February 27, 2025
Sioux Falls, SD — The Washington Pavilion is pleased to announce the 2025–26 Pavilion Performance Series Broadway shows! These fabulous titles include both classic musicals and new, weeklong blockbusters, including:

BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical: October 14–19, 2025
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL: December 23–27, 2025
MRS. DOUBTFIRE: January 30–February 1, 2026
MOULIN ROUGE! The Musical: February 24–March 1, 2026
CLUE: March 27–29, 2026
Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN: April 30–May 2, 2026

“From plutonium-powered DeLorean time machines to passionate love stories and crazy housekeepers, this Broadway series has it all. Our Washington Pavilion is certainly on the Broadway map as we will host three weeklong shows this season, and we know Sioux Falls will embrace these spectacular titles,” says Kerri DeGraff, Chief Operating Officer for Washington Pavilion Management, Inc.

Great Scott! BACK TO THE FUTURE, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical and will open the series with eight performances in October. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself … back to the future. Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, when BACK TO THE FUTURE hits 88mph, it’ll change musical theater history forever.

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL will delight audiences over Christmas. Hailed by The New York Times as “100 times better than any bedtime story,” this classic holiday musical will enchant adults and children alike. Featuring the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” THE GRINCH discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.

MRS. DOUBTFIRE will take center stage in January 2026. Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Sioux Falls in “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film, it’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now” (Chicago Tribune) — one that proves we’re better together.

MOULIN ROUGE! The Musical, the winner of ten 2021 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, debuts in February 2026. Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular … Welcome to MOULIN ROUGE! The Musical.

CLUE arrives on the Mary W. Sommervold Hall stage in March 2026. Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, CLUE is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.

Broadway classic THE MUSIC MAN will close out the series in April 2026. Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize — this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the town librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall. THE MUSIC MAN is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation.

Current six-show subscribers can renew or upgrade their seats now. New subscribers can purchase Pavilion Performance Series subscriptions through a priority seating list today. Single tickets to individual shows will go on sale this summer.

A number of community businesses help support and sponsor the individual shows. Pavilion Performance Series sponsors are Avera, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, First PREMIER Bank & PREMIER Bankcard, MarshMcLennan Agency, Sanford Health and South Dakota Trust Company.

Go to WashingtonPavilion.org/BroadwaySeries for more details.

February 24, 2025
Sioux Falls, SD — Spotlight Theatre Company is thrilled to present the first show of their spring season, Disney’s THE LION KING Jr. The show will premiere at the Orpheum Theater Center with five performances from March 6–9.

“We’re kicking off the spring season with a fan-favorite classic reimagined by our incredible youth cast and crew,” says Debbi Jones, Senior Program Specialist for Spotlight Theatre Company. “Come experience the magic, celebrate the Circle of Life and make memories with the whole family!”

Disney’s THE LION KING Jr. brings the African savanna to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and all the iconic characters from the hit 1994 Disney movie and Broadway musical. Follow along as talented young theatre artists tell the story of Simba, a lion cub who must save the Pride Lands from his uncle Scar. This youth stage adaptation features all your favorite songs from the film, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “He Lives in You” and “Hakuna Matata.”

Spotlight Theatre Company provides students aged 6–18 with opportunities to showcase their talents in professional-level theatre performances throughout the community. In Disney’s THE LION KING Jr., the cast and crew represent 34 different area schools and more than 70 young theatre artists aged 9–18 who will create a spirited savanna sandstorm on stage.

Generous support from sponsors Avera, Children’s Dental Center & Parkway Orthodontics, Effervescent Voice Academy, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has made Disney’s THE LION KING Jr. performances possible.

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

February 17, 2025
Sioux Falls, SD (2/14/2025) — Make plans for your kiddo to have a summer full of learning and fun with summer camps at the Washington Pavilion! Our incredible summer camp lineup offers hands-on learning experiences for every age group that incorporate all the fantastic opportunities we have to offer.

