Evening of outstanding Broadway favorites to help mark Washington Pavilion’s 25th anniversary

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

When the Washington Pavilion set out to throw a big 25th birthday party, it was clear that Broadway needed to play a lead role.

“We really wanted to highlight all the pillars of the Washington Pavilion, including science and education, and we realized quickly we wanted to make a big splash with theater and entertainment,” said Bob Wendland, assistant director of performances.

“We’ve had Broadway shows scheduled all 25 years – and performed every year except 2020 – and we’ve had so many huge, successful shows that we wanted a big Broadway name to help us celebrate.”

Sutton Foster became that performer. The two-time Tony Award-winning actress and singer is best known for her role as Marian Paroo in the celebrated revival of “The Music Man,” her notable performances as Reno Sweeney in “Anything Goes” and her lead role in the critically acclaimed Darren Star and TV Land series “Younger,” which ran for seven seasons.

“We reached out to several performers you’d consider household names, and ultimately Sutton was the most excited and available to join us, and in talking with other venues in our region, we heard multiple times that she puts on the best show of any Broadway celebrity they’ve had,” Wendland said.

At 7:30 p.m. June 1, Foster and her pianist will treat the Washington Pavilion audience to “a lot of Broadway standards,” he said. “Really the Great American Songbook – definitely songs everybody knows – in addition to songs from her solo album ‘Wish,’ so it will be just a classy, fun, exciting night to celebrate the Pavilion and have a true Broadway celebrity in our space.”

Tickets for Foster’s performance start at just $25. A VIP experience, including light appetizers and a backstage photo opportunity with Foster, also is available. Buy tickets here.

Not only that, but also Foster will spend part of her Sioux Falls visit working with area teens.

“Because she was willing to do community outreach, we’ve lined up a master class for students in the area to work one-on-one with her. And she’ll give them pointers and work on a musical theater number,” Wendland said. “We’ll select five students for slots working one-one-one, while the rest watch the master class, and there will be a Q&A and group photo.”

While auditions to participate in the master class have taken place already, students age 13 to 18 still have the opportunity to observe Foster’s coaching and learn from her expertise. Sign up to watch the master class here.

“We’ve found her and her whole team to be very down to earth and excited to come to South Dakota,” Wendland said. “And her resume is quite impressive – including originating the role of Princess Fiona in “Shrek,” which is fun because that’s the show we’re opening with for our next season.”

June 1 also is a day to mark down for a full day of fun, activities and special events.

Here’s what to expect:

• Free access to the Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center.
• Complimentary film showings in the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium.
• Guided tours of the “WOMEN: A Century of Change” traveling exhibition by National Geographic.
• Outdoor beer garden and live entertainment in the Paladino Hohm Sculpture Garden.
• Free celebratory cupcakes in the first-floor lobby.
• Special ice cream flavors in Parlour.
• A fast lunch and other tasty bites available in The WP.
• Special activities and programs for youth and families throughout the day, as well as Radley Rex appearances.

“Our anniversary festival is going to be such a fun way to celebrate and spend the day with your family,” said Madelyn Grogan, director of education and museums.

“There will be things happening all day long and really something that will appeal to everyone in the family. We are excited to invite the community to our building and celebrate all things art, science and performing arts.”

The day builds on a strong lineup of anniversary programming, including a popular live show May 2 from science educator Bill Nye.

“There was a great crowd of people who loved Bill Nye, and the topic of conversation was excellent,” Grogan said. “It was so wonderful to see a theater full of people who were passionate about science and eager to hear what Bill Nye had to say.”

Still to come: The final speaker series event that’s part of the National Geographic exhibition “WOMEN: A Century of Change.” At 5:30 p.m. June 20, the presentation will discuss how “the future is female.” The exhibition is at the Washington Pavilion through June.

“It is such a beautiful exhibition. It touches on so many different walks of life, time periods and global regions,” Grogan said.

“It is hard to walk through the exhibition and not find a photograph that speaks to you or that you connect with. The programming that our team has created really helps to make connections right here in South Dakota.”

For a complete guide to Washington Pavilion’s 25th anniversary programming, click here.