Black Hills Community theatre Announces Dazzling 58th Season, Blending Familiar Favorites with Bold New Works
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Black Hills Community Theatre (BHCT), a cultural mainstay in Rapid City since 1968, is set to launch its 58th season, promising a diverse array of theatrical experiences designed to captivate audiences of all ages.The season’s lineup, carefully curated by a 15-member committee, features a blend of beloved musicals, thought-provoking dramas, and laugh-out-loud comedies.
“We open with our family-friendly musical, which this year is going to be SpongeBob the Musical,” announced Merlyn Sell, BHCT’s Artistic Director, highlighting the season’s opening production. “It’s a delightful aquatic adventure for all ages with songs by pop favorites.”
The choice of SpongeBob the Musical reflects a broader trend in community theaters nationwide toward programming that appeals to multiple generations. According to a 2024 report by the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT), family-friendly productions have seen a 15% increase in attendance over the past five years.
“We thought this was going to bring in a lot of kids—and even college students—who grew up with it,” said committee member Bill McDevitt, emphasizing the musical’s intergenerational appeal. “The scenery’s going to be fantastic—under the sea!”
Following the lighthearted aquatic adventure, BHCT will present Antigone, a modern adaptation of the Greek tragedy by Jean Anouilh. This classic tale of moral courage and defiance promises to offer a stark contrast to the season’s opening musical, delving into themes of justice, power, and individual responsibility.
“It’s about a woman who decides to stand up against the powers that be,” explained Ryan Puffer, BHCT operations manager, “in order to do right by her family.”
The season continues with Calendar Girls, based on the 2003 British comedy inspired by a true story. This heartwarming and humorous play tells the story of a group of women who pose for a nude calendar to raise money for a good cause. Calendar Girls explores themes of friendship, body positivity, and the power of community, resonating with audiences seeking uplifting and relatable stories.The spring musical will be City of angels, a complex and aspiring production that cleverly interweaves the real world with a screenplay being written by the main character.
“It’s a writer penning a film noir movie,” puffer said.”So the audience switches back and forth between the real world and the movie world, with gray-scale sets and costumes to match. It’s a realy fun challenge.”
Closing out the mainstage season is Eminent Domain, a contemporary drama from Omaha playwright Laura Leininger-Campbell that, according to BHCT, resonates deeply with Midwestern audiences.
“It’s such a Midwest show with really identifiable family characters,” said Sell. “We’re hoping the playwright will attend the show for talkbacks. Our committee was unanimous on this one—we just knew it was a story our audience would understand.”
McDevitt concurred,adding,”That was an easy one.We all gave it a thumbs up right away.”
Beyond the mainstage productions, BHCT is committed to fostering a love of theatre in young people and seniors. The theater’s youth program, Cherry Street, will stage diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, as well as two one-act plays: 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse and Everyone Gets Eaten by Sharks. The well Done Players, BHCT’s senior troupe, will perform Four Old broads and The Women.
Season tickets for the mainstage series are available now.
While some may argue that community theater programming should focus solely on well-known classics to guarantee ticket sales, BHCT’s decision to include newer works like Eminent Domain demonstrates a commitment to supporting contemporary playwrights and reflecting the diverse experiences of its community.
FAQ: Black Hills Community Theatre’s 58th Season
Q: When do season tickets for the mainstage series go on sale?
A: Season tickets for the mainstage series are on sale now.
Q: What is the first show of the season?
A: The season opens with SpongeBob the Musical, a family-friendly musical.
Q: What kind of plays and musicals are included in the new season?
A: The season includes a mix of musicals, comedies, and dramas aimed at entertaining audiences of all ages.
Q: Does the BHCT have programs for youth and seniors?
A: Yes, BHCT has a youth program called Cherry Street and a senior troupe called The Well Done Players.
Q: Where is the Black Hills Community Theatre located?
A: The Black Hills Community Theatre is located in Rapid City, South dakota.
Which play are you most excited to see adn why?
Black Hills Community Theater’s Artistic Director on the Dazzling 58th Season
Hello Archyde readers, and welcome! Today, we’re thrilled to delve into the upcoming 58th season of the Black Hills Community Theatre (BHCT) in Rapid City. Joining me is merlyn Sell, the BHCT’s artistic Director. Merlyn, thanks for being here.
Merlyn Sell: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here to discuss our exciting season!
A Season for Everyone
Archyde: The BHCT has been a cornerstone of the Rapid City arts scene since 1968. This season truly seems to have something for everyone.SpongeBob the Musical is a brilliant launchpad, aiming for an intergenerational appeal. Can you tell us more about the thought process behind kicking off with something so vibrant and family-amiable?
Merlyn Sell: Absolutely! We wanted to start with something that draws in a broad audience. SpongeBob the Musical is an ideal choice, attracting children and also appealing to the adults who grew up with SpongBob. We expect it to be a visual feast too, with some amazing sets and designs.
Archyde: Following that, there’s a stark contrast with a modern take on Antigone. It’s a bold choice. What inspired the selection and its importance to this season?
Merlyn Sell: We strive for a balanced season, aiming to offer experiences that will get you thinking. Antigone will challenge audiences with its timeless themes of justice and individual responsibility. It’s a way to showcase the range of stories we can bring to life!
Behind the Curtain: Diverse Productions
Archyde: Calendar Girls is a heartwarming play,and City of Angels looks like a wonderfully complex design. And you are ending the season on a new play called Eminent Domain.What does the theatre hope to achieve by including it?
Merlyn Sell: This season offers comedy, drama, and family fun, with a lot of opportunities for thought and enjoyment.Eminent Domain resonates with our community, reflecting on authentic Midwestern situations. The other plays are going to give our audience a ton to discuss when they leave!
Archyde: BHCT has dedicated programming for the youth and senior citizen actors.Can you share more about the value of nurturing budding talent and offering established thespians a stage?
Merlyn Sell: Absolutely. The young in Cherry Street Theatre will grow through play production, and the seniors in The Well Done Players have shared experiences, providing opportunities for joy and a sense of belonging. They provide a huge creative spark.
Looking Ahead
archyde: Season tickets are available now, and the theater’s website and box office provide more facts. What would you say to encourage people to come to the BHCT’s shows?
Merlyn Sell: Come experience the magic of live theatre! The team at the BHCT pours their heart and soul into these productions. The diversity and commitment is what makes our shows, our theatre, so special. Buying a ticket will bring the BHCT shows even more power, and also support the hard work of many people. You might even find the perfect date night.
Archyde: Merlyn, this has been incredibly insightful. Thanks again for the fantastic conversation. One last question, what are you most excited to see come to life on stage this season and why?
Merlyn Sell: While it’s challenging to choose just one, I’m eager to see all of the performances! Each play has its own unique qualities and is sure to be a marvelous experience. I encourage our readers to get their tickets early and come and enjoy the experience with us!
Archyde: That’s wonderful. A diverse season with thought-provoking and exciting choices and stories. A big thank you to Merlyn for sharing their insights, and we very much look forward to seeing all the plays in the BHCT’s 58th season! Now that you have heard of the upcoming plays scheduled at the Black Hills Community Theatre, which play are you most excited to see and why? Let us know in the comments!
