Sioux Falls, SD (10/15/2025) — Spotlight Theatre Company at the Washington Pavilion is thrilled to present BEETLEJUICE JR., a spook-tacular youth musical adaptation of the 1988 cult classic film. The show will premiere at the Orpheum Theater Center with five performances from October 23-26.

BEETLEJUICE JR. brings the ghost-with-the-most to the stage this Halloween season in a delightfully spooky musical comedy. The story follows Lydia Deetz, a unique and spirited teenager who is still grieving the loss of her mother and has developed a fascination with the afterlife. When Lydia and her father move into a house haunted by a recently deceased couple and the eccentric demon Beetlejuice, she turns to the ghostly trickster for help in scaring away the living. But when Beetlejuice’s true colors are revealed, Lydia finds herself caught between the worlds of the living and the dead in a wildly funny and heartfelt adventure.

“I’m continually amazed by the caliber of talent in this young cast and crew,” says Debbi Jones, Senior Program Specialist for Spotlight Theatre Company. “This isn’t just a great youth production — it’s great theatre, period. From the technical precision to the performances on stage, every element reflects the passion and professionalism these students bring to their craft. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience a fan-favorite story brought to life in a fun new way.”

Spotlight Theatre Company provides students aged 6–18 with opportunities to showcase their talents in professional-level theatre performances throughout the community. Generous support from sponsors Avera, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has made BEETLEJUICE JR. performances possible.

Don’t miss this tale of friendship and self-discovery at the Orpheum Theater Center! To purchase tickets, go to SiouxFallsOrpheum.com or visit the Washington Pavilion Box Office at 301 S. Main Ave.

About the Orpheum Theater Center

The Orpheum Theater Center in downtown Sioux Falls features two distinct spaces: the 686-seat Historic Orpheum Theater, built in 1913, and the Anne Zabel Studio Theater with room for up to 250 people. The center hosts plays, concerts, dance and other forms of entertainment throughout the year. It is also a venue for weddings, meetings, banquets, conferences and trade shows and offers office space for several organizations as well. The Orpheum Theater was listed on the national register of historic places in 1983. On July 1, 2019, Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. began overseeing its operations, both in managing the facility and ticketing events.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI)

Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration; arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please or visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

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Sioux Falls, SD (10/6/2025) — Lead producer Colin Ingram together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back to the Future film trilogy and the Washington Pavilion are thrilled to announce that BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical will launch the 2025–26 Broadway Season in Sioux Falls, SD. This spectacular live experience based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film has thrilled millions worldwide and now comes to the Pavilion October 14–19, 2025. Great seats are available at WashingtonPavilion.org/Future.

The nostalgia-rich Broadway production played an impressive 18-month run at the Winter Garden from August 3, 2023, through January 5, 2025. That production is moving to Hamburg, Germany starting March 2026 for an open-ended run with more territories to be announced soon. Now in its fourth-year captivating audiences in London’s West End, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical recently launched a successful production in Tokyo, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, and in Sydney, Australia at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. The musical will launch a UK tour, opening at the Bristol Hippodrome, in the fall of 2026.

The critically acclaimed West End production of BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical officially opened in London on September 13, 2021, has been seen by more than 1,800,000 people to date, and broken multiple Adelphi Theatre box office records. The production won the Best New Musical Olivier Award as well as multiple WhatsOnStage Awards and a Broadway World Award for Best New Musical. BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical had its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House on March 11, 2020.  

“THE AUDIENCE GOES WILD!” – The New York Times

Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown. But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.

Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical has a book by Bob Gale, new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode.” Bob Gale is the co-creator and co-writer of the Back to the Future film trilogy and Alan Silvestri composed the iconic film score for the series.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical is directed by Tony Award® winner John Rando and features a multi-Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team that includes Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone (lighting), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow, illusions by Chris Fisher, orchestrations by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, dance arrangements by David Chase, and casting by Tara Rubin. Bespoke Theatricals serves as General Manager.

“A JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLE THAT HITS ALL THE RIGHT BUTTONS!” – USA Today

Bob Gale said, “To paraphrase Marty McFly, you guys are ready for this, and your kids are gonna love it (too)! If Bob Zemeckis and I time traveled back to 1980 and told our younger selves that the script they were struggling to write would become a Broadway musical 43 years later, they’d kick us out of their office and call us crazy. Well, sometimes, crazy ideas give birth to great entertainment, and now Bob and I are eager to share our musical vision with audiences worldwide. Regardless of whether you’ve seen the original film, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical, with its outstanding performances and incredible stagecraft, will delight and enthrall you, your kids, your parents, and everyone you know!”

Lead Producer Colin Ingram said, “BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical is delighting audiences throughout North America and on has sold over 600,000 tickets.  Marty, Doc and all at Hill Valley can’t wait to continue this tour across North America thrilling audiences with this heartfelt story and stagecraft that has not been attempted before.”

