Orpheum announces touring comedy productions for upcoming season

Three nationally touring theater productions will be coming to the Orpheum Theater Center starting this fall — and they all have comedy in common.

Washington Pavilion Management Inc. announced the shows Tuesday morning. 

From Oct. 7-10, “Friends! The Musical Parody” will play at the Orpheum. A parody of the classic TV comedy, it pokes fun at the six friends who were beloved by millions of Americans during its 10-season run. 

“Menopause the Musical,” which follows four women who bond over memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats and more, was previously scheduled to play at the Orpheum but had to be rescheduled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The community was reminded during the news conference that the new dates are Nov. 5-7 and tickets are currently on sale. 

“That Golden Girls Show!” will hit the Orpheum stage Jan. 21-23. Another parody of a classic TV show, this brand-new production relives classic “Golden Girls” moments using puppets. 

“Potted Potter” rounds out the lineup with a run Feb. 18-20. The production attempts to condense all seven “Harry Potter” books into a 70-minute show filled with music, endless costumes and a fire-breathing dragon. 

For the three newly announced shows, tickets go on sale at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday for Washington Pavilion donors, Thursday for Pavilion members and subscribers, and Friday for the general public. They are available at the Pavilion box office, online at siouxfallsorpheum.com or via phone at 605-367-6000.

Regina Ruhberg, director of performances and events, said Pavilion management was close to announcing these shows last year until the pandemic hit. Management used the downtime caused by the pandemic to establish relationships with regional theater producers to help bring these and future shows to the Orpheum.

“We want the Orpheum to be a hub for local, regional and national theater,” Ruhberg said. “We’re thrilled to announce the best touring show lineup in Orpheum history.”

Manager of performances and events Robert Wendland said he’s excited to welcome audiences back into the Orpheum with these shows. 

“It’s exciting to be able to remind people there’s no replacement for live theater,” Wendland said. “We all want to laugh, and we need that release after 18 months (of the pandemic). To be able to bring people in and have them smile and laugh for an hour and a half is huge.”