Insider’s preview: Your guide to the upcoming Washington Pavilion Broadway season
This piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.
It’s time to start making plans to see the best of Broadway in Sioux Falls.
Single-ticket sales for the Washington Pavilion’s next Broadway season are on sale now and offer everything from classic shows to fresh originals.
“We’re excited for the huge variety of performances we’ll be able to offer in the season ahead,” said Regina Ruhberg, executive producer of programming and booking.
“Whether you’re looking for a family show, a special night out or a way to celebrate the holidays, you’ll find something in the lineup we’ve secured.”
We caught up with Ruhberg for an insider’s guide to the season ahead, ensuring you’ll be able to find the shows most appealing to you.
WAITRESS: Oct. 9-11
What to expect: Get ready to meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. When a baking contest in a nearby county offers a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it and change the recipe for what’s ahead.
Why you’ll love it: First, some of you might have missed it. WAITRESS was the last show presented at the Washington Pavilion in 2020 before large-scale performances shut down during the pandemic.
“We know some patrons missed the opportunity to attend last time, so we are thrilled to bring it back,” Ruhberg said.
This musical also made Broadway history as the first musical with an all-female top creative team, “so if you appreciate an authentic, heartfelt perspective to a story, this is for you,” she added. “It’s as funny as it is deeply moving.”
JERSEY BOYS: Oct. 27-28
What to expect: The original Broadway sensation returns to the road, celebrating 20 years of touring. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons as four guys from Jersey made it big. You’ll hear all the hits, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What a Night,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Beggin’” and “Working My Way Back to You.”
Why you’ll love it: “Simply put, it’s a classic and a fan favorite,” Ruhberg said.
& JULIET: Nov. 11-15
What to expect: What if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? That’s the question behind this modern, high-energy musical that gives one of literature’s most famous heroines a second chance — and a soundtrack full of pop hits.
Why you’ll love it: Ruhberg admits, this one is her personal top pick this season.
“I love a story inside a story and here’s something many people don’t know: every song was originally a pop hit before being brilliantly reimagined to advance the story, making the score feel both familiar and completely fresh,” she said. “Plus it’s just fun to think: What if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?”
A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL: Dec. 18-20
What to expect: Yes, that “Christmas Story.”
Ralphie Parker is still dreaming of the ultimate Christmas gift, and all the beloved moments from the classic holiday film come to life on stage — this time with Broadway music and choreography.
Why you’ll love it: The Washington Pavilion found guests loved coming to the theater around the holidays last year, so the tradition continues.
“We had so much success with a holiday show last year that we decided to do it again,” Ruhberg said. “‘A Christmas Story’ will be here in December to keep up the tradition and help make family memories this holiday season.”
Bring the family, bring your holiday spirit and maybe leave the leg lamp at home.
MYSTIC PIZZA: Jan. 29-31
What to expect: Inspired by the beloved 1988 film, “Mystic Pizza” follows three young women navigating life, love and family in a small-town pizza shop.
The stage musical creates an entirely new experience by pairing the story with a soundtrack of unforgettable ’80s and ’90s hits.
Why you’ll love it: It’s nostalgic, fun and a perfect way to kick off the new year.
“‘Mystic Pizza’ will remind us how fun the ’80s were,” Ruhberg said. “We all know the movie, but the stage musical creates an entirely new experience by blending the iconic story with a soundtrack of unforgettable ’80s and ’90s hits that will have audiences singing along.”
SHUCKED: Feb. 19-21
What to expect: A fresh, original musical with country-inspired songs, small-town charm and a whole lot of jokes. “Shucked” became a Broadway favorite thanks to its mix of quick humor, unexpected heart and corn-fed comedy.
Why you’ll love it: This is Ruhberg’s second-favorite pick of the season — and it’s easy to see why.
“‘Shucked’ is a fresh, original musical filled with razor-sharp humor, surprising heart and an irresistible country-inspired score,” she said.
And if you go more than once, you still might catch something new.
“Fun fact: The show’s writers intentionally packed the script with so many jokes that even repeat audiences catch new punchlines they missed the first time, making every performance a little different and just as entertaining,” Ruhberg said.
MARK TWAIN TONIGHT!: March 20
What to expect: Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas returns to the Washington Pavilion in “Mark Twain Tonight!” — the legendary one-man show that brings one of America’s most famous writers and humorists to life.
Why you’ll love it: It’s a chance to see a classic theatrical work performed by an actor whom audiences may remember from his previous appearance at the Washington Pavilion.
“Richard Thomas joined us a few years ago and will return to the Sommervold Hall in ‘Mark Twain Tonight!’” Ruhberg said. “We are excited to present another play.”
For theatergoers looking for something beyond a musical, this one adds variety to the season.
THE WIZ: April 3-4
What to expect: Follow the Yellow Brick Road in a bold, soulful reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz.”
“The Wiz” brings Dorothy’s journey to life with the sounds of soul, funk, gospel and R&B.
Why you’ll love it: This is a musical that changed the landscape of theater, and bringing it to Sioux Falls is a major moment for the season.
“Being able to bring a musical that changed the landscape of theater is an honor for sure,” Ruhberg said. “‘The Wiz’ is a high-energy, soul-filled journey down the Yellow Brick Road, featuring a fresh take on a beloved classic.”
The sound alone makes this one stand out.
“‘The Wiz’ brings the sounds of soul, funk, gospel and R&B the likes our theater has never seen before,” Ruhberg said.
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL: April 29-May 2
What to expect: Close the season with the story and songs of Neil Diamond.
“A Beautiful Noise” follows the life of one of the world’s most beloved performers, featuring the music that became the soundtrack for generations.
Why you’ll love it: For Ruhberg, this booking is especially meaningful.
“One of my goals in this job was to book Neil Diamond,” she said. “Unfortunately, that didn’t happen before he stopped touring, but ‘A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical’ is an inspiring journey through the life of one of the world’s most beloved performers.”
This also is not just a jukebox musical, she added.
“Neil Diamond was deeply involved in bringing his story to the stage, working with the creative team to ensure the musical captured not just the superstar moments, but also the personal struggles, triumphs and resilience behind the music,” Ruhberg said. “A must-see for sure.”
Can’t wait until next year for Neil Diamond? You also can catch “I Am, He Said,” A Celebration of the Music of Neil Diamond on Sept. 25. This one is for the fans who want to sing along — “It’s a musical tribute show of all his greatest hits,” Ruhberg said.
Ready to plan your season?
With 10 performances and productions spanning pop music, comedy, holiday tradition, classic theater and some of Broadway’s biggest recent titles, the upcoming season offers plenty of reasons to get dates on the calendar now.
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