The Original Cast Recording of BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical is available from Sony Masterworks Broadway in all formats, including vinyl. (https://soundtracks.lnk.to/BTTFAlbum) A deluxe 2-disc edition of the Original Cast Recording featuring never heard before demos of the songs from the musical was released by Sony Masterworks Broadway on June 30, 2021.

A 240-page hardcover book, Creating Back to the Future The Musical by Michael Klastorin, the official behind-the-scenes companion to the stage musical adaptation of Back to the Future, published by Abrams Books, was released July 3, 2023. Orders can be made at abramsbooks.com.

Back to the Future the film was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as “Marty McFly” and Christopher Lloyd as “Dr. Emmett Brown.” The film grossed $360.6 million at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Future franchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).

Follow BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICIAL at @bttfbway on Facebook, and Instagram.

For more information visitwww.BackToTheFutureMusical.com.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI) Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration; arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

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Sioux Falls, SD (09/29/2025) — South Dakota State University will pair its futuristic National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) lunar-travel inventions with a historically designed catapult when it closes Dakota Avenue on the Washington Pavilion’s west side for the second annual SDSU Days, Oct. 3–4 in Sioux Falls.

The showcase celebrates the university’s science, arts and hands-on discovery with special focus on several engineering projects designed and built by students in the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.

• Friday, Oct. 3: Daytime activities are reserved for middle school and ninth-grade field trips, but the public is invited from 5–8 p.m. during the Pavilion’s Free First Friday event.

• Saturday, Oct. 4: Doors open to everyone 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All Washington Pavilion museum spaces will be free to visitors, thanks to sponsorship from the Sioux Empire Staters, a Sioux Falls–based SDSU alumni organization.

“Last year’s debut event drew more than 750 people,” says Madelyn Grogan, Director of Education and Museums at the Washington Pavilion. “This year we’re welcoming even more schools on Friday and adding new experiences from SDSU’s arts programs.”

Highlights include:

• Launching power: SDSU’s Associate Professor of History Graham Wrightson will launch
  T-shirts with a trebuchet and display ancient weapons artifacts, proving that art and science share a love of engineering.
• Engineering on Wheels: SDSU’s award-winning NASA competition team will showcase their nationally recognized designs for sustaining life on the moon. Numerous engineering projects and activities such as drones, lunar mining vehicles, robots, a concrete canoe, math puzzles, quarter-scale tractor and others will be demonstrated live on the street. Engineering students will be on hand to showcase and explain their projects.

• Prairie Repertory Theatre exhibition: SDSU’s University Gallery will reveal behind-the-scenes secrets of stage production, with School of Performing Arts faculty on hand to interact with guests.
• Interactive college stations: From virtual-reality globe exploration and levitation demos to health-skills challenges and “respiratory care-oke,” SDSU faculty and students will offer dozens of activities. Participating groups include the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, the College of Nursing, the College of Natural Sciences, and the School of Performing Arts, along with programs from the Department of Natural Resource Management, the Department of Dairy and Food Science, SDSU Admissions and the SDSU Student Connections and Engagement team.

“This great event helps future Jackrabbits explore their passions and lets alumni reconnect with the university’s people, programs and research,” says Vernon Brown, SDSU Associate Vice President for External Relations.

For more information, visit https://www.washingtonpavilion.org/event/sdsu-day.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI) Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration; arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

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Sioux Falls, SD — The Washington Pavilion is excited to mark the one-year anniversary of the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium on Saturday, August 31, 2024. This milestone follows the extensive renovations completed during the summer of 2023, which transformed the planetarium into a state-of-the-art destination for visitors from all over the region, thanks to a generous gift from the Dick and Kathy Sweetman family.

Since its grand reopening, the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium has hosted a remarkable year of celestial events, immersive films and educational experiences that have captivated the Sioux Falls community and beyond. From breathtaking films that explore the mysteries of the universe to live solar eclipse events, the past year has been a testament to the power of space technology.

“The Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium has become a hub for space education, entertainment and inspiration. We’re incredibly grateful for the community’s support and are excited to celebrate this milestone with everyone who has made it possible,” says Madelyn Grogan, Director of Education and Museums for the Washington Pavilion.

To commemorate this special occasion, the Washington Pavilion invites the community to partake in anniversary celebrations with two exclusive offers. On Saturday, August 31, all film showings at the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium will be offered at $1 off the regular ticket price. Additionally, guests can enjoy $1 off scoops of ice cream at Parlour, making it a fun day for visitors of all ages to gather and celebrate.

The Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium’s one-year anniversary is not just a celebration of a successful year but also a look ahead to an exciting future filled with new films, events and educational opportunities. Join us in celebrating a year of wonder and discovery at the Washington Pavilion! Stay up to date with current films and upcoming events at WashingtonPavilion.org/Planetarium.