“From Little Builders and Kinetic Art to Mini Golf and Robots in Action, this year’s camps are packed with exciting, interactive opportunities for kids,” says Madelyn Grogan, Director of Education and Museums. “Parents can easily explore options online by age group and customize schedules to fit their kids’ interests and summer plans.”

At the Washington Pavilion, summer camps provide a safe, fun and enriching environment for learners of all ages. Led by a team of passionate professionals — including educators, artists and college students — our camps combine expert instruction with innovative activities that ignite curiosity and encourage exploration.

Camps are generally Monday through Thursday from either 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1–4:30 p.m. Lunch Bunch, a supervised lunch hour, is available for an additional fee, making it a full day of fun if your child is registered for both morning and afternoon camps.

Most summer camps are $140 each for donors, subscribers and museums members and $156 each for the public. Financial assistance is available. Visit our website for a scholarship application and further details.

Don’t miss out on summer camps offered through Spotlight Theatre Company (formerly Dakota Academy of Performing Arts) as well, in which kids as young as 6 years of age can act, sing, dance and learn the behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre production. Pricing and schedules vary depending on the camp. The Washington Pavilion also has teamed up with Dakota News Now to offer a Media Camp for students aged 14–17.

Classes fill up quickly, so don’t wait to enroll your child! Register online at WashingtonPavilion.org/SummerCamps or stop by the Washington Pavilion Box Office at 301 S. Main Ave.

February 11, 2025
Sioux Falls, SD — GRAMMY® Award-winning Pitbull will headline Saturday night of the new Lallycooler Music Festival presented by MarketBeat on July 12, 2025.

Pitbull is an international superstar, actor and entrepreneur. Born in Miami, Florida, Pitbull began his music career on the South Florida rap scene. He has since risen to become one of the most successful recording artists globally. Since his debut in 2004, Pitbull’s music has consistently topped charts worldwide, including hits like “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho),” “Fireball,” “International Love” and the RIAA Diamond Certified “Give Me Everything,” which reached No. 1 in 2011.

“Sioux Falls, you’ve been patiently waiting for this announcement, and it’s been worth the wait. Mr. Worldwide is coming to the 605 for the first time ever,” says Darrin Smith, President and CEO of Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. and 3e Encore. “Lallycooler Music Festival will be the coolest thing you do all summer, and it will be an experience like no other!”

Pitbull’s influence on the music industry is significant. He uses music as a universal language to unite fans and break down cultural barriers. Through diverse collaborations with various renowned artists, he masterfully blends different musical styles and beats, making him the perfect fit for this multi-genre music festival.

Lallycooler Music Festival is a new, major annual outdoor summer music festival that will take place July 11–12, 2025, at Great Bear Ski Valley. Country music sensation Sam Hunt will headline Friday evening of the two-day festival, and Pitbull will headline Saturday evening. The full lineup will be announced very soon.

Weekend passes start at just $129 for a limited time. Early bird pricing will end February 27, so now is your chance for the best pricing! Three types of weekend passes are available.

• Ultra VIP Passes: Two-day festival pass in an exclusive, air-conditioned Lodge with access to indoor/outdoor viewing, complimentary food, private bar, indoor restrooms and a festival experience like no other!
• Pit Pass: Two-day festival pass in an exclusive, designated area (closest to stage) with access to beverage tents, food trucks, vendors, activities and great live music! (Standing area only.)
• General Admission Pass: Two-day festival pass in the General Admission areas with access to beverage tents, food trucks, vendors, activities and great live music!

