s joyful and optimistic, so I’m excited to bring it to Sioux Falls.”

On Your Feet!: Jan. 13-14, 2023

Some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century take center stage in this original musical featuring the inspiring and true story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan.

“If you saw ‘Beautiful’ featuring the story of Carole King, you’ll love this show,” Wendland said. “It tells their love story, the projects they worked on together and the ups and downs of being a famous couple.”

With hits like “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Don’t Want to Lose You Now” and, of course, “Get on Your Feet,” prepare to be on your feet from start to finish.

“It’s a lot of fun with Latin music, a Miami vibe and a lot of energy and spice,” Wendland said.

Tootsie: Feb. 3-4, 2023

The newest Broadway hit in the Pavilion Performance Series, “Tootsie” has been called “musical comedy heaven” by Rolling Stone. It tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one showstopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime.

“It’s based on the ’80s movie, but it takes that idea and makes its own story completely,” Wendland said. “It’s one of the funniest shows I’ve seen, and the way they handle the comedy is expert.”

When Dorsey stumbles on the idea of dressing up like an alter-ego female character, a comedy of errors ensues.

“It has a really good message about embracing who you are, and I think as the winter starts to hit us hard in the beginning of February, it will be fun to be indoors laughing a lot at a comedy musical,” Wendland said.

My Fair Lady: March 10-11, 2023

If you think you know this classic story, wait until you see the latest revival. The classic “My Fair Lady” tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.”

“This might be the one I’m most excited about,” Wendland said. “It’s over the top, decadent and everything everybody loves about Broadway: big costumes, big set pieces, the music everyone knows and loves, and such special characters.”

Boasting classic songs such as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” The New York Times called this revival “thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was.”

“It honors the story’s past and elevates it but doesn’t modernize it by any means,” Wendland said. “However, the enhanced technology and production elements bring a new, richer feel to the music and dancing, and I think it will sweep people off their feet.”

Dear Evan Hansen: April 18-23, 2023

Capping off the Performance Series with eight shows, “Dear Evan Hansen” will bring a blockbuster to end the season.

“It’s a deeply personal and honest show and has beautiful, contemporary storytelling in it,” Wendland said. “I hesitate to even say too much about it because it’s a story you should experience in real time with friends and family and experience it together because it’s so profound.”

The show won six Tony awards the year it premiered on Broadway, as The Washington Post called it “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history.”

“This musical invited a whole new generation of theater-goers into the fold because it’s a relatable story about a young person’s experience, and it opens people’s hearts and minds to have difficult conversations,” Wendland said.

“It’s a brilliant musical with incredible music, an other-worldly set and it’s a very special way to end the season.”

Tickets go on sale

Ready to see these outstanding shows for yourself?

Here’s when you’ll be able to buy tickets to individual shows in the 2022-23 Pavilion Performance Series:

• July 13: Washington Pavilion donors.
• July 16: Washington Pavilion subscribers and members.
• July 21: Washington Pavilion Facebook followers. Click here to “like” the page.
• July 23: General public. (Note: “Book of Mormon” tickets will go on sale to the general public at a later date.)

To learn more about all the shows and ticket sales, click here.