Sioux Falls, SD — The Washington Pavilion is excited to announce a new, major annual outdoor summer music festival coming to Sioux Falls in 2025. Lallycooler Music Festival will take place July 11–12 at Great Bear Ski Valley. Country music sensation Sam Hunt will headline Friday evening of the multi-genre, two-day festival. More big-name acts will be released soon, as the full lineup will include more than a dozen artists representing rock, pop, country, folk and more. Regional and local artists will also be featured in the lineup, and a professional DJ will add to this unique event experience.

“Sioux Falls is a vibrant and growing community that deserves a really special, fun, major summer music festival, and there is no one better to execute this than the Washington Pavilion and 3e Encore teams. We have both the expertise and the energy to create an amazing event like this for the city and the entire region,” says Darrin Smith, President and CEO of Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. and 3e Encore. “Our goal is to bring people together and offer a cool summer event that is for everyone. An outdoor music festival perfectly aligns with our mission to entertain and enrich our community, and we see this festival as the start of a tradition that will grow and evolve, and that the community will be excited to embrace.”

MarketBeat has agreed to be the presenting sponsor. As part of the sponsorship agreement, MarketBeat and the Washington Pavilion will jointly select a local non-profit, which will receive a portion of the festival’s proceeds. A significant goal of Lallycooler Music Festival presented by MarketBeat is to create an event for the local community, supporting local businesses and boosting the local economy.

Great Bear Ski Valley was chosen as the location because of its unique, beautiful and inspiring 260-acre setting. The stage will be set near the lodge looking out at the impressive landscape of hills, grasslands, trees and hiking trails. The ski hill will provide natural amphitheater seating, while the rest of the recreation park provides ample opportunity to spread out. The festival also will include local food and beverage vendors, engaging activities for festival goers of all ages and camping opportunities.

“The Great Bear team is thrilled to co-host this event with the Washington Pavilion! Transforming the park, primarily known as a winter destination, into a year-round venue has long been our goal,” says Dan Grider, Great Bear General Manager. “Seeing the hillside filled with thousands of festival fans next July will be awesome!”

Both full weekend and one-day passes will be available for sale, and pass prices will intentionally be affordable to help create an event intended for the entire community and region. An official on-sale date will be announced soon.

Follow Lallycooler Music Festival on Facebook and Instagram @Lallycooler.MusicFestival for updates. All festival details will be available at Lallycooler.com. Sign up there to be the first to receive additional artist announcements.

The name Lallycooler was chosen to reflect a variety of musical genres and offer both regional appeal and a creative feel. “Lallycooler” is fun to say, funky in visual form and an actual slang term meaning “success.” Soon it will become a household name for music fans across the Midwest.

Lallycooler Music Festival officially will be hosted by 3e Encore, a subset brand identity of Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. The three E’s are tied to the Washington Pavilion’s mission of delivering memorable experiences that entertain, educate and enrich, and this brand will be used more as Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. seeks additional opportunities to take its mission outside the walls of the facilities it manages, the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center.

Sioux Falls, SD — Fresh off celebrating its 25th anniversary last week, the Washington Pavilion is opening a new artisan retail store in downtown Sioux Falls’ Steel District.

Alcove, named for the mystery and excitement of discovery, will be a dynamic and vibrant hub for exploring art and design-inspired products. Along with being a unique retail experience, the space will also host community and art-related events.

“This truly is going to be an experience for guests,” says Darrin Smith, president and CEO of Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. “You’ll be able to buy a wide range of artwork, traditional museum store products like STEAM*-related gifts and games for kids, and other really unique items—things you won’t find anywhere else in our region. Beyond that, you’ll also be introduced personally to artists through receptions and other special events, and you can enjoy a beer or glass of wine during your visit.” (* STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.)

Customers can expect local and regional art for sale in the space, with rotating pieces, galleries and events highlighting the creativity of our community. A range of products, from décor to specialty gifts to hand-crafted jewelry, all inspired by art and culture, will also be for sale in the space.

“We are thrilled to announce Alcove, where art and art-inspired goods blend to create an inspiring shopping experience. Our space will feature works from a curated selection of well-known local and regional artists. We believe in the power of art to transform spaces and enrich lives, and we are excited to support our creative community by showcasing their talent,” said Alcove Operations Manager Meghan Knight.

Alcove is located in the Steel District at 151 E. 4th Place #180. The Steel District is the newest live, work, stay and play development along the riverfront in downtown Sioux Falls and will be a hub of culture and activity near Levitt at the Falls and the Jacobson Plaza. Alcove is set to open summer of 2024, with grand opening celebrations planned. Official opening dates will be announced soon.

For more information, please visit AlcoveSF.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram at @ShopAlcoveSF.