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

About Pitbull
Armando Christian Pérez, Pitbull, invites disruption on a global scale as a GRAMMY® Award-winning independent international superstar, education ambassador, entrepreneur and motivational speaker. With billions of audio streams, video views and hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, his career stands as one of the most impressive in music history. Pitbull’s signature “EEEEEEEYOOOOOO” grito (yell) is one of fewer than 40 sound trademarks protected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Beyond music, Pitbull has built a diverse business portfolio. He co-owns NASCAR’s Trackhouse Racing, founded the record label Mr. 305, Inc., and created Voli 305 Vodka. He also launched Globalization, a SiriusXM channel featuring global rhythmic hits. Pitbull made history by partnering with Florida International University (FIU) to rename its football stadium “Pitbull Stadium,” the first athletic venue named after an artist. With the support of fans worldwide, Pitbull continues to spotlight SLAM’s impact—empowering the next generation and uplifting families and communities through education. Pitbull inspires millions worldwide, marking a profound cultural impact and unique legacy across entertainment, business, education and beyond.

January 24, 2025
Sioux Falls, SD — This spring, talented youth theatre artists will present three amazing shows, including Disney’s THE LION KING JR., HOW TO BE A PIRATE and ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Tickets are now on sale for Spotlight Theatre Company’s spring performance series!

“Our productions are more than just performances — they’re a celebration of incredible young talent, creativity and storytelling,” says Robert Wendland, Assistant Director of Performances for Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. “These shows give our youth theatre artists the opportunity to shine on stage while sharing timeless stories that entertain audiences of all ages!”

Disney’s THE LION KING JR. | March 6–9 | Orpheum Theater Center
Celebrate the Circle of Life in this magical journey through the African savanna. Follow the story of young Simba as he discovers his destiny and rises to become king. Filled with vibrant music, captivating characters and powerful lessons about courage and identity, this family favorite is sure to inspire.

HOW TO BE A PIRATE | April 4–5 | Belbas Theater, Washington Pavilion
Hoist the sails and set course for adventure in this swashbuckling musical! Join a rowdy crew of pirates as they embark on a treasure hunt full of discovery, friendship and a good dose of pirate humor. With rousing songs and lively action, this high-energy show will have audiences chanting “Ahoy!” and cheering for more.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND | May 1–4 | Orpheum Theater Center
Take a fantastic trip down the rabbit hole in this fresh youth musical adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.” Follow Alice as she encounters a whimsical world full of curious characters, from the quirky Mad Hatter to the formidable Queen of Hearts. Brimming with imagination and humor, this production brings Lewis Carroll’s beloved classic to life for a new generation of dreamers.

Youth ages 6–18 showcase their talent in this youth series. Spotlight Theatre Company is both a great introduction to shows for theatre novices and a time-honored series for seasoned patrons.

The performances are made possible by generous sponsors: Avera, Children’s Dental Center & Parkway Orthodontics, Effervescent Voice Academy, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. To purchase tickets, go to WashingtonPavilion.org/Spotlight or visit the Washington Pavilion Box Office at 301 S. Main Ave.

December 11, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD — The Washington Pavilion’s Visual Arts Center proudly presents “Heartland Horizons,” a new exhibition now open in the Bates Trimble Gallery. Showcasing 30 talented artists from across the region, this exhibition explores the rich and dynamic essence of the Heartland — not just as a geographic region but as a blend of values, traditions and stories that define its spirit.

“The Heartland is more than just a collection of states. It’s a shared identity, a vibrant community and a living history,” says Jana Anderson, Lead Curator of the Visual Arts Center. “Through an open call for art, we connected with diverse artists whose works reflect the landscapes, people, history and aspirations of this region. With over 90 submissions, this exhibition showcases the amazing talents of local creators as well as artists from nearby states like Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois and Minnesota!”

Featured Regional Artists Include:

Roberta Barnes
Susan Bell
Michael Brown
Keith Buswell
Sarah Peak Convery
Judy DeBoer
Rodger Ellingson
Alexa Ensz
Rachel Funk
Carol Geu
Megan Hammer
Pat Hansen
Susan Haygood
Russell Horton
Janice Johnson
Jeanette Johnson
Karen Kinder
Epiphany Knedler
Greg Latza
Curt Lund
Christine May
Sarah Mulder
Phyllis Packard
Aaron Packard
Audrey Powles
Gary Steinley
Susan Thelen
Judy Thompson
E Wieser
Jean Zaldivar

The Washington Pavilion’s Visual Arts Center, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is dedicated to building, preserving and conserving its collections for both South Dakotans and worldwide audiences. It is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon–5 p.m.

