Broadway blockbuster to cap off record Washington Pavilion season, set stage for future shows

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

A mix-up over a letter.

A white lie.

A sense of belonging he’d always craved.

For high schooler Evan Hansen, becoming a character in a tragedy-driven sequence of events ultimately confirms there is a place for everyone to feel loved and accepted.

The acclaimed Broadway show DEAR EVAN HANSEN comes to the Washington Pavilion for eight performances April 18-23.

“I think everyone will be able to see themselves on stage in one way or another,” said Regina Ruhberg, director of performances and events for Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

“This is a show about relationships – how to treat your neighbor, your spouse, your friend, your child.”

In addition to winning six Tony awards, DEAR EVAN HANSEN was called “theatrical magic” and “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by The Washington Post. The New York Times called it “a breathtaking knockout of a musical.” And NBC Nightly News described it as “an inspiring anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.”

Great seats are still available throughout the eight performances, including two matinees and six evening shows. To purchase tickets, click here, or visit the box office at 301 S. Main Ave.

“The songs are amazing,” Ruhberg added. “And you leave the theater with a renewed, joyous feeling of how we can all go out and change the world. If you’re not familiar with the show, definitely take this chance to try something new.”

Before the show, enjoy live music in the Washington Pavilion lobby, visit the Visual Arts Center, or stop in the pre-show lounge in the transformed Leonardo’s Cafe.

“There’s a bar available there and great food, so it’s a fun stop before the show,” Ruhberg said.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN caps off a record-breaking season for the Pavilion Performance Series.

“We sold more subscriptions than ever – this is the best season yet as we’ve been able to say each year,” Ruhberg said. “The performers and crews continue to be pleasantly surprised coming to Sioux Falls. Many tell us they don’t want to leave or wish they were here for a weeklong show. When TOOTSIE was just here, they said they wished they were here longer because they enjoyed downtown so much.”

The upcoming 25th anniversary Pavilion Performance Series is on track to break even more records. The recently announced shows caused the Pavilion to break its all-time subscription record for the first two weeks after a Series launch by 17 percent.

Current six-show subscribers can renew or upgrade their seats now. Subscribers enjoy early access to the best seats as well as a 17 percent discount on the cost of their Series tickets. Do not wait to renew your subscriptions! New subscribers also can purchase Pavilion Performance Series subscriptions through a priority seating waitlist today.

The 2023-24 Pavilion Performance Series Broadway lineup includes:

• Beetlejuice the Musical – Sept. 26-Oct. 1
• Disney’s Aladdin – Nov. 28-Dec. 3
• To Kill a Mockingbird – Jan. 12-14, 2024
• Pretty Woman: The Musical – Feb. 16-17, 2024
• Jesus Christ Superstar – March 29-30, 2024
• Mean Girls – April 15-17, 2024

Single tickets to individual shows will go on sale this summer. Go to WashingtonPavilion.org/BroadwaySeries for details.

“Next season, we have two weeklong shows, which is huge for us,” Ruhberg said. “We did so well with COME FROM AWAY last year, we are on track to do well with DEAR EVAN HANSEN and it’s the 25th anniversary season, so we wanted to do something big.”

Offering a weeklong run helps attract new Broadway shows, she added.

“Our community loves Broadway, and we love to bring Broadway to the community, and we need those sales to continue so we keep getting bigger shows,” Ruhberg said. “I have a couple shows on hold already for 2024-25, and we’ll be looking at what else is out there at a conference coming up in May. The minute I say I can do a full week, you move up on the priority list for a show. We’re already seeing that we’re getting the titles faster from New York City.”

Finishing this season strong and continuing the momentum into next season will only help.

“We’re very excited by the response and encourage everyone to find a show that works for your schedule so you don’t miss DEAR EVAN HANSEN,” Ruhberg said. “Sioux Falls is trending a little different from much of the rest of the country, where a lot of Broadway subscriptions have decreased. Our community is unique and special in the way they support Broadway and still want the subscription to make sure they see all six shows, so we’ve very fortunate to have the community we do.”