Summer theater productions offer family fun

From the prairies to the Hills, summer theater blossoms in South Dakota as professionals and amateurs hit the boards. For decades, playhouses have been popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. This summer, the offerings range from the most beloved musical comedies to some fascinating new shows.

In Custer State Park, the Black Hills Playhouse kicks off its season June 14 with Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, a classic tale packed with thrills, romance and laughter. The fun continues with Side Show July 5-21, a portrait of two women joined at the hip whose connection brings them fame but denies them love; the legendary musical Mama Mia! July 26-August 11, and Steel Magnolias, a heartwarming portrait of friendship and love, August 16-25. Get ticket information, directions and times at www.blackhillsplayhouse.com.

Prairie Repertory Theatre once again brings great summer entertainment to both Brookings and Brandon. This summer’s shows include Father of the Bride, the classic story of family dynamics mashed by wedding planning; Beehive: The 60s Musical, the ultimate celebration of 1960s female empowerment; Insane with Power, a super comedy of heroic proportions, and The Wizard of Oz, the ultimate magical musical. The complete calendar of performances in both cities is available at www.prairierep.org or by calling 605-688-6045.

Prairie Repertory Theatre took audiences under the sea in their 2018 production of “The Little Mermaid.” Photo: SDSU University Marketing & Communications.

This year’s Pierre Players summer musical is Peter and the Starcatcher, the Tony-winning story of a miserable orphan who comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up—also known as Peter Pan. The show uses ingenious stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination to bring the story to life. Peter runs July 19-21 and July 25-27, with a preview performance on July 17. Go to www.pierreplayers.com for ticket information or to learn how to be part of the fun.

A scene from the recent Pierre Players production of “Born Yesterday.” Photo by Studio 212 Photography.

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park is the home of Northern Fort Playhouse, offering two summer shows. In the company’s 2019 season at the historic site, visitors will see Daddy Long Legs, an intimate new musical that has charmed audiences from Los Angeles to London, alternating July weekends with SHOUT! The Mod Musical, a swinging 60s sensation. For show times, dates and reserved ticket information, visit www.northernfortplayhouse.com.

The Sioux Empire Community Theatre children’s summer camp production of “Madagascar.”

This summer, Sioux Falls is a great place to catch the enthusiasm of young actors discovering live theater. The Sioux Empire Community Theatre is presenting three shows as final performances of summer camps for kids. The campers will rehearse junior productions of Singin’ in the Rain, 101 Dalmations and Peter Pan. For camp and show dates, or to enroll a child, go to www.siouxfallstheatre.com/theatre-camps.

With the return of the comedy melodrama, The Phantom of The Matthews Opera House, the venerable Spearfish theater celebrates its roots. Written for the Matthews in 1976 by Paul Higbee, the show brings a cast from Black Hills State University’s theater department to one of the West’s oldest venues. Don’t miss the heckling cowboys and vivacious card girl! Opened in 1906, the Opera House is located at 612 Main Street, Spearfish, just above the Matthews Art Gallery. For show times, tickets and more information, visit www.matthewsopera.com.

“The Phantom of The Matthews Opera House” means summer fun in Spearfish. Photo courtesy of The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center.

That’s just a sampling of the theatrical productions you can see in South Dakota this summer, so be sure to check in with the many theaters operating across the state for summer schedules. For other ideas for cultural activities, go to www.TravelSouthDakota.com or check out the summer Arts Calendar at www.ArtsSouthDakota.org.