“Heartland Horizons” invites the public to celebrate the creativity and stories of some of our region’s most talented artists. Visit the Bates Trimble Gallery to immerse yourself in this inspiring showcase of Heartland artistry. An artist reception is planned for Thursday, April 10, at 6 p.m. in the gallery space. Join us in celebration of this beautiful exhibition, meet the artists and view the diverse range of works in the other seven galleries as well.

For additional information or to reserve your museum admission online, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org/Art.

October 2, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD — Alcove, the Washington Pavilion’s new artisan retail store in Downtown Sioux Fall Steel District, is excited to announce its grand opening celebrations on October 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Following a successful soft opening earlier this summer, the store is ready to welcome the community to join in the festivities.

“We are thrilled to host this two-day celebration filled with fantastic shopping opportunities and a chance to explore our space and offerings in an engaging and unique way,” said Meghan Knight, Retail Operations Manager of Alcove. “Alcove serves as a true extension of the Washington Pavilion’s mission, and we are excited to embody that through our inventory, art, events and more! Be sure to join us for the grand opening fun!”

During the grand opening, visitors can enjoy refreshments, light appetizers, giveaways and exclusive deals. The first 50 customers each day will also receive a free gift with their purchase, making this a not-to-be-missed event for art, design and shopping enthusiasts.

Developed by the Washington Pavilion as an extension of their mission to deliver memorable experiences that entertain, educate and enrich, Alcove is a vibrant hub for exploring art and design-inspired products. In addition to offering a unique retail experience, the space will also host community and art-related events, promising to be a dynamic and enriching addition to the area.

An official ribbon cutting event will take place at Alcove (151 E. 4th Pl. #180) on October 24 at 4:30 p.m. The media is invited to attend. For more information, please visit AlcoveSF.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram at @ShopAlcoveSF.

September 24, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD — As part of an ongoing commitment to inspire young theatre artists in the Sioux Falls area, the Dakota Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA) is proud to announce its rebrand as Spotlight Theatre Company. This exciting new name better reflects the organization’s mission to foster talent, creativity and excellence in youth theatre.

Since its inception, DAPA has been a cornerstone of performing arts education in the community, providing youth ages 6–18 with opportunities to develop their skills, build confidence and collaborate with peers and professionals. The rebrand to Spotlight Theatre Company marks the next chapter in this legacy, shining a light on the outstanding talent and passion of its students.

“Our goal has always been to help young artists practice perfect, play hard and perform better than they ever thought they could,” says Bob Wendland, Assistant Director of Performances for Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. “With this new identity, we continue to support and elevate youth in the arts, while signaling to the community that the spotlight is truly on these remarkable young artists.”

Spotlight Theatre Company will continue to offer the high-quality programs and productions that have become synonymous with the DAPA name, all while expanding its reach and impact in the Sioux Falls area and beyond. Whether your passion lies in acting, technical production, stage management or another area of theatre, Spotlight Theatre Company will meet you where you are and help you grow.

Spotlight Theatre Company’s fall season single ticket on-sale is this Friday, September 27, at 10 a.m. Disney’s FINDING NEMO Jr. will take place October 24–27 at the Orpheum Theater Center, MEAN GIRLS Jr. on November 14–17 at the Orpheum and A KID’S CHRISTMAS CAROL on December 6–7 in the Belbas Theater. Visit WashingtonPavilion.org/Spotlight to purchase your tickets and stay up to date on new youth theatre opportunities and upcoming shows.

September 16, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD — Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nathan Brand as its new Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Brand will be responsible for advancing the organization’s business and financial strategy to ensure continued growth and success.

“Throughout his career, Nathan has consistently demonstrated strong business acumen and an analytical mindset, identifying key performance trends and business opportunities. His hands-on leadership style, combined with his strategic planning abilities, have been instrumental in driving growth in his previous roles. We are excited about the contributions he will make to our future and ongoing success,” says Darrin Smith, President and CEO.

Nathan brings a wealth of experience and expertise, with more than 13 years in health care finance at Avera and Sanford, including seven years as a Finance Director, where he successfully led teams through complex financial landscapes.

“I am thrilled to join Washington Pavilion Management, Inc., an organization with an incredible mission to enrich lives through arts, education, science and entertainment. As a long-standing cultural leader and cherished institution in our community, the organization’s impact is truly remarkable. I look forward to contributing to its financial strength and sustainability and supporting its continued growth for years to come,” says Brand.

Jane Hathaway, who has served the Washington Pavilion in Finance for more than a quarter century, is transitioning out of the role in preparation for her retirement. Brand will have the benefit of working closely with her over an extended period, as she will now be Controller for the organization. In this role, and as part of the transition, Hathaway will focus on providing Brand with key insights regarding financial matters, processes, ongoing projects and key stakeholder relationships.

“Jane has been an invaluable member of our organization, and her dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to our success. Nobody is more committed to our mission, and nobody has worked harder over the past 25+ years than Jane Hathaway,” says Smith. “I want to thank Jane for her many years of dedicated service and her willingness to give us additional time to help prepare a new CFO and the organization for the future.”

Brand’s role will include financial oversight of WPMI as well as its DBA and subset brand identity 3e Encore. He has a Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of South Dakota and is a native of Brandon, S.D.

September 10, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD — The Washington Pavilion is delighted to announce the season two lineup for its local performance series, Live & Local. This series includes monthly performances showcasing local talent, including singers, dancers, comedians, actors, musicians, artists and more. All performances will take place at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, October through April, at the Washington Pavilion’s Belbas Theater or Schulte Room.

“As we embark on our second season of Live & Local, our excitement only grows. This series has become a cornerstone for featuring the diverse and vibrant talents within our community,” says Bob Wendland, Assistant Director of Performances at the Washington Pavilion. “We are proud to continue offering a platform where local artists can shine, bringing their unique voices and performances to a larger audience.”

2024–25 Live & Local Series

October 17, 2024
Fear Falls Radio Theatre – Radio Theatre
Bangers & Mash – Rock/Heavy Pop

November 21, 2024
Jeff Thomson – Rock Singer-Songwriter
Chewy Rodriguez – Folk/Pop/Alternative Country

December 19, 2024
Curious Music Collective – Immersive Performance with Music, Poetry and Dance

January 16, 2025
The Good Night Theatre Collective and Fellowship Jazz Center – Jazz/Blues/Broadway-Style Vocals

February 20, 2025
Creating in Color – Cabaret-Style Musical Theatre
Improv Falls – Improv Comedy

March 20, 2025
Analisa Marie – Country Singer-Songwriter
Lady & the Hound Dawgs – Country/Rock

April 17, 2025
Janice Gilbert – Country/Americana/Folk
LiRa Dance Theatre Company – Theatrics and Contemporary Choreography

The series will kick off on October 17 with Fear Falls Radio Theatre and Bangers & Mash. The evening will begin with a spine-chilling performance from Fear Falls Radio Theatre, bringing classic suspense stories to life through a small ensemble of actors, expertly reading from scripts and creating immersive sound effects. To follow, Bangers & Mash will deliver an upbeat, fun and danceable rock and pop concert, perfect for all ages!

Tickets for all seven dates go on sale this Friday, September 13, at 10 a.m. at the affordable price of just $20 each plus tax or purchase a subscription at $70 for tickets to all seven performances at a 50% discount. Visit WashingtonPavilion.org/LiveandLocal to view the full performance lineup and additional details, as well as purchase tickets on